The Volvo Ocean Race is the world’s most insane sporting event, a 52,000-mile, round-the-world race that takes eight months to complete. The competition—whose only prize is bragging rights—makes its single visit to the U.S. starting today, with a two-week stay in Newport, Rhode Island.
Better known for its palatial estates lining the Cliff Walk (like The Breakers) and its gorgeous beaches (like Easton’s), Newport also has a strong competitive yachting scene that’s forged sailors including Charlie Enright and Nick Dana, of Volvo Ocean Race team Vestas 11th Hour Racing. The pair, who were both born and raised in Rhode Island, shared by email their tips for doing Newport right—whether you're there this month or any time over the summer.
For a healthy breakfast
“Belle’s Cafe at the Newport Shipyard, which my family owns and operates,” Dana says. “If you need a hearty breakfast to get you through the day, this is where all the sailors go.”
For an indulgent breakfast or brunch
“Caleb & Broad has a ‘breakfast bowl’ with just so much going on one plate,” says Enright, including home fries, creamed spinach, egg, cheese, and linguiça sausage.
The best house on or stretch of the Cliff Walk is...
“Rosecliff for the views,” says Enright. The stretch along Ruggles Avenue nearby is also nice, says Dana, “because it’s a great surf spot.”
Newport’s best stretch of sand is...
Second Beach—also known as Sachuest Beach—gets the nod from both sailors.
The best place to watch the Volvo Ocean Race is...
“Fort Adams State Park for the view and the race village atmosphere,” Enright says, referring to one of the most popular stopover viewing spots that draws tens of thousands of spectators on race days, scheduled this year for May 19 and May 20.
Where to go for sunset drinks
“A boat on Newport Harbor,” Dana says. “There are so many sunset cruises in the area on either an old America's Cup 12 Metre [yacht] or a traditional schooner.” Enright likes The Black Pearl for its view of “life on Bannister’s Wharf.”
Where to go for a nice dinner
Both sailors said Clarke Cooke House, and Dana specifically likes “the sushi bar downstairs.” Any meal, Enright says, should “end with the ‘Snowball in Hell,’ a chocolate and ice cream masterpiece.”