We were looking to charter or rent a sailboat to sail the Cape Ann harbor and coast. We found Schooner Thomas A Lannon. For a low cost, we were able to buy tickets for a 2 hour midafternoon cruise on a large beautiful sailing vessel, a 4 sail schooner. It was easy to find them at Gloucester harbour, parking was a breeze, boarding the boat no problem. The crew was kind and courteous and experienced. We got out of port under engine power, but then the sails came up, with help from all parties who wanted to volunteer. Once they were up, we were off, doing a brisk 14 knots and making turns and changes of course as needed. The cruise was wonderful. You could see everything on the coasts and on the ocean, it was a sunny day, and a sailing breeze greeted us the entire voyage. It was sublime. The voyage finally ended (all too soon) and one of the crew took time to get some merchandise for my wife for our kids. So nice! Very recommended! read more

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A pleasant trip around Gloucster harbor. A little more narrative would be nice, though the crew is happy to answer questions. read more

My husband and I took an afternoon sail in September 2020 and it really was an amazing trip. It was my first sail. The schooner was beautiful and well kept with a great family history. Due to a small craft advisory, we stayed in the Gloucester harbor, but there was still plenty of space to sail around. The crew was great and it was impressive to watch them all work together. read more

Schooner Thomas E Lannon - Boat Charters Near Me - Gloucester, Massachusetts

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The crew was exceptionally friendly and the boat was very clean and very well maintained . Our party brought their own food so I cannot comment on catering. Very relaxing very calm would definitely come back again. read more

Came here on a groupon for pretty cheap with the GF. This was the perfect activity for a breezy summer day. The schooner is big and the very nice owners love talking about its history and how they restored it. The experience was so pleasant that we signed up for the meteor shower viewing where they go out for about an hour out of the bay in pitch black so you can see meteors shoot through the sky. This gets a little pricey ($50)pp but it is very romantic and a great reason to cuddle. On a cool summer night. Plan for a late night when you do this because the boat doesn't get back until 1-2 AM. read more

Schooner Thomas E Lannon - dock on the way to the boat - Boat Charters Near Me - Gloucester, Massachusetts

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This was incredible. I have lived in the Northshore area my whole life, but this was only my second time out on the schooner Thomas E Lannon and I can't say enough about how great it was. The weather was prefect for sailing, and the crew provided local knowledge, historical facts about the boat and funny stories. We were able to assist in hoisting the sails, which was fun as well. There were drinks and snacks for purchase on board, including a rum punch with local rum; which we didn't partake in but they looked great. This trip would be enjoyed by sailors and non-sailors alike; tourists and locals. Definitely check it out, as well as their specialty sails. Bring layers! read more

Schooner Thomas E Lannon - Boat Charters Near Me - Gloucester, Massachusetts

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Really cool trip. We did the Saturday afternoon sail where 1 kid 16 and under is free with each paying adult. Free good deal, IMO. Crew and captain are awesome. Sailboat itself is super cool. Loved the trip. Grab a rope and help with the sails, or kick back and relax. Very cool way to get out on the water. read more

Went out for the Perseid meteor shower cruise and it was a great, peaceful night sail. The boat was super clean and plenty of space for everyone on the boat to sit. read more

The Lannon is a large 4-sail schooner built to 1905 specifications, that makes 2-hr sails around Gloucester's bay & beaches a couple times a day all summer. It's a beautiful boat, and the crew is very friendly. I got to help raise one of the sails as we headed out of the dock, enjoy great views and beautiful weather, and talked to the first mate about their story: The captain (and dad) is a retired carpenter who built the boat himself with his son, now first mate, along with shipwrights and blacksmiths, working off designs from 1905. They're both funny guys and cool to chat with. They recommended a great place to eat too, The Causeway, (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-causeway-restaurant-gloucester) Celebrated my 1-yr with my girlfriend here - it was a cool way to celebrate but in a relaxed north-shore way. Expect couples and the occasional vacationing family. We paid $20 through Groupon. Normally it's $37.50. (ps. They sell beer and wine on board as well if the occasion warrants it :) read more

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Came on a groupon and made friends, and found zen. BEAUTIFUL slow cruise of the harbor, relaxing and full of maritime stories. Family owned business - they can have weddings, special events and even cater a picnic on board for a special outing - just ask. Dad, son and staff are so professional, entertaining and nice! read more

This was so relaxing and enjoyable. Took a trip around Gloucester harbor on the Thomas E Lannon. What a beautiful boat and the crew made to sail very comfortable and informative. Can't say enough nice things. Just the best day. read more

If I could give the Thomas E Lannon 6 stars I would! My husband, 13 year old daughter and I made a memory aboard this ship that we will carry in our hearts forever. The Celtic music violin, harp, flute, guitars sounded celestial as the sunset dropped in the most radiant hot pinks, oranges and yellows. The crew was knowledgeable and friendly and the views of the shore magnificent! The boat ride was smooth and we loved how organic the salty air smelled as the big sails billowed in the wind. We even viewed an adorable Seal swimming along side the ship! The price of this trip was SO Reasonable considering how amazing this experience was and we can't wait to come back and do it all over again! read more

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Enjoyed a lovely day on the Thomas E. Lannon Schooner yesterday! The normal daily sail is about 2 hours, and takes you out into Massachusetts Bay. The wind was blowing so we enjoyed a fast ride. The captain is affable and the crew friendly, even turning the whole 65' boat around to go after a windblown hat! Fun time, and would definitely go again, maybe next time for one of their Sunset Celtic Music Sail or Moonlight Sails. P.S. If you like to participate, nominate yourself to raise the sails when you first head out. The sails are so large, you'll need help! read more

The most relaxing way to spend a summer afternoon in Gloucester, a cruise on the Lannon is one of those rare experiences that somehow is simultaneously good for both couples and families. read more

My boyfriend and I used the ever-popular Groupon deal for this schooner sail. Had a lovely sunset sail! The schooner was freshly painted and beautiful; I was surprised to hear it was hand-made by the captain. Very impressive. The crew was very skilled and navigated the ship smoothly. They took passenger volunteers to help raise the huge, heavy sails, which was fun. The small selection of drinks they had on ice were a bit expensive (their special rum cocktail was all ice and juice - where's the rum?!). Aside from that the only thing I might have improved was that the captain and crew didn't seem overly friendly or talkative after leaving port. I would have liked a little more background on Gloucester, some info on schooners and how they work, interesting sights on the coast pointed out/explained, etc. Had a nice time overall though; lovely ocean scenery, nice weather, and enjoyed the company of other passengers. read more

Hard to ask for a better show than this. The ship itself is true, and is a pleasure to sail onboard. The captain is friendly and knowledgeable. He'll be happy to point out notable scenery on the shore then tell you fish stories while he whittles some scrimshaw. The crew gets the participants to help them raise the sails, so you get a taste of the work involved. A wooden ship has lots of ropes. The weather was wonderful and our tour had a great time. read more

Schooner Thomas E Lannon - The captain (or the son of the captain) at the helm. Thomas E. Lannon, 7/18/16 - Boat Charters Near Me - Gloucester, Massachusetts

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We have been on many Thomas E Lannon sails. Tom, Kay, and crew are amazing. You feel as though you are their best friends out for a great afternoon sail. Exhilarating and serene at the same time. Sunset sail is something you don't want to miss. You owe yourself this treat at least once. But, once you do, you will be back!! Guaranteed! Paul and Rhonda Silva Picture is of son (Heath I believe) at helm read more

Beautiful boat and fantastic staff. My wife and I really enjoyed the Saturday morning public sail. Everyone on staff was friendly and very informative, whether it was a question about sailing, the boat, the water, or the local area. They're even happy to include passengers in raising the sail. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a relaxing, different way to see the beautiful coast. read more

This is a tough review for me to write...weather was gorgeous, Groupons were given to us as gifts, hour and a half drive to Gloucester was uneventful, anticipation of a glorious day on the water was high, thought of fresh seafood for dinner was making my stomach growl, intention of buying souvenirs to thank my daughter and family for the awesome opportunity was clear...sail never happened! We made it to the town a half hour prior to our 12:30 sail, as suggested, only to find ourselves in the traffic and pandemonium that was the Gloucester Schooner Festival...I guess we should have known about it by osmosis or mystical schooner fairies, or something, but we didn't. Arriving we kind of got a bit upended by the narrow streets and mega traffic and turned left when we needed to turn right. The minute I realized we had made a wrong turn, I called the reservation office to let them know we were right up the street but needed a little help finding the dock. They were pleasant and patient, giving us spot on directions and there she was, beautiful in green! We pulled into the first municipal parking lot we saw after being told to avoid the lots belonging to businesses along the water...understood. Then the second lot, then the side streets....another call, now in minor panic watching the time creep closer to cast-off. Lost the signal...re-dial...few words in and the signal was gone again. One more trip up the side streets...nothing. Major panic took over, but the third call was the charm...dirt lot near the wharf and voila, a spot! Grabbed sweatshirts and hustled our senior citizen butts off...boat couldn't have been more than 12 feet from the dock, but we weren't on it. Now, let me be very clear...the Thomas E. Lannon was scheduled to sail at 12:30, and she did...exactly as it should be. Not for one second did we get upset about that. It was the "customer service kick in the pants" which came after that prompted this review. Into the office we went, with disappointed faces, announcing that we missed the boat. Reservations were checked, and the suggestion was made that we come back for a later sail at 3. We perked up, as that sounded like a good idea. And then the fun began...there are only a few spots left, she told us, but if we came back at 2:50 we would be put on standby. Pause...standby? There were spots left, so I suggested she just reserve them because we would definitely be back, no standby needed. Couldn't do that. Sorry. She did, however, inform us that the Groupons had to be redeemed, one way or another. Now instead of major panic there's major confusion...how, exactly, was that supposed to happen? It appears that our Groupons had turned us into second class consumers...standby was so they could sell full price tickets while we lowly Groupon users stood there like beggers, waiting to be called to the head of the line if those more costly tickets were not sold. Still wanting to sail, we offered to pay the difference between the Groupon price and full price if we were able to reserve a sail on the 3:00 boat. Couldn't do that either. Nor could we reserve a sail on a future date. Reminder: the Groupons had to be redeemed one way or the other...if we didn't want to return two and a half hours later on a standby basis, those Groupons were going to zoom through their system anyway...deal done...REDEEMED! In the end, I got the young lady's name and her manager's name (member of the family owning the schooner, as it turns out), and decided to share my experience...tried putting it up on their Facebook page but it magically POOFED into thin air before I was finished. We didn't sail, we didn't spend money on a delicious meal or souvenirs to say thanks to my daughter and her family for thinking of us...we walked back to the dirt lot, got into the car and left. My daughter's disappointment is another story. read more

The schooner tour around the Gloucester coast is a fun and relaxing 2 hour tour along scenic coastline and I think alot of how much you enjoy the trip depends on the weather. We had a great sunny afternoon and had a very enjoyable trip. Two hours really is an ideal amount of time to be on the boat. We had little wind so we didn't get to travel at a quick pace but if you're looking for relaxing and serene, this is a great option. Plan your trip well. read more

A gorgeous schooner to be sure. The crew was friendly and professional which made us feel comfortable. We enjoyed our tour but hoped to leave the confines of Gloucester harbor. It was my second time sailing and second time with little wind. Too bad Mother Nature didn't cooperate. read more

my husband and I got discount tickets for this through groupon and went a few weeks ago on the morning cruise. It was a lovely day and the seas were calm. The owner of the boat and his staff were all wonderful and very friendly. You go out around Gloucester Harbor for 2 hours or so and the boat is just the right size to pick up a converstion with people around you (which the owner suggests you do)! We met a great couple from NY with their children and before we knew it, we were back in port. :( I could've stayed out there all day. They also do weddings and private sailings. It's a beautiful schooner. If you have the chance, definitely go. :) read more

Went again this year with the same GroupOn deal like last year and LOVED IT!!! It's a fabulous time. Check it out.

Beautiful ship, and very well cared for. The crew was absolutely amazing. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to our needs. The captain was a really cool guy and talked with the group of people on board throughout the trip. Lynn is awesome! The two young men working on the boat were also very nice. We had a great time and am already talking about a return trip. read more

An utter delight. Even with a full complement of people onboard, the peacefulness was healing and delightful. The captain answered questions in a most informative manner and let some young teens help raise the sails which made their day. Highly recommended! read more

great way to spend an afternoon - hubby and i went out on the Lannon recently, and it was very relaxing. sunny, breezy, comfortable, and two hours is about the right amount of time to putter around the harbor. we went in part because i bought Groupons, and that seemed like a good way to try it out - i'd definitely pay full price for one of the 'specialty' sails (chowder, music, moonlight). read more

A pleasant cruise but a bit disappointing. The captain said if you want a tour this is the wrong place and he was right. There was no interpretation and no real history of the area. It was pleasant being on the water but that's the best I would say. If you like being on large sailboats and relaxing on the water, you will probably like it. But the captain did not enrich the cruise and did not inspire you to come back for more. read more

My husband and I had looked forward to this schooner cruise for weeks. Yesterday was unusually warm for late September, the perfect day to be on the water. Or so I thought. While the weather was beautiful, there was no wind. The crew did hoist the sails, but most likely for looks, as they told us we would basically be slowly floating around Gloucester Harbor via a very slow motor. We never even got near the breakwater. After being on the water only 10 minutes, we stopped while the crew could sell drinks and snacks. We were sitting mid ship, and could not hear any dialogue between the captain and those lucky enough to be sitting near him. The cruise wasn't narrated, so we had no idea what we were seeing. At the end of the cruise the captain applauded his crew and announced that there would be an "appreciation box" left as we disembarked. Really??? This was very disappointing excursion. We will not return and we will not be recommending it either. It was, in fact, boring. read more

Had a truly delightful sail on the Lannon this evening. It is such a beautiful boat, and Gloucester Harbor such a gorgeous harbor. Sunset was perfect (especially when the sun went behind Hammond Castle), and the staff delightful and entertaining. I can't imagine a nicer time. I don't get much time off in the summer, but this was like an instant vacation. My friend commented at the end of the trip that I looked ten years younger than when I got on! ;-) read more

Great trip I had on this boat I went with a group of friends and it was very fun but wish it was a bit longer

A very nice schooner ride on a gorgeous late summer afternoon. What can be better than that?

Beautiful schooner, friendly crew, lovely Fall weather but quite a disappointing cruise. There was very little wind in the harbor, no ones fault, but the captain made no effort to motor outside the harbor to find any. So all we did was drift along with full sail set, motor off, barely making it outside the breakwater before turning around and motoring back to the dock. Meanwhile, schooner Adventure and other sailboats sailed past us out of the harbor. I feel that we wasted not just our $35 and $40 fare, but also the two hours spent wallowing in the harbor when we could have been sailing. read more

Our office group recently went out on the Thomas Lannon schooner and had a blast. Wonderful people..beautiful boat, breathtaking sunset over Gloucester harbor. Highly recommended. read more

We live on the south shore so we made a day of it, traveled north to Gloucester, the boat is beautiful, very clean and comfortable. It rides smooth and soft. The harbor has lots to look at. The boat was built by captain and family, there is a picture book to watch the amazing build from beginning to end. The rum punches were very good. This is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. We will be coming back read more

I agree with many of the lukewarm reviews here. If it had not been such a nice fall day and if we had not been in the company of friends, this sail would have been a bust. Absolutely no narration or pointing out of the sights. Fine, maybe the Captain doesn't want to be another tour boat...but hey that is what this is, and it is what people want. You are sailing in an historic area so tell us about it. Luckily we grew up nearby so could share our knowledge with others. If the captain doesn't want to do it himself, have the crew mingle and tell passengers about the area. But the crew's job was to sell chips and rum and cider drinks for $6. The captain was frankly more interested in just holding court around the wheel and talking to people about his own agenda. I though maybe he was just tired of doing this sail all season since it was October, but no, this is how the trip works. And yes, he tells you to talk to the people around you...obviously because he will not be talking to you, unless about his own thoughts. He also complained the he is not doing Groupon anymore because he doesn't make enough money off of it. Seriously, keep that to yourself. He blew his opportunity with groupon. It was a way to get people to the ship and have hem tell others, but no one is recommending the ride. It was thinking of bringing my parents on the trip (even though we have our own sailboat and can sail anytime) but there is nothing unique about the trip that makes it worth the effort. He does tell you 2 minutes worth of history on the boat, but again that's it. There is great info about the construction of the boat that is on their website that the Captain could have shared, but he chose not to. Too bad. read more

Have to say that the boat is beautiful and the trip in the harbor was lovely, despite the lack of wind. The only thing that took away from the trip was the captain. An arrogant person who made us feel like he was doing us a favor by allowing us on his boat. Loved the ride but next time will check out another schooner in Gloucester like the Ardelle or Adventure. read more