Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the J/42 like?

Affinity is a J/42 designed by the famous sailboat designer Rod Johnstone. It sails and handles extraordinarily well. The boat has won boat of the year awards. It is Fast, Sea kindly, Strong and Easy to handle. While classic in profile and layout, it is very well balanced and responsive to even the slightest gust. Affinity is also very well equipped for cruising comfort, and it has state of the art navigation equipment and electronics and sail controls. The boat is roomy above and below. The main cabin features exceptional joiner work with a modern rendition of classic Herreshoff styling.

2. Is there Privacy Below Decks?

Affinity’s interior is designed to fulfill two goals: Privacy for each of two couples when cruising, and ample space and convenience for gear. The forward head and shower is private to the forward stateroom. The aft head is ideally located for use at sea, and can be used as a wet hanging locker, private head for the folks staying in the aft stateroom. It also has a shower. The two 6’6” main settees double as sea berths and are pitched outboard for secure sleeping at anchor or mooring.

3. What’s the room like topsides?

Lots of room. Plenty of seating in the cockpit, more than most yachts her size.

4. Where can I go on the boat during a one-week cruising vacation?

There are many options for sailing in southern New England. You have the entire shoreline of all of Long Island Sound, Rhode Island and all the way to Cape Cod and the islands of Block, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. See the cruising guide suggestions. Fortunately in Southern New England there are many historic and exciting ports fully equipped to make your vacation extra enjoyable.

5. Am I expected to leave a damage/loss deposit and if so, what does it cover?

All chatterers are required to leave a security deposit of $2,500 payable by certified check, cash or travelers checks 14 business days prior to boarding. The deposit covers any necessary repairs, cleaning, fueling and any other fees that are your responsibility. It is held in escrow and returned within ten days following the charter providing satisfactory physical inspection and completion of the Check In Check Out Form. We do not want to keep your security deposit.

6. Does the boat have everything I’ll need?

Yes, AFFINITY is well equipped with new and functional equipment. It has sheets, blankets pillows. It has a fully equipped galley, stove, and BBQ. The boat has two private heads. The sails are Kevlar with a Full Main and Roller furller head sail. It also has a dingy with a 3.5 hp outboard and oars. Electronics include a GPS, Radio, Radar, SSB, and Stereo. If you have a laptop with Nobel tech software you there is a connection plug to the GPS.

7. What am I responsible for?

Once you have boarded the vessel, you are responsible for the vessel and its equipment just as if you were the owner of the vessel.

8. What if I experience a problem, or something breaks or the engine does not run properly?

If the engine breaks down or some other problem occurs that prevents you from continuing, your charter, you have several options: you can call Jennings Yachting Services at a number on the boat, or call your charter broker. We will make arrangements to get you going quickly as possible. If you need towing, there are several companies that do this but beware, they are very expensive; sail to a mooring, or anchor if possible. We have a contract with TOW BOATUS. The telephone number is on the boat. It will be free for engine failures, but groundings are a real issue and great care should be taken as a lien can be placed on a vessel grounded.

9. What do I need to do to insure I get the charter?

To charter simply give us a call and tell us which date you would like. After a telephone interview and our review of your charter application send in a check for $250.00 to hold your desired dates for 15 days. References will be checked. Once that process is complete, and a charter agreement is received with a 50% deposit your charter will be secured, we cannot guarantee the weather or the wind, but summer in Southern New England is mostly beautiful.

10. When can I board the vessel?

Our normal charter schedule is noon to noon, allowing the mornings for checkouts. You may board the vessel beforehand if you work it out with the charter management company.

11. What is involved in the Checkout Process?

First you will be presented with the Check In Check Out Form. As you review the boat, and learn about its operation, you will check off each item on the check out form. The first time you charter with us, we require the checkout involves on the water maneuvering. This serves two purposes, it gives you a chance to become familiar with how the individual vessel handles and demonstrates to us your handling abilities. All check-outs involve a review of the vessels systems: engine operation, thru-hull locations, operation of the galley stove, operation of the head and holding tank systems, water systems, electrical system, electronics, rigging, the locations of the safety equipment and a check of the inventory. If you have a float plan we’d like to have a copy. The checkout can take about 1 to 2 hours; allow additional time for the first time checkout.

12. When am I expected to return?

You are required to have the vessel back at the dock by noon of your scheduled return date. If, for some extreme reason you are delayed, make sure you call Jennings Yacht Services, so we can plan accordingly. Poor planning for tides or weather are not acceptable reasons for returning late. There will be charge as outlined in the agreement for late returns.

13. What am I expected to do upon our return?

Be sure the holding tank is empty, (this is one of the most difficult things for us to handle in a fast turnaround situation) and stop at a fuel dock to top off your fuel tank; be sure to give us the receipt. The Mystic River Marina and the Noank Shipyard are available on your way up the Mystic River. Once back at the marina, dock the vessel in its original slip and inform the office of your return. Fill the water tanks. Remove your personal gear along with any leftover food, and trash. Any water or leftover ice must be emptied from the icebox. You must clean the vessel; this includes wiping down the heads and shower sumps, sweeping out cabins and salon, cleaning the galley (including stove top and oven; outdoor grill), and washing the decks and rigging with fresh water and scrub brush. There are hoses on the dock. All canvas or Sunbrella covers (wheel, winches, mainsail) must be put on. Buckets, sponges, deck brushes and cleaning supplies are provided onboard. The “Check In Check Out Form “ must be filled out and signed upon Check out, or return. To insure the quality of our charter vessels for you and the next person that charters, we conduct a thorough inspection that includes an inspection of the vessel inventory, keel and underwater gear after each charter. Your damage/loss deposit will be returned within fifteen (10) business days, depending upon the outcome of these inspections.