Taking Six Knots on the Road: Our Trip to Newport, Rhode Island

Back in mid-September, Six Knots took a major step forward—we packed up our gear, hit the road (and rails), and headed to Newport, Rhode Island for our very first out-of-state event at the legendary Newport International Boat Show. From stormy skies to sunshine sales, this trip was one to remember.‍

Setting Course for Newport

Getting there was a journey in itself. Zach (that’s me!) took the scenic route, hopping aboard the Amtrak from Maryland to Rhode Island. Meanwhile, John took on the real MVP role—driving the Six Knots gear and booth setup all the way up from Maryland. He braved the long haul so we could bring the full brand experience to one of the biggest boat shows in the country.

We stayed just a few minutes from the show in Middletown, RI, at a cozy Airbnb that gave us easy access to both the event and some great local spots to unwind after long show days.

A Weekend of Weather and Wins

Let’s get one thing out of the way—the weather was not ideal. Thanks to the lingering effects of Hurricane Lee, much of the weekend was soaked in rain and wind. One of our most vivid memories? Sitting at Wharf Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar in downtown Newport as the skies opened up and delivered a torrential downpour. Classic boat show weather.

But despite the gloomy forecast, spirits stayed high. We met incredible people—fellow boaters, curious newcomers, influencers, and even a few friendly faces from the YouTuber booths right next to ours. We also had an awesome time connecting with the passionate crew from Latitudes and Attitudes, one of our favorite boating lifestyle magazines.‍

Local Flavor and New Favorites

Between setup and sales, we managed to sneak in a few local bites and brews. If you’re ever in the area, don’t miss:

• 🍻 Rejects Beer Co. in Middletown – Great beer, great vibe, and just a short drive from where we stayed.
• 🍽 The Red Parrot in Newport – A lively, nautical-themed restaurant with a menu just as bold as its décor.
• 🥃 Wharf Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar – Where we weathered the storm and shared a few much-needed laughs over cocktails.
  

These local haunts made our downtime just as memorable as the show itself.

Sunshine and Our Best Sales Day Yet‍

By Sunday, the weather finally broke, and the sun came out—just in time for our best sales day ever (at the time!). The crowds rolled in, the energy was high, and Six Knots apparel flew off the shelves. It was the perfect ending to a challenging but rewarding weekend.

This milestone event not only tested our endurance (shoutout again to John for hauling everything) but also proved that the Six Knots brand resonates far beyond our Chesapeake roots. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who stopped by, supported us, and shared their love for life on the water.‍

Looking Ahead

Newport was just the beginning. As we continue to grow and expand into new regions, we’re more motivated than ever to show up, connect with our community, and share our passion for boating, fishing, and the lifestyle that surrounds it.

🎥 Be sure to check out the photos from the show below! We’ll see you at the next event.

Smooth seas and sunny skies,

– Zach & the Six Knots Crew