FAQs
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You can reserve a specific charter by clicking the book now button for your trip of choice, which will then bring you to a calendar of available dates and times where you make a reservation by selecting the date/time you want and entering the required information.
Immediately after booking a charter with us you will get an email with important information about how to prepare for your charter including how to contact us by phone for any questions or concerns.
You may also book with us directly, just give us a call or email.
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The boat provides abundant comfortable seating above and below deck for all guests. There is a canvas bimini in the cockpit area that provides shade. You are welcome to move about the boat, and stand or sit including riding near the bow (front) of the boat when motoring, but we asks the guests stay in the cockpit and cabin areas while under sail for safety. By law we can only take up to 6 guests at a time.
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Sunglasses, non-spray sun screen (aerosol sunscreen can damage the boat). Extra layer of warm clothing in case it's windy, especially for fall, winter and spring charters.
*For all-day island and learn to sail adventures some sort of shoe that can get wet is recommended (sandals, crocs with strap on back, flip flops are usually not the best. Towels and change of clothes are also recommended for the all day adventures in case you get wet.
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All charters and adventures begin from a private dock on the north side of Saint Helena Island not far from Saint Helena Elementary School, about 15 minutes from downtown Beaufort. There's plenty of parking for multiple vehicles. The exact address and directions on how to get there will be emailed to you once you book with us as well as a contact number to reach us in case of any problems
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Each charter comes with a US Coast Guard licensed captain that is trained and knowledgeable of the boat and the area. Our boat, "The Liahona" is a very comfortable and safe 38' Catalina Sailboat with all the required safety equipment required by law and much more.
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There is properly fitting life vest on board for everyone, but only those under 12 are required to where a vest at all times. We provide comfortable fitting neoprene vest for all under 12 as well for anyone that is older that would like to wear one. If your not a strong swimmer we recommend asking the captain for a life vest to wear while on the water just in case. Those on the all day learn to sail adventure will be provided and must wear a life vest while in the small sailing dinghies.
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We sail in protected waters the entire trip with rarely any waves big enough to rock the boat significantly. Similar motion experienced when riding in a car can be expected.
Occasionally during periods of high winds 1 to 2 foot waves can form in the rivers and sound that could cause some greater motion, but such occurrences are rare. If higher wave conditions than normal are forecasted, we will reach out ahead of time to let you know and make sure you're still comfortable with it.
*Please note on the all day Otter Island Sailing Adventure there is the potential for more motion as we will be in more open water and those with severe motion sickness should be prepared, but we will still not be in the open ocean and there is no threat of the large waves that traditionally cause severe seasickness for most people.
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Guests may bring drinks and food, soft sided coolers are allowed, we also have a refrigerator below deck on the boat that guests may access. There will be complimentary water on board at all times. Please, no glass containers and no red liquids such as red wine.
*All day Otter Island and Learn to Sail adventures should bring their own bag lunch and snacks.
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Swimming at your own risk is allowed and can be done on any of the charters just let the captain know this is something you want to do and he can drop the anchor and through out a floating rope for you to catch so the current doesn't carry you away. Towel and change of clothes are recommended for those wanting to swim. Guests can change in restroom below deck.
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There is a full restroom on board the boat with flushing toilet and freshwater sink that guests can use at anytime. Please only flush provided marine toilet paper down toilet, nothing else as it will cause severe problems in the boat sewage system, there is a trash can beside toilet for all other waste.
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We want you to have a safe and good time, so if the weather looks dangerous or just plain rotten we'll let you know that we think we should cancel and will provide a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before for any reason, but please remember even a 100% chance of rain for a given day doesn't mean that it will be raining when we are scheduled to go out. Feel free to reach out to us to discuss the weather beforehand as we have access to professional and local marine weather forecasts and we're happy to have a conversation with you about what we honestly expect from the weather on a given day and time, but we obviously can't guarantee good weather. If by chance we do get caught in a thunderstorm, guests have the luxury of riding it out high and dry in the comfortable and roomy cabin below.
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We have tried to price our trips as economically as practical to cover costs so that the experience can be available to as many families and guests as possible.
So if you enjoy the experience a gratuity of %15-25 is customary in the charter industry and would be greatly appreciated by us and will be shared equally among captain and crew.
If you can't afford the customary gratuity please come anyway at the set price and have a great time. We can accept credit cards, venmo or zelle for those who prefer to tip electronically instead of with cash, just ask the captain for the info.