The birthday boy and his happy wife.

How much does it cost to charter?

Our charter rates have not increased since 2007. For 2010, the rates are as follows:

• $525/hr. midweek (from Sunday evening through Friday afternoon).
• $675/hr. weekends (from Friday sunset through Sunday afternoon).
• There is a two hour minimum for all private charters. The exception is weddings, which require an additional 1/2 hour charter to allow time for your caterer to set up.
• A private charter includes the exclusive use of the vessel, captain, crew and someone to serve your drinks.
• You will have the boat to yourselves. There will be no other passengers other than your group.
• Group size is limited to 49.
• You can pick one of our caterers, use your own caterer, or even host a potluck. The menu selection is entirely up to you.
• We have a liquor license, so you cannot bring your own alcohol onboard.
• A 50% deposit is required with the signing of a charter agreement. Final payment is due on the day of your sail.
• Thirty days cancellation notice is required for deposit refunds.

Sigma Kappa Sorority reunion on a glorious June afternoon.

What's the difference between a private charter and a group rate?

The main difference is this. If you opt for the group rate (30 or more people) and your group size is less than 49 (the capacity of the boat), we may sell additional tickets to other people for that sail. So, there may be people sailing with your group that you don't know. There is no food on our public group sails. Group rates are usually, although not always, used by groups traveling by motorcoach.

If you charter the boat, your group will have the boat to yourselves. We will set up a big table for you for your food. (We can help you with catering, you can bring your own food, or we can serve you a lobsterbake with all the fixings). We have actually chartered the boat to as few as 2 people, and to as many as 49. Since we charter by the hour, the number of guests you bring is up to you. A private charter is a little bit more special. If you are trying to put on a party that is more of an event, a private charter is definitely the way to go.

Call us at (978) 281-6634 to book your private charter on the Lannon.

Letters from some of our private charterers:

Dear Kay and Tom,

WOW! You gave a lot of people a lot of joy on Sept. 7th at 5:00. Thank you for making Bob Dews' 60th birthday a treasure of memories. And thank you for building a very special schooner for us all to learn from and enjoy.

Kay-the pre-planning time you spent with me was invaluable. You know what works-you're a pro. The very best to you both for many more happy voyages.

Leslie Dews

Dear Tom and Kay:

From all reports, it was one of the best gatherings we ever had!! They thoroughly enjoyed themselves! Thanks for everything, especially the weather. Next time we'll plan a longer sail.

Nancy Marculewicz

Dear Kay,

Thank you for a fabulous experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our charter. It was a wonderful touch to have the guests help raise the sails. The kids (and the adults!) loved it.

Guests are still raving about the party. Believe it or not, my 2 1/2 year old daughter still talks about "Daddy's birthday boat." You and your crew helped make Brad's 30th birthday one to remember. Thank you and happy sailing.

Yours truly,

Tina Schell

Dear Kay and Tom,

On behalf of the GHS Class of 1956 reunion committee, I'd like to thank you for the wonderful sunset cruise the evening of August 5th. It delighted us all-especially those from out of state who hadn't experienced the ocean breezes and views of Gloucester from the harbor.

Faye Brophy

Dear Tom and Kay,

On July 31 I had a surprise 50th birthday party for my husband aboard the Lannon. It was the best night we ever had! Our guests had a wonderful time, and Mike is still talking about the best birthday he has ever had. For him it was a dream come true. Right from the beginning--from your great website to the very friendly phone conversations I had with you and your son. Everything went smoothly. You and your captain and crew were wonderful to us. Our two children were in charge of getting the food there and you couldn't have been nicer or more helpful to them. I can't thank you enough for all your help. We will certainly recommend to all that a night on the Schooner Lannon is a wonderful treat for any occasion! We hope to make it back there before the end of the summer for one of your music cruises.

Again, thanks to all for a wonderful evening and for helping to make Mike's 50th a birthday he will never forget!

Sincerely, Debbie Hughes

P.S. What a very special moment it was when his Dad's flag was raised up with the sails! Mike felt that his Dad was right there with us. Thank you.

A summer afternoon sail or a moonlit evening sail...the choice is yours.

Call us at (978) 281-6634 to book your private charter on the Lannon.

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