Our History
September 27, 1983
Australia defeats Liberty to win the America’s Cup.
September 28, 1983
Bart Dunbar, Paul Buttrose and Dr. Robin Wallace gathered in an office on Bowen’s Wharf to create an organization to keep sailing alive in Newport.
April 19, 1984
Dr. Robin Wallace, president of Sail Newport announced final stage of negotiations with he state for a lease on property at Fort Adams State Park for a sailing center.
April 27, 1984
The Secretary of State of Rhode Island certifies Sail Newport, Inc. as a legal non-profit corporation.
Initial plans called for the establishment of a community boat club, to be called the Fort Adams Sailing Association. The state confirms that under DEM Director Robert L. Bendick, Jr., they were in favor of “a non-exclusive sailing association” at Fort Adams that could “conduct races, provide sailing lessons and other appropriate activities.” Areas included in this first lease included the North boat ramp, the Admiral’s Codk and hoists and a portion of the finishing pier.
Robin Wallace says in a Newport Daily News Article that his vision for Sail Newport is to be “Yachting’s Chamber of Commerce.”
Champion Snipe Class sailor Ed Adams holds a meeting on Wednesday at Emmanuel Church for persons interested in joining the Fort Adams Sailing association.
Summer 1984
Regatta Highlights–Lightening Class regatta, Atlantic Coasts Snipe Championships and Newport Race Weekend.
July 1984
First Newport Regatta held as a Shields-only event.
Spring 1988
Sail Newport fleet now includes six J/22s, three Foxes, three Freedom Independence 20s, six Capri 14s, 12 Optimist Prams, nine Lasers and six Starwings.
Summer 1988
Regatta Highlights–Sailing Festival for public, Volvo Newport Regatta, Multi-hull Festival, Olympic Trials, Lightning championships, Snipe Atlantic Coast Championships, National One-Design Sailing Regatta, Manhasset Bay Challenge Cup.
July 1988
Volvo Newport Regatta held. Classes included One-Design 14, J/24, Etchells (New England Championships), 210 (New England Championships) Shields (Mayor’s Cup), Ensign, 110 (New England Championships), Star, J/22, Lightning (Atlantic Coast Championships), J/30 (National Championships), J/35, Nonsuch-30, IMS and PHRF fleets.