Newport hosts some of the most scrumptious sailing vessels of the summer – sleek racing sailboats, large motor yachts the size of floating homes and America’s Cup J boats and 12 meters, to name a few.

A selection of these nautical examples of “bling” graciously partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County for a “Yacht Hop” which resulted in a wildly successful fundraiser for our 60 year old charity. Near and dear to Newporter’s hearts, the Club (2 locations and a 95 acre summer camp) is an institution that is as important to the quality of life we all share here as are the ocean waters, green landscapes, obliging weather and our long history.

Not being a “yachtie” myself, I revelled in the chance to tour this eye candy up close and personal (don’t forget to kick your shoes off first.)

One in particular, S/Y GLORIA  (S/Y stands for super yacht,) inspired so many clicks on my cell phone camera that my battery ran out; for starters, she’s a 126′ long schooner, built in the 1980s in the classic style (think Errol Flynn.)The crew are a textbook case in carrying out a theme effectively; here, 007. Being a Bond girl myself, I was completely smitten. They even had  commissioned a dee-lish (and pretty) cocktail,” Casino Royale” (note to self…put TheCocktailGuru.com on speed dial.)

I have to confess that at first I thought the men with shoulder holsters were actually the boat’s security team.

Casino Royale

Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Prosecco
Raspberries
Fresh Lemon Juice
Simple Syrup
Mint

And did I remember to mention that this beauty is owned by Pete Townsend of “The Who”? Just her sleeping and bathing accommodations prompted a double take.  I’m betting you’ll share my reaction, so sit back and enjoy.

The grand salon, with paneled walls and ceilings, included a mock fireplace and flat screen television; that night it also had not one, but two treasures on display – an original Matisse and an autographed electric guitar by Adam Levine (of the band Maroon Five and TV show, The Voice) to be auctioned that evening.

Continuing the 007 theme, the yacht’s dining room was set up as a  gambling area.

The master stateroom…can you believe you’re on a sailboat (albeit a 126′ schooner?)

Really! We’re on a sailboat? (don’t miss the marbled shower with 22-karat gold-plated fixtures.)

Back topside, I had to skoot over to my other favorite sailboat, S/YMETEOR, resting in the slip next to Gloria. Dan Meyer’s handsome vessel is a study in functional details that give new meaning to shipshape, but this is how it’s done by true sailors – the wood is beautifully varnished; the lines are tied up “just so,” the chrome couldn’t shine any brighter.

Too soon, they shooed us off to the fundraiser, where the auction bidding was lively, the band hot and the evening temp just cool enough. Lady Lola (her own “City by the Sea”) looked on as we headed for our last gangplank of the evening.

Do come visit next summer for this super fundraiser!