My first sailing adventure in lovely Newport, RI

" The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore."

  ~ Vincent van Gogh

 "You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water."   

 ~ Rabindraneth Tagore

 My sister and I preparing to board the "Aquidneck" sailboat, a first sailing adventure for this Canadian girl, way down in Newport, Rhode Island. The weather was fantastic, and the wind was just perfect.

 

 

"Live in the sunshine, live in the sea, drink the wild air..."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea." 

 ~ Anne Morrow

   

 Hoisting up the first and largest sail, the two men crew worked hard to get it up.

And then, volunteers were called upon to hoist the remaining sails up, four in all, two required per sail. 

My sister jumped up so quickly to claim one side of a sail, a fun moment for me to witness, and then capture on my camera.

"There is a tide in the affairs of men, Which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries.

On such a full sea are we now afloat. And we must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures."

 ~ William Shakespeare

"We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back from whence we came." 

~ John F. Kennedy

"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." 

~ Jacques Cousteau

 A huge sailboat, the Aquidneck measures 80ft. long

"The sea is everything. 

It covers seven tenths of the terrestrial globe. 

Its breath is pure and healthy. It is an immense desert, where man is never lonely, for he feels life stirring on all sides."

~ Jules Verne

"God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm." 

~ William Cowper

 

Is that a house on a rock in the middle of the sea? 

Yes, this was one of the first "man caves" for a wealthy gentleman who lived in a mansion not far off from here. When he required time away, he hopped on his boat and spent time here. Today, it is used as a summer home rental. It must be immensely popular, mostly as it has a four year waiting list at this present time. 

"Hammersmith Farm", otherwise known as "The Bouvier Home" is where Jacqueline Bouvier grew up. After marrying John F. Kennedy at St. Mary's church nearby, the wedding reception was held here.

The lighthouse below was lovingly referred to in her memoir as the children's playhouse. 

 The Astors Beechwood Manor

Summer home of William Backhouse and The Mrs. Astor. Costumed actors re-create the fabulous 1890's lifestyle by remaining in character and treating visitors as if they were personal guests of Mrs. Astor, the then Queen of American society.

  Fort Adams State Park

"I love the sea's sounds and the way it reflects the sky. The colors that shimmer across its surface are unbelievable. This, combined with the color of the water over white sand, surprises me every time."

~ John Dyer

Heading back to Port, sails are down, and the passage ahead is very narrow. Our Captain and his two additional mates, led us into the harbor safely. 

 

Our fantastic Aquidneck Sailing adventure was one incredible memory we two now share together, forever. We took it on a whim, and we're both so very pleased we did.

A great day with my sister