Cruise Into July: Boating Adventures, Charters & Coastal Freedom
Published over 1 year ago • 12 min read
July 2025 Edition: Issue #15 of Our Boating Newsletter
Welcome to our July Edition!
Ahoy, Reader!
Summer is in full swing—and July brings the best of the boating season.
Whether you're securing a front-row seat for the Newport Folk or Jazz Festival, polishing your docking skills in Dock Pro, or finally booking that private charter you’ve been dreaming about, now’s the time.
In this issue, you’ll find expert training, exclusive charter opportunities, and everything you need to make the most of the season on Narragansett Bay.
🌊 The water’s warm, the boats are ready—let’s get you out there.
Celebrate Independence Day Your Way—with a Private Charter on Narragansett Bay
Skip the shoreline crowds and plan a 4th of July experience you’ll never forget—aboard a private charter from Wickford Boat Rentals. Whether you want to relax with family, party with friends, or cruise into the sunset with front-row fireworks views, we’ll help you design a custom boating experience that captures the best of Rhode Island’s coastline.
Why Choose a Private 4th of July Charter in Rhode Island?
Chartering a private boat for the 4th of July is about more than just escaping the crowds—it's about freedom, flexibility, and fun. With Wickford Boat Rentals, you get:
Your choice of captained or bareboat charters
Flexible departure times
Personalized routes through Narragansett Bay
Local knowledge to get you the best fireworks views
🇺🇸 July 4th Weekend is Coming—Reserve Your Boat Now!
Looking to kick off July 4th in style? Whether planning a relaxing day on the water or a weekend adventure, now’s the time to secure your boat for the 4th of July Weekend.
⚓ Choose from: ✔ Captained Charters – Sit back and relax while our experienced captains handle the helm ✔ Bareboat Rentals – For seasoned boaters ready to chart their course ✔ Full-Day or Half-Day Options – Flexible bookings to fit your schedule
Meet Capt. William Renehan! Steady at the Helm with Lessons from a Lifetime on the Water
From dockside mornings to late-night crossings, Captain Bill has seen more water than most of us can imagine.
With a US Coast Guard 50 Ton Near Coastal Master’s license and 30+ years on the water, he’s cruised the New England and mid-Atlantic coasts, explored Canada’s inland passages, and captained on the Hudson River and Great Lakes.
But Captain Bill’s not just about charts and engines.
He’s a lifelong educator who’s guided both nervous beginners and seasoned skippers, always with patience and calm.
If you’ve ever learned something new on the water, you know the value of the right teacher. Captain Bill makes learning safe, steady, and even fun.
📖 Boating Tips & Training Insights: Read our Latest Blog Posts!
Boats are in the water—are you ready? Whether new to the water or looking to sharpen your skills, our recreational courses are hands-on, accessible, and designed to build confidence and safety behind the helm.
🚤 US Powerboating – Start Powerboating Right!
Whether new to boating or looking to refine your skills, this 16-hour, 2-day course is the perfect place to start. Start Powerboating Right! is a nationally recognized program that combines classroom learning with hands-on experience to help you become a confident, safe, and knowledgeable powerboat operator.
What You’ll Learn: 🧭 On-the-Water Sessions
Engine & electrical systems
Docking and close-quarters maneuvering
Anchoring and person-in-water rescue
Navigation to a destination
Leaving and returning to a slip
📚 Classroom Sessions
Safety, weather, and preparation
Maneuvering concepts
Navigation rules and aids
Fueling and equipment procedures
Environmental regulations
✅ No prior experience is needed—just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn!
✅ The on-the-water portion can be conducted on your boat if preferred.
✅ Earn two certifications:
US Sailing/US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Certificate (NASBLA Approved)
This beginner-friendly classroom course is perfect for new boaters or those looking to earn their Rhode Island Boating License in just one day! You'll spend 8 hours learning key safety concepts, boating laws, emergency response procedures, and more—followed by the RI boating exam, administered on-site.
✅ Successfully passing the course means we’ll submit your license application directly to the state!
💡 On-the-water training is available separately after completion of this classroom course.
📘 What You'll Learn:
Boat terminology, types of engines, and understanding your vessel
Safety gear: life jackets, fire extinguishers, signaling equipment & more
🧭 NSBC-Certified On-Water Training with In-Command
We’re proud to partner with the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) to bring you certified, hands-on training in Rhode Island!
These engaging 3-hour sessions are a fun, affordable way to boost your confidence and master your boat handling—whether you're brand new or ready for advanced maneuvers.
💡 Choose the modules that fit your goals—or take all four for a complete on-the-water skill boost!
🚤 Training Modules Offered:
Module 1 – Intro to Boating Learn the basics: wheel control, shifting gears, preparing to depart, and staying on course.
Module 2 – Precision Docking & Boat Handling Perfect your turns and docking techniques while practicing situational awareness.
Module 3 – Open Water Boat Handling Advance your trim, object avoidance, ferrying, and emergency maneuvers.
Module 4 – Open Water Advanced Maneuvering Refine high-speed techniques: crossing wakes, sharp turns, and person-overboard recovery.
Join like-minded women in a supportive, empowering boating course designed to help you take the wheel—or become a confident, capable crew member. This one-day course combines classroom learning with hands-on training, all led by experienced female instructors.
📚 Morning Classroom Topics ✔ Seamanship terminology & parts of a boat ✔ Safety checklists, line handling & knot tying ✔ Rules of the road, radio communication, and crew responsibilities ✔ Navigation basics, situational awareness, weather, and tides
👭 Whether you're boating with a partner, friends, or solo, this course gives you real skills that could make all the difference in an emergency—or simply make every trip more enjoyable. You’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even make a few new friends.
💬 “I used to just go along for the ride. Now I feel empowered to take part—and take charge.”
🧭 Upcoming Women In-Command Dates: 📅 July 19 📅 July 27 💰 $395 per person
✨ Private group sessions available for 4+ women. 🟢 Register Now & Get In Command:
Join In-Command Seamanship Training for a focused boat docking course to enhance your skills and confidence in docking any vessel. Whether you're a new boater or looking to refine your technique, Dock Pro is tailored to help you master the maneuvers that matter most.
🧭 Course Curriculum:
Docking Techniques: Hands-on practice approaching and leaving a floating dock, bow-in, and stern-in docking into a slip using one of our ICST training boats.
Maneuvering in Close Quarters: Low-speed steering control, pivot turns, effects of prop-walk and throttle control.
Environmental Considerations: Adapting to wind and currents.
Equipment Familiarization: Fender positioning, use of lines, cleats, and boat hooks.
Communication & Crew Coordination: Effective teamwork, lookouts, and communication protocols.
Line Handling: Proper Line Management and Knots to Know!
🌊 Course Highlights:
Learn from seasoned experts with extensive docking experience
Real docking scenarios with practical exercises aboard your boat or ours
Personalized, small-group format (max 4 students)
📅 Upcoming Course Dates:
July 19
August 2
💰 Tuition: $150 per person
(There is a minimum of 3 students and max of 4 per session.)
If you've recently upgraded—or plan to upgrade—from a 25-footer to a 48+ foot boat or are transitioning from sail to power, our New Owner Training is custom-built for you. Many insurance policies require 40 hours of on-the-water training before operating larger vessels, and we’re here to help you confidently meet those requirements.
Who This Training Is For: ✔ New powerboat owners upgrading to larger vessels ✔ Former sailors switching to motor yachts ✔ Owners who need to fulfill insurance-mandated training hours ✔ Buyers needing assistance with the delivery of their new vessel
What We Cover: ✔ Docking, handling, systems review, and safety protocols ✔ Twin-screw and joystick propulsion training ✔ Real-time instruction aboard your vessel or ours ✔ Delivery assistance is also available
Looking to enhance your boating skills? Book private lessons on your boat or ours starting in late March. Build confidence and master the water one lesson at a time.
🌊 Powerboat Cruising – Earn Your Confidence at Sea
Ready to take your coastal cruising skills to the next level?
Our 5-day Powerboat Cruising Course is designed for boaters who want real-world experience while earning multiple nationally recognized certifications—without spending the night aboard.
🛥️ Here’s what’s included:
Basic Powerboat Cruising Certification
Inshore Powerboat Cruising Certification
Night Operations Endorsement
📍 Training takes place on a Sabre 36 Express, offering hands-on experience aboard a vessel that exceeds certification requirements.
You’ll split your time between classroom instruction and real-time on-the-water scenarios—perfect for building confidence and mastering cruising fundamentals.
⚠️ Please Note: This is not a liveaboard course. The boat returns to the dock each evening. The Night Ops session will be scheduled based on weather conditions during the week.
📅 Next Course Date: August 25–29, 2025
🎯 This course sells out fast—reserve your spot early!
🚢 Professional Courses: Start Your Boating Career!
🚤 Become a Licensed Launch Operator This Fall
October 25 & 26 | 16-Hour USCG-Approved Course | $499
Are you working on the waterfront or thinking of making boating part of your professional future? Earn your U.S. Coast Guard Launch Operator License and get certified to operate launch tenders up to 1/2 nautical mile from shore.
This 2-day (16-hour) course is USCG-approved and satisfies the exam and training requirements to apply for a Limited Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (LOUPV) or Limited Master license.
What You’ll Learn:
✔️ Deck General ✔️ Navigation & Rules of the Road ✔️ Safety Protocols ✔️ Pollution Prevention
This course is ideal for marina staff, yacht club team members, harbor operations crews, and aspiring maritime professionals.
📌 Recommended Co-Requisite: First Aid/CPR 📜 Meets USCG Licensing Requirements for several routes and sectors when completed within 1 year of application.
👉 Class Size Is Limited – Enroll early to guarantee your spot.
📍 Train with us OR bring us to your Marina or Yacht Club!
We offer training on our vessels or yours, so whether you're an individual looking to sharpen your docking and maneuvering or a commercial client wanting to elevate your team's professionalism, we've got you covered.
🛥 Training Focus:
Departing & returning to the dock
Approaching and departing moorings
Loading/unloading passengers safely
Docking in wind/current
Coming alongside customer vessels (gracefully!)
Local knowledge: fuel, food, channels, anchorages
Professional communication & safety briefings
💼 For Commercial Clients, we’ll travel to your marina or yacht club to train your crew on your launches. This is perfect for clubs that want to ensure consistent, courteous, and confident service on the water.
📩 Interested in scheduling training for your team?
Contact Captain Carol Beecher at carol@incommandri.com or 401-4SAFETY (472-3389)
🌊Wickford Boat Rentals: Plan Your Adventures
🌊 Wickford Boat Rentals: Your 2025 Boating Season Starts Now!
The weather is warm, and boating season is here! Whether planning a quick day trip, a weekend escape, or a full-on cruising adventure, we have the perfect boat waiting for you.
🌸⚓ Celebrate in Style: Charter Rendezvous for Your Spring & Summer Gatherings
Planning a bridal shower or a family reunion, or just looking for a special way to gather with friends this season? Set your sights on Rendezvous, our stunning Mainship Pilot 30—designed for unforgettable moments on the water.
Why you’ll love Rendezvous:
Spacious layout with cushioned, shaded seating for maximum comfort
Classic New England charm and a smooth, quiet ride
Swim platform and deck shower—perfect for impromptu dips
Licensed captain at the helm, so you can relax and enjoy every moment
Whether it’s a champagne toast at sunset or a sunny harbor cruise, Rendezvous is your go-to for stress-free celebrations that feel effortlessly elegant.
📆 Now booking for spring and summer events—reserve your date before the calendar fills up!
🎶 Plan for the Newport Folk & Jazz Festivals – Book Your Charter Now!
It’s almost that time of year again—Newport’s iconic music festivals are right around the corner! Experience the magic of live music from the best seat in the house—your private chartered powerboat.
⚓️ Newport Folk Festival 📅 July 25–27, 2025 📍 Fort Adams State Park
🎷 Newport Jazz Festival 📅 August 1–3, 2025 📍 Fort Adams State Park
Wickford Boat Rentals offers half-day and full-day powerboat charters with a licensed captain—perfect for soaking in world-class performances from the water.
Whether you're a die-hard music lover or just looking to enjoy summer with a front-row view, our captained charters are the ultimate way to celebrate.
✨ Grab your crew, bring your favorite snacks, and enjoy the show in style!
📩 The festival organizers are sending us this year’s official lineup—stay tuned for updates in the next issue!
Ready to set out on your schedule? Our bareboat charters let you explore at your own pace with multi-day rentals aboard our premium fleet.
🌟 Now Available for Summer 2025! ✔ Lorelei – Classic elegance meets modern comfort. ✔ Rendezvous – The perfect balance of performance and style. ✔ Elan – A spacious cruiser for relaxing getaways.
📌 Charter Requirements:
Must have prior boating experience OR
Complete the U.S. Powerboating Coastal Cruising Course
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Your journey on the water is important to us, and we're here to support every step of the way. Whether you're charting a course toward professional boating or enjoying the seas recreationally, In-Command Seamanship Training and Wickford Boat Rentals are your trusted partners.
We're just an email or phone call away for any questions or to register for our courses and rentals. Here's to smooth sailing and the adventures ahead!
Warm regards,
The Team at In-Command Seamanship Training & Wickford Boat Rentals
Captain Carol Beecher, carol@incommandri.com
Captain Dave Fetherston, dave@wickfordboatrentals.com
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