One of the newest additions to Star Island‘s fleet, the M/V Utopia, is set to make weekly sunset cruises through Labor Day Weekend. These evening excursions bring guests around the Isles of Shoals to enjoy spectacular views and a unique experience. This is the first year we are trying these excursions, and hope that our excitement for this new service is matched by the excitement of our guests.

As this is a new offering, we are working on the particulars of the cruises throughout the summer. Here’s our plan:

• Mondays: Sunset Cruises departing Star Island at 7:30 PM and arriving back to the island at approximately 8:30 PM. The evening cruise includes complimentary beverages and dessert. Earlier departure times will be necessary starting towards the middle of August. Price: $35/person. This cruise will take a maximum of 20 guests and a minimum of 10 guests.
• Wednesdays: Lobster Dinner Cruises departing Star Island at 6 PM and arriving back to the island at approximately 7:15 PM. This cruise includes a picnic featuring freshly caught Maine lobsters, and filling sides. Complimentary drinks and dessert are also served. Price: $60/person. This cruise will take a maximum of 8 guests.

Income from these cruises will go to support the Star Island Annual Fund and the ongoing projects to maintain Star Island’s historic buildings and grounds.

Signing Up

On Wednesdays, we’ll send an email to everyone registered for a conference or personal retreat the following week to let them know about the Monday and Wednesday tours with the link to sign up.

You can also click here for the direct link to sign up. This page will be updated with the following week’s cruises.

The Utopia

The Utopia was built at Newington, NH by Bruno and Stillman in 1974. She is 42 feet long, powered by a Caterpillar diesel engine.

She was designed by Royal Lowell, one of the best known designers of Maine lobsterboats, and is a classic example of the best of Downeast workboat design.

She has just received a full upgrade by Warren Pond Boatworks including hull refinishing and paint, remodeled cabin and roof, new wiring and pumps, new safety systems, and new electronics.

The Utopia was previously owned by a famous local fisherman, Bob Cloutier. Bob fished with the boat from Maine southward as far as the Bahamas and the Gulf of Mexico, primarily for tuna. He is said to have “paved the road to Jeffrey’s Ledge” in search of Atlantic Bluefin tuna in the boat.

The Utopia has just finished a complete Coast Guard inspection and is now certified for 30 passengers and two crew. In addition to basic required safety gear she has a depth sounder, fixed fire suppression system, two GPS units, two radar units, two marine radios and two 15 passenger liferafts. She also has EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon).