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Activity #1528 |
Private Shelling and Beach Charters |
What's special about Saboutime Sailing?
When you step aboard "Saboutime", you're beginning a voyage on a beautiful, classic sailing vessel. Designed as a cruising boat, she's spacious, comfortable, and complete with varnished teak. She is exceptionally seaworthy and safe. Come aboard and you will be instantly surrounded with all the beauty and grace of the grand sailing yachts of the past. Your sailing with us will be intimate, unhurried and tailored as much as possible to your individual desires and wishes.
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
We highly recommend that you purchase tickets in advance to maximize your chances of getting the day that you prefer. Tickets can be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
How many passengers will be on the boat?
There is one set price to charter the boat, and the boat takes no more than six passengers (but we will sail with even just two passengers). We do our best to provide an elegant, private, uncrowded, memorable experience for each guest.
What is the difference between your sails?
On the Day sail, we sail on the Gulf of Mexico for a three-hour sailing adventure. On the way, we will travel out on the Big Marco River, with Marco Island to port and the Isles of Capri to starboard. In addition to sightseeing, we usually see lots of wild life along the way, such as bottlenose dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, pelicans, gulls, terns, frigate birds, ospreys and maybe an eagle. Once we're in the Gulf, we'll sail where the wind lets us go. The sunset sail is only two hours long, and we may even see some species you can only see at dusk. We'll enjoy the sunset, and perhaps even see the "green flash", the moment of green on the horizon just as the sun sets, famous to the area. The shelling and beach charter is private and only for your group. Book the boat at a set price, and enjoy a customized adventure similar to the day sail but including a stop at one of several magnificent beaches!
When should we be there?
It’s a good idea to try to arrive about a half an hour before the scheduled departure time. That will allow for a little extra time to park your car, check in and get off to a relaxed start.
Do I have to call if I will be late?
You are responsible to call at least one half hour before the scheduled departure time if you are going to be late. We will do our best to hold the trip for you, as long as our doing so will not inconvenience the other passengers or jeopardize the sailing schedule. If you call and we can't hold the trip, we'll try to reschedule you to another day or time or issue you a credit for a future trip. If you are late and miss the departure time, but haven't called, we will be forced to consider you a "no show", and you will forfeit your ticket and not receive a refund.
How tightly do you run the schedule?
We do our best to leave the dock on time. Because we focus on sailing, we may get back a little later than expected. We love to sail and will continue sailing if our guests desire to, so, if you need to get back right on time, please let us know at the start of the trip!
What happens if the trip is sold out?
Unfortunately, we do not have a waiting list for our sails, so please book well in advance to ensure getting the day of your preference.
What happens if it rains?
Saboutime Sailing will run in all light weather conditions (a little rain never hurt anyone). In the rare event that we have to cancel a sail due to severe weather, you will have the opportunity to reschedule your tickets subject to availability or receive credit for a future event.
Can children go on the sail?
We invite all of the family to join us, particularly children! We’ve found that children love all the aspects of sailing and love to lend a hand or even take a turn at the wheel. We’re sorry, but we do not offer reduced rates for children because we can only accommodate six passengers per trip.
How far will the boat go out?
We usually travel a course that takes us between two and three miles from shore depending on the day's weather.
How fast does the Saboutime go?
Depending on the wind, Saboutime can travel as fast as 7 knots or so. No matter how fast she is going, you’ll be close to the action and the feel of a marvelous sailing machine at home in her element.
Are food and beverages available on board?
We provide soft drinks, bottled water and ice. You’re more than welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages, including beer, wine or hard liquor. No red wine, please! It stains our decks. Please do remember that glass bottles are NOT allowed on board. You may bring a small picnic basket sized cooler if you like.
Can I bring a personal cooler/ice chest with me?
You may bring a small personal cooler (the size of a knapsack or picnic cooler), but please do not bring any large coolers with you. We provide an ice chest on board for you to store your food and beverages as well.
What should I wear on the sail?
It’s a good idea to dress in layers, since it is often cooler out on the water than on land. Don’t forget your sunglasses, suntan lotion and a hat.
What type of shoes should I wear?
It’s best to wear the type of shoe usually advertised as “deck shoes”. In general, these have non-slip, non-marking white soles and come in the form of moccasins such as topsiders or canvas sneakers. Do not wear shoes with black soles that will mark the deck. Other types of shoes such as leather soled dress shoes, high heels, platform shoes, boots, flip-flops and the like are either unsafe or will damage the boat, and you will be asked to remove them. We usually wear Crocks on terra firma and go barefoot on the boat.
Are there bathrooms on board?
Yes, there is a head (bathroom) on Saboutime for your use.
Do you have life jackets on board?
Yes. We carry life jackets on board for each and every passenger. We also carry several child-sized life jackets for those of you who want your children to wear a PFD while aboard. We do not carry infant-sized life jackets, so clients having children of this age are advised to bring their own. We do not require anyone to wear a life jacket during the trip.
Will I get seasick?
Most of our passengers have no problem in this regard. Fortunately, the Gulf of Mexico waters are friendly and not too choppy. We do our best to navigate in the most “sea kindly” manner as well, and strive to give you a smooth ride.
If you have a tendency to get seasick, please consult with your doctor about taking preventative measures beforehand. We can’t recommend medicine, but some people have had luck with anti-motion medications such as Dramamine, while others rely on herbal cures like ginger. You know yourself best!
Should I tip the crew?
We work as hard as we can to make your time aboard Saboutime a wonderful experience. Because the crew’s compensation is in part derived from tips, we try to make things as easy as possible for you by adding a 10% gratuity to your total charges. If you feel you’ve had an exceptionally good time and would like to tip more, that would certainly be appreciated.
Can I book a private charter?
Yes. Any of our regular trips can be booked as a private charter, assuring you will have the boat to yourselves. Our shelling trip is only sold as a private charter. Saboutime is also available for private party trips of longer duration, day or night, and any other type of special event. For more information, please click on the "Contact this seller" link.
Are gift certificates available?
Yes. If you are interested in gift certificates, please click on the "Contact this seller" link to make a request.
