Buzzards Bay Charter FAQ

Your charter includes the whole boat and both captains. Capt. Mason and Capt. Lynne sail every trip themselves, so there is no hired crew and no strangers aboard. Bottled water is provided, and the refrigerator, freezer, microwave, marine head (private guest restroom), and swim platform are all yours to use. Bring your own food and drink. Charters are often booked for proposals, anniversaries, birthdays and family gatherings. We are glad to help you plan around the occasion and would be happy to help make it a surprise.

Up to six guests, plus the two of us. Every charter is booked privately for the whole boat, so the only people aboard are you and your guests. Have seven or more? We can arrange a two-boat charter with a partner captain, so just tell us your group size when you inquire.

No. We are not permitted to operate as a fishing charter, so fishing is not an approved activity aboard. What we do offer is time on the water under sail, exploring the harbors and islands of Buzzards Bay, swimming, and picnicking aboard, which we find keeps guests of all ages happily occupied.

Your charter time begins and ends at your scheduled departure time. Please plan to arrive on time, as charter rates and time are not adjusted for late arrivals or transportation delays. We want you to get every minute of your time on the water.

Your charter still begins at the time it was scheduled to start, and it does not extend to make up for a late arrival. If you know you are running behind, call us and we will do what we can, but please plan to arrive on time so you do not lose any of your day.

If you would like to extend your charter beyond the scheduled time, additional time is available at the stated hourly rate, subject to the Captain’s discretion and the day’s schedule. Just talk to us aboard and we will tell you what is possible.

Sunset charters typically stay in the waters off Ned’s Point Light in Mattapoisett. Half day charters reach across toward the Elizabeth Islands, out into the middle of the bay, or over to a neighbouring harbor such as Marion. Hadley Harbor and Eel Pond are about a five hour round trip. Cuttyhunk, at the outer end of the Elizabeth Islands, takes a full day.

Mattapoisett and Woods Hole. Tell us which is more convenient when you inquire. Other pickup points on the bay can sometimes be arranged.

Yes, though some have more parking than others. We have selected our departure points based on parking availability and it is rarely a major issue.

Yes. The Vineyard is within reach from either Mattapoisett (3.5hrs) or Woods Hole (1.5hrs). Woods Hole is the closer harbor of the two. It is a full day trip. We also operate Martha’s Vineyard Charter Company aboard this same vessel, so if the Vineyard is your main destination it may suit you better to start your sailing adventure from there.

Nantucket is a long way from Buzzards Bay. It is a full day each way, which means chartering the boat for the time we are on the island and either paying for the repositioning trip back or sailing it with us. It is an ambitious trip and an expensive one, but if you are adventurous enough to want it, we will do it. You will need to have overnight accommodations on the island for you and your guests. Call us and we will walk you through what it would actually involve.

Yes. The word yacht simply describes a vessel used for private pleasure rather than commercial cargo or fishing, and our 42-foot Pearson 422 ketch fits that description. People often picture a large motor vessel, but sailing yachts are the older sense of the term. Yacht, sailboat or ketch, it is the same boat and the same private Buzzards Bay charter.

Under sail, by wind, using a genoa, mainsail and mizzen in whatever combination the day calls for. A 58 horsepower Westerbeke diesel handles getting on and off the dock or mooring and it takes over when there is not enough wind to sail.

Yes. There is a stern platform with a swimming ladder, and a hot and cold fresh water shower on the stern so you can rinse off once you are back aboard.

Yes. The boat carries Starlink satellite internet, and there is a QR code aboard so your whole group can get connected quickly.

Yes. There is a marine head, which is the nautical term for the bathroom, and it is available throughout your charter. It is private, well lit and clean.

A marine head, a refrigerator and freezer for guest use, a microwave, cushioned seating in the cockpit with seating on the bow and stern, a stern swim platform with a ladder and a hot and cold fresh water shower, and Starlink Wi-Fi. Bottled water is provided.

The vessel carries the safety equipment required for licensed operation, including U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets in every size. Both captains hold 100-Ton Master licenses and lifeguard certifications, CPR and First Aid certified and one of us is always at the helm.

Yes, and we encourage it. Bring whatever you would like to eat and drink, keeping the staining items above in mind. The refrigerator and freezer are yours to use.

No. We do not supply alcohol, but you are welcome to bring beer, wine and cocktails of your own. We ask that you leave red wine ashore.

No. We do not supply ice. Please bring your own if you would like it on board. The refrigerator and freezer are available for keeping things cold.

Soft-soled shoes or bare feet. An extra layer of clothing more than you think you need since it is cooler on the water, sun protection, and your food and drink. Bring swimsuits and towels if you think you might want to swim. Soft bags travel better than hard suitcases.

Yes. Deeply pigmented foods and drinks that permanently stain fiberglass and gelcoat are not permitted, including red wine, sangria, red juices, berries, cherries, beets and turmeric. Marijuana and other controlled substances are not permitted. Smoking and vaping of any kind are not permitted. Anything else you would normally bring for a day on the water is welcome.

These are federally regulated waters, and federal law governs what happens aboard a vessel operating on them regardless of state law. Our captains hold U.S. Coast Guard licenses, those licenses are federal, therefore we follow federal laws in compliance with zero tolerance policies.

No. Smoking and vaping of any kind are not permitted anywhere on the vessel.

Yes, whenever the Captain judges conditions, traffic and current are safe for it. A swim stop can be part of any charter, including a sunset sail. Longer charters simply leave more time for swimming, or for swimming in more than one spot.

Yes. Children are welcome and we carry Coast Guard approved life jackets in all sizes. Let us know each child’s age and weight in advance so we can have the right gear ready.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome. Please tell us in advance so we know who is coming aboard.

Boarding is by dock or by tender, and moving around the boat involves steps and uneven footing under way. Tell us about any mobility, medical or sensory needs when you inquire and we will walk you through exactly what boarding and the day would involve, so you can decide whether it is a good fit.

The captains are used to the conditions that exist in our local waters. However, if you or one of your guests gets seasick, we can do our best to stabilize the boat more by reducing sail or beginning to motor, return to port, or seek the closest harbor that has no waves. If possible, we can also drop you off at the nearest dock and you can pay to return via Uber or Lyft to the charter starting point to be reunited with your car and your guests.

Not at all, and it describes a good share of our guests. You do not need any experience. You are welcome to take the helm and learn a little, or to sit back with a drink and let us do the work. Both captains hold 100-Ton Master licenses and have more than forty years of sailing experience between them.

Yes, fifteen to twenty percent is customary if you have enjoyed your day, but it is at your discretion. Gratuity is not included in the charter price.

A fifty percent deposit reserves your date, with the balance due four days before you sail. Charters booked inside four days are paid in full at booking. Venmo and Zelle are accepted at no additional cost.

Yes, major U.S. credit cards are accepted. Card payments carry a 3.5 percent processing fee, which is what our processor charges us and is passed along at cost. Venmo and Zelle avoid the fee entirely.

If the Captains cancel your charter because conditions are unsafe, you receive a full refund. If you cancel 14 or more days before your date, you also receive a full refund. Cancelling inside 14 days forfeits fifty percent of the charter fee, which for most bookings is simply the deposit already on file, so nothing further is owed. Charters booked inside four days are paid in full at booking, and if one is cancelled the entire fee is refunded only if we are able to rebook that time slot. In every case, if the slot is rebooked with another party, the forfeited amount is returned to you.

The Captain makes the call, and safety decides it. If we cancel for unsafe conditions you receive a full refund. New England weather changes quickly, so a grey morning does not necessarily mean a cancelled afternoon; we will stay in touch with you as your date approaches.