Buzzards Bay Charter Facts

At a Glance

Buzzards Bay Charter Facts

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Everything about a private sailing charter aboard Our Passion, in one place.

Vessel

Our Passion is a 42-foot ketch, which means two masts and three working sails: genoa forward, mainsail amidships, mizzen aft. That rig lets us balance her for whatever Buzzards Bay serves up, from a light morning drift to the hard southwest sea breeze that fills in most summer afternoons. A 58 hp Westerbeke diesel gets us on and off the mooring, and takes over when there isn’t enough wind to sail.

Crew

Capt. Mason and Capt. Lynne own the business and sail every charter themselves. Both carry U.S. Coast Guard 100-Ton Master licenses and lifeguard certifications, with over 40 years of sailing between them.

Capacity

Six guests maximum, plus both captains. Every charter is booked privately for the whole boat, so the only people aboard are you and your guests.

Who We Sail With

Couples, families, and small groups of friends. Proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, grandparents sailing with grandchildren, people who have never set foot on a sailboat, and people who just want a few quiet hours.

Charter Options

Sunset Sail, typically 3 hours, from $825. Half Day Sail, typically 4 hours, departing 9:00am or 1:00pm, from $1,100. Five Hour Sail, from $1,375. Full Day Sail, from $2,200. Each price is for the boat, not per head. Gratuity is separate; 15–20% is customary for the two captains.

Departure Points

Mattapoisett and Woods Hole. Other pickups on the bay can sometimes be arranged — ask when you inquire.

Season

May 15 to September 30. We do not sail outside those dates.

Cruising Grounds

Buzzards Bay and the Elizabeth Islands. Sunset sails typically include the waters off Mattapoisett — Ned’s Point Light and the harbor itself. Half day sails reach across toward the Elizabeth Islands, out into the middle of the bay, or over to another harbor such as Marion. Hadley Harbor and Eel Pond are roughly a five-hour round trip from Mattapoisett, which we book as a five hour charter from $1,375. Cuttyhunk would require a full day.

Aboard

Marine head, refrigerator and freezer you’re welcome to use, and a microwave. Cushioned seating in the cockpit, with seating on the bow and stern. A stern platform with a swimming ladder, and a hot and cold fresh water shower on the stern for when you’re done swimming. Bottled water is aboard.

Swimming

A swim stop can be part of any charter, including a sunset sail, whenever the Captain judges conditions, traffic, and current safe for it. Longer charters simply leave more time for swimming, or swimming in more than one area. Bring swimsuits and towels if you think you’d like to swim.

Food & Drink

Guests bring their own food and beverages. Beer and wine are fine, though we ask that you leave red wine ashore. We do not supply alcohol, and we do not supply ice — bring your own if you want it for cocktails. The refrigerator and freezer are yours to use.

Not Permitted Aboard

Anything deeply pigmented enough to permanently stain fiberglass and gelcoat: red wine, sangria, red juices, berries, cherries, beets, turmeric. Marijuana and other controlled substances, which federal law governs on these waters. No smoking or vaping in any form.

Children & Dogs

Children are welcome and we carry Coast Guard–approved life jackets in every size. Well-behaved dogs are welcome too. Just tell us ahead of time.

Accessibility

Boarding is by dock or by tender, and moving around the boat means steps and uneven footing under way. Tell us about any mobility, medical, or sensory needs when you inquire and we’ll walk you through what the day actually involves, so you can judge the fit yourself.

Payment

Half down holds the date, balance due four days out. Booking inside four days means paying in full up front. Venmo and Zelle cost nothing; U.S. credit cards add a 3.5% processing fee passed through at cost.

Cancellation

If the Captains cancel a charter for unsafe weather, our guests receive a full refund. Guests who cancel 14 or more days before their charter also receive a full refund. Cancelling inside 14 days forfeits 50% of the charter fee, which for most bookings is the deposit already on file — nothing further is owed. Charters booked inside four days are paid in full at booking; if a guest cancels one, the charter fee is refunded only if the Captains are able to rebook that time slot. In either case, if the slot is rebooked with another party, the forfeited amount is refunded.

Booking

Call (508) 456-7245, email info@buzzardsbaychartercompany.com, or request a date online. We reply within 24 hours.