FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

General Sailing Questions

1. I would like to specify which boat I would be on for my sailboat cruise:
2. What do I need to bring?
3. What if I arrive at the boat and have forgotten something?
4. How many people can I take?
5. Can I take a boat out by myself?
6. When do I pay?
7. What form of payment do you accept?
8. Can I take my children on sailing charters or sailing lessons?
9. Can I bring my dog or cat?
10. What is your cancellation policy?
11. What if the charter/lesson is cancelled because of weather?

Sailing Charters

1. Can I do a custom charter? I would like it to be longer/shorter or a different time of day, etc.
2. I would like to sail to a location not listed on your website.
3. Can I charter a boat while I am in the Bahamas?
4. Is there sales tax on sailing charters?

Sailing Lessons

1. How soon can I start my lessons?
2. Can I take sailboat lessons if I am under 16 years old?
3. Is there sales tax on sailing lessons?

Answers

General FAQs

1. I would like to specify which boat I would be on for my sailboat cruise:

Please call and we will let you know our schedule, so you can choose the boat you prefer.

2. What do I need to bring?

A big smile, and a keen sense of adventure! Clear soled shoes (not black or blue), sun block, a dry change of clothes for each day aboard, poncho, swimsuit, towel, snorkel gear, camera, favorite music CDs, food, drinks, snacks, a good book, any gadgets you just can't live without.

3. What if I arrive at the boat and have forgotten something?

There are several shops in Fisherman’s Village who carry sundry items; you can pick them up before you sail.

4. How many people can I take?

Day charters are limited to a maximum of 6 passengers, and 4 guests for overnights.

5. Can I take a boat out by myself?

We do not do bareboat chartering; all of our sailboats are operated by one of our licensed Captains. Our Captains have many years of sailing experience, and are licensed by the United States Coast Guard. By having an experienced Captain aboard you are able to relax and do as much or as little of the sailing as you wish.

6. When do I pay?

A 25% deposit will be taken when we confirm availability of ship and crew for the time you requested your charter/lesson. The balance is due before you arrive at the boat.

7. What form of payment do you accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Checks, Money Orders and Cash.

8. Can I take my children on sailing charters or sailing lessons?

Preschoolers are not well-suited for sailboat cruises.

9. Can I bring my dog or cat?

Pets are not permitted on board any of our sailboats.

10. What is your cancellation policy?

A full refund is given when cancellations are prior to 30 days of the sailing date.

11. What if the charter/lesson is cancelled because of weather?

If your trip gets cancelled or shortened because of severe weather, you will be offered an appropriate prorated refund or a rebooking. Weather decisions are made at the boat.

Charter FAQs

1. Can I do a custom charter? I would like it to be longer/shorter or a different time of day, etc.

Please contact us for custom packages, we will be happy to work around your schedule.

2. I would like to sail to a location not listed on your website.

Contact us, we will sail you anywhere along the Florida coast, departing from Punta Gorda.

3. Can I charter a boat while I am in the Bahamas?

Yes. If you fly down, you can meet one of our boats which winters in the Bahamas. Please contact us for more information and available dates.

4. Is there sales tax on sailing charters?

Yes, there is 7% sales tax added onto all charters.

Sailing Lesson FAQs

1. How soon can I start my lessons?

Please contact us at least 10 days before you wish to begin the on-board portion of your lesson. This gives you time to study before you sail and take your exam.

2. Can I take sailboat lessons if I am under 16 years old?

You may take lessons if at least one parent/guardian is present on the boat.

3. Is there sales tax on lessons?

There is no sales tax on sailing lessons. (There is sales tax on charters).