My wife and I had an awesome sail on Columbia for our anniversary. We are lifelong sailors and this was out first time on a 12 meter. What a day! We had big winds (15-20 knots) and really got to feel the power of the boat. Captain Kevin was super knowledgeable and let us take turns at the helm. Monica was great to work with and even gave us good recommendations for local restaurants. Would definitely do again. Money well spent. It was a bucket list event. Steve read more

Great belated birthday sail on Nefertiti! Captain Zack was fantastic, along with our crew. One of the best ways to celebrate when in Newport

Capt Kevin and Monica gave us a wonderful ride... even in almost none existent winds!!! Monica is extremely accommodating and helped with planning and launch logistics for a wonderful surprise bday sail! Capt Kevin is a knowledgeable, friendly slipper with local lore for all. Best day ever. Would definitely go on a chartered sail with them in a heartbeat. read more

See all

I had taken my boyfriend to Newport to celebrate his birthday and unfortunately we had a very unpleasant experience with our sail/helicopter tour. First it started out with having to rebook our helicopter tour due to a funeral service. Understandably so, I was happy to move our tour from the original 11am slot to a 6pm slot. I can understand the circumstances however I do not understand how you can operate with only one pilot for these reasons. Secondly, our sail was terrifying and unpleasant. I'm not sure if the weather conditions were not up to par but if so we should have been warned and offered the opportunity to cancel. The sail boat was sideways about 75% of the time making it extremely uncomfortable sitting/holding on the whole time. We were sitting upfront of the boat and were told we may need to duck when the sail moves however we could never hear the captain tell us to duck. We also got completely soaked... and I do understand that is a possibility being on a boat however i was drenched , wearing white, and not one staff member offered a poncho or cover up... and probably because the sailing weather was not appropriate and the boat was sideways the whole time making it impossible for anyone to walk over to check on us. We were told to bring drinks as if it was going to be a nice leisure trip- with how much we had to lay down/ duck/ swap sides it was quite impossible to hold a drink while trying to hold ourselves up. Due to the fact we were completely soaked and sore from laying down and sitting sideways holding ourselves up, it ruined the rest of our day in Newport as we could not do anything else looking / feeling the way we did. Lastly, we did receive a call as soon as we got off our boat that the weather conditions weren't great for flying and had to cancel our helicopter tour as well. I've tried calling multiple times and their mailbox is conveniently full, as well as send emails in which they have yet to respond to... ridiculous customer service.. read more

Fantastic! If you are looking for a Cocktail Cruise or a Romantic Boat Ride this IS NOT for you. If you are looking for a wicked awesome Sailing Adventure ThIS IS FOR YOU! My family and I really enjoyed our sail today, friendly, professional crew (Kevin, Nate, Liz); well maintained historical America's Cup Sailboat; and beautiful weather! Sailing on Columbia was simply amazing, a dream come true. Our daughters first sailing experience and she really had a lot of fun! We look forward to doing this again next summer! Highly Recommend! read more

See all

It was an absolute privilege to sail on a boat that won an America's Cup. The captain and crew were great. I'd absolutely do this again. From the reviews, it seems people fall into one of two camps: folks with at least some understanding of sailing, who knew what to expect and simply loved this; and folks who didn't know what sailing is about and came in with the misguided expectation of a leisure cruise on a floating lounge chair. These boats were built to go as fast as the wind allows, and the passengers and crew permit. In my opinion, this is a fun activity for adults and kids. read more

We sailed at 5:30 with captain Nora. We loved it. She was great. Her crew was great. I sailed a 12 meter boat. Everything I hoped for. They were very informative about both the boat and the surrounding sites. If you get a chance this is a fun excursion. read more

My boyfriend and I love sailing on Nefertiti whenever we come visit Newport! Captain Maddie Parker is an excellent host and treats us like family! She is knowledgeable of the buildings and historical information along our path, which is different every time! Seeing the crew work together really highlights the complexity of the sport and the grace of leadership. read more

See all

Our bachelor party did the wine and dine package and it was phenomenal! The crew and staff were so fun, friendly, and knowledgeable. They even took care of our cooler of beer and brought it out to us when we could start drinking (outside of the harbor). We all (8 guys) highly, highly recommend it. It was the highlight of our weekend and probably one of the more memorable times together. read more

Very frustrating experience ! We booked a sail yesterday with 12 meter yacht charters. The sail was scheduled to depart at 5pm. We received a call at 4:15 letting us know the trip was cancelled due to lack of enough people booking the trip. While it was in their terms and conditions that the boat trip could be cancelled, to call us 45" before our trip while we were on our way to the dock was very unprofessional. We understand that weather and lack of participation are issues , but particularly with something like the number of people booking, it would have been more professional for them to give us more notice. Even just an hour and a half before would have prevented us from driving to the dock, but the last minute call resulted in us having to head back to our hotel and redo all our plans for the evening. Thankfully, we ended up booking a fabulous boat trip viewing fireworks on the harbor with a company that didn't cancel on us at the last minute. Highly recommend going on a fireworks boat cruise with any another company, or perhaps a day sail with a different company. read more

My boyfriend and i took a long weekend trip to Newport and jammed it full of great things to do. Top on the list was a sail on an America's Cup yacht. Our crew- Cedar, Gus and Chris- were all really great. Cedar is hilarious and a lot of fun. Our trip was supposed to be an hour and a half and it was at least two, score! We heard cool stories about rum runners, a young Jackie Kennedy and the crazy guy with the solar power. You can be as involved or not as you'd like. Plenty of people were having fun raising the sails and breaking a sweat but we decided to sit back and relax. If you're visiting Newport, make time for a charter by 12 Meter. read more

This was a great way to spend the afternoon. Sailing aboard the Heritage. If you are looking for a booze cruise or comfortable seating go somewhere else. If you want a kick-a&$ sailing experience on an America's Cup ship then you'll enjoy this. The crew was great and they encourage the passengers to help with the sails or captain the boat. The trip lasts a couple hours and they bring water and soda. You can BYOB your own if you want. If you have a lot of wind, you can expect to get a little wet. The boat sails with 15 people max not including the 3 crew members. The boat was nearly full, but we didn't feel crowded. I would not recommend this for some one who has trouble getting around on their own, but for everyone else who wants a great sail. Yes. read more

12 Meter Yacht Charters - Boating Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

See all

If you want the Real 12 experience this is it! It is not cheep but worth it! Great history of the boats, great crew, and wonderful time!!

We literally could not have has a better time! Meredith and the entire crew were AMAZING. The sailboat was gorgeous and the actual sail was just beautiful. Can't wait to do it again! read more

12 Meter Yacht Charters - Boating Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

See all

My husband and I sailed on one of their sip and sail options, sat in the pit near the back of the boat, had wine and cheese with about 6 other people. But our second time going was absolutely awful. If you're thinking about going on a sail read the fine print. The entire 2 hr sail my husband and friend had to help tack the boat every 10-15 minutes so while I wanted to sit and relax and enjoy the $180 boat ride I just bought.... He had to keep getting up to help while I held all of our belongings and alcohol. Furthermore, I understand tacking is part of sailing, but while all of the other people were sitting comfortably in the pit I had to (in a dress) keep swinging around back and forth while holding all of our stuff. I honestly wonder if they try to fit so many people on just so they can make more money. Really disappointing part of our trip. ***Update: The company was super professional after reading about our experience and reached out to us. Like I said-- the first time we went it was awesome! I think just be prepared for what you're signing up for. read more

Email to the company: "just wanted to take a minute to let you know how unforgettable our experience was with your Charter service. I booked our excursion on line about 12 days prior to the sail date. I did a lot of research and decided your company would be class A for us. We were hoping for an earlier sail but settled on the 5 PM one. I then booked our lodging reservation and other entertainment afterwards. You see, we came to Newport exclusively for the 5 pm sail, which was my husband's birthday present. In addition, we had just dropped off our last child at college in Connecticut and have not really vacationed recently. So imagine our surprise when we received a call from a lady at your company at 12N on the day we were supposed to be sailing, stating that she was cancelling out reservation because nobody else signed up! Really? I do not remember that policy being stated on your website. We were offered a sail on Wednesday (the day were leaving) or on Friday when we were back at work or a refund. Perhaps you do, but I'm not sure you realize what poor customer service and business practice your company portrayed. We went to a tour booth just after speaking to your person to find an alternative for our plans. We explained to her what had happened, and she was surprised. She didn't even know your charter was cancelled and she was just about to book 2 other parties for the 5 o'clock sail. We were able to find another boat that accommodated just us and it was wonderful. I plan to recommend the other company to friends: Sightsailing of Newport. We were able to book a private charter on the Starlight last minute and Captain Jeff was excellent. read more

My wife and I sailed on the 2 hour evening cruise in July. We had an enjoyable time. The crew was well qualified and knowledgeable. They ran on schedule too. While under way they let us pull line and steer the boat. I couldn't have asked for a better sailing experience. The yacht had been modified from its original racing standard however it was well maintained. read more

What a wonderful way to see the harbor among such a wonderful boat with such a background

Assume experience! Capt. Kevin provided us with a very exciting afternoon.. The crew was very helpful.. They made the overall experience a "Once in a Lifetime" experience. read more

I planned my friend's bachelorette party weekend in Newport and we rented the Heritage sailboat for a group of 15 girls. We had the BEST time! The staff was so nice and at our service the whole time. The boat was perfect for our group of 15. I think they said it holds up to 16 but that may have been a TAD too tight. 15 worked well though. I definitely recommend this! And the price was reasonable compared to other companies I looked into! read more

Such a disappointing experience working with 12 Meter Charters. We booked a 10:00am Mimosa cruise the night before through them. Upon arriving, we were told by their partner boat company that we didn't have tickets for the boat and the boat was full. We showed our ticket, which had the correct name and party size but the representative had put a date a month earlier, but we were told we were in the system for the following day (when we would not be here) despite the fact that we were charged Saturday's price for the ticket. Then we go to talk with 12 Meters but they are not around. We ask other companies when they get in and the people joke that so many people ask them but they come and go as they please and have horrible service. Use a different company. Don't have a portion of your vacation ruined. read more

It is very rare that you get to actually live out history. We all go to see museum exhibits but few actually get to experience them. 12 Meter Charters lets you live history in a most exemplary manner. You sail in a 12 meter yacht that competed in the America's Cup trials. If you desire you can actually crew the yacht helping hoist the sail or even man the helm. If you just want to take in the magnificence that is Newport you can also do just that. The crew is friendly and informative and really takes care of you. Eli, Duncan and Chrissy are most capable mariners and super nice people. This was the highlight of my vacation. The two hour cruise is memorable. You don't have to be a sailor, Cup enthusiast to enjoy this trip. If you are it makes it just makes it so much better. read more

A must do if you're in Newport. Captain Eli did a phenomenal job with our group and everyone had a great time. Would recommend this to anyone who is visiting Newport. read more

We had a great time this past weekend sailing on Columbia with Kevin. Nate and Maddie were great too! They're really knowledgeable and listening to their stories was a lot of fun. Columbia is stunning and so were the views. I would definitely charter through them again in the future. read more

A once in a lifetime experience, the captain and crew make it look easy. The sailing trip was wonderful, and being on an historical Americas Cup sailboat was a treat. Captain and crew were great read more

We had a great time. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants more than just a basic harbor cruise. Let and team were great and you can get as involved with the sail if you choose to. The weather was a little overcast the day we went, but I wouldn't let that discourage you. It was still a lot of fun. read more

Newport, RI is all about sailing so when in Rome.... We booked a 2 hour afternoon cruise with 12 Meters charter and what a wonderful afternoon it was. We set sail aboard The Heritage, the last wooden boat to sail in America's Cup. The crew was wonderfully engaging and had a vast knowledge of the boat, America's Cup race and Newport. You can be as involved as you want. The Captain will let you take the helm, the crew lets you help raise the sails or you can just sit back and take it all in. We had a perfect day for sailing, lots of wind which also means some people got a little wet. The boat hold 15 people so you may have to sit on the deck but it's safe, comfortable and a much more fun ride! You can bring your own beverages; one couple brought champagne and celebrated. We sailed all over the harbor and under the Newport Bridge so don't forget your camera. I would recommend this cruise to anyone to wants to truly experience Newport. read more

We sailed with 12 Meter Charters while on vacation to the Newport/Jamestown area. Sailing is such a huge part of the local culture that we felt we needed to get a taste of it. An employee of another local business recommmended 12 Meter Charters, and I'm so thrilled she did! The captain and crew were warm and friendly on board the Columbia, and I loved hearing their stories of racing and sailing. My husband even got to help hoist the sail! We had a wonderful vacation overall, but this was definitely my favorite part of the whole week! (They also offer multiple packages that include a sail and another local activity, like a visit to Newport Vineyards or a restaurant dinner.) read more

If you love boats and want a relaxing, friendly sail around Newport harbor, this is for you. The crew is able, the boat is seriously sweet, and the entire trip was memorable. I would give another star if that were possible. read more