A small island off the coast of Martha's Vineyard is embroiled in a succession dispute as the Santa Claus-like figure who controls its only access prepares to retire. Peter Wells has operated the Chappaquiddick Ferry, commonly known as the Chappy Ferry, for nearly two decades, but his replacement remains uncertain.
The affluent residents of the island, located 527 feet from Martha's Vineyard, seek greater influence over who will ferry them to and from their homes, as the ferry is the sole means of access. The decision, which requires a vote in Edgartown—the town that governs the island—has sparked considerable controversy.
Wells, now in his 70s, has proposed selling the company to Brian Scall, a 50-year-old local captain with ties to New York investors. This proposal has prompted residents to call for increased transparency. They have also outlined demands for the new owners, including a more frequent ferry schedule, clear fare regulations, and access to the company's financial records.
Residents have long complained about rising ferry prices. They allege that resident discounts have been revoked, new fees have been arbitrarily added, and democratic oversight is lacking, according to The Boston Globe. For instance, Bill Gazaille was charged a $6 freight fee for hauling firewood in the back of his pickup truck. He refused to pay, noting that he had helped Wells build one of his ferries. "If Peter's got a problem, have him call me. He's got my number," Gazaille recalled telling the captain. "That's the stuff you deal with when you ride the Chappy Ferry!" he told the Globe.
Rich and Beth Biros spent a winter in the Pacific Northwest assisting their son with a newborn. Upon returning, they presented their discount ticket but were told they had not been seen for a while. They were informed that spending more than 45 nights away from the island resulted in losing their resident discount. Despite their protests, they had to forfeit the discount and purchase new passes at full price, they told the Globe.
Residents have no alternative transportation since the land bridge that once existed collapsed. They say Edgartown has no interest in operating the ferry itself. The town is permitted to hire a private company to run the ferry and has consistently done so, with Wells holding the role for 18 years. A new bridge would cost $60 million, which the island cannot afford, the Globe reported.
Scall, for his part, wants no part in town politics and believed he was simply purchasing a local business. He has worked part-time for Wells for two years. This year, he and anonymous investors offered to buy Wells' business for just under $3 million. Residents quickly focused on him, demanding answers and sending an "information request" with 13 questions, the Globe reported. Scall has refused to disclose his investors' names, citing a nondisclosure agreement, and stated he could only reveal them to the Edgartown Select Board.
The select board will hold a public hearing on Monday, followed by a vote. If approved, Scall will become the new owner of the ferry business. "I think Brian will do a wonderful job and [the] people on Chappaquiddick will be really happy with him," Sally Snipes, Wells' ex-wife and co-owner of the ferry, told The Vineyard Gazette in March. "He knows more about the finances of the Chappy Ferry than I do," Wells said.
Wells bought the ferry company in 2008 after 30 years as a captain, the Gazette reported at the time. Scall moved to Edgartown in 2020 with his wife Evan and their son.
