General Information

What is included in a private sailing charter with Our Passion Charter Company?

Your private charter aboard Our Passion includes the exclusive use of the boat, a licensed captain, and a licensed mate. Bottled water is provided. Guests should bring their own food and beverages, though a refrigerator and freezer are available on board.

How many guests can you accommodate on a sailing charter?

We are licensed to carry up to six passengers per charter, in addition to the captain and licensed mate.

What are some popular destinations?

Our Passion operates year round across a wide range of destinations, making us one of the most versatile private sailing charter options in New England and beyond.

In summer we sail the waters of Martha’s Vineyard, Buzzards Bay, Nantucket, Newport and Bristol Rhode Island, Block Island, Boston, Scituate, Provincetown, Dartmouth, Mattapoisett, and Onset Massachusetts.

In spring and fall our range expands to include New York City, Annapolis Maryland, and the ports of the US Intracoastal Waterway from Norfolk Virginia through Beaufort North Carolina to Charleston South Carolina.

In winter we operate in Florida waters, and special arrangements can be made for passages to the Bahamas aboard Our Passion or aboard another vessel with our licensed captains at the helm.

Our charters cover a vast range of East Coast ports of call. Tell us where you want to go and we will make it happen.

From where do your sailing charters depart?

Departure locations vary based on your charter destination and the time of year. We operate from a wide range of public and private docks across New England and beyond. In some cases the exact pickup location will be confirmed shortly before your arrival so please plan accordingly. Contact us to discuss the best departure point for your charter.

How is the boat powered?

Our Passion is a sailboat powered primarily by three sails: a genoa, a mainsail, and a mizzen. Depending on conditions and direction of travel, we use a combination of sails to propel the boat. Our Passion is also equipped with a 58 horsepower Westerbeke diesel engine for docking and motoring when wind conditions require it.

Food, Drinks, and Alcohol

Can we bring our own food and drinks on board?

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages. A refrigerator and freezer are provided for your use, along with bottled water.

Do you provide alcohol on charters?

No, we do not provide alcohol. Guests may bring their own beer, wine, or cocktails. However, red wine is not permitted as it can stain fiberglass.

Is marijuana allowed on board?

No. While marijuana is legal in some states, federal law prohibits its use or possession on U.S. waterways regardless of state laws. For this reason, marijuana is not permitted on our charters.

Practical Details

What should we bring on our sailing trip?

We recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, non-marking shoes, a light jacket or sweater, and any personal items you’d like for comfort. Don’t forget your favorite food and beverages. Please note we do not allow red wine on the vessel. For a complete packing list visit our what to bring guide.

Is swimming allowed on our charter?

Swimming is allowed and the waters we sail offer some of the best swimming on the East Coast. Swimming may be restricted at the Captain’s discretion based on water conditions, boat traffic, current, or guest safety considerations. All swimmers must be confident in their ability to climb back aboard. Our Captains and crew are certified lifeguards.

What safety equipment is on board?

We take safety seriously and Our Passion is fully equipped with all US Coast Guard required safety equipment including an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacon), VHF Marine Radio, Type I and Type III Personal Flotation Devices, a Type IV throwable LifeSling, fire extinguishers, a first aid kit, radar, GPS, flares, and an AIS transponder. Our licensed captain and licensed mate are trained to use all safety equipment aboard. Every charter we offer meets or exceeds all US Coast Guard safety requirements.

Is there a bathroom on the boat?

Yes, Our Passion is equipped with a clean and fully functional marine restroom (head).

What amenities are available on the boat?

Our Passion is equipped with a fully functional marine restroom (head), a refrigerator and freezer for guest use, and multiple seating areas including the cockpit, bow, and stern. The boat also has a propane stove and oven as well as an outdoor grill. Bottled water is provided for all guests.

Is smoking allowed on board?

No. For the safety and comfort of all guests, smoking is not permitted aboard the vessel.

Are children welcome on the sailing charters?

Yes, children are welcome. We provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all ages and sizes. Please let us know in advance if young children will be aboard so we can ensure the proper safety gear is available.

Are pets allowed on the boat?

Yes, well behaved dogs are welcome on the vessel. The captains love dogs and would love to discuss with you the details of how we can include your dog in the charter.

Is tipping customary?

Your charter captain and licensed mate work hard to ensure your safety, comfort, and enjoyment throughout the entire charter. A gratuity of 15 to 20 percent is customary and greatly appreciated. If you had a great time on the water, your crew will too.

Booking and Policies

What are your rates?

Our rates are approximately $250 per hour for the boat which includes a licensed captain, a licensed mate, use of the boat and the tender, fuel, and cold bottled water. After the first four hours, each additional hour is $200. Please contact us to discuss pricing for extended passages and multi-day charters.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, we accept Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, cash, and all major US credit cards. A processing fee applies to credit card payments.

Is a deposit required to book?

Yes, a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your charter date.

How is charter time calculated?

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, missed ferries, or other transportation delays. We want to make sure you get every minute of your time on the water.

What are the pickup and transportation details for our charter?

Based on weather and availability, we can accommodate pickup from a range of public and private docks. In some cases the exact pickup location will be confirmed shortly before your arrival so please plan accordingly. If we are unable to bring the sailboat directly to a dock, we have the ability to pick guests up from shore using our tender. Any costs for ground transportation such as taxi or rideshare will be at the guest’s expense. In some circumstances guests may be dropped off at a different location than where they were picked up. If this occurs it is rare and based on unforeseen circumstances.

What if we want to stay out longer?

If you would like to extend your charter beyond the scheduled time, additional time is available at the agreed upon hourly rate subject to the Captain’s discretion and schedule availability. Please discuss this with your Captain during the charter.

What is your cancellation policy?

A 40% service charge applies to all cancellations. Cancellations made with at least 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 we are able to rebook the charter dates, in which case a refund less the cancellation fee will be issued. No refunds or partial refunds are made for late arrivals or early departures regardless of cause. In the case of unsafe weather conditions the Captain and guest will work together to reschedule to a mutually convenient date.

Weather and Safety

What happens if the weather is bad?

Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. If weather conditions make sailing unsafe, we will work with you to reschedule your charter or provide a full refund.

Is it safe to go sailing if we have never been on a boat before?

Absolutely. Our experienced captain and licensed mate will ensure your trip is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. No prior boating experience is required.

Special Occasions

Can we celebrate a special occasion on board?

Yes! Our private sailing charters are perfect for weddings, bachelorette parties, anniversaries, birthdays, proposals, family gatherings, and other special events. Let us know in advance, and we’ll help make your occasion unforgettable.