Luxury Yacht/Art Gallery Arrives in Newport

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Saturday, May 28, 2011

Rachel Eides, GoLocalProv Contributor

Only in Newport would the latest art gallery to open for the season be located on a luxury yacht.

The world’s first exhibition luxury yacht, SeaFair, will be docked in Newport at Perry Mill Wharf from June 30 through September 5. As the fourth largest privately owned yacht in the United States, it is abundant in style, size, and class. It was built for $40 million and was designed exclusively as an exhibition yacht by internationally praised yacht designer Luiz de Basto.

28 galleries in three decks

SeaFair's official stay, dubbed "Art Newport," invites patrons to board the 228-foot luxury yacht to purchase artwork ranging from $3,000 to $35,000, with some even more expensive pieces. The international exhibit includes diverse art glass, paintings, jewelry, photography, sculptures and fine furniture from an array of dealers, displayed in SeaFair's 28 galleries set in three decks.

And once below decks you'll think you're in a gallery, not on board a seafaring vessel, said Lee Ann Lester, SeaFair's owner and operator with her husband, David. The Lesters were art dealers in Los Angeles for 17 years before launching their unique notion.

In March, SeaFair spent just four-and-a-half days in Sarasota's downtown marina, and nearly 18,000 people took in the show.

The casual Rhode Islander may explore the SeaFair for a single-day admission ticket priced at $15 in advance or $20 at the door. The dining and drinking venues will be open throughout the day. Dine with a reservation at Sapore Restaurant or simply arrive at Casual Bistro 360 or the Luxe Lounge. Evenings welcome a variety of yachting crowds and VIP Rhode Island socialites.

For more information and a schedule of SeaFair's special events, go here.