“Newport is the home port for many sailing yachts and powerboats offering crewed charters in New England during the summer and  the Caribbean in the winter.   Sherry had the pleasure of meeting the crew of the sailboat GADGET, Captain Ken and Gisele.  She was even luckier to taste Gisele’s entry into the Yacht Show’s “Chowda” competition.    Not surprising, Gisele won first place with her delectable scallop chowder with cream shrimp reduction broth and a hit of cognac.  Exquisite.”

“Why did this yacht look so familiar?   It didn’t take long to recognize that this was Walter Cronkite’s yacht, formerly called WYNTJE!    Capt. Ken and I spent over an hour talking about GADGET’s history.  She’s a very comfortable 64-foot Hinckley ketch sailing yacht, with 3 guest cabins.  She’s perfect for honeymoon charters too, with her very private master stateroom located aft.

During our visit, I told Ken about my stroll down the beach on Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, in the British Virgin Islands.  My friends and I passed two couples heading towards Foxy’s.  We had just left there, but I recognized the two gray-haired gents and told my walking partners “We are turning around and following my heroes!”.

Walter Cronkite and Andy Rooney, along with their lovely wives, were in search of a cold libation.  I   introduced myself.  “I am honored to meet you, Mr. Cronkite, and you  too Mr. Rooney.  How is WINTJE?”

Mr. Cronkite said, “You know WINTJE?” and I replied, “Of course!  I have seen her many times but never dreamed I would meet you.  She’s a beautiful sailboat.”  Andy Rooney raised a trademark bushy eyebrow and asked me “What’s good to drink here?” “Everything!” I replied.  Star-struck, I don’t remember much of our brief conversation after that.

The new owner of GADGET is Inspector Gadget’s creator, Andy Heyward, a good friend of the late Mr. Cronkite.   There are many fun surprises on board, including delicious food.  Escape the summer heat in New England on this family-friendly yacht.  View the spectacular fall foliage without the traffic.  Or plan a relaxing Caribbean Yacht Charter on GADGET this winter.  Capt Ken and Gisele look forward to welcoming you onboard!  

How did you get involved with boating?

I grew up in Madison, Connecticut, on Long Island Sound. My mom pushed me out the door at age 11 to take sailing lessons. The very first day we went out sailing on the Sound, we encountered a dolphin. I went crazy. I loved everything about sailing and being on the water, and I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

My father always said, “A day on the water adds a day to your life.” I really took that to heart.

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