Ranked #1 on TripAdvisor 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021
About Us- our crew & vessel
"When I was a kid, I had a poster of a sailboat hanging on one side of my bed and a SCUBA diver on the other."
Captain John Stephenson, or "Cap" to those who sail with him, is a 20-year USCG Master 100-ton Mariner who is also an American Sailing Association Certified Instructor. He sails over 5,000 nautical ocean miles annually and is an expert in Caribbean-US East Coast passages. His training in First Aid, CPR, Oxygen use, Basic Firefighting, Personal Safety & Social Responsibility, Personal Survival Techniques, and Meteorology, coupled with his Master Diver certification, make him uniquely qualified to put your safety & education first. He is additionally certified as an Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch for Vessels of up to 500 gross tons. His gentle and friendly personality ensure that guests not only have fun while underway, but also have the opportunity to learn the fine art and skills of sailing.
Hailing from Scituate, Massachusetts, Cap has been at the helm of countless vessels ranging from 20 to over 100 feet and is the former Senior Captain of the 139 ft Boston Tall Ship. He is a former Boston Underwater Search & Rescue Team Diver and previously owned a successful photography business in Boston for nearly 20 years. His interests include portrait & underwater photography, diving, snorkeling, fishing, hockey, and upgrading and maintaining Sea Witch.
Cap works with additional crew members and caterers to meet the needs of guests aboard Sea Witch. His crew are all certified via the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Program (STCW), which ensures your personal comfort and safety while aboard. Additionally, several crew mates hold USCG Captain Licenses as well. All mates aboard Sea Witch have several thousand ocean nautical miles' experience and enjoy swimming, sailing, and sharing their love of the islands with every sailor aboard Sea Witch.
Our Vessel - Elegance & Beauty in a Classic Sailboat
Sea Witch is a hand-built 530 ketch rig and is designed for function and comfort. Ease of handling, a high degree of maneuverability, and speed are just a few of the features that make her ideal for everything from day sailing to ocean crossings. The midship cockpit with extensive comfortable seating provides a central work area with excellent visibility and instruments that are within easy reach. The heavy, deep draft 7-foot full keel plus the additional 5-foot retractable centerboard offers a stable and comfortable ride even in heavier weather.
The design below deck is both thoughtful and luxurious with three separate staterooms that offer comfort and complete privacy. The interior is all wood - every bit built by hand - with teak and holly chosen for the beauty of their grain. Teak floors, tables, and handrails throughout add to the natural beauty of Sea Witch. The deluxe aft stateroom featuring a luxury high-end queen-sized bed and private head with full shower is the perfect escape for any couple seeking relaxation or for offshore crew requiring enough shared space to hot-bunk. The V-berth is highlighted by a massive double berth, which Sea Witch has perfected with a high-end Tempurpedic mattress with cooling gel for comfort. The generous third forward guest stateroom with upper and lower bunks provides additional quarters perfect for a family or crew during passages. Gorgeous staterooms coupled with abundant main salon and galley space ensure that time below deck is just as enjoyable as hours spent above with the wind in your hair.
The closer you look, the more you will recognize the stunning beauty and elegant function of Sea Witch. Join us for a day sail or term charter in Martha's Vineyard or the Caribbean or an educational passage and get bewitched by the call of the ocean aboard Sea Witch!
Photo Gallery of our crew & vessel
Captain John, our Senior Captain.
Captain John finds Jaws in the Caribbean
Salon with dining space below deck for guests and crew.
Spacious cockpit with seating for al fresco dining.
Centerline queen bed in the private aft stateroom with its own private head.
Private aft head with separate, enclosed shower.
Forward V-berth with over-sized bed large enough for two adults to sleep comfortably.
Quarter berth with bunk beds located on the forward, starboard side.
New Options for Groups Larger Than 6!
Check out The Vineyard's Newest, Exclusive Sailing Option