The 3rd annual employee harbor cruise aboard the Schooner Aurora is one of Advanced Remarketing Services newest traditions which ties in to one of the oldest traditions in our home state of Rhode Island.
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The Aurora is a 101’ long double masted schooner, easily identified by its forest green and black hull and its nantucket red sails.
Schooner Aurora | http://www.newportexperience.com/schooner-aurora
Newport has a long connected history with the sea. From an early trade hub during its colonial days to maritime capital for both commerce and our country’s navy, to its more current version as a yachting destination. Newport’s history with the sea and sailing is inseparable.
As we shoved off from the dock and made our way through the harbor, the crew scrambling to set the sails as we headed up wind, it was easy to harken back to the early days of the yachting mecca. In 1930, the New York Yacht Club hosted the event in Newport for what would become a 50 year tradition. In those days the boats that raced where the majestic, massive, single masted J-Class boats, a stark comparison to the high tech foiling catamarans they rip around on now. After WWII, the 12 Meter era of the America’s Cup began. This history is still living as some of those very same J-boats and 12 Meters still sail in these waters today.
As the Aurora turned west and made its way into Narragansett Bay, we passed the New York Yacht Club perched on its hill overlooking the harbor, and the more modest structure of Ida Lewis Yacht Club at the end of its long dock stretching out into the mooring field. Both yacht clubs have a long history of hosting many prestigious regattas over the years, bringing some of the most impressive sail boats and skilled sailors to Newport.
Sailing out of the harbor we passed Ft. Adams, an indelible landmark in Narragansett Bay. The old fort has evolved along with the city it calls home. While its reinforced walls no longer rumble with the rattle of cannon fire, its bastians now play host to numerous events throughout the year, including the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, Sail Newport and is the North American stop for the Volvo Ocean Race.
Out on the bay we cruised past the various landmarks. Rose Island Lighthouse, Castle Hill and the Dumplings, a series of rocks off the coast of Jamestown. One of these rocks is home to the aptly named Clingstone mansion. This 112 year old structure that has survived countless nor’easters and hurricanes all in the name of seclusion and views. Its setting in the middle of Narragansett Bay, accessible only by water, make it one of the more unique and identifiable mansions that Newport has become known for.
As we cruised around, swapping the backdrops of the Newport bridge and Castle Hill Lighthouse in the distance, we had the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company outside of work. What started out a cloudy ominous day, ended up with bright blue pocket of sky over the bay and a beautiful setting sun. A great reminder of what a unique place Newport is to live and work.