A New Chapter in Newport: Sail Beyond Cancer Sets Sail on Narragansett Bay

At Dockwa, we’ve always believed in the power of time on the water... how a few hours at sea can bring peace, perspective, and connection. Few organizations embody that truth more beautifully than Sail Beyond Cancer USA, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring those impacted by cancer through the healing experience of sailing. Founded in Burlington, Vermont, and now spanning multiple coastal chapters, the organization brings patients, caregivers, and loved ones together for what they call “mission sails” - moments to breathe, reflect, and simply feel the magic of the wind.

A New Chapter in Newport: Sail Beyond Cancer Sets Sail on Narragansett Bay

By Lynn Fitzpatrick - Sail Beyond Cancer 

Sail Beyond Cancer Newport is ready to rock and roll into the 2026 sailing season on Narragansett Bay. Over two dozen cancer patients have been nominated to join us aboard our flagship, ALBA, and other dedicated and privately-owned vessels for a private, three-hour respite sail. They’ll bring five of their best friends and family, food, drink, memories, and best intentions and leave cancer at the dock while harnessing the healing powers of wind, water, and sail.

“Even when Narragansett Bay had ice and boatyards were piled high with snow, we were working non-stop preparing for our first season of operations. We’ve taken every opportunity we could to network – chamber of commerce, rotary, yacht club, and private meetings, even dog walks on the beach, have grown our network throughout Rhode Island. We’ve added board members and volunteers and still have room for more,” says Suzanne Snyder, Sail Beyond Cancer (SBC) USA’s founder and SBC Newport’s Interim Executive Director.

When asked about the Newport chapter’s biggest break so far, Snyder said, “without a doubt it has been the donation of ALBA, a 48’ ketch. We can’t thank the donor enough for his generosity. Boat owners have answered our call to volunteer to skipper their boats for respite sails also, but having a dedicated vessel that we can schedule for up to three sails every day of the week makes coordinating mission sails much easier. ALBA is beautiful! She has a large center cockpit. She’s beamy and stable and can accommodate our guests above and below decks in safety and comfort - and safety and comfort are especially important.”

SBC Newport board members and volunteers "under cover" inspecting ALBA's cockpit after a winter storm.

After exploring Narragansett Bay, Block Island Sound, and Cape Cod Sound and doing a fair amount off distance racing with ALBA, a German Freres-designed, cutter rig ketch, her owner sought a nimbler racer for competitive PHRF and distance racing for the next season of his life. Touched by an SBC Newport board member’s presentation, he offered her to the program. “Both of my parents battled cancer – my father with prostate cancer and my mother with breast cancer – so supporting a cause that brings light to people facing that journey means a great deal to me.” SBC’s kind-hearted donor is going to stay close to ALBA and the program by training crew and skippering his love on an early season NBYA race and on mission sails throughout the season.

“We love that!’ exclaims Snyder. “Our donors and volunteers have big hearts and are givers. Sail Beyond Cancer is a way for them to pay it forward, join forces, and share their love for the sea and for helping others.”

SBC has been cementing relationships with sponsors and partners including Helly Hansen Harken DERM and Go Minis of Southern New England and developing others with boat brokers; boat yards; maritime museums; photographers; videographers; media and restaurant groups; and more. Online and in-person information sessions will begin in March. SBC is always open to volunteer sign-ups.

If you're local to Newport, please consider joining Sail Beyond Cancer for an in-store event on March 21st at Helly Hansen’s store located at 124 Thames Street to support the program and learn about more ways to get involved. 

Nominate. Donate. Volunteer.
Together, we are making a difference—One Sail at a Time®.

Learn More at SailBeyondCancer.org

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