Frequently Asked Questions and Our Policies

What are your rates? In general our rates are approximately $250/hr for the boat which includes a licensed Captain, a licensed crew person, use of the boat and the tender, fuel, and cold bottled water. After the first four hours, each additional hour is $200.

What to bring? We have a separate page for what to bring click here! 
Guest are warned that bringing electronics or other fragile possesions into the marine environment is at their own risk and salt or fresh water damage is nearly impossible to reverse.

How many people can I bring? All of our private sails are based on up to 6 guests. This is non-negotiable.

Who will be on board? We strictly offer private custom charters to our clients only. You will never be asked to share an excursion with another group. You will be provided with at least one USCG Licensed Captain and one USCG Licenced Crew person, both holding a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).

Where will you pick us up? Based on weather and availability there are a wide range of public and private docks where we can pick up your party. Sometimes, the exact location will be determined shortly before your arrival. We also have the ability pick you up from shore using our tender, which provides more options if we are unable to bring the sailboat to a dock. Guests will often be picked up by tender in the harbor that is discussed and agreed upon by the Charteree and our crew. Depending on circumstances, taking a public launch service to or from the sailboat may be required and if done, the cost of said launch service shall be at the guests’ expense. In some circumstances, guest may be dropped off, planned or unplanned, at a different location than where they were picked up. If unplanned, this is rare, but sometimes necessary and based on unforeseen circumstances. Any costs for ground transportation (eg. taxi or uber) will be at the guests expense.

Is swimming allowed? The area we serve has great water quality and offers some of Massachusetts best salt water swimming. Swimming is allowed however, it may be restricted in the event that water conditions (the boat’s location, boat traffic, strong current, or water quality) are deemed a concern. Guests’ sobriety and level of experience swimming are also taken into consideration. Our Captains and Crew are all certified lifeguards. All swimmers must be confident in their ability to climb our stern ladder to get back on the boat before getting into the water. We also have the option to take the tender to shore and swim at various beaches.

What amenities are available on the boat? For our guests use Our Passion is equipped with two enclosed private bathrooms (marine heads) one of which has a hot and cold shower. We have a fresh water hot and cold shower on the stern platform as well. We have three seating areas: the bow for relatively calm conditions which is exposed to the sun, the cockpit which is mostly protected from the wind, sun and any splashing water, and the stern bench which is exposed to the sun and usually protected from any salt water spray. The boat has a refrigerator and freezer space for guests. The boat has a propane stove, oven, and an outdoor grill.

What is included? All day charters include cold bottled water. Charter destinations and itineraries are based on weather, current, tide and sea state. All quoted prices are for up to 6 guests. Charter rates do not include gratuity for the crew. 

What about tipping? Your Captain and crew are wearing many hats during your outing and are also responsible for the maintenance, upkeep and your safety while you are aboard the vessel. Similar to a restaurant a gratuity of 15-20% based on great service is customary. After you sail with us, we think you’ll agree that our crew members try their best and are deserving of the appreciation. “If you enjoyed your trip, don’t forget to tip.”

How your charter time is calculated? Your time begins and ends at your scheduled charter time.  Round trip transportation time in the dinghy is part of your total excursion time.  Charter rates and time are not adjusted for late arrivals, including missed ferries, late launches or other transportation delays, so please plan ahead to arrive on-time.

What happens if we need more time? If due to the guests or the weather the charter needs to be extended for additional time, it will be done at a rate of $150/hr. If the Captain or crew need to extend or delay the return time, it will be done at the cost of Our Passion.

How is the boat powered? The boat has three primary sails: a genoa (also know as a jib), a mainsail and a mizzen sail (the small sail in the back). The boat also has a rainbow stripped spinnaker which is not on the boat unless special arrangements are made in advance. Let us know if this is something you would like to arrange. Depending on the conditions and the intended direction of travel, we use a combination of the sails to propel the boat. The boat is also equipped with a 58 horsepower Westerbeke diesel engine and a bow thruster for docking. The boat also has 800 watts of solar power to keep all six batteries charged.

Is alcohol allowed? Guests are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages (with the exception of red wine which is prohibited because it stains the material Our Passion is made from) and drink in moderation while aboard.  We require our guests to consume responsibly. We are not a booze cruise and, at the discretion of the Captain, we reserve the right to end a trip immediatly with no refund if a guest becomes too inebriated to safely enjoy their time aboard Our Passion.

Can I bring food or drinks? Yes, we encourage it. We have refrigerator and freezer space dedicated for our guests. We are not licensed to serve alcohol but you can bring your preferred beverages. 

What safety equipment is onboard Our Passion? As licensed Captains we take safety very seriously. The vessel is equipped with and the crew are trained to use: an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacon), VHF Marine Radio, Type 1 PFDs (Personal Floatation Devices), Type III PFDs (comfortable inflatable Personal Flotation Devices), a Type IV throwable “LifeSling”, fire extinguishers, first aid kit, and ice packs. Our Tender can also act as a motorized life raft. We have radar, a full suite of GPS equipment, flares, a horn, as well as an AIS transponder (Automatic Identification System).

What forms of payment do you accept? We accept Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, Cash, and Credit Cards.

Do you require a deposit to schedule? Yes, we require a 50% deposit at the time of booking.

What is your cancelation/bad weather policy?

• A 40% service fee is applied to all cancellations. 
• Cancellations made with a minimum of 14 days’ notice will receive a refund less the 40% cancellation fee.  
• Cancellations made with less than 14 days’ notice will forfeit all fees unless Our Passion Charter Company is able to re-book the charter dates. If Our Passion Charter Company is able to re-book the charter dates, a refund less the 40% cancellation fee will be applied.
• No refunds or partial refunds will be made for late arrivals or early departures regardless of the cause. 
• In the case of extreme weather, the Captain and Charterer will discuss a mutually convenient date to reschedule the charter.

What are the credentials of the Captains on the boat? Is this legal? Both of our Captains are USCG (United States Coast Guard) 50 Ton Licensed Masters with Sailing and Commercial Assistance Towing Endorsements. Both Captains are enrolled in a random drug testing consortium and sober for all charters. Both Captains also hold certificates in Safety and Survival at Sea, Vessel Stability, are Red Cross Certified for CPR and AED for children and adults, as well as Certified Lifeguards. Between our two Captains, we have over 40 years of combined sailing experience and thousands of sea days on sail and powerboats. The vessel is a USCG documented vessel with a coastwise endorsement allowing us to take up to six passengers. The vessel is equipped with all US Coast Guard required safety equipment. We follow all Federal and State laws.

Can I bring marijuana, medical marijuana or any other Schedule I drugs? No. 
Our Passion is a Federally Licensed drug free boat. Regardless of any state laws, recreational or medical marijuana is Federally not allowed to be possessed or consumed on any vessel. This includes edibles, vaping, infused drinks and any other form of THC products. Please leave such items in your car or your hotel. The Captain will be forced to end your charter with no refund if you or any of your guests are found to be in violation of this Federal Law. This provision is strictly enforced and non-negotiable.