A premium charter service from Newport Harbor, the 33-year-old sailing vessel Tree of Life provides a substitute for bigger commercial tour boats in Narragansett Bay.
The ship, operated by Capt. Josh Jacques and his wife, Jess, has been based in Newport for a number of years. It was constructed in 1991 at Covey Island Boatworks in Nova Scotia.
Up to six people can stay on the yacht’s three staterooms, and if approved, there are plans to increase that number to twelve. Two-hour day sails, sunset cruises, and overnight excursions to locations like Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Block Island are among the charter options. There are also longer trips to Maine, New York City, and Nova Scotia.
On board the ship, Jacques, a certified wedding officiant, conducts maritime ceremonies. His wife’s grandfather, Louie the Lobsterman, for whom Newport’s Louis L. Jagschitz State Pier No. 9 was named, contributes her maritime background to the company.
The Isaac H. Evans, a two-masted schooner that was designated a National Historic Landmark, was previously renovated by the couple.
Tree of Life has 87-foot masts made in Maine and interiors made of teak and Hawaiian koa wood. The yacht was originally built by the grandfather of crew member Maya Steele. The ship has made two circumnavigations, stopping in French Polynesia and New Zealand.
The stern’s master suite has a private bathroom with a shower, a closet, and a convertible king-size bed. On the starboard side, there are two forward bedrooms with private bathrooms, storage, washbasins, and double beds.
Professional culinary options and décor for special events are included with charter services. The yacht has refrigeration and coolers, and guests are welcome to bring their own drinks.
May through October is when Tree of Life is open. Information and reservations can be made at 401-208-9101, [email protected], or sailingnewportri.com.
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