One of the best surprises of restoring a classic wooden sailboat and starting a charter business in Newport, RI, is that we have had front row seats to some pretty epic marriage proposals.
At 42 feet, Hope San is both elegant and intimate sailboat, and has all the classic lines, varnished wood “brightwork” and crisp white sails that make for an unforgettable place to pop the question in Newport, RI.
Last summer, we were contacted Giovanni, a hopeless romantic who was concocting an elaborate plan to propose to his high school sweetheart and girlfriend of nine years, Preeti. Giovanni came to visit us with his best friend about two months ahead of time to make sure the boat was the right fit (it was!). He later told us he picked Hope San because it “looks like a sailboat should look. Perfect size, tall white sails, beautiful wood-work, and in a beautiful location…a classic sailboat that had charm to it. Those plastic sailboats didn't seem right.
He booked a private sunset charter sail with us, plus a little extra time beforehand to make sure he could decorate the boat and get everything ready for the arrival of Preeti, who thought she was on a girl’s weekend with her best friends. We emailed, texted and called for weeks in order to ensure that everything would go off without a hitch.
Monika always meets our sailing charter guests at the launch dock to bring them out to Hope San, but this time, she had to keep mum and not let on that she was taking Preeti and her two friends out to Hope San. “I was surprised when we got to the launch because I thought this must be a very fancy dinner if we had to take a boat to get there,” Preeti recalls.
Engagement Proposal Sunset Yacht Cruise - Successful Outcome
“It was such a beautiful day. The weather was perfect and since it was my first time in Newport I was blown away by how beautiful everything was. When the launch pulled up to a sailboat in the middle of the water I was a confused, but didn't think much of it because I thought the stop had nothing to do with us. Then I saw Giovanni standing at the front of the boat holding white roses in his hands. I was completely shocked. He was supposed to be back home in New York! I looked at my two friends (who were in on the whole plan) and when they smiled at me I knew exactly what was going on. I couldn't hold back the tears as I walked onto Hope San and towards Giovanni.”
I am an avid photographer and can and will take pictures of your event, (even if you don't bring your own photographer)!.
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