Cruising - What to expect

 

These trips are first and foremost meant to be fun for everyone - you don't need previous sailing experience.  Don't hesitate to contact me and I'll answer any questions or concerns you may have.

 

As you choose, these trips can provide as much or as little exposure to the basic aspects of sailboat cruising as you desire.  Everyone is encouraged to actively participate in the operation of the boat.  You can track our position and help me raise, reef (as required) and trim the sails.  We can also have in-depth discussions of the boat's electrical and mechanical systems if you choose.

 

I or a member of the crew will always be alert and watching the boat and the surrounding waters, with plenty of hands at the ready if any help is needed.

 

Safety

Safety is our highest priority.  Prior to getting underway, we'll have a safety briefing and I'll show you where the fire extinguishers and life jackets are located.  We will discuss man overboard procedures and what to do in case one of us becomes incapacitated.  There are some basic rules with regard to moving about the boat when underway, so we'll discuss these in order to keep you from getting bumps and bruises.  Whenever we perform a sailing maneuver, all hands will discuss and verbally run through the plan.

 

Seasickness

Seasickness can be a debilitating thing.  The key is to hold the seasickness at bay from the start.  An active job on the boat, such as steering, or sail handling with lots of fresh air can be helpful.  However, my advice is to come prepared with any one of several effective preventative methods, such as Dramamine, Bonine, wrist bands, Stugeron, or Scopolomine.  If you are concerned, talk with your physician about recommendations and side effects.  Remedies all seem to be quite effective when taken before the boats motion begins to affect you.

 

Weather

Our sailing season typically runs from June to October.  Most of the time weather is not an issue, but of course, there is no guarantee that it will not rain. Once in a while we may need to reschedule to wait for better weather.  Weather is typically very settled and pleasant during our sailing season.  However, when dealing with the ocean and the weather, I have learned that we can do nothing humanly or mechanically that can resist or counteract the forces of nature.  If we haven't yet left port, we will not leave port.  If we are underway, we will take necessary steps to safely ride out the situation, going with the flow of nature, not attempting to force ourselves to someplace, by some time.  

 

I try to build in a little extra time in our travel plan, but please keep in mind that a delay could happen.  Be assured that I will never jeopardize the boat, passengers or crew in an attempt to keep to a schedule.