sail boat cruise newport

EXPLORE RHODE ISLAND FOR THE DAY

PRIVATE BOAT CHARTERS

Cruise newport.

Generations Charters offers unique private charters in and around Newport that let you decide on how you want to spend your day out on the water with spectacular views. Take a tour of the historic Newport mansions or explore the unique coastline of Aquidneck Island lighthouse cruise. You tell us what your perfect day out on the water would be, and we’ll make it special. Don’t forget we do specialize in Sunset Cruises ! Are you here on vacation and would love a sunset cruise around Newport RI? We can make that happen. Hit that Book now button or give us a call directly even if you are hanging out at a Newport beach !

Generations Charters offers unique private charters in and around Newport that let you decide on how you want to spend your day out on the water with spectacular views. Take a tour of the historic Newport mansions or explore the unique coastline of Aquidneck Island lighthouse cruise. You tell us what your perfect day out on the water would be, and we’ll make it special. Don’t forget we do specialize in Sunset Cruises ! Are you here on vacation and would love a sunset cruise around Newport RI? We can make that happen. Hit that Book now button or give us a call directly even if you are hanging out at a Newport beach!

DESTINATION PACKAGES

Choosing your own destination or on-the-water experience is one of the many perks when chartering your own private charter . Check out Newport Harbor and Jamestown, moor up and go for a swim at Third Beach, or enjoy a historic mansion tour from the water. Take a look at our package tours. We would love to have you enjoy one of our champagne sunset sails. If you are on a Newport Vacation connect with us to get you on a sunset sail. Are you looking for a corporate outings? Hop aboard one of our charters. Newport RI is the Sailing Capital of the world! Contact us to book

Choosing your own destination or on-the-water experience is one of the many perks when chartering your own private charter. Check out Newport Harbor and Jamestown, moor up and go for a swim at Third Beach, or enjoy a historic mansion tour from the water. Take a look at our package tours. We would love to have you enjoy one of our champagne sunset sails. If you are on a Newport Vacation connect with us to get you on a sunset sail. Are you looking for a corporate outings? Hop aboard one of our charters. Newport RI is the Sailing Capital of the world!

Castle Hill Lighthouse

Downtown Newport From the Water

Newport Mansions & Cliff Walk

OUR VESSELS

“Cool Change” and “Change Up”, center console regulators known for their legendary smooth ride, are available for 2 hour, half-day and full-day charters. Cruise the harbor or blast off to a private beach in complete comfort. Our forward seating is perfect for catching some rays, socializing with cocktails, and coastal sightseeing on a private cruise. Private sailing charters is our business. Come experience a once in a lifetime sailing experience with Cruise Newport on the Narragansett bay!

“Cool Change” and “Change Up”, center console regulators known for their legendary smooth ride, are available for 2 hour, half-day and full-day charters. Cruise the Narragansett Bay or blast off to a private beach in complete comfort. Our forward seating is perfect for catching some rays, socializing with cocktails, and coastal sightseeing on a private cruise. Private sailing charters is our business. Come experience a once in a lifetime sailing experience with Cruise Newport!

Sunset Cruise Newport RI

Are you currently here on vacation or just want to enjoy the Newport ocean? Why not book your next private charter and watch the sunset ? Give us a call today to book your next outing on the waters!

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THE 10 BEST Newport Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in newport.

• Boat Rentals
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Water Sports
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Speed Boats Tours
• Scuba & Snorkeling
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• Parasailing & Paragliding
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• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Classic Cruises of Newport
• Fort Adams State Park
• Hammersmith Farm
• Castle Hill Lighthouse
• Gansett Cruises
• Newport Harbor Light
• Rose Island Lightouse
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• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI

2. Evening Voyage with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI

3. Newport Afternoon Sightseeing Sail on Classic Sailboat

4. Morning Mimosa Cruise with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI

5. Newport Sunset Sail on Schooner Adirondack

6. Newport Sunset Sail on Classic Sailboat

7. Newport Sightseeing Day Sailing Experience on Schooner Adirondack

8. Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II

9. Morning Mimosa Sightseeing Sail on Schooner Madeleine in Newport

10. Newport Scenic Sunset Cruise on Classic Boat Rum Runner II

11. Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise of Narragansett Bay from Newport

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise with Up-Close View of USS Constitution

Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River

Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran

Boston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

Sunset Cruise

Sightseeing Day Sail around Boston Harbor

Boston Signature Dinner Cruise

90-Minute Boston Harbor Sunset Sightseeing Cruise

Boston Historic Taverns Tour with Tastings & Roundtrip Ferry Ride

Providence Architecture Boat Tour

Lighthouses and Tales of Boston Harbor

Private sailing trips around Fishers island from New London, CT

Twilight River Cruises

Boston Summer Nights Tour plus River Cruise

Kayak The Creek Nature Tour

Sunset Sailing Cruise on a Tall Ship in Boston Harbor

Haunted Boat Tours

Vineyard Voyages - Floating Wine Tasting

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• Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI
• Newport Afternoon Sightseeing Sail on Classic Sailboat
• Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise of Narragansett Bay from Newport
• Newport Cocktail Cruise on Classic Boat
• Morning Mimosa Sightseeing Sail on Schooner Madeleine in Newport
• Antique Yacht Collection
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• On Watch Sailing
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• Cocktail Sailing (4)
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• Schooner Adirondack II

Buy Tickets Now   Call to order 401-847-0000

Sail Newport with us! This elegant, 80-foot, turn-of-the-century-style pilot schooner has been a local mainstay in Newport. This schooner has entertained thousands of Newport visitors and locals. She has attracted a large and growing number of passionate regulars who can’t stop coming back for more. Many visitors consider multiple trips aboard this schooner and become Newport sailing regulars!  The Schooner Adirondack II features plenty of seating, teak decks and impressive mahogany trim. So Sail Newport with us and you will always enjoy the friendliest and finest service.

Adirondack II has all the elements of a turn of the century pilot schooner and would have looked right at home in Narragansett Bay 100 years ago. The rig on Adirondack II is held in place with Kevlar shrouds, and her underbody carries external ballast taking advantage of modern wooden boat building techniques. The modern underbody is certainly designed in the spirit of the original pilot schooners, which used all the technology available to them to make their vessels as fast and yet as safe as possible. These modern design techniques help to provide a more exciting sailing experience.

Built for speed, pilot schooners were the coastal guide and rescue boats in the bygone era of sail. The primary purpose of the pilot schooner was to deliver a pilot (a seaman with knowledge of local waterways) to the incoming ships to guide them into safe port. Operation of a pilot schooner was a highly competitive business. The fastest schooners were the ones that got their pilots the most work. Pilot schooners patrolled the harbors and often rescued vessels arriving late at night from the dangers of an unfamiliar coastline in dark and threatening waters. Traditional in its appearance but modern in its design and construction, Adirondack II provides unparalleled speed, safety and comfort.

The Schooner Specs

The Adirondack II is a gaff-rigged schooner with a wooden hull, and was completed by Scarano Boat Building in Albany, NY. Schooner Adirondack II was completed in 1999, and was brought to Newport Harbor when the original Schooner Adirondack departed Newport to begin operating out of Chelsea Piers in New York City. She is Coast Guard certified for 57 guests. Her masts reach over 70 feet above deck and has just under 2000 square feet of sail area. She is 65 feet on deck, 80 feet overall, and has a draft of 7 feet. On a high wind day, it is not uncommon for her to reach 10 knots under sail. She is a very lively and fast vessel, and all of her captains feel that she is an absolute dream to operate!

Sunset Sail on a classic sailing yacht Schooner Adirondack II

Join us for a Newport Sunset Sail aboard Schooner Adirondack II! Experience a Newport sunset from the water on this evening sight sail of Newport’s historical waterfront. Climb aboard one of our classic sailing yacht for an evening of fun and relaxation. Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Your knowledgeable captain and crew are always ready to answer questions about the sights and history of Newport Harbor. Sail and take in the surrounding areas, and feel free to ask them whatever you like! While you experience the joy of a leisurely sailing cruise, you’ll see views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. The setting sun will be the perfect back drop for your evening. (Alcoholic drinks range from $6-$7) 

Classic Afternoon Sail on Schooner Adirondack II

Join us for a Newport Day Sail aboard the classic schooner Adirondack II. Our classic afternoon sails are the perfect way to see the sights of Rhode Island. Experience Newport like you never have on a sail aboard one of our classic sailing yachts. A smooth, gentle sailing Schooner with some speediness to boot, offers a comfortable ride that is brisk and invigorating. Within minutes of leaving the dock, you’ll forget the distractions of life on land, as you experience the joy of a leisurely sailing cruise.  (Alcoholic drinks range from $6-$7) 

Morning Mimosa Sail aboard Schooner Adirondack II

Join us for a Newport Morning Mimosa Sail aboard the Schooner Adirondack II! Rise and shine, you’re in Newport, RI. Start your day with a brisk, invigorating sail aboard one of our classic sailing yachts! Feel free to bring a brunch on this early day sail – our crew completes your experience with perfectly poured Mimosas! Your first Mimosa is available for $3! Mimosa Morning Sails are the perfect way to see the sights of Rhode Island before hitting the beach or the many shops of Thames Street. 

Morning Mimosa Cruise aboard Schooner Madeleine

Rise and shine you are in Newport RI and this is the best way to start your day! Join us for a Newport Morning Mimosa cruise aboard the Schooner Madeleine!  This morning cruise is a brisk, invigorating sail aboard our most elegant classic sailing yachts! This Newport morning mimosa cruise is perfect for a group of friends to get out on the water together.  Take in all the sights this waterfront has to offer and create a lasting memory. We encourage you to bring your own brunch on this early day cruise.  Our crew completes your experience with perfectly poured Mimosas! Your first Mimosa is available for $3! Mimosa Morning Sails are one of the best things to do in Newport RI to start your day off before you hit the beach or the many shops of Thames Street. 

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See our calendar of events, private yacht charters.

Sail out into Newport Harbor and impress your guests. Step aboard the legendary Schooner Adirondack II or Sloop Eleanor for a private charter. These yachts are perfect for Corporate outings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, and more. Read more »

PUBLIC EVENTS

Sail out into NY Harbor and impress your guests. Step aboard one of our classic vessels for a private charter. These yachts are perfect for Corporate outings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Team Building and more. Read more »

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Round out your stay, world-class sailing in newport, sightseeing and history.

Sailing in Newport Rhode Island’s waters is world-class and is a wonderful way to experience this beautiful and historic area. Aboard one of our two boats, you can enjoy one of our custom private day sail charters. Tour Newport Harbor, with its classic and mega-yachts and picturesque surroundings before venturing onto Narragansett Bay. Cruise along rocky shorelines, see charming lighthouses, take in the impressive mansions, and more… Splash your feet, sail the boat or relax with your group over a tasty beverage.

Our two sailboats are icons of the Newport Sailing fleet and of Narragansett Bay. Lyra is our 44-foot Reliance sailboat and Wren is our 35-foot Allied Seabreeze. With a capacity of up to 6 guests each, both boats sail on daily charters from Newport RI, beginning mid-April through the end of October. We offer private 90-minute, two-hour, three-hour, half and full-day sailing charters. From tours and advanced sailing instruction to proposals or a romantic evening on the the water, experience for yourself why Newport is the sailing capital of the Americas. On Watch Sailing is proudly a Newport RI “Traveler’s Choice” on Trip Advisor and is highly rated on Google. Take a peek below and check out our original reviews by following the links.

Captain Green

Our 2.0 hour early afternoon charter of the Lyra with Green met every expectation in terms of seamanship and engagement…

On Watch Sailing

Definitely book

Definitly book your sailing experience with this company. Don’t even hesitate. We booked day of for an afternoon 1.5 hr sail…

Captain Sam

5-star experience!

Fantastic sail with Captain Sam at On Watch Sailing! They came recommended as the best place to charter a private sail in Newport, and did not disappoint…

Fantastic day

Captain Green was the perfect guide, story teller and seaman… Very knowledgeable of the area, historic vessels on the water, local culture and personalities…

Repeat Guests

Our 4th trip

Our 4th trip with Captain Green and his 1st mate Simon on Lyra. My wife and I had a wonderful time making more memories together and this time we have a video done by Captain Green…

Sailing on Wren

Sailing on Wren was the best part of our week long trip to Newport. Captain Sam was so accommodating with our requests as well as an amazing sailor. We were even able to watch the Ocean One race…

Come Along and Sail Awa y

Private sailing charters | newport, ri, 401.236.5005, sailing in newport, ri - an experience you'll never forget.

It's  Time! Our 2024 Season has arrived!

Charters are now available! Book your sail early to guarantee your preferred date.

We can't wait to have you aboard.

Embark on an exclusive maritime adventure ... Reserve a private yacht charter with McCurdy Sailing in the enchanting setting of Newport, Rhode Island. Unwind and savor the experience as you set sail aboar d our 36' sloop , ' Hurrah '. Let our licensed, seasoned, and exceptionally knowledgeable Captain guide you through a captivating sailing tour of the east passage of Narragansett Bay, where a myriad of historically significant and breathtaking landmarks aw aits.

Marvel at the former Kennedy estate, Hammersmith Farm , Clingstone , and the iconic Rose Island Lighthouse , each steeped in its own unique history. Whether you choose to take the helm or simply relish the journey, your voyage will weave through Newport Harbor, renowned as the sailing capital of the world. Witness the majestic beauty of numerous sailboats, mega yachts, distinctive racing vessels, and historic America's Cup sailboats dotting the shimmering waters.

'Hurrah' offers comfortable seating for up to 6 adults in the cockpit, complete with a bimini and dodger for those seeking shade. For the ultimate thrill, venture to the bow and immerse yourself in the invigorating salt air and spray. Enhance your experience by bringing along a picnic lunch, champagne, or any refreshments of your choice.  

Let McCurdy Sailing curate a memorable and personalized journey where the allure of Narragansett Bay's landmarks meets the luxury of a private yacht charter in the heart of Newport's maritime history.

Downtown Pickup Location - Step Right on from the dock. Our pickup location is now right in Downtown Newport  at Perrotti Park !  Meet your Captain right at the Harbor Shuttle & Ferry Landing Gazebo.  Easy parking at the  Visitor's Center or simply walk right from town!  A hop, skip & a jump from the   Marriott and Brenton Hotels.    Step right on the boat from the dock for easy, quick access.

2024 calendar now available.

Pick Up Here

Reserve Now. Sail Later.

B ook earl y to guarantee your preferred date and time.  

What People Are Saying

NANCY BREEN

This was the first time I did a private charter instead of a group sail on a larger boat. I do not think I will ever go back to buying tickets for a group sail.

RONALD WATANABE

We had such a wonderful time on this 2-hour sail with Captain Dave! It was the highlight of our trip to Newport! We highly recommend it!

PETE & JESS

Absolutely the best experience. Dave was hands down the most amazing captain and made the entire experience so memorable. Do yourself a favor and book a ride with McCurdy's.

Sailing Charters For All Occasions

bachelor/bachelorette Sail The best place to celebrate this momentous occasion is together with friends on the water! 

DAY Sail We will sail to the mouth of the East Passage of Narragansett Bay and venture into Mackerel Cove

Team Building  

Corporate sailing is one of the best team building exercises you will ever engage in.

Similar to a corporate environment, when sailing, teammates need to constantly adapt to face-paced change.  Perfect for small teams to hone their communication skills!

Call us for pricing and additional information.

Engagement/Wedding Sail Choose the wind, sea and sun to propose to the love of your life.  Get married aboard our Sailboat, Hurrah by our ordained Captain.  Head to a romantic cove or stay in Newport Harbor for your ceremony. 

Sunset Sail Let the heat of the day drain away, all while enjoying the cool evening breeze on Narragansett Bay.

Sail of Remembrance

Celebrate the life of your loved one. An intimate ceremony is performed onboard.

"To reach a port we must sail, sometimes with the wind, and sometimes against it. But we must not drift or lie at anchor." OLIVER WENDALL HOMES, SR.  

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Public Sailing Tours

Morning Mimosa Sail

Morning mimosa sails:.

Rise and shine and be our guest, for our Mimosa cruise aboard Aquidneck. There’s no better way to start your day, than sailing in Newport aboard Aquidneck while sipping Mimosas. 

Enjoy sailing in Newport while passing Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay’s stunning scenery! View Fort Adams, the Pell Bridge, Hammersmith Farm, Clingstone, lighthouses, and yachts from all over the world. Your captain and crew will point out the sights  and provide light, informative commentary.  

Sit back and relax or, if you’re feeling energetic, heave-ho, help raise sail, or take a turn at the wheel. 

Aquidneck is an elegant 80′ schooner, built specifically to take guests sailing smoothly and comfortably! The sail is so smooth that queasiness is never an issue. There are plenty of comfortable places to sit as well as wide side decks allowing you to walk around with ease.

Since this is our earliest sail of the day, it’s cooler than our afternoon sails, so if you’re looking to beat the heat, this is a good sail to do! 

Morning Mimosa Cruise: What’s Included?

What makes our mimosa cruise different from others? Other than our fabulous and hospitable crew, we also include complimentary Mimosas in the ticket price for your sail!

Although complimentary Mimosas are included in your ticket price, this is not a booze cruise. We will serve a couple of rounds, however we aim to provide a peaceful, relaxing, and family-friendly environment for all to enjoy.

Morning Mimosa Cruise Availability and Pricing:

We offer Morning Mimosa Cruises 7 days a week.  Since Morning Mimosa Cruises are our “Early Bird” or first sail of the day, we discount Morning Mimosa Cruises on weekdays by $5!

See the Schedules & Rates section for a list of departure times. The duration of each sail is about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

"Awesome time!”

Woman charged in Monroe County boat club crash released on $1.5M bond

A Newport woman charged with eight crimes related to the  fatal crash  at the Swan Boat Club in Monroe County was released Thursday on a $1.5 million bond, the jail and her attorney confirmed with the Free Press.

Bill Colovos, the attorney for Marshella Chidester, 66, said she was able to post bond via a surety company.

Chidester was released two days after she was arraigned in Monroe County District Court on the charges, which include two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of driving while intoxicated causing death.

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She's accused of slamming an SUV on Saturday into the boat club, where a birthday party was taking place. Two children were killed and over a dozen others injured, several still hospitalized. Colovos argued in court that his client suffers from "epileptic type seizures" in her legs. He said she had only one glass of wine that day. 

Upon Chidester's release Thursday, Colovos doubled down on his argument that a medical issue caused the crash, telling the Free Press his client suffers from neuropathy, "blacked out" from a seizure and is "very remorseful."

She started having the seizures in November and a doctor told her to stop driving for two months, but did not restrict her further, Colovos said in court earlier this week.

"She feels absolutely horrible. To black out, then all of the sudden be told that two young children were killed ... it's like a bad dream you wake up from," Colovos said.

Colovos is still waiting on a medical report that would determine his client's blood alcohol level around the time of the crash. The prosecutor said in court that a preliminary alcohol breath test was "significantly over the legal limit" but he was not specific.

"Believe me, I'm waiting for it," Colovos said.

Mariah Dodds and three of her children were attending the party. Two of Dodds' children, 8-year-old Alanah Phillips and 4-year-old Zayn Phillips, were killed. Dodds and her 11-year-old son survived, and were being treated at a local hospital. Both of the boy's legs and some ribs are broken and his skull is fractured.

During Chidester's arraignment on Wednesday, Monroe County Prosecutor Jeffery Yorkey asked for the $1.5 million cash bond, pointing to a history of "severe substance abuse" allegedly corroborated by friends and family of Chidester and that Chidester admitted to drinking that day.

Judge Christian Horkey agreed to the bond and set conditions upon her release: Chidester is prohibited from consuming alcohol or any illegal substances and is prohibited from driving. She must undergo substance abuse testing and monitoring, which includes wearing a tether, Horkey said.

Andrea Sahouri covers criminal justice for the Detroit Free Press. She can be contacted at 313-264-0442 or [email protected] .

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Woman charged in Monroe County boat club crash released on $1.5M bond

Driver, restaurant sued by mother of birthday party victims killed in boat club crash

The mother who lost two children Saturday when a car plowed into a private Monroe County boat club has sued the accused driver and a local tavern she allegedly visited the day of the crash.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in 38th Circuit Court in Monroe County, alleges the woman, now identified by authorities as 66-year-old Marshella Chidester, acted with gross negligence when she crashed into the Swan Boat Club on Saturday afternoon during a children's birthday party.

The crash killed two of Mariah Dodds' children and injured her third, identified as J.P. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office identified the two children killed as siblings Alanah Phillips, 8, and Zayn Phillips, 4. The crash injured more than a dozen other people.

Chidester was arraigned Tuesday on two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of operating under the influence of alcohol causing death and four counts of operating under the influence of alcohol causing serious injury. She has been held at Monroe County's jail.

"Defendants destroyed plaintiffs' family relationship. Mariah Dodd(s) lost her two children," according to the lawsuit.

Dodds' lawsuit also alleges Verna's Tavern is responsible for Chidester's actions because they continued serving her alcohol even after she was visibly drunk.

The lawsuit seeks to hold the restaurant accountable for allegedly violating Michigan's "dram shop" law, a type of statute that allows an injured person to bring a claim against a business for serving alcohol to an underage person or someone who is visibly intoxicated.

"Generations of experience of sales of alcohol have told us that irresponsible sale and use causes people to get hurt," said Jon Marko, an attorney for Dodds.

He added someone who has been harmed can also bring a claim against the individual person who served the alcohol, but that approach is rare.

"The business is responsible for its employees," Marko said.

Authorities closed the bar, which was less than 5 miles from the boat club, after Saturday's crash and executed a search warrant to learn more about the day’s business, Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough said Saturday night.

Bill Colovos, Chidester's attorney, said Tuesday that the search warrant of Verna's found that Chidester only had one glass of wine and a bowl of chili for lunch from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday. The crash occurred at three hours later at the boat club, which is 3.4 miles from the bar. 

Colovos said at her arraignment that she has no criminal record and is retired. He said she received treatment the day of the crash for a recent history of seizures in her legs. He called the crash "absolutely horrible."

An employee who answered the phone at Verna's on Tuesday morning referred The Detroit News to an attorney for the restaurant who could not immediately be reached.

[email protected]

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Young brother and sister dead, several hurt when vehicle crashes into Michigan birthday party

Surveillance video from a Michigan home near where a suspected drunken driver slammed into a child’s weekend birthday party shows just how fast the driver was going before the crash happened. It also picks up the screaming and confusion afterward.

A law enforcement official monitors the perimeter of the Swan Creek Boat Club after a driver crashed a vehicle through a building where a children’s birthday party was taking place, Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Berlin Township, Mich. (Kathleen Kildee/Detroit News via AP)

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A University of Michigan Health Systems Survival Flight responds to the Swan Creek Boat Club after a driver crashed a vehicle through a building where a children’s birthday party was taking place, Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Berlin Township, Mich. (Kathleen Kildee/Detroit News via AP)

Authorities respond to the Swan Creek Boat Club after a driver crashed a vehicle through a building where a children’s birthday party was taking place, Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Berlin Township, Mich. (Kathleen Kildee/Detroit News via AP)

BERLIN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A young brother and sister died and several people were injured, some of them seriously, when a vehicle driven by a suspected drunken driver crashed into a young child’s birthday party Saturday at a boat club, a Michigan sheriff said.

An 8-year-old girl and her 5-year-old brother died at the scene in the crash, when a 66-year-old woman drove 25 feet (7.6 meters) into the building about 3 p.m. at the Swan Creek Boat Club in Berlin Township, about 30 miles (48.2 kilometers) south of Detroit, Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough said.

“The scene was described by the first responders as extremely chaotic, with high level of emotions of those directly involved and those who witnessed this horrific incident,” he said.

Three children and six adults were taken to area hospitals by two helicopters or ambulances with life-threatening injuries, he said. Others injured were given first aid at the scene and some were taken to hospitals by private vehicles.

Goodnough did not identify the woman driving the vehicle but said she was taken into custody and held at the Monroe County Jail suspected of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death. She was cooperating with authorities and likely would face more charges as the investigation continues, he said.

Authorities were notified the woman may have been at a nearby tavern before the incident, Goodnough said, adding they closed the establishment and planned to execute a search warrant there as part of the investigation.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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Driver Plows Into Michigan Birthday Party, Killing 2 Children

An 8-year-old girl and her 5-year-old brother were killed, and 15 others were injured, when the driver drove through a wall at a boat club, the police said.

By Yan Zhuang

A drunken driver plowed into a building where a children’s birthday party was being held in Michigan on Saturday afternoon, killing two young siblings and injuring at least 15 other people, the police said.

An 8-year-old girl and her 5-year-old brother were killed when the driver, a 66-year-old woman, drove through a wall of the Swan Boat Club in Monroe County, where the celebration was being held, at about 3 p.m., Troy Goodnough, the Monroe County sheriff, said at a news conference on Saturday evening. The club is in Berlin Township, southwest of Detroit and near the town of Newport.

Fifteen people were injured, including three children and six adults who sustained life-threatening injuries and were driven or airlifted to local hospitals, Sheriff Goodnough said. He gave no further details about the driver, but said that the police were executing a search warrant at a nearby tavern where she may have been before the crash.

The driver was taken into police custody and was held at the Monroe County jail, Sheriff Goodnough said. She was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death, and will likely face additional criminal charges, he said. In Michigan, the penalty for such an offense could be as much as $10,000 in fines and 15 years in prison.

It was unclear how many people were inside the club at the time of the accident, the authorities said.

Emergency medical workers described a scene that was “extremely chaotic, with high levels of emotions of those directly involved and those who witnessed this horrific incident,” Sheriff Goodnough said.

Swan Boat Club said in a Facebook post that there had been a “terrible accident at Swan today with many injuries, and much damage to the pavilion.”

Yan Zhuang is a Times reporter in Seoul who covers breaking news. More about Yan Zhuang