For those special occasions when you want the ARDELLE for yourselves, we offer private charters that include company outings, family events, weddings, birthdays, or memorials. Whatever occassion you have, we can help you arrange for a memorable sail. We offer the exclusive use of the vessel and our crew for your party. If you are planning a family get together or birthday celebration for later in the season, do consider booking early because our schedule fills up quickly.
Explore the beauty of Gloucester’s historic harbor under sail aboard the Schooner Ardelle, a traditional 58’ Gloucester fishing schooner built, owned and operated by National Heritage Fellow, Master Shipwright Harold Burnham and his family.
The Schooner Ardelle offers private charters for company outings, family events, weddings, birthdays, and memorial services. Whatever occasion you wish to celebrate, we can help you arrange for a memorable sail.
2021 Charter Rates
Monday - Friday Afternoon
$900 for a two-hour charter for up to 35 passengers
$1,200 for a two-hour charter for 36-49 passenger
Friday Sunset - Sunday Sunset
$1,100 for a two-hour charter for up to 35 passengers.
$1,500 for a two-hour charter for 36-49 passengers.
Please note that all passengers are included in this count: guests, caterers, photographers, musicians, etc.
Booking a Charter
Private Charters are available throughout our sailing season from May-October, based on availability. All charter bookings are handled on a first come, first served basis. We require a deposit of half of your charter price to reserve your charter. The balance owed is due at the conclusion of your sail. A thirty day cancellation notice is required for deposit refunds.
Our charters typically depart from and return to Maritime Gloucester, 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, MA. If you would like to arrange a charter from an alternate location, please give us a call 978-290-7168.
All private charters include the exclusive use of the vessel and the services of our Captain, crew and bartenders.
Our charter times are typically: 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm, 3:30pm-5:30pm and 6pm - 8pm.
Catering
We have snacks available for purchase on board. You are also free to bring any food you would like to serve. We do not have any catering restrictions and we are happy to share a list of caterers we've worked with. We have ample space to lay out food, and will be happy to provide photographs of the deck arrangement upon request. Please note that we do not have any space for the cooking, re-heating, or refrigeration of food available on board.
Beverages
We have soda, water, beer, wine, prosecco and rum punch for sale on board. Our house beer and wine are sold for $5, soda and water for $2, rum punch, prosecco, and our upgrade wine are $7. Due to our liquor license, we are required to provide and serve any and all alcohol consumed on board. Beverages are not included in the charter price.
We can provide an open bar with a running tab, drink tickets, or a cash bar depending on your preference. A copy of our Alcohol Policy will be provided upon request.
Guest Conveniences
There are bathroom facilities available on shore at Maritime Gloucester and there is a marine head available aboard the vessel.
Accessibility
Please give us a call if any of your guests have limited mobility or difficulty walking. To board the vessel, guests must travel down a sloped gangway, across floating docks and up a short staircase. The safety of our guests is our primary concern.
Music and Photography
The Ardelle can accommodate musicians and their instruments. If you would like to book an acoustic ensemble for your cruise, we can provide you information on local musicians who have played for our guests. You are free to bring a photographer on board to record your celebration. We ask that you inform your photographer that they will be expected to conform to all safety instructions issued by the Captain.
Parking
There is a small parking lot located at Maritime Gloucester and limited metered parking on Harbor Loop. There are two, metered lots located on Rogers St. that are less than a two-minute walk to the vessel. Please be aware that Gloucester has a vibrant calendar of festivals, block parties, concerts and events throughout the summer that may impact parking.
Payment
We require a deposit of half your charter price (eg $450/midweek, $550/weekend) to reserve your charter. The balance owed is due at the conclusion of your sail. A thirty day cancellation notice is required for deposit refunds.
Weather and Cancellation Policy
New England weather forecasts are not entirely reliable and we do not cancel trips based solely on the forecast. The Captain decides whether or not to sail very close to departure time. If we must cancel because of weather, we will work with you to reschedule your charter. A copy of our Weather Policy will be provided upon request. Once a deposit has been received it will not be refunded due to weather or if you decide to cancel your charter without the required 30 days notice.
