The 33-year-old sailing yacht Tree of Life operates luxury charter services from Newport Harbor, offering an alternative to larger commercial tour boats on Narragansett Bay.
Built in 1991 at Covey Island Boatworks in Nova Scotia, the vessel has been based in Newport for several years under the operation of Capt. Josh Jacques and his wife, Jess.
The yacht accommodates up to six guests in three staterooms, with plans to expand capacity to 12 guests pending approval. Charter options include two-hour day sails, sunset cruises and overnight trips to destinations including Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Block Island. Extended voyages to Maine, New York City and Nova Scotia are also available.
Jacques, a licensed wedding officiant, performs maritime ceremonies aboard the vessel. His wife brings maritime heritage to the operation — her grandfather was “Louie The Lobsterman,” for whom Newport’s Louis L. Jagschitz State Pier No. 9 was named.
The couple previously restored the Isaac H. Evans, a two-masted schooner that earned National Historic Landmark status.
Tree of Life features teak and Hawaiian koa wood interiors, with 87-foot masts crafted in Maine. Crew member Maya Steele’s grandfather was the yacht’s original builder. The vessel has completed two circumnavigations, including stops in New Zealand and French Polynesia.
The master suite, located in the stern, features a convertible king-size bed, wardrobe space and private bathroom with shower. Two forward staterooms on the starboard side include double beds, washbasins, storage and private bathrooms.
Charter services include professional catering options and special event decorations. Guests may bring beverages, and the yacht provides coolers and refrigeration.
Tree of Life operates from May through October. Reservations and information are available at sailingnewportri.com, info@sailingnewportri.com or 401-208-9101.
Photo gallery by Jack Casey for What’sUpNewp
