Are food and drink included with the charter?
Each charter package has a list of provisions provided for that charter type. This specific information is spelled out in the Terms & Conditions for the type you are considering. That said generally speaking whatever I have on the boat, guests are invited to help themselves. back...
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Is transportation provided as part of the charter?
Generally speaking you are responsible for getting to/from your pick-up/drop off point at the beginning and end of your cruise, this includes launch fee where applicable, and for your taxis etc while ashore. In some cases the beginning/end of your charter can be at a port of your choosing for a small additional fee. back... |
What to leave behind?
There are some things we hope you’ll forget. We hope you’ll forget to bring your worries, your problems and your work. Leave your expensive jewelry at home. Firearms and illegal drugs are prohibited. All craft are subject to search by the U.S. Coast Guard at any time. They are experts at finding contraband. Don't take a chance. back... |
What should I bring?
This list is for cruises of around 7 days, so you may edit down for shorter durations. Casual, comfy clothes - Tee shirts, shorts etc. Long sleeve, cotton cover up for first couple of days if your skin is not sun-friendly. Several bathing suits...no, one is not enough! At least one beach towel per person. Hat with wide brim. Sunglasses - polarized sunglasses are great. Be sure to have a tie for your hat and sunglasses. Beach and / or walking sandals. Deck shoes if you have them (don’t worry if you haven’t). A light sweater in case you encounter cool nights. Lightweight wet weather gear if you have it. Sun lotion ... lots of it. If you are the light-skin type, get SPF 25 or higher. Books / magazines. Also, CDs / DVDs if you have favourites although we have our own collection which you are welcome to use. Camera. (Waterproof camera if you have one, or bring a disposable). Sailing gloves if you use them. Remember: Bring everything in a soft bag for easy storage. Boxy suitcases don't work on a sailboat! back... |
What's on the boat?
Bedding: sheets, blankets, pillows, towels and toiletries. Inflatable dingy, for trips ashore. Fishing gear. Selection of snorkeling gear. Indoor games. Entertainment: CDs & DVD collection, iPod adapter for AM/FM radio. Life jackets for adults and children and all USCG required safety equipment. back... |
Do I need any sailing experience to book Sophia?
None whatsoever, however you may make your time aboard as much as a learning experience as you like- the captain will cheerfully oblige. back... |
Can we smoke on board?
You may smoke on deck, but please don’t smoke inside the boat. If you smoke please dispose of your butts in an environmentally friendly manner. back... |
Can we bring our children?
For short trips (2 hrs to 1/2 day) kids are welcome. For longer, overnight trips, children over 12 are welcome on board. Younger childern tend to become restless on longer charters. back... |
What if it rains?
We try to plan the trips to avoid bad weather. We also wait for favorable conditions before setting out. Geneally thundershowers and wet weather simply means that summer is here, the atmosphere heats up - it let's loose and then it is over and it is beautiful again. If you simply don't want to get wet at all, see our Reservation and Cancellation Policy in Terms & Conditions. We recommend that you obtain trip insurance. (Ask your travel agent how to get it.) back... |
Is the boat available as a bareboat charter?
No, Sophia is a crewed charter vessel only. However, there is no extra charge for the captain - additional staff (chef, catering etc) if requested is charged by rate quoted on a case-by-case basis. back... |
What if the boat breaks down?
If we experience a mechanical failure that requires early termination of your charter, you will be delivered to your planned port of exit at our expense and will receive a refund pro-rated for charter time not used. back... |
What is your cancellation policy?
If the charterer must cancel for any reason 60 days or less from scheduled booking, all monies will be forfeited unless the yacht is re-booked for the original dates reserved. Refund will be in full or pro-rated according to dates re-book less a 15% cancellation fee.
If SailingWithSophia must cancel, all monies received from the charterer will be refunded in full to the charterer.
Cancellations must be done in writing. For your peace of mind we recommend travel insurance. back... |
Do you offer any discounts?
We offer a standard 10% discount to all our former guests who book directly from this web site. We also offer last minute discounts for short notice bookings as a result of cancellations - ask about getting on our mail list to receive notices. BoatUS members and USPS members receive an additional 5% discount. back... |
Can we stay on the boat the night before our charter starts?
Yes, on charters of 4 days or longer, you may stay on board the night before your charter at no charge. back... |
Is tipping necessary?
Tipping is at the charterer's discretion. A gratuity of between 10 and 20% of the charter fee, however, is customary for a job well done. back... |
What if I get seasick?
If you are concerned about becoming seasick, consult with your physician for a recommendation. If you decide to take medication while your body adjusts do so with ahead of time. Common non-prescription prevention remedies include wristbands, Dramamine or even patches, which give you a steady dose over several days. Again, talk to your doctor before deciding what to do. back... |
Where do we stay in port?
Anchoring out is the standard practice of the yacht. It offers more privacy and is much cooler than a slip (not to mention it is free). If your group prefers to be in a slip or to pick-up a mooring, you may do so at your own expense, paid directly to the marina. back... |
How do we split our time sailing and ashore?
We will try to balance our time to allow you time to explore ashore as well as sailing. We typically will alternate nights between anchoring in bays/harbors and in charming port towns. As always, we give you options, and try to accommodate your requests. Tell us about your interests, and what you would like to see and do. Sailing, snorkeling, whatever, or just relaxing at anchor, we will do our best to accommodate your wishes.. back... |
What shoes should I bring?
Shoes are generally removed on board. Not only is saftey a consideration, but also shoes that have been worn ashore (particularly in seaside areas) carry the types of grit and grime which wreak havoc on decks and varnished surfaces. Bring flip flops for the beach and sneakers or boat shoes for shore excursions. back... |
Is water use an issue?
Glad you asked! We don’t have a water maker on board, so water management becomes very important because refilling the water tanks is mostly a waste of precious sailing time. Here are a few tips about saving water during your charter. And by the way, if you are first time charterers, you should make sure you understand the limitations on use.
Showers: Do not run the water during the entire shower time. Wet yourself first. Turn the water off. Soap and shampoo. Turn the water back on for a quick rinse.
Teeth brushing: Do not run the water during all the brushing procedure, like at home. Just run it briefly to rinse off.
Dishes: You can rinse off the dishes in a bucket in the ocean over the boat transom, then use dish soap and quickly rinse with fresh water. back... |
What is the electric power situation aboard?
Sophia is equiped with battery power to run the day-to-day functions of the boat and with a portable generator to provide AC power when needed, to power such things as your phone charger etc. You can save power by turning off the lights in the rooms when no one is in there, turning off the fans when not necessary. Also, as for your fridge, it is not a good idea to open it every 5 minutes or –worse- leave it open for a long time. back... |
Do we recycle aboard?
Needless to say, do not dump anything in the ocean. Make sure, before you cast off, that the captain has briefed you on the garbage handling rules of the boat. When the sea is smooth, we put full garbage bags in the dinghy, when we know we will drop it that same night. back... |
What do I need to know about the toilets?
Using the heads (a.k.a. toilets!) is the one issue you REALLY want to know about. Trust us, you do NOT want to have a fouled head during your cruise. Here is what to know. A boat head is not built like the one at home: the hoses are much smaller than in your house. So anything other than what comes out your body and a little bit of toilet paper (no abuse here!) cannot be put in the boat head. Very simple: NOTHING ELSE. back... |
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