Ocean House Presents: The Ultimate Land and Sea Yacht Experience with the Morgan Suite and Historic Aphrodite Yacht

Guests Will Have the Opportunity to Sail on the Completely Restored 1937 Vessel that Once Carried Luminaries Such as Shirley Temple, Fred Astaire, Nelson Rockefeller and President Roosevelt

Cruises Aboard the Aphrodite Can Also be Reserved Independently for Regional Voyages Exploring  the Scenic New England Coastline and Celebrated Summer Destinations

 

WATCH HILL, RHODE ISLAND – Ocean House, a Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, will introduce the first-of-its kind Land and Sea Yacht experience combining an unforgettable suite stay with a scenic sunset champagne cruise for up to six guests aboard the historic Aphrodite yacht. A professional photographer is also on-hand to capture images prior to departure, enhancing the transporting experience only available to guests of the Relais and Chateaux property. Guests-in-residence can also reserve the Aphrodite for leisurely sailing discoveries in and around the area.

The Land and Sea Yacht Experience – The package includes a three-night stay in the sprawling nautical-inspired Morgan Suite, reflective of Watch Hill’s maritime heritage and inspired by the classic sailing and motor yachts that take to local waters. The bi-level suite includes four guestrooms, a private outdoor terrace, and garden space with beach-level access. In the living room, the custom-milled, vertical-grain beams, doors and floors pair seamlessly with the custom-made hardware of the suite, enhancing its warm seaside surroundings. The dining area with demonstration kitchen features a classic Molteni range and encourages conversation while allowing dining companions to admire expansive ocean views. The lower level is complete with vintage nautical touches. A private beach cabana is also offered daily.

Aphrodite’s Storied History – Originally built by the Purdy Boat Company in May of 1937 for Wall Street financier, John Hay (Jock) Whitney of Long Island, Aphrodite has a storied history of its own. Best described as a “Commuter Yacht”, this elegant and sleek 74-footer would take Whitney on a daily journey down the Long Island Sound to his Wall Street office. Over the years, Aphrodite’s guest list became a “Who’s Who” for summer day cruises with such luminaries as Fred Astaire, Sir Laurence Olivier, Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Henry Ford II, FDR advisor Harry Hopkins, Shirley Temple and Nelson Rockefeller. In April 1942 she was commissioned as a Coast Guard auxiliary vessel and spent her war-time career ferrying dignitaries and transporting President Roosevelt to and from his Hyde Park home. In 1983, John Pannell, owner of the Harbor View Marine repair company, restored the yacht which had fallen into disrepair and relaunched the Aphrodite in 1984.

In 2003, Pannell sold Aphrodite to her present owner, Charles Royce, the owner and proprietor of Ocean House. A classic boat enthusiast, Royce began a complete restoration of the yacht to bring her systems up to today’s standards while using the original boat as a template to ensure its authenticity. True to Royce’s nature and aligned with how he approached Ocean House’s careful restoration in 2004, the first stage of the project was to extensively catalog all aspects of the boat for later reference. Once this historical documentation was completed, reconstruction began with the replacement of the original backbone, stem, floors and the reframing of Aphrodite’s signature torpedo stern. Once the framing work was completed, the hull was then re-planked, as originally built, with two layers of Philippine mahogany and copper rivets. A new deck, along with the crafting of Aphrodite’s distinctive cabin and interior accommodations was then finalized, and in October of 2005, Aphrodite traveled to its new home in Watch Hill, Rhode Island.

The Aphrodite Yacht Experience – Guests of Ocean House can reserve a private cruise aboard Aphrodite during their visit and select from a variety of curated tour immersions to scenic destinations and popular regional locales. Onboard, they’ll learn more about the yacht’s legendary history and surrounding areas from a knowledgeable captain while being well-cared for by an attentive crew. Whether venturing out for a scenic excursion to Fisher Island or Montauk; being dropped off on Block Island with a picnic lunch for an afternoon of exploration; or embarking on a sunset cocktail cruise to enjoy a gourmet dinner in nearby Stonington; a selection of two to three hour curated journeys at sea await.

The package and yacht sailings are offered August 1 through October 31, 2024, The package is priced at $42,000.00 plus taxes and fees, and the individual yacht sailings are priced from $5,000. For information and reservations for the package, please call 401-584-7000 and visit Ocean House Special Offers. For information and reservations for the Aphrodite Yacht Experience, please call 401-584-7000 and visit Ocean House Experiences