Where is the best view of Narragansett Bay? From the stern of your boat, of course.

However, there is a house that rivals even your view – Clingstone. You probably know it as the House on the Rocks. Built in 1905 on the largest of the “Dumplings”, little rock islands in the East Passage, this landmark is the dream house for many passing boaters. The magnificent house was abandoned after the 1938 hurricane and fell into disrepair, with all windows gone and even a large part of the roof missing. Bought by architect Henry Woods in 1961 for back taxes, Clingstone has been lovingly restored and is now maintained by volunteers on a marathon work party every Memorial Day weekend. With living space over 10,000 square feet, there are 23 rooms including 11 bedrooms in its three and a half stories. It is an eco-friendly house with solar panels and a wind turbine for power, as well as a composting toilet and rainwater collection system. Imagine living there as you cruise by, but be glad you don’t have all the work of keeping it up.  While you are taking pictures and dreaming, have someone take a look at the chart. There are numerous rocks and shoals. The depth may vary suddenly going from 15 ft to 1 ft without much warning. Follow the buoys. Your chart clearly shows G 11 Bell and that green buoy should be kept on your right side if you are heading south. The next buoy you come to is G9, a green buoy that flashes a green light every 2.5 seconds and has a gong too. If you keep these buoys between you and the dumplings you will avoid the rocks. The more you read the chart, the safer you will be.

When you plan a cruise, it’s good to think about stretching your legs and letting the kids get some exercise. Why not go over to Fort Adams? Built in 1799 when John Adams was President, this 80 acre fort is now a State Park. Here is the location of the Newport Jazz Festival and Folk Festival during the last part of July when hundreds of boats drop anchor during these events.  If you would rather avoid the crowds, go on another weekend and perhaps use the courtesy dock in front of the Visitor Center to drop off or pick up your crew. Otherwise you can anchor or moor out and dinghy in.  For a small fee, you can take the tour of the fort which lasts an hour and is fantastic. You get to climb to the top for the views, enter the quarters and even walk through the tunnels (or go around them if you wish). If you would rather, you can do a self-guided tour of the grounds, or, for free, you can stroll the two mile Bay Walk around the fort for wonderful scenic views. There are food concessions or you can bring a picnic. To get into the spirit of a battle, there is now Laser Tag in the fort too.

So many great places to go in Narragansett Bay. The shortest day of the year has passed, so on to boating season!