A guide to crew accommodation in Newport, RI

Looking for work on a yacht typically requires spending some length of time in a yachting hotspot area, to have the most exposure to the agencies, contacts, the yachts themselves, and have the best chance of finding the job you’re after quickly.

Newport, Rhode Island, is a great yachting hub and an attractive alternative to the somewhat better-known hubs such as Fort Lauderdale, Antibes and Palma. Newport’s yachting scene is at its liveliest in the summer months, and continues to be a great hub for work-seeking yachties until things quieten down around October/November.

It is a far less commercialised yachting hub, and specific housing just for aspiring or current yacht workers isn’t of the abundance it is in Palma. It’s always best to research your choice of hiring port thoroughly, but to help you begin, Yachting Pages has compiled some accommodation options for yachties in Newport, RI:

Crow’s Nest @ Seamen’s Church Institute

http://www.crowsnestnewport.com/

Founded in 1919 as a non-profit corporation to provide a “safe haven” to seafarers, Seamen’s Church Institute moved into its own building in 1930 in the heart of the Newport waterfront.

The Crow’s Nest is the name for its third-floor accommodation for seafarers. The general public can hire the accommodation too, but the institute favours seafarers with reduced rates that also go towards the upkeep of the group.

The Aloha Cafe is open to the public with breakfast and lunch menus. Also available are public laundry facilities, the Mariners Lounge, Memorial Garden, Henry H. Anderson Jr. Library for Mariners, and the quaint Chapel of the Sea.

Poplar House Inn of Newport Rhode Island

http://www.book-a-bnb.com/poplar-house-bnb-newport.html

Poplar House, located a stone’s throw away from Goat Island Marina in Newport, RI, is a popular choice for accommodation in the area.

The owner has been running Poplar House for thirty years and describes it as ‘your home away from home’. There are no fixed rules on minimum or maximum stays, and the owner will act as your concierge when you arrive, advising you on local amenities and things to do. The rates are below hotel prices, and include living and dining room access, and use of a constantly restocked kitchen. It’s worth calling for a chat, as bookings are only taken on the phone and your needs can be discussed.

Whilst not a dedicated crew house, Poplar House has built up a reputation among yachties as a great and ideal place to base yourself in Newport whilst looking for work.

Newport Shipyard

http://www.newportshipyard.com/

This is one of the few places in Newport where you’ll find dedicated crew housing. Newport Shipyard operates two fully furnished three-bedroom houses and five fully furnished apartments across the street from Newport Shipyard, just for crew and marine job seekers in the Newport area.

The houses and apartments are furnished to a high standard, and are regularly rented out to groups of yachties.

Rents are for a minimum of one month, so Newport Shipyard tends to be more suited to newer yachties, who see themselves spending a little more time on land whilst they complete training or gain experience with day-work gigs.

To enquire about rates and availability, contact Newport Shipyard by phone or email.

Newport Hotel and Marina:

http://www.newporthotel.com/

The Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina can offer an amazing location on the harbour, close to almost everything you could possibly need; it is a fully-fledged hotel however, so expect to pay more than a typical crew house.

Alternatively...

As a general rule, as long as you’re within walking distance of America’s Cup Avenue—where all of Newport’s marinas can be found—you won’t be at any serious disadvantage. Some of the world’s biggest superyachts voyage to Newport during the summer months, meaning you’re putting yourself in a great position to be hired.

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Read our ultimate yacht crew housing and accommodation guide for advice and tips on securing somewhere to stay, or read tips to help you get ahead in your yacht job hunt.