PREPARATION & RULES OF CONDUCT:
- THE BOAT WILL NOT TIP OVER. The boat is designed to lean a little to one side (“Heeling”), but will not ‘tip over’. The keel weighs 2800 lbs and balances the boat. First time sailors experience this for the first time, and we like them to know what’s happening and why. It’s normal for a sailboat to lean to one side under sail.
- WEATHER: Check the Weather Links in the navigation menu for current and forecast temperatures, wind and wave conditions, wind speed, radar maps, and sunset/moonrise times. Marine forecast is very accurate. Winds from the South, West, or Southwest are least wavy lake conditions. If winds are forecast out of the North and East, the lake will be more wavy if winds exceed 15 kts. (Please see “RAINCHECK & CANCELLATION POLICY” for a detailed description of our weather related cancellation/rescheduling/refund policies.)
- WHAT TO WEAR: Lake temperatures are 10-15 degrees cooler than land. An extra layer or two – a light jacket or fleece, pants, and non-marking shoes (no black soles, no heels) are recommended. Skirts are not recommended. “Skorts” preferred. Sailing is a water sport. Please bring a light jacket for protecting from the occasional splash or sprinkle. It is important to remain warm and dry.
- SUN PROTECTION and SPRAY-TAN: The vessel has a sun shade above the cockpit seating area and we provide SPF 50+ sunscreen, hats, visors, and extra sunglasses if you have forgotten yours. Also, please refrain from joining us with spray tan that can rub off on our decks. A gracious thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration of our time and vessel maintenance.
- MAX PASSENGERS: Please remember 6 is the maximum number of passengers in your private group.
- TRAFFIC: Plan accordingly. Soldier Field, Museum Campus, and Northerly Island are busy areas during the Summer. Click Here to see Map of Burnham Harbor. We provide one free parking pass at Burnham Harbor. Please email us about the availability of a second one. A cab, bicycle, or public transit are often better options. If you can to Soldier Field or the Museum Campus, you are within a 5-10 minute walk to Burnham Harbor (Dock N). You know you are walking to DOCK N when – from the Harbor Master’s Office, Lake Michigan and the boats are on your left as you walk. DOCK N IS THE 4TH PIER ON THE LEFT FROM THE OFFICE. Also – there is a Divy Bike station on the far South end of the Harbor where you can park a Divy Bike.
- If your are Ubering, you can avoid the “Uber-Adventure” if you make sure the driver is taking you to “Burnham Harbor”. If you do not see boats when you are dropped off, you have been dropped at the wrong location. Please use the maps we provide on our “Location” page for specific details on the location.
- FOOD AND DRINK: We provide ice, cups (Yeti-tumblers), plastic utensils, plates, napkins, and an ice chest/cooler. Please avoid rolling coolers, large open platters, pizza boxes or shopping bags full of groceries. If it comes in a bag, a wrapper, or a small cooler, it probably is a terrific choice for a snack.
- PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY: The safety of your party, our vessel, and our Captains is our highest priority. — Please no RED WINE or wine bottles. A champagne bottle is okay (as these are very hard to break). Please no hard liquor. We are sailing and ask that you remain in control at all times.
- BATHROOM: There is a ‘Head” on board.
- MUSIC: There is an iPod/iPhone music hook up for the stereo.
- NO GLASS BEER OR WINE BOTTLES. A champagne bottle is okay. (see #7 above again)
- NO SMOKING of any kind is permitted during your charter.
- NO ILLEGAL DRUGS are permitted on board.
- NO FIREARMS are permitted on board.
- SWIMMING: Generally not permitted. Only at the sole discretion of the Captain.
- ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED? Yes, when accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. You must call or email us in advance to let us know how many children will be joining the charter. Children must be able to stand and balance on their own.
- ONBOARD BEHAVIOR POLICY. Passengers are asked to comply with all reasonable requests from the Captain to maintain safety and order on the vessel. Disruptions or damage to the vessel shall terminate the charter without a refund and may result in additional charges to the charter group for such damages.
- NO SHOWS. After 30 minutes after the start of any charter time, the charter shall be marked a “No-Show” and are not eligible for a refund or reschedule.
- WAIVER: You will be asked to sign a general liability waiver prior to the vessel leaving the dock.
- GRATUITY: Yes, it is customary to tip your Captain.
- RAINCHECK/CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY: CLICK HERE
- ABOVE ALL: ENJOY SAILING!