What Would You Like to Know about Adventure Sailing?
How many people can go on each trip?
Although your group can include up to 6 people, the boat is most comfortable for groups of 4 or 5 (plus, of course, the Captain).
How many people does the boat sleep? What are the sleeping arrangements?
The boat will sleep 2 couples relatively comfortably. The “V” berth in the bow sleeps two, as does the stern’s sleeping compartment, and both have privacy doors. The dining table and seating area convert into a small bed suitable for one adult or two children. When necessary, the Captain will sleep on deck under the stars.
Will other people, who are not in our group, be on the trip with us?
No. This is a private chartered sailboat excursion. It will just be your group and Captain Chuck.
What kind of a sailboat is it?
You’ll be sailing on a 36 foot Catalina sailboat.
Does the sailboat have a motor?
Yes. Although the goal, of course, is to be propelled by the power of the wind in the sails, if necessary the boat can also be propelled by its engine.
Would you describe this as a “luxurious”experience?
No. This is a sailboat, not a yacht! If you’re going to be spending the night on the boat, for example, the experience is more like “camping on the water” than “spending a night in a 4-star hotel.”
What are the captain’s qualifications?
Captain Charles “Chuck” Waltman is an avid and highly experienced sailor who holds a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner license. In order to obtain this license Captain Chuck had to pass an extremely rigorous written nautical exam and prove that he had completed at least 365 days on the water (with a minimum of 4 hours on each day) in the prior five years. You’ll be in good hands with Captain Chuck!
Are there any limits to where we can go?
While this is a “design your own trip” opportunity, there are some limitations. We are licensed to go a maximum of 200 miles offshore, and trips should stay between Point Conception and the Mexican Border.
What is the minimum trip length?
You can go out on the water for as little as 3 hours.
What is the maximum trip length?
Your adventure can last a week or more.
Can we come down and see the boat prior to our trip?
Yes, and in fact we strongly encourage it for those who are planning trips that are longer than a short excursion. Captain Chuck will meet you at the boat about a week before the trip. You’ll be able to walk the boat, get to know the Captain, and discuss your vision for your sailing adventure.
Can we bring our kids? Is there a minimum age?
Yes, children age 6 and older are welcome to join you.
Do you provide life jackets? Are we required to wear them?
Life jackets for all passengers will be provided; as per California law, passengers under the age of 13 are required to wear their life jacket.
Can we help sail the boat? What if we don’t know what to do?
Yes! In fact, Captain Chuck loves to provide an “interactive adventure,” and encourages passengers who are interested to help out. You’ll learn how to help hoist or drop the sails, and take the wheel to steer the boat. If you’re interested, Captain Chuck will also share interesting information with you about navigation, currents, rules for different types of ships, and more.
Do we have to help sail the boat? What if we’d rather kick back and relax?
Of course not. You don’t have to lift a finger if you don’t want to. If your vision is to spend the time relaxing, enjoying the sights and sounds of the water, then that’s fine, too.
Are food and beverages provided?
Prior to your trip, we’ll find out exactly what you want. For short trips we can provide beverages and snacks, and will be happy to pick up and bring box lunches. If your adventure is planned to last longer than 3 hours, Captain Chuck can drop anchor and prepare full meals for you in the boat’s kitchen (or, depending on your destination, on a barbecue that he sets up on shore).
Is there a bathroom?
Yes. The boat has a small “RV-style” bathroom, complete with toilet, sink, and shower. Just don’t expect the hot water to last – it never does.
Where is the sailboat docked?
Our sailboat is docked at Slip Y-54 at the Shoreline Marina in Long Beach, California, across from the Queen Mary.
Can we cancel our trip if the weather is bad?
Yes. We want your trip to be memorable because of the fabulous time you had – not because of your run-in with terrible weather. Unless your goal is to experience being out on a sailboat in nasty weather, we’d rather cancel the trip if Mother Nature is uncooperative. Captain Chuck will give you a call a day or two before your scheduled departure to confirm that the weather forecast is consistent with what you want to do.
What does it cost?
Pricing is dependent on the length of your trip:
- Short Trips:
- 3 Hour Tour $325
- Each additional hour $ 75
- Longer Trips:
- First 4 to 24 hours $695
- Each additional 8 hours $232
All prices include fuel, mooring fees, sleeping accommodations, and transportation to shore. For an additional fee, snacks, meals and beverages can be provided.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes, provided you meet with Captain Chuck at the boat a week or so prior to your trip. If you saw the boat and discussed your vision before your trip, and then for some reason didn’t enjoy your sailing excursion after all, your money will be cheerfully refunded.
