FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many people can you accommodate?
Our sailboat S/V Bernard can accommodate a maximum of 6 passengers in addition to the captain and crew.
Our sailboat S/V Druid can accommodate a maximum of 4 passengers in addition to the captain and crew.

Can we bring an infant as a "lap baby" like we can on airplanes?
No.  Our passenger limit applies to all passengers regardless of their age.

Can we pay extra money to add include more than 6 passengers?
No.  Our passenger limit is set by the US Coast Guard and is not flexible.

Is there a minimum age allowed on the boat?
Yes, passengers must be at least 10 years old.

What if the weather looks bad?
If it is safe for sailing, we will sail, even in a light, summer rain. We cannot control the weather, but we can harness it for some fun sailing! We will provide you as much advance notice as possible in the event that your sail must be postponed or cancelled due to weather. However, due to the dynamic nature of weather forecasting, we will not cancel or postpone your sail until the day of your scheduled departure.  This provides our captain an opportunity to observe the condition, check for any changes to the forecast, and assess the accuracy of the current forecast.  Our captains keep a close eye on the weather forecasts and ultimately have full discretion on appropriateness and safety of the sailing conditions.

​What happens if my sailing charter is cancelled due to weather?
We don't like to cancel charters, but it happens from time to time.  If is necessary for us to cancel your charter due to weather or other safety concerns, you will be offered a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule your charter; whichever option is more convenient for you.  Please keep in mind that its not always just about rain.  We consider surface conditions of the lake itself when determining the appropriateness and safety of sailing on any particular day.  Some times, while it is a beautiful sunny day on shore, the waves and wind conditions on the lake may be too hazardous for sailing.

May I cancel or reschedule my sail?
You may cancel or reschedule your sailing charter up to 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure without penalty.  If you cancel/reschedule your charter within 48 hours of your scheduled departure you will be charged a percentage of the cost of your charter as a cancellation/rescheduling fee as follows:

• 50% cancellation/rescheduling fee if the cancellation is made less than 48 hours before your scheduled departure.
• 100% cancellation/rescheduling fee if the cancellation is made less than 2 hours before your scheduled departure.
• No-shows will be charged a 100% cancellation fee.

What happens if we are late for our scheduled sail?
Your sail may be shortened by the amount of time you are late.  Late arrivals will not be refunded any portion of their charter fees.
​
What should I wear?
Dress for an active adventure. Shorts and pants may be preferable to skirts and dresses because of the wind. Also remember to dress appropriately for the weather. It does tend to be a little cooler on the lake, especially at night, so consider bringing an extra layer.

What kind of footwear is appropriate?
A standard sneaker or boat shoe is a great choice. Bare feet are also appropriate!
Heels, dress shoes, flip-flops, and boots are not appropriate and you may be asked to remove them before boarding the sailboat.

Is smoking allowed on the sailboat?
No. Smoking, vaping, the use of tobacco products, and the use of marijuana are STRICTLY PROHIBITED on board any of our vessels.​​
​
Is alcohol allowed on the sailboat?
Yes, you are allowed to bring a reasonable amount of alcohol on board for your consumption provided that by doing so, you are not in violation of any federal or state laws.  We ask that you please avoid bringing glass containers aboard whenever possible, but we understand that sometimes a bottle of champagne is necessary!

How much alcohol is an appropriate amount?
Honestly, if you are asking this question, then you are probably planning to bring too much alcohol.  We are a sailboat the permits reasonable alcohol consumption.  We are NOT a party boat!  So if there are six passengers in your group and each one of you shows up with a twelve pack of White Claw (Yes, this has really happened!) you will be asked to leave your White Claw ashore.  Which probably means you are throwing it away since there are no storage for personal items close to our pick-up spot.  PLEASE DO NOT PUT US IN THIS SITUATION!

Can we bring food on board the sailboat?
Yes. Food that can be eaten with your hands is usually easiest.

Is there a place to keep food and drinks cold?
Yes, there is a refrigerator on board for your use.

​Can I bring my pet dog, cat, snake, or fish?
No. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate animals of any type.

Can I fish from the sailboat?
No. Fishing is not allowed.

​Can I swim from the sailboat?
Swimming may be permitted on charters of 3 hours or longer during daylight hours only.  Swimming is not allowed after the scheduled departure time of that day's sunset sail.  Swimming is only permitted from our sailboat s/v Bernard.  Swimming is not allowed on s/v Druid.  Swimming is not guaranteed and is at the captain's discretion. If permitted by the captain every passenger on board will be required to sign a waiver & release prior to anyone swimming.  SWIMMING IS AT YOUR OWN RISK!​

Is there a bathroom on board the sailboat?
There is a bathroom on board, however, the flushing mechanism on the toilet can be tricky to use and a little temperamental. To avoid any situations that could become embarrassing, we encourage you to use a bathroom on shore.

Is there a private area for changing clothes?
On our sailboat S/V Bernard, the bathroom is roomy enough to comfortably change clothes, so yes.

Our sailboat S/V Druid is a little smaller and not really setup for privacy during a sailing charter.  We have had people just change in the main cabin below deck.  If you are comfortable with that, go for it.  That is totally your call.  Otherwise, we suggest that you just come dressed ready to sail.

Where do we meet the sailboat?
We sail out of Monroe Harbor which is located just east of the intersection of Monroe Street and Lake Shore Drive. Our pickup spot is on the north side of the harbor along the “MONROE HARBOR CHARTER WALL”.  It’s a short walk from the intersection of Monroe Street and Lake Shore Drive to our pick-up / drop-off spot.

From the intersection, walk east towards the lake. When you pass the Divvy Bike Station rack, turn left and head north until you are standing at the water's edge. Walk along the water's edge as it curves to the east. Continue walking passed the cement pier. Our pickup spot is east of the cement pier. Our sailboat will have a big blue feather flag with the name "Come Sailing" flying from the stern.

​If you happen to pass a large ship with a blue hull named Abegweit, you have walked too far.

​Should I tip the captain/crew?
As with any service industry, gratuity for good service is always appreciated and typically ranges from 15-20%.

​Google Map

Click on the sailboat icons for the names and descriptions of the pickup locations

CHICAGO'S PREMIER ​SAILING EXPERIENCE ​AND PRIVATE SAILING CHARTER