Ticketed Sails on Historic 12 Meter Yachts
Join us for Newport's Best Nautical Adventure
America’s Cup Charters specializes in sails that blend history, adventure, and fun.
Epic Experiences
No typical harbor cruises here! Prepare to get involved as you experience an authentic sail on these legendary vessels.
Professional Crews
Our United States Coast Guard-certified Captains are some of the most experienced and respected in the area.
Small Groups
Unlike your typical elbow-to-elbow harbor tour, you’ll get to know
fellow guests as you sit on deck with just 6–15 people per boat.
"This is a MUST do in Newport! The Captain and crew were very professional and friendly. The boat was comfortable with plenty of places to sit. So fun being on a 12 meter boat that competed in the America's Cup! These boats are historic treasures. Can't wait to do this again next time I visit!"
— Terra R.
The Narragansett Bay Sail Experience
Climb aboard our fleet of iconic 12 Meter yachts as you learn about nautical history, see famous Newport landmarks, and even help sail.
Whether you’re a novice or an old salt, this is a bucket list experience you’ll remember for life!
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2-Hour Daily Sails, available mid-May through late October
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Appropriate for guests ages 5+
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No prior sailing experience required
Daily Sails May–October
Ticket Prices: $100/Adult, $65/Child (5–12)
The 12 Meter Racing Experience
Discover the thrill of climbing aboard our legendary fleet of 12 Meters for a classic America’s Cup-style race, guided by our seasoned crews.
These hands-on sails are perfect for anyone who knows and appreciates the history of Newport’s 12 Meters or is eager to learn. Participation is half the fun and is highly encouraged. However, if you'd rather take it easy, you can always sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!
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3-Hour Racing Experience, on select dates June through September
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Appropriate for guests ages 5+
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No prior sailing experience required
2026 Dates: June 21, July 19, Aug 23, Sept 13
Ticket Prices: $195/Adult, $195/Child (5–12)
How Our Racing Experience Sails Work
1. Arrive
Please arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to check in, sign liability waivers, and get your race boat assignment. Missed departures are non-refundable, so allow extra time for traffic and parking.
2. Practice
Once on board, you’ll get your safety briefing, position, and training from our professional crew. Teams will practice trimming, gybing, and tacking before the races begin.
3. Race
Participating boats will race 2–3 times (depending on weather conditions) before a casual sail back to the docks.
FAQs
Guests are invited to actively participate in raising the sails and assisting with maneuvers as we sail through Narragansett Bay. Those interested will be assigned sailing positions and given instructions along the way; no sailing experience needed. Prefer to relax? You're welcome to sit back and enjoy the ride!
We cannot guarantee specific boats for ticketed sails. Each legendary vessel has her own unique story and promises a lively, historically accurate sail.
Our historic racing boats provide an authentic experience from the Golden Age of the America’s Cup in Newport. Unlike other harbor cruises, you’ll have plenty of chances to interact with the crew while sitting on deck or standing in the cockpit. To maintain the authenticity of these classic yachts, we do not install formal seating on deck.
Be prepared for cooler water temperatures, especially in spring or fall. We recommend dressing in layers and wearing or bringing the following gear in a soft-sided bag:
• Sweater, windbreaker, warm jacket
• Sneakers
• Hat
• Sunglasses with a strap
• Sunscreen
• Rain gear, dependent on the forecast (we do not provide foul-weather gear)You may bring a soft-sided bag with personal belongings and gear, which can be safely stowed below deck during the sail. The following are not allowed on sails: smoking, drugs, hard liquor, red wine, strollers, and pets.
Our sails are appropriate for guests 5 and up. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who has the authority to sign a safety waiver on their behalf.
All of our yachts undergo rigorous annual United States Coast Guard (USCG) safety inspections and are certified to the highest safety standards. At the start of each sail, you'll receive a complete safety briefing from your USCG-certified Captain and crew. Life vests and other required safety equipment are available on every boat.
Complimentary water and seltzer will be available on board. You are welcome to bring your own beverages, including beer, white wine, hard seltzer, and non-alcoholic drinks. Hard alcohol and red wine are not permitted on board. You can also bring sandwiches, finger foods, and packaged snacks to enjoy.
Yes, all of our boats are equipped with a "head" (bathroom) facility, accessible throughout the sail. We recommend using the bathroom onshore prior to boarding.
We sail rain or shine, so please check the forecast and dress accordingly. The decision to sail is made solely at the discretion of the Captain and may be made just minutes before departure, or even during a sail, due to rapidly changing New England weather. If we must cancel your sail due to weather, you may choose to reschedule or receive a 100% refund. If your sail is cut short due to weather, we will offer you the option of a prorated refund or a full replacement sail.
All ticket reservations are final. No cancellations or refunds are permitted once your reservation is confirmed. Reschedules are permitted if requested at least six days before the sail date. We reserve the right to cancel ticketed sails due to weather or low reservations (fewer than 6 guests). If this happens, you can reschedule your sail or receive a full refund.