Marsh and Bay Expeditions

"What a mind blowing trip! Words fall short...I've come home changed in some unnamable way." - Brendan, Philadelphia

bow wave Welcome to M&BX, a unique sailing instruction and trip guide service dedicated to the adventurous art of small boat coastal cruising, motor-free.

Sail and camp in outfitted dinghies with just one or two others. We tailor each trip to you and the conditions. Gain or sharpen abilities, escape into nature, play, birdwatch, get some history, discover new places, or just enjoy.

Trip lengths and ranges vary. They usually start on the lower Connecticut River or Massachusetts' Westport River. These two beautiful estuaries sustain the largest tidal marshes on mainland New England's south coast, and for those ready to head out onto less sheltered water, they make ideal launch points to the best summer dinghy cruising on the Eastern Seaboard.

camp ashore On a two day river weekend you can enjoy mastering the essential skills of handling small boats on a beautiful estuary. Rowing, sailing, boat camping, and discovering a many-faceted and ever-changing river—maybe even the open water beyond its mouth.

at the tiller With a three or four day long weekend you get to savor and learn more from a proper piece of dinghy cruising. The extra time may also allow for venturing up the coast or out to offshore islands.

A full voyage of five to fifteen days gives you a true coastal cruise. Crossings, remote coves, empty beaches. Creatures and skies. Exploring walks in remote spots. On the first day we refresh old hands, get novices oriented, and consider the possibilities with forecast winds and currents. Then anything is possible!

It’s best to coincide a trip with favorable tidal currents for easier departures, passages, and arrivals in daylight. Drop us a line with your preferred dates and/or interests, and we’ll respond with some options.

You can also use the lunar calendar below with the following guidelines to identify ideal start dates:

Begin two to three day trips up the Connecticut River between four days after a new or full moon and two or three days after a quarter moon. Overnight trips on the Westport River can happen at any point in the tide cycle.
Begin three to four day Connecticut coast/East End trips between two or three days before and two days after a new or full moon. For longer (i.e. better!) Connecticut launching trips, move only the beginning of the start window earlier one day for each additional trip day.
Begin three to four day Massachusetts' Buzzards Bay trips between two or three days after a quarter moon and two days after a new or full moon. For longer Massachusetts trips there is a little more flexibility, unless hoping to reach Nantucket, in which case launching a seven or eight day roundtrip between two or three days after a new or full moon and one or two days after a quarter moon provides for reasonably timed currents at the harbor entrance if conditions permit getting there.
Multi-week trips with potentially coast wide ambitions bring more flexibility to line up bigger jumps with the most favorable tides and conditions.

on the Westport Boats, meals, and equipment are included with instruction/guidance. Among the things to bring: bathing suit, sun protection, knife, water shoes, headlamp, and sleeping bag. Be fit, able to swim, and ready to embark on the lifelong adventure of becoming a mariner. To request a booking, please send an email with your preferred dates and location, and a brief party description.

Prices per person:
With two or more ~ $60 per trip plus $120 per day.
Solo ~ $90 per trip plus $200 per day.

Cruising is our thing, but daysails may be had year-round ~ $240 flat rate for up to three people.
Any minor should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For each person coming send this form and waiver, or include the requested info and come ready to sign before shoving off. Bookings can be made via Paypal (add 3%) or check (instructions on the form). Payment for overnight trips must be received by four days before launch, thanks!

Transport from the train or bus can be arranged. Get in touch with any questions or for other locations. The word "weekend" for shorter trips doesn't limit when in the week they occur. Gift vouchers available. We offer a few perennial deals that your booking may qualify for. Specials sometimes appear on social media. You can be notified of trips with an open spot. Sometimes your plans change: here's our refund policy.

"Still aglow and raving about the unbelievable adventures we had together." - Dana, Boston