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Letter to the staff

Evan Scall on August 16, 2026

I want to thank all of the captains and crew of the ferry who supported me through the purchasing process. It has been a long road with new hurdles every day, but throughout the process, the people who make the ferry run were there for us. I’m sure some of the questions I asked them were annoying, and they may have questioned some of my grand ideas—and probably still do.  This business operates 365 days a year and is impossible to manage alone.  I’m supported by my wife, Evan, who is truly the backbone of the operation, my 2 sons Niyol and Mason, as well as everyone who took time to share their support.
 

The crew members have shown incredible patience while I navigate the task in front of me. The people who maintain the boats and facility have been amazing, not only in the work they do but also in sharing the knowledge it takes to keep it all running...you know who you are. So much focus was put on the ownership aspect of this endeavor and not enough on the steadfast hard working members of the ferry staff who show up every day to provide safe, reliable, friendly service without asking for anything in return. 

Along the way, someone shared a fact that summed up why the crew is so vital to the operation. A full time captain will make approximately 24,000 crossings a year. A full time resident will make approximately 730 crossings a year if they go across and back at least once every single day. That means someone would need to live on the island of Chappaquiddick for about 32 years to gain the same knowledge about the ferry that a captain gains in one year. I am lucky enough to have captains with over a quarter million crossings, and the staff combined has about 2 million crossings.

Words can't express how incredibly grateful I am to the Chappy Ferry team, but I hope this letter expresses some of my gratitude. I'm so lucky to have such experienced and dedicated captains and crew. Thank you all. I look forward to the many years ahead together.

History & Heritage

chappyferry on August 12, 2026

From early rowboat ferries to today’s motorized barges, the crossing between Edgartown and Chappaquiddick has always been the lifeline connecting two worlds just 527 feet apart.While our vessels and technology have evolved—from hand-paddled skiffs in the early days to our modern barges—the core mission of the ferry has never changed: providing safe, year-round passage for island residents, emergency personnel, and visitors alike. As we launch our new website, we invite you to explore our history, check current schedule updates, and keep an eye on our live harbor webcams before your next trip across!

2026 Chappy Point to Point Race

Evan Scall on August 12, 2026

 The 2026 Chappy Point to Point Road Race took place on Sunday, June 28, on beautiful Chappaquiddick Island. This five-mile point-to-point race, beginning near Wasque Point and finishing at the Chappy Ferry, is the longest continually running road race on Martha’s Vineyard. With a field limited to 340 participants, the race has maintained the intimate, community-oriented atmosphere that makes it so special. Runners and walkers gathered early in the morning at the Chappy Ferry parking area before being transported to the starting line. From there, participants made their way across the island toward the ferry, enjoying the unique landscape and character of Chappaquiddick along the way. The race is as much about the experience as it is about competition, bringing together serious runners, recreational runners, walkers, local residents, and visitors for a memorable summer morning. An especially meaningful part of the 2026 event was its charitable mission. Race proceeds supported Chappy Connect, a transportation service for Chappaquiddick residents age 60 and older. Through the Edgartown Council on Aging and Healthy Aging MV, Chappy Connect provides free, pre-scheduled transportation to important destinations such as grocery stores, pharmacies, medical appointments, and the Steamship Authority.

 

What makes the Chappy Point to Point particularly enjoyable is its combination of tradition, scenery, community, and giving back. Unlike larger road races, the event does not feel commercial or overwhelming; instead, it captures the relaxed spirit of Chappaquiddick and Martha’s Vineyard. The ferry, the small field, the beautiful island roads, and the point-to-point format all contribute to an experience that participants remember long after crossing the finish line. Knowing that the race also helps support transportation for older Chappy residents adds another important dimension to the event. The 2026 race once again showed why this tradition has remained such an important part of the island’s summer running calendar. Whether participants were racing for a personal best, enjoying a run with friends, or simply taking in the scenery, everyone shared the same five-mile journey from Wasque Point to the Chappy Ferry while contributing to a cause that directly benefits the local community. In the end, the Chappy Point to Point is more than just a road race—it is a celebration of Chappaquiddick, community, tradition, and the simple pleasure of being outside together while giving something back.

Ownership and Community

Evan Scall on August 12, 2026

 

After decades of dedicated service, longtime co-owners Peter Wells and Sally Snipes have officially passed the wheel of the iconic Chappy Ferry to Captain Brian Scall.

For generations, Peter and Sally have ensured a safe, reliable, and friendly 527-foot crossing between downtown Edgartown and Chappaquiddick Island. As Captain Scall takes the helm, our commitment to preserving the tradition, safety, and everyday reliability of the ferry remains as strong as ever.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Peter and Sally for their unwavering stewardship over the years, and we look forward to continuing to serve residents, commuters, and visitors across the harbor.