MOTOR YACHT LITTLE VIGILANT
Little Vigilant was designed and built for yachtsman Drayton Cochran of New York. The boat was built to be seaworthy yet able to navigate the canals of Europe, with tabernacle mounted masts and a pilothouse that could have the upper half removed. The first large yacht built by Abeking and Rasmussen at their Bremerhaven yard after World War II, the yacht was built to the highest class of Bureau Veritas, and constructed of the finest materials.
Little Vigilant spent her first years cruising Europe and in 1959 served as the dive vessel for an underwater archaeological expedition in the Aegean Sea with Peter Throckmorton and the National Geographic Society. A film, “3000 Years Under the Sea” (see link to fascinating video) was filmed aboard.
In 1961 the vessel was put in storage in England where she sat until 2005 when purchased and fully restored by Mr. Richard Armstrong. Mr. Armstrong cruised Little Vigilant throughout New England, Bermuda, and the Caribbean before donating her to Mystic Seaport Museum.
DAY CHARTER
A day charter aboard Little Vigilant is a phenomial way to spend a summer day in New England. Most day charters depart the Mystic Seaport Museum, however different pick up and drop of locations can be organized, just chat with the team to organize.
If you are departing the Mystic Seaport Museum, we need to navigate the river and bridges. Start and end times are usually selected around Bridge opening times. It's a stunning cruise down the Mystic River, and usually takes about an hour. From there we can cruise to Fishers Island, Sag Harbor, Stonigton, the Thimble Islands or whatever you and the Captain have discussed prior to departure.
It's fun to head out an anchorage for lunch and swimming. It also makes an impressive way of getting to your vacation home or holiday rental on the islands.
If you can dream it, we can try to make it happen.
The Full Day Charter costs $2000 and is 8 hours long.
It includes the boat, fully equipped for charter, a professional captain and crew member, fuel, and space for up to 6 guests.
The trip is private. Only you and the people you want on board.
Same price; whether there are 1 or 6 guests aboard
It does not include food & beverage, food & beverage service and/or preparation, mooring and dockage fees, excursions off the boat, transfers to and from the boat and customary crew gratuity, or similar expense incurred by the guests.
BYOB is allowed.
Provisioning and Catering can be arranged. Please Email charters@MysticSeaport.org to order.
The boat cruises from Mystic Seaport Museum to an anchorage at Fishers Island, Watch Hill, or a Long Island for lunch and swimming. The charter ends at Mystic Seaport.
This is however a rough itinerary; plans can change at the desertion of the captain. The captain will take into account itineraries and routes the guests may want to take, but in no way is the captain bound to the will or request of the guest. The captain’s main responsibility is the safety of the boat and all those aboard.
Captains are professionals with Coast Guard Licenses, solid sailing and cruising experience, and a sound knowledge of the cruising area and waters.
The boat has refrigeration and a cooler, ice, and water to keep drinks and food cold.
It comes with all necessary utensils, cutlery and associated paraphernalia for a cruise of this nature and duration.
Experience the phenomenal cruising grounds of Fishers Island, Long Island Sounds
SUNSET CRUISE
A Sunset Cruise aboard Little Vigilant is an experience that will not soon be forgotten.
Little Vigilant departs the Mystic Seaport Museum with her timing in lockstep with the bridge opening, so it is important to be on time. Once through the bridge Little Vigilant will cruise past down town Mystic, past the Rail Road bride, and down along Masons Island, all the way to Noank. This usually takes an hour, the remainder of the time can be spent cruising to around the Sound with a course set for Ram Island, Fishers Island or perhaps even to Stonington if your captain thinks you have enough time.
Provisioning can be organized through the team, or can be supplied by the Guests. Little Vigilant comes with serving platters, plates, cutlery and miscellaneous bits needed for entertaining a group of up to six guests.
The Sunset cruise aboard Little Vigilant is 3 Hours long & cost $1000 for the boat, crew and up to six guests.
The boat cruises down river from Mystic down past Noank and into Fishers Island Sound. The boat then cruises back up the Mystic River to the dock at Mystic Seaport.
Sunset colors on the River and Fishers Island Sound are spectacular and make for a wonderful start to a good night.
Guests are welcome to bring their own drinks and catering. The boat comes equipped with all necessary serving platters, cutlery, glassware and crockery and coolers you may need.
The boat comes with a captain and a deckhand/server. Gratuity for the crew is not included in the charter price.
There is plenty of space aboard Little Vigilant, however the boat is not able to take more than 6 guest out.
Little Vigilant offers a once in a lifetime experience to enjoy a cruise down the river aboard a stunning yacht with a fascinating history.
OVERNIGHT CHARTER
Little Vigilant is available for over night charter for $2000 a day. Please email: charters@mysticseaport.com to book.
It includes the boat, fully equipped for charter, a professional captain and appropriately qualified cook/mate, and berths for 6 guests.
It does not include food & beverage, food & beverage service and/or preparation, food & beverage for the captain, mooring and dockage fees, excursions off the boat, transfers to and from the boat and customary crew gratuity, or similar expense incurred by the guests.
Provisioning can be organized. Please include details at booking. Provisioning will be done at extra cost.
Guests can use provisioning and catering services.
BYOB is allowed.
The captain and crew will need to be fed by the guests. If the captain has dietary restrictions, Mystic Seaport will notify the guests and the Mystic Seaport will take responsibility for the captains’ meals and provisions.
The captain will take into account itineraries and routes the guests may want to take, but in no way is the captain bound to the will or request of the guest. The captain’s main responsibility is the safety of the boat and all those aboard.
Captains are professionals with Coast Guard Tickets, solid sailing and cruising experience, and a sound knowledge of the cruising area and waters.
It is possible to sail with up to six guests.
The boat has refrigeration and a cooler, ice, and water to keep drinks and food cold.
It comes with all necessary utensils, cutlery, linens, 2 towels per a guest, and associated paraphernalia for a cruise of this nature and duration.
REMEMBER TO BRING
Sun Protection during the day. Hats, Sun cream and pull overs.
Warm and cold weather clothing options.
Bathing Suits for lots of swims.
Gratuity for the Captain. Gratuity is not included in the booking fee. A $1000 gratuity would be appropriate for a charter of this nature.
Cash for launches to and from the boat and Mudslides at the Oar.
A sense of humor and a sunny disposition go along way with group situations like this.
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