Newport, RI :

Have you ever dreamt about having access to a private yacht?  Wouldn’t it be nice to experience the best of what New England has to offer during the summer, while sitting on the foredeck as you watch the boats go by?  Wait no longer!  Follow me on a marvelous weekend getaway in Newport, Rhode Island and watch the J Class Regatta aboard the 64 foot Burger M/Y AMBROSIA. We’ll live it up with a cocktail party on board, then dine and dance on shore.  And it doesn’t end there.  Trade in your blues and whites and put on your pinks and greens and head to the oldest Polo field in North America.  Let’s go! 

I arrived at the Newport Shipyard early morning where the four day J Class Regatta was taking place. Three boats were supposed to be going after the trophy but one backed out leaving RANGER and VELSHEDA. Both teams were prepping their vessels while sailors and enthusiasts alike walked the docks and visited the sponsor tents.

Approaching the dock where Vintage Yachting Club’s AMBROSIA was based was quite an experience since, I got a front row view of MALTESE FALCON, the largest private sailboat in the world at 289’, who was also there to view this historic race.

A wonderful day on the water with a front row view of the action.  Along with many other boaters, we tailed the two competitors for a few hours.  RANGER took it today but there were still 2 more days left.  After returning to the dock, I headed to the land while captain Oliver and crew prepped the boat for the VIP cocktail party sponsored by VYC and Bartram & Brakenhoff. 

Around Town
I had to have the Newport staple, a mudslide from The Black Pearl at Bannister’s Wharf, also known for its clam chowder (just because I don’t eat seafood doesn’t mean you should know about it!)

Nearby at 17 Bowen’s Wharf was Chace N’ Lulu. A 2-story boutique in the heart of Newport it carries designer dresses, jeans, accessories and gifts.  The owner, Nell Soper, who named it after her two dogs, also has a second shop in St John called St. John’s Addition.

Back to the yacht for a quick costume change and ready for more action, guests began to arrive right as I popped out from my double stateroom.  The cocktail party was filled with great people, food and drinks not to mention a fun parting gift from Bartram & Brakenhoff owner Dave Lacz.

Contact:
Chace N’ Lulu
57 America's Cup Avenue
Newport, RI
Phone: 401-847-9151 ‎

Dining and Dancing
Once everyone disembarked, I was treated to a wonderful dinner with Dave and the VYC’s founder Eric Dahler.  There is no place better then the Clarke Cookhouse for dinner.  With multiple-levels of venues and fun you will never be bored here.  Ground level is The Candy Store, this open air room offers great food and a view of the wharf’s crowds strolling by.  The Club Room is for true Newport’ers. There is no pulling the wool over the eyes of the man at the top of the stairs.  He wasn’t falling for my anchor earrings and prep-ster get-up.   If you want in… move to Newport, get in with the true-Newport crowd or the alternative… rent it for a private party.

The Porch offers seating with amazing views of the harbor, The Skybar on the top floor is great for a pre-dinner drink.  Right under The Porch is The Midway Bar, which is small but great to glimpse the action of Newport without being caught in the crowds.   Summer Sushi is open for those in need of their sushi fix but if you are looking for wicker chairs and a cozy fireplace The Bistro is for you (and for us! This is where we parked ourselves).

After eating steak and fries I decided to test my limits and go for a Snowball in Hell chocolate, chocolate and chocolate added vanilla ice cream and dressed with coconut sprinkles you need help from your friends getting through this goblet of greatness.

Once last stop at this address is the club in basement…  The Boom Boom Room where I worked off a few pounds on the dance floor as the DJ mixed up fun top 40 with old school classics.  Back to boat for bed!