Outdoors in RI: 2A votes, Charter Yachts, active summer programs, garden tours, aquatic weeds…

Staying on Top of the Charter Game

The Newport Charter Yacht Show is the only trade event of its kind in the Northeast, meaning it’s a valuable tool for connecting luxury charter yachts, their agents, owners, captains and crews with those in the business of brokering unparalleled on-water vacations for discriminating clients. It all starts in Newport, R.I. with a move-in on Monday, June 23 of 18 yachts to Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard (the Show’s producer and owner) and ends three days later after a packed schedule of dockside showings and social gatherings as well as networking events, educational forums, and crew competitions.

“The experience at Newport Charter Yacht Show is more intimate and more relaxed than some of the world’s larger charter shows, which can have over 100 yachts spread out over several different marinas,” said Sarah Egger, charter manager for Fraser Yachts. “Brokers have quality time to get to know the boats and crew, instead of jumping on and off and not remembering what they saw that day.” 

Fraser will feature two motor yachts at the show, including the largest: the 170’ Lady B.

“Lady B had planned to go to the Mediterranean, but at the last minute she decided to stay here,” said Egger, explaining that this is notable news for brokers looking to match clients with chartering opportunities this summer during the high season in New England. “She has an amazing crew, and the boat itself has so many exceptional features.” Those include five state rooms; an elevator; a gym and outdoor shower; ability to show movies under the stars; a beach club at the waterline, complete with couches, mini bar, and air conditioning; and a 53-foot HCB tender with five 450 horsepower engines.

Fraser’s other participant is the 110’ motor yacht In the Zone, which is new to the show.

Said Newport Charter Yacht Show Director Veronica Brown: “The Show is primarily about learning what is new in the charter industry – which yachts are new to the scene, which have had updates or refits, and which ones might have changed their captains, chefs or crews.”

According to Holly Huffstetler, Edmiston’s charter broker/fleet manager, having the 169’ ACTA in the Show helps her better promote the yacht ahead of the season. “New England is such a beautiful destination, and ACTA is the ideal yacht for cruising this area,” said Huffstetler. Among the yacht’s features are generous interior spaces, a “magical” master cabin, a shallow draft (for her size) and stabilizers for when she’s anchored. “She is beyond immaculate, and the crew are just lovely,” said Huffstetler. “Captain Les is a true charter captain, having come from some very successful charter programs. He is knowledgeable, experienced, and knows how to pull all the stops for charter guests.”

Show Director Brown noted that the Show is not for motor yachts only; there are three sailing yachts showing, all represented by Nicholson Yachts. (Nicholson also has three motor yachts registered for the show.)

“Among our offerings, is the brand-new 68’ Stephens Waring design, Cirrus, which was launched in October, and the 59’ Little Harbor Tyche, which is new to chartering,” said Nicholson Charter Manager and Broker Karen Kelly Shea. 

Kelly Shea explained that options for sailing charters are growing again after many owners went back to using their boats privately in the years during and after the pandemic. “Certainly, New England is popular for sailboats, since the conditions here in summer are so good. And there are so many regattas and cruises to take part in that we often charter motor yachts as mother ships for crews to stay on.

“After summers and falls in New England, most of the yachts move to the Caribbean and/or Bahamas, so this Show also provides a chance to see the yachts in advance of the winter charter season.

AYCA Breakfast and Seminar
Each year, the American Yacht Charter Association provides signature educational and networking opportunities for the Newport Charter Yacht Show’s attending industry professionals. This year, the highlights include a breakfast buffet on Tuesday, June 24 aboard Nicholson Yachts’ 85’ motor yacht Lexington. A morning seminar, following a provided breakfast on Thursday, June 26, will cover the subjects of chartering software, cybersecurity (a repeat from last year, since it has become a critical issue), Turkey as a destination, and New England as a cruising ground.

Crew Contests
The Newport Charter Yacht Show puts significant emphasis on showing off the talents of captains and crew. To that end, various competitions are part of the week’s schedule. This year they are the CYBA Designer Water Contest; Best Charter Yacht Chef sponsored by National Marine Suppliers; the Captain & Deck Challenge, part of USSA Crew Night sponsored by the U.S. Superyacht Association, AERE Marine, and Dockwalk Magazine; the Tablescaping and Cocktail Competitions; and the Charter Show Yacht Hop in pursuit of The Herman Pundt “Best Party Yacht” award presented by Denison Yachting. At the end of it all is the Crew Party & Crew Competition Awards sponsored by Barton & Gray, Citizens Bank, and Alexseal Yacht Coatings.

Newport Yacht Rendezvous
On Friday, June 27, the 12^th Annual Newport Yacht Rendezvous will be held at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard on several of the yachts holding over from the Newport Charter Yacht Show to donate their time to a very worthy local organization. The event benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County and features an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, yacht hopping, dinner, and dancing “in support of Great Futures.”

Marine and Specialty Display Vendors
The public is invited to check out display vendors along the “checkerboard patio” outside Belle’s at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, open daily Tuesday, June 24 through Thursday, June 26 from 10am-5pm. Returning vendors include AERE Marine Group, Newport Yacht Interiors, CUTCO, Vitamin Sea Co Newport and more. 

Newport Charter Yacht Show Partners
Akzonobel and Total Decking Services will sponsor the Monday evening Captain & Crew Briefing and Cocktail Party along with Bridge Liquors who is the bar sponsor. Dockwalk magazine and Denison Yachting,  are the Crew Competition sponsors, along with National Marine Suppliers who will sponsor the Best Charter Yacht Chefs Competition. Hallam’s Marine Service returns as the Daily Breakfast sponsor, and the US Superyacht Association will sponsor the Tuesday evening Crew Night featuring the Crew Competitions supported by Aere Marine, Big Weather Gear, Lalo Tequila, Sundial Cocktails, Whalers Brewing Company and Young Designs Floral Studio. SKYLINK Tek will return as the Show’s audio visual/sound partner, and Alexseal Yacht Coatings, Barton & Gray Mariners Club, Denison Yachting, and Citizens Bank will sponsor the Crew Party & Awards. Dockwalk magazine is the show’s official media partner, and the Newport Marriott is the show’s preferred hotel. 

The Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, host of the Newport Yacht Rendezvous on June 27 at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, is the show’s charitable partner. 

About Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard: 
Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard is one of the most popular and recommended shipyards in the United States. The full-service marina and shipyard has over 3,500 linear feet of dock space that can accommodate yachts longer than 300 feet. Its amenities include a dockside café, ship store, fitness center, and marina vehicles. Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard is host to many prestigious yachting events including Gosling’s Rum Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard Crew Party for the biennial Newport to Bermuda Race, Safe Harbor Race Weekend, Newport Yacht Rendezvous benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, and Newport Brokerage Boat show. For more information, visit: www.shmarinas.com/locations/safe-harbor-newport-shipyard

Information: www.NewportCharterShow.com or contact Veronica Brown, Show Director, Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, +1 401 846 6000, vbrown@shmarinas.com.

Click here for full event schedule. 
Click here for full list of boats registered. 
Click here for photos from 2024. 

Connect on Social Media: “Like” Newport Charter Yacht Show on Facebook and Instagram.

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TODAY! Fly Fishing for Veterans:

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2nd Amendment – and RI Gun Legislation

Last night, the full House voted support for the Assault Weapons Ban, following a 12-6 passage in the House Judiciary Committee.

Here is who voted from the full House, 43 to 28, after a 5-hour debate. 17 Dems, 10 Reps, and 1 Independent voted against. On to the Senate.

Important: A “grandfather clause” was added to the bill, allowing owners of assault-style weapons as of July 1, 2026, to legally keep them without having to register. Registration will be optional for them. Since the certificate [of ownership] program would be voluntary, grandfathered owners could legally opt to do nothing when the bill takes effect.

Opponents of the legislation predict this bill is so badly written that gun shops will be flooded by people purchasing firearms, who may not have actually done so before.

There is also wording of an exemption for Olympic-grade pistols and standard handguns, shotguns or hunting rifles, though pro-2A people say this is not clear.

The bill goes now to the Senate and there is speculation that new Senate President Val Lawson may not let it rise to a vote.

Here is our story this week, following along with the action on the bill:

UPDATED: 15 Rhode Island cities/towns opposed assault weapons bill that passed House Judiciary

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Active Summer!

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) Program and the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Program (ADRD) recently awarded funds to seven organizations through the program’s Rhode Island Streets Transformation Project (RISTP). 

These grants support projects showcasing the benefits of community design that promotes physical activity and active transportation for Rhode Islanders of all ages.

“Being physically active is one of the most important ways to improve your health now and into the future,” said Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD. “Supporting strategies to improve community design is an important way that we are helping people of all ages and abilities be physically active in communities throughout Rhode Island.”

Grant recipients included:

• Lefty Loosey Bike Collective, which received $4,500 to host and operate 10 free bicycle repair clinics. During these clinics, experienced mechanics help people fix their own bicycles and teach them basic maintenance skills. Lefty Loosey Bike Collective will also refurbish and redistribute 20 bikes to the community. 
• Partnership for Providence Parks, which received $4,806 to hold a summer walk series for older adults living at Fox Point Manor. These guided walks will take residents to a local neighborhood park. Partnership for Providence Parks will coordinate with other summer programs, such as Senior Splash.  
• Providence Streets Coalition, which received $3,566 to hold family-friendly bike rides traversing multiple routes throughout Providence as part of their 2025 “Fam Jam” Ride series.
• Town of Bristol, which received $1,650 to install a bike repair station and bike pump near the East Bay Bike Path in Bristol. 
• Tri-County HEZ, in partnership with the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, which received $4,950 to host two bike workshops to teach people how to ride safely, rules of the road, and basic bike maintenance. This funding also includes two supervised rides along the Greenway. 
• Trinity Square Together, which received $4,950 to install signage directing pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists to key resources such as health services, transportation options, and community centers to improve the safety and accessibility of Trinity Square. 
• Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, which received $4,950 to hold a summer fitness series along the Woonasquatucket River and Greenway. Classes will include yoga, dance, and martial arts classes, as well as weekly walk/run clubs. 

The HEAL Program works to increase access to physical activity and active transportation by collaborating with partners across the state to advance policy, systems, and environmental change. The program is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and braids funding from the State Physical Activity and Nutrition Grant (SPAN) and the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant (PBG) to implement innovative activities to make Rhode Island a safer and healthier place to live.  

The ADRD Program uses CDC Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) funding to implement statewide efforts that promote brain health and address dementia risk reduction, such as increasing access to physical activity, a recognized risk factor for cognitive decline.  

The Rhode Island Streets Transformation Project (RISTP) has previously awarded 19 demonstration projects statewide. Selected projects have included public education and community engagement efforts, cycling safety classes, open streets events, and the creation of Rhode Island’s first traffic garden. All projects share a common goal of building excitement, momentum, and grassroots support for safer and healthier streets in local communities.

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Flowers, Flowers everywhere…

URI Master Gardeners open their gardens to visitors for statewide garden tour this July 19-20

Cooperative Extension’s two-day garden tour offers green inspiration and education

Gardens are constantly evolving, but the state’s most dedicated gardeners will pause their planting, weeding, and dividing to open their gardens across the state to the public this summer. Eighteen private and public gardens tended by University of Rhode Island Master Gardener volunteers will open their gates for the 12th Gardening with the Masters Tour, a biennial event.

This year’s garden tour takes place Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and July 20, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The two-day event lets ticket holders visit some of the state’s most beautiful public and private gardens tended by certified URI Master Gardener volunteers. Environmentally-friendly garden practices on display include composting, native plant pollinator gardens, hugelkultur, low-input vegetable growing, small-space and container gardening, and more.

URI Master Gardeners will greet visitors in all gardens, ready to answer questions and share science-based horticultural information about best gardening practices. This year’s tours include gardens from Chepachet to Charlestown, and in nearby North Stonington, Connecticut.

There’s even a castle.

The historic gardens at Smith’s Castle, operated by the Cocumscussoc Association in North Kingstown, are joining the garden tour for the first time this year. Cocumscussoc is part of the ancestral homeland of the Narragansett People, and was a trading post established by Roger Williams and Richard Smith in the late 1630s. Nestled among the cattails, Smith’s Castle, built in 1678, is the oldest surviving plantation house in America. The gardens there demonstrate practices followed by early gardeners which remain relevant today. 

This year’s garden tour showcases the abundant diversity found across the state, in all corners of Rhode Island in a variety of growing conditions.

First-time tour host Lindsay Robinson has a tiny urban gem of a garden in Providence, near Roger Williams Park. Her garden highlights the wonder and beauty that can be cultivated in a small space. Certified as a National Wildlife Habitat since 2023, her yard hosts a variety of pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. She says a past URI Master Gardener tour let her see how others solved yard problems, giving her ideas that she was then able to apply at home. 

Having a small city space is no barrier to gardening, she adds.

“You can do a lot for yourself and wildlife in a small space. Having limitations also forces you to keep learning and be creative. I hope people enjoy seeing my city garden and maybe even pick up something helpful to use in their own space,” she says.

Tour goers will also get to visit the Roger Williams Park Produce Donation Garden, which produces fresh produce for donation to local food pantries and kitchens. With more than 15 raised beds and grow bins, the pesticide-free garden grows more than 5,000 pounds (2.5 tons) of produce to donate each year.

Karen Lambe of Chepachet is looking forward to welcoming visitors to her property again this year. A Class of 2009 Master Gardener, this will be her fourth year opening her property to guests. More than 500 people visited her one-acre garden plot during the last tour. A retired educator, Lambe says she loves the chance to talk to other garden enthusiasts, whether experienced or novice. 

“It’s such a great opportunity to get all your gardening questions answered,” she says. “We offer lots of resources and the variety of gardens on the tour is really impressive. These are real-life gardens tended by regular people who just love to garden. We share our errors and our failures, too. Gardening is a learning process, never done, but always fun!”

The University is also opening its own gardens for the tour. 

At URI’s Kingston campus, visitors can explore the University’s Square Foot Vegetable Garden at the Kathleen M. Mallon Outreach Center in Kingston. Five years ago, the garden’s raised beds sat unused, except for a small area that a graduate student and his family were attempting to grow vegetables in. A URI Master Gardener volunteer noticed their efforts and offered to mentor the future gardeners using the square-foot gardening method. After a successful partnership and multiple harvests, that first family moved on to Kansas (where they continue to grow vegetables in a community garden), making room for new families of URI graduate students to begin growing. 

This garden is located within the URI Botanical Gardens, which visitors are welcome to stroll through after visiting the demonstration garden. URI hosts nearly six acres of botanical collections on its Kingston campus; campus guests can also preview the collection by visiting URI’s recently unveiled plant database.

The garden tour is hosted by URI Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener Program, which trains garden enthusiasts of all levels in environmentally-friendly, science-based horticulture practices, and curates volunteer opportunities for them throughout the state. Tour proceeds benefit the educational services offered through the URI Master Gardener Program, including the gardening and environmental hotline (401-874-4836 / gardener@uri.edu) available for inquiries all year-round.

With the hopes of inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards and gardeners, admission is free for youth under 18 accompanied by an adult.

Tickets for the tour cost $30 each and include admission for one to all gardens on both tour days. Learn more at the URI Cooperative Extension website. Questions? Email coopext@uri.eduor call (401) 874 -2900.

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Aquatic Weed Treatments Scheduled for Carolina Trout and Shippee Sawmill Ponds on June 9

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will treat Carolina Trout Pond in Richmond and Shippee Sawmill Pond in Foster on Monday, June 9 to control invasive aquatic plants. Anglers and boaters should avoid these ponds during treatment. Signs will be posted with temporary water use restrictions. Residents and visitors should keep pets from drinking the water for at least three days.

These treatments target invasive plants including variable water milfoil, fanwort, water hyacinth, and waterlily. It will not harm fish or other aquatic life. Both ponds are popular fishing and boating spots and are stocked with trout several times during the season.

Invasive aquatic plants are harmful to fishing, boating, swimming and impacts wildlife management. To prevent their spread, using external felt-soled waders or any porous material that absorb water is strictly prohibited in all RI freshwaters, including any waters shared with adjacent states where RI fishing regulations apply. Transporting plants in or out of RI waterbodies on boats, vehicles, trailers, and gear is prohibited. Boaters must clean all equipment, vehicles and gear before and after entering any freshwater. For more on stopping the spread of aquatic invasives, click here.