Date : 13 Nov 2025
As the summer season comes to a close and we haul SV Rhapsody out for post-season maintenance, I find myself looking back on a truly memorable year on the water. It all began with a single track-line on our chartplotter, terminating at our iconic Bug Light after a 2,000 NM ocean voyage, greeted by a welcoming sunrise over “The Bay.” From that first dawn arrival to the final sunset sail of the season, the journey has been nothing short of spectacular. I’m proud and honored to be part of the East End sailing community, sharing these beautiful cruising grounds with our charter guests and fellow mariners.
Sailing in Harmony with Our Community
One thing our guests consistently remind us of is to never take the splendor and serenity of the East End for granted. Every day out on the water, whether it was a lazy afternoon sail or a spirited run across the waves, we were surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maritimes that leaves us in awe. It was also incredibly soulful sharing “The Bay” with other respected sailing charter boats. We often found ourselves cruising in harmony alongside friends at East End Charters (schooners Bonnie Lynn and Surprise), Layla Sailing (SV Layla), Nautical Dreamer II, and the eco-friendly Glory Going Green. I look up to these colleagues and learn from them every time our wakes intersect. Whether you sail with us or with any of our fellow captains, a “Day on the Bay” is always filled with relaxing fun and the promise of lifelong memories.
Season Highlights: Wildlife and Waterways
Grey seals basking on a tiny island, a common sight near Little Gull Light.
From wildlife encounters to navigating challenging waters, this season offered highlights we won’t soon forget. We marveled at gray seals frolicking around Little Gull Island and basking on the rocks near Little Gull Light, their silhouettes breaking the morning calm. On one lucky day we even spotted North Atlantic right whales in the waters off southern New England – a rare and humbling sight that reminded us how privileged we are to sail these waters. The majestic profile of Point Judith Light greeted us on our coastal passages, a beacon standing proud as we tackled the constant challenges of sailing in Narragansett Bay. Day in and day out, the Bay threw everything at us; shifting winds, swirling currents, and the occasional ripping tide, yet each challenge only sharpened our skills and deepened our respect for the sea.
Season Highlights: Ports, Harbors, and Scenes
The historic Montauk Point Lighthouse, standing tall at the eastern tip of Long Island.
Beyond the wildlife and open-water sailing, each destination on our itinerary added its own flavor to the season. We dropped anchor in quaint New England villages like Wickford, RI and Cuttyhunk, MA, where time seems to slow down and the charm of seaside life is everywhere. In contrast, we also dove into the hustle and bustle of Block Island on a summer weekend and soaked up the glitz of Montauk, from its iconic lighthouse to the lively docks teeming with luxury yachts and fishing boats. Some of our most peaceful nights were spent in the serenity of Three Mile Harbor and Coecles Harbor, where calm waters and starry skies made for perfect retreats after busy days. Of course, we can’t forget the frenzy of watercraft zipping through Greenport Harbor on a sunny afternoon, or the exhilarating rip-tides that keep us on our toes in the Shelter Island channels. And without a doubt, the season gifted us superb sunsets, those moments when the sky turned tangerine and rose, and everyone on board paused to marvel at nature’s grand finale for the day.
Gratitude to Our Guests and Crew
None of these adventures would have been possible without the people who shared them with us. To all our charter guests: thank you for choosing Sail NoFo and for bringing your enthusiasm aboard. Your smiles, laughter, and sense of wonder made each trip special. We’re also deeply grateful to our colleagues and the dedicated folks in the local maritime community, from the dockhands and marina staff to the harbor masters and marine services, your support and camaraderie have bolstered us throughout the season.
A very special shout-out goes to my incredible crew – Jack, Al, Karl, Billy, Karen, and Katy (affectionately known as the “Usual Suspects”). This tight-knit team was always willing and eager, and their passion and hard work made our successes possible. From expertly trimming sails and keeping our guests safe, to serving up snacks with a smile, they turned every voyage into a first-class experience. I couldn’t ask for a better crew beside me on deck.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we reflect on the season behind us, our hearts are full of gratitude and inspiration. The boats may be heading to their winter berths and the days growing shorter, but the memories of 2025 will continue to warm us through the off-season. We’re already dreaming and planning for next year, with new destinations to explore, familiar harbors to revisit, and hopefully even more magic moments on the water.
Thank you all for being part of our journey this year. On behalf of the entire Sail NoFo family, I want to wish everyone fair winds for the winter and an open invitation to join us again when the sails are hoisted next spring. We can’t wait to share an even better season in 2026 with all of you.
Until then, I’ll be polishing the brass and plotting our course for new adventures. Here’s to smooth seas, stunning sunsets, and the friendships forged on the Bay!
– Cap’t Dan and the Crew at Sail NoFo