Sail Newport

2026 J/7 Clingatta
2026-05-16 13:00 - 2026-05-17 18:00 UTC | Sail Newport, 72 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI, 02840, United States
Debut of the new Fleet!Be with the first sailors to practice on the new J/7 sailboats and get ready for a season of great sailing and racing. We will host two “Clingattas,” one for nonspinnaker sailing and a second one the next day for spinnaker sailing. The Clingatta starts with a 1 p.m. dockside briefing by Brad Read, Kim Hapgood, and guest coaches. After the debrief, we will run an organized practice with coaching of race starts, mark roundings and short windward/leeward legs to familiarize you with how the boats handle. After practice, return to our 11th Hour Great Room for a debrief with refreshments and drone footage.
Schedule:Saturday, May 16 – Nonspinnaker12:30 p.m. Check-in1:00 p.m. Dockside clinic1:45 p.m. Dock-off for practice4:15 p.m. Return to dock/mooring Briefing inside building, refreshments and drone footage5:15 Clingatta ends
Sunday, May 17 – Spinnaker12:30 Check-in1:00 p.m. Dockside clinic1:45 p.m. Dock-off for practice4:15 p.m. Return to dock/mooringBriefing inside building, refreshments and drone footage5:15 Clingatta ends
Cost:$150 per person – nonmember$125 per person – member
When you apply, there is a place where you can indicate if you want to sail with your crew members (who must also apply)
Contact: Kim Hapgood, Program Director

Inaugural J/7 Gill Tech Shirts Coming!Preorder through your application – special price for Clingatta participantsSail Newport logo on front – J/7 on back, white shirt$35 per shirt – nonmember$30 per shirt – member

Apply for Clingatta

J/7 Fleet Commissioning
2026-05-09 10:30 - 11:30 | Sail Newport, 72 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI, 02840, United States
Please join Sail Newport for the commissioning of our new J/7 fleet.
Arethusa, Athena, New Zealand, Privateer, Hanuman, Tiburon, HAPpy Sails, Hissar, Kachina, Dolphin, Daring, Friday, Boat #5 and #9
Saturday, May 9, 2026
10:30 a.m.
Alofsin Piers, Fort Adams State Park
Newport, RI
Parking available adjacent to the Alofsin Piers
Contact: Nikki Raccio, Events Manager
Please RSVP below

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Coastal Cleanup Day 2026
2026-04-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Sail Newport, 72 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI, 02840, United States
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Place: Sail Newport, 72 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI
Event: Spring Coastal Cleanup
Volunteers: Bring the entire family
Supplies: We have pickers, gloves and containers
Coffee: Bring a thermos for a complimentary cup of coffee.
Cleanup Partner: ORCA (Ocean Recovery Community Alliance)
Contact: Nikki.Raccio@sailnewport.org

J/Boats 50 Years: Challenger Lecture Series
2026-04-02 17:30 - 19:30 | Online: Sail Newport, 72 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI, 02840, United States
We are at capacity for this event. Thank you very much for your support!
To be put on the waitlist, please email Caroline O’Hagan

“Ragtime”- first J/24, built in Johnstone garage, 1988

J/45, Image: Onne van der Wal

Image: Onne van der Wal

“Ragtime”- first J/24, built in Johnstone garage, 1988
J/45, Image: Onne van der Wal
Image: Onne van der Wal
Guest Speaker: Jeff Johnstone, President, J/Boats
If you’re a sailor, chances are you have owned, raced, or seen a J/Boat racing or cruising with legendary “J” emblem. Many of their models have become best sellers with a lineup that now includes J/7, J/70, J/9, J/99, J/111, J/36, J/40, J/45, and many more. The Rhode Island-born family global sailing company has been led by Jeff Johnstone since 1988.
J/Boats has set the bar high for performance sailboats, and the company is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary. At our upcoming event, Jeff J. will share the story of the garage-built J/24 that launched the company and discuss pivotal moments and designs from over the years.
The background to the presentation is Sail Newport’s multi-decade relationship with J/Boats, with the J/22 as our core keelboat. How the new J/7 became Sail Newport’s most recent choice for a new fleet is part of the story. We’re thrilled to welcome Jeff J. and to provide an exciting preview of our new J/7 fleet, which will be commissioned in early May.
Event Schedule:
5:30 Guests arrive, refreshments
6:00 – 6:45 p.m. Presentation
6:45 – 7:00 p.m. Q&A
7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Reception
Tickets*

Member Ticket: $15
Non-Member Ticket: $20
College Student Ticket (with ID) $10
K-12 Free

*Members are welcome to purchase tickets for friends and family at member rates.
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