Sail Newport, Sail for Hope, and Focal Upright

Sail Newport, founded in 1983, is a non-profit organization that is home to New England’s largest public sailing center. Based in Newport, Rhode Island, this premier program is led by its Executive Director Brad Read.

In this video, Brad profiles Sail Newport and his Focal Upright work station – developed by Martin Keen – which helps him fulfill his mission.

Among the events that Sail Newport supports is Sail for Hope.

It was in 2001, days after the terrorist attacks on New York, the Pentagon and over the skies of Pennsylvania, while the country, indeed the world, was trying to come to terms with the attacks, a group of local and transplanted Rhode Islanders decided to take action to show their patriotism and raise funds to support the victims of the attacks. The group of sailors were proactive and quickly mobilized the entire Newport sailing community to participate in the event sailed on Narragansett Bay.

Held annually, the 2013 edition was October 12 and enjoyed the support and partnership of The Newport Shipyard, Bud Light, Mt. Gay Rum, The Fragomen Family, New England Boatworks, Mac Designs, Crystal Spring Water, Harbor Town Wine, Café Zelda and the INTERNATIONAL YACHT AND ATHLETIC CLUB.

The top fundraising boat of 2013 was Austin and Gwen Fragomen’s Team Interlodge. Combined with all the participants, nearly $28,000 was raised. In total, this event has raised over $900,000  since 2001.