The Charters
Sailing Charters on Buzzards Bay
Private charters aboard Our Passion, departing Mattapoisett and Woods Hole.
Photo: Jillian Rollins Photography
Buzzards Bay is one of the most reliable sailing grounds on the New England coast. The southwest sea breeze fills in most summer afternoons and holds steady, which is why the bay has drawn sailors for generations. We sail it aboard Our Passion, a 42-foot ketch, with both captains aboard for every charter.
Every trip is booked privately for the whole boat. The only people aboard are you and your guests, up to six, plus Capt. Mason and Capt. Lynne, who own the business and sail her themselves. Both hold U.S. Coast Guard 100-Ton Master licenses.
What a day on the bay looks like
Four charters, four different days
Full Day Charter
A full day opens up Cuttyhunk at the outer end of the Elizabeth Islands. There is no faster way to get there and back, so it takes the day, and it is the trip people remember for the rest of their lives. It is such a magical place.
5-Hour Charter
The right length for Hadley Harbor or Eel Pond, roughly a five-hour round trip from Mattapoisett. Hadley Harbor is a quiet anchorage tucked into the Elizabeth Islands, and one of the prettiest places to drop the hook anywhere on the bay.
4-Hour Charter (Half Day)
Time enough to reach across toward the Elizabeth Islands, get out into the middle of the bay, or run over to another harbor such as Marion.
3-Hour Charter
Three hours on the waters off Mattapoisett, past Ned’s Point Light, in the morning, the afternoon, or timed for sunset. The easiest introduction to sailing if you have never been out, and a swim stop can be part of it when conditions allow. For a sunset with time to explore first, a four- or five-hour charter adds a swim or a harbor stop before the evening light.
All rates are for the whole boat, not per person.
Sailing Instruction
Learn to sail her yourself
We teach sailing aboard Our Passion for people of all ages, from complete beginners to sailors who want time on a larger cruising boat. You will handle the helm, the sails and the lines, and we will explain what we are doing and why as we go.
Lessons are booked as a private charter, so the boat and both captains are yours. Three hour minimum, from $825 for the whole boat.
On any ordinary charter you are also welcome to take the helm and learn as much or as little as you like. Tell us which you are after when you write.
Departing
Mattapoisett and Woods Hole
Most charters leave from Mattapoisett, centrally located along the middle of the bay’s northern shoreline. We also depart from Woods Hole on Cape Cod. Tell us which is easier for you and we will work from there.
Sailing season: charters run May 15 through September 30. July and August book up first, and sunset sails on weekends go earliest.
Getting Aboard
Check your date
Call (508) 456-7245 or email info@buzzardsbaychartercompany.com. Tell us the date you have in mind, roughly how many are coming, and whether you are departing Mattapoisett or Woods Hole. We reply within 24 hours.