Sakonnet Charters Provides Unique Sailing Experience [VIDEO]

At Sakonnet Point in Little Compton, there are many ways to explore the local harbor and regional waters.

“We wanted to do something completely unique and different in the charter boat business,” said Captain Bob Cavanagh of Sakonnet Charters, aboard the Eclipse, a 59’ Hinckley Southwestern sloop sailboat. The Little Compton lifelong resident, also a 30-year commercial fisherman, and his wife, Barbara, have done just that.

Built in 1985 and bought in Florida in 2009, the Eclipse had already proven its seaworthiness, having been at sea for countless hours and thousands of miles before the the Cavanaghs sailed it back to Little Compton.

Since then, the Cavanaghs have upgraded their sailboat even more to accomodate up to six people while hiring local part-timers, Sarah St. Martin and Mimi Whitmarsh, to assist on the variety of trips they have already made such as 4-hour luncheon and dinner trips, weekend sojourns and other customized ventures. 

And there are even chances to participate in competition, as a few customers did in the 635-mile 2010 Newport-to-Bermuda Yacht Race this summer.

“We finished fourth in the cruising division and won first in the William Glenn Family Participation Cruiser Division,” he said. That only whetted the captain’s appetite to share more opportunities, noting “we would like to do even more races.”

Many want to simply relax on this sleek charter boat, but several want to be a lot more active.

“We can provide kayaks and snorkel gear, and stand-up paddleboards,” Bob added. “We are not really equipped for fishing, but guests can bring along fishing gear, too.”

For businessmen, their Sakonnet Charters trip is intended to build teamwork within their organization, including learning how to sail the vessel itself, that is, under Captain Bob’s and Barbara's guidance.

“We can have two people at the wheel, two at the winches and two navigating,” he said.

Against a backdrop of so many festivals and events held along the New England coastline during summer and fall, they encourage their customers to plan trips that can include hitting the beaches, shopping and enjoying all the festivities.

Romantic getaways and possibilities abound. Barbara said they did three wedding proposals by early August.

One of the biggest assets the Cavanaghs have are the connections made within the community. That even includes the customized meals they can make and the food they purchase.

“We can prepare a lot of lobster and fish dishes, such as scallops with lobsters,” Barbara said. “Everything we buy is all fresh and local. We know all the fishermen here and there are a lot of farm and fruit stands.”

Though he sold Alison Rose the 54-foot lobster and fishing boat he built in 1987 and named for his daughter, the Cavanaghs maintain close connections with commercial and recreational fishermen.

"If one of my customers wants a striped bass or other fish quickly, I know where to get it,” he says. “I have all the fishermen on my cell phone.”

Their most popular destinations have been Newport Harbor, Cuttyhunk, Nantucket and Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard, all easily within a half-day's cruising range. And by providing dining and sleeping accommodations, these trips can last a weekend or more.

“All the harbors there have moorings,” said the Cavanaghs of the Cape Cod island destinations and most other places they visit.

“We have three state rooms, each with their own private head,” adds Barbara. “There is a spacious main salon with settees, or pull-out bunks. Our berths are double and single bunks. The furniture and floor is made mostly of teak, and some holly and mahogany.”

Once their customers book a trip, the Cavanaghs urge them to spend time in the area before boarding the Eclipse.

“Go spend some time at or stop at some stands or visit other places before coming to us,” Bob said.

When they have down time they, too, head out into the harbor to relax.

“But if you see us out there, please call me,” Bob noted. “We will customize your trip any way you want it. It is all about relaxing, having fun and enjoying yourself.”

For more information go to www.sakonnetcharters.com or call (401)474-2405.

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