Sailing & Boating

Sailing to, from or around Block Island? If you are vacationing here and looking for that perfect day on the water or a sunset cruise, try Passion for Sail Charters Old Harbor, 401-741-1926.

Learn the How-To's at The Block Island Club on Corn Neck Rd., 401-466-5939 offering Classes several times a week or the Block Island Maritime Institute They offer Group & Private Lessons. Beginner lessons Daily 9am-12am & 1pm-4pm all ages welcome.

Each year, the summer kicks off with Block Island Race Week, a National Event. Usually the third week of June the island is flooded with competitors who come here to Race and have a good time. Join in on the festivities or watch the daily parade of colorful sails from the shore.

Occasionally, Tall Ships of Rhode Island make their appearance in the waters off Block Island. These giant, floating pieces of history are certainly a sight to see. The Tall Ships Festival takes place in Newport, RI. For more information visit www.tallshipsrhodeisland.org

For information on making it across Block Island Sound you may visit Sailing New England. This site is the real deal for wooden boat enthusiasts and the serious New England seafarer.

There are other ways to get yourself and your family out on the water for the day. The Block Island Ferry is the first chance most of us have for being out on the water. After all, that's how you get here. A few times on the shoulder season the ferries offer sunset dinner cruises, usually for some island charitable event but open to the public.

Bobby & Sara Littlefield over at Block Island Parasail offer Sunset Cruises, speed boat rentals and various water sports. Check them out at the Old Harbor Commercial Boat Dock next to Ballards.

Boaters looking to cruise into a Block Island Marina and possible anchor, moore or dock should call the harbormaster at Block Island Harbors DepartmentOffice Telephone: (401) 466-3204

Summer Hours 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Winter Hours 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

VHF Radio - Ch12 7AM - 9PM - All Calls 9PM - 7AM - Emergency Only

Fax: (401) 466-3219

Looking for a Rental or a Block Island Marina? Block Island has Marinas in it's 2 harbors, Old Harbor, where the island's only town is, and New Harbor, in the Great Salt Pond. The Old Harbor Town Docks have limited facilities. The dock is small as are the bathrooms, and the whole area is due for a facelift.

Better recommended for Families is New Harbor, Payne's Dock, The Boat Basin, or Champlin's Marina. Of the 3, Champlin's Marina has the best family facilities. As with rental houses, preference is given to returning boaters at these Marinas. Mid January you should be able to secure dock space for your boat.

If you can't make your plans in advance you can either take a chance on dock space when you arrive or you may anchor in the pond or in Old Harbor. The Pond runs a free launch ready to take you to Champlin's for some food, entertainment or a shower.