The Connecticut shoreline is one of the most scenic and captivating stretches of waterfront in the country. Long Island Sound offers fresh summer breezes, stunning

beaches, and salt marshes, while the Connecticut River boasts serene little coves and abundant wildlife. And, this season, you and your family and friends can enjoy it all on your own private, chartered boat excursion. Sail and power options range from intimate cruises for six to major event voyages for 300. Here is a sampling of options for day, evening, and multi-day charters on local waters.

River Retreats

Two tour boats that traverse the Connecticut River offer private charters.RiverQuest, which departs from Haddam, across the river from the GoodspeedFor more information, call 860-662-0577 or visit www.ctriverquest.com.Lady Katharine Cruises is the largest water venue in the region, departing fromMystique, its operating vessel, is 113 feet long and canFor more information, call 866-867-4837 or visit www.ladykatecruises.com.

Opera House, takes gatherings of up to 50 for early breakfast, brunch, lunch, and

evening cruises. She is a 64-foot, one-level, catamaran-style, environmentallyfriendly

“green” vessel with a large covered cabin area and “moveable” canopy that can cover the entire stern on a rainy or hot sunny day. Passengers may supply

their own cuisine, choose their own caterer, or select from a list of caterers that are

familiar with the boat. Another suggestion is to have light appetizers onboard and

dine after the cruise at one of a number of excellent area restaurants in Haddam,

Essex, or Chester.

Eagle Landing in Haddam.

handle 200 for a sit-down dinner and up to 300 for a cocktail party, as well as

smaller, more intimate gatherings. The custom-built boat has two levels of enclosed,

climate-controlled dining and dancing space and a top-level covered, open-air deck.

Lady Katharine cruises offers several price levels as well as customized packages,

including food and beverage service, linen tablecloths, and napkins.

Sound Suggestions

Sail CT, based in Westbrook, is unique in that it offers both captained andFor more information, call 860-262-3947 or visit www.sailct.com.Joy Ride Charters in Westbrook offers hourly, half-day, and full-day sailingFor more information, call 203-530-5037 or visit www.joyridecharters.com.

bareboat charters for experienced sailors aboard a luxury 36-foot sailboat. Private

captained charters for up to four people range from two hours—-perhaps anchored

at Duck Island just off the Westbrook coast to watch the sunset—-to full-day private

cruises, up the Sound to Essex, Mystic, and Stonington or down to Guilford and

the Thimble Islands. Bareboat charters can be booked for three- to nine-day

excursions between May and October. Sail CT’s owner, Holly Knight, can help

plan an itinerary, which may include cruising the Connecticut coast up to Block

Island, Newport, and Martha’s Vineyard, and/or such New York destinations as

the Hamptons, Shelter Island, Orient Point, and Greenport. It should be stressed

that only qualifi ed sailors 18 years and older are permitted to captain the vessel.

Specific requirement are on the website.

charters for six people maximum, including sunset sails, aboard Hado, a 35-foot

Pearson sailboat, along the coast, around the Westbrook islands, and out into the

Long Island Sound. At the helm is Captain Joy Sherman. Charters include a bottle

of white wine or sparkling water and snacks. For an extra fee, food and beverages

are provided.

Sunset Drifter Charters at Saybrook Point Marina in Old Saybrook takes up toFor more information, call 860-301-3534 or visit www.sunsetdriftercharter.com.

six passengers for cruises of two hours or longer, both in the Sound and up the

Connecticut River, aboard a 44-foot Sea Ray powerboat that’s navigated by Captain

Wayne McAllister. Saybrook Point Inn’s restaurant, Fresh Salt, will prepare boxed

lunches for an additional fee; call restaurant directly to arrange at 860-395-2000.

Island Hopping

The Thimble Islands, located in and around Stony Creek harbor, is anThe Sea Mist, a two-deck, 44-foot boat that takesThe Sea Mist provides bar service, ice, tablecloths, and aFor more information, call 203-488-8905 or visit www.thimbleislandcruise.com.Volsunga IV, captained by Bob Milne, is a 40 foot, single-deck, vintage-stylewww.thimbleislands.com.The Sea Mist and Volsunga IV are welcome to bring their

archipelago of both inhabited and uninhabited islands with a rich history and

exquisite views best experienced from the water. Stony Creek has two tour boats

that offer private charters.

Captain Mike Infantino and his crew offer private charters, including wine-andcheese

and dinner cruises on

up to 38 passengers.

sound system. Cruises can be booked for two hours or longer and travel along

the coastline of Branford, up the Branford River, the Thimble Islands, and coastal

Guilford to Sachems Head.

vessel with a canopy cover. The boat accommodates up to 30 people on one- and

two-hour weekday and evening cruises around the islands. The boat is set up for

parties with a large table, large cooler and ice, and sound system.

For more information, call 203-481-3345 or visit

Passengers on both

own food or have it supplied by a recommended local caterer, who will deliver the

goodies right to the boat.