All passengers will participate in a safety briefing, sign release forms, and, if desired or required, don life jackets. (See below for more information on life jacket requirements.) We’ll then climb aboard, get settled, and set sail.
While life jackets are not required for passengers over 12, we strongly recommends the use of our U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all passengers while on board. Passengers age 12 and under are required by to wear life jackets while sailing. Parents or guardians are responsible for determining if their minors between the ages of 13-17 must wear a life jacket. We carry and will provide a life jacket to any passenger wishing to wear one.
Please dress for safety, comfort, and weather. For safety and comfort, soft-soled shoes like boat shoes or sneakers are the preferred footwear aboard Arianna. You will be asked to go barefoot for safety reasons if you wear hard-soled shoes, hiking boots, or high heels on board.
Days can be very warm and as soon as the sun goes down temperature drops. Please bring layers and rain gear.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. We have extra jackets if the weather turns or you need an extra layer.
You’re also welcome to bring aboard your own food and drinks. We recommend keeping food to snacks and easy-to-eat items like sandwiches (we do not have a full table on board). Drinks can include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Of course! You’re welcome to bring light snacks or prepared foods on board Arianna. We recommend packing as if you’re going on a picnic–limited glass items, easy-to-eat sandwiches and snacks, and resealable containers–for convenience and safety. We provide small plates, cups, utensils, and a wine opener.
Seasickness or motion sickness can often be avoided by keeping your head up, looking at the horizon, keeping fresh air in your face, and staying active while on board. We recommend that you never go into the cabin if you suffer from motion sickness.
Ginger pills, motion sickness wrist bands, and doctor-prescribed patches can all help mitigate seasickness. Over-the-counter seasickness medications should be taken two hours before your sail to allow the medication to take effect. Please consult your doctor before choosing your seasickness remedy.
Drinking alcohol before or during your sail can increase your risk of seasickness.
It's been our experience that kids under the age of 9 are a little bit too young to fully enjoy this experience.
- Cancellations 15 days or more prior to sail will receive a refund minus a $50 service fee.
- Cancellations within 5 to 15 days of sail are eligible for rescheduling until October 15 of the next year’s sailing season. No refund will be made available.
- Cancellations within 5 days of sail are not eligible for re-booking or refunds. Please arrive 15 minutes early. We have a set schedule and we cannot add extra time past your regularly scheduled completion time.
- Grand Escapes reserves the right to cancel any sail due to adverse weather conditions. Adverse conditions include but are not limited to: excessive winds, thunder and lightning storms, and other extreme conditions. We will make every attempt to notify you of a sail cancellation two hours prior to your sail. There may be times when we are not able to contact you with two hours’ notice and a sail may be cancelled even after you’ve arrived at the marina. Only the captain of the vessel can cancel a sail due to weather conditions.
- If Grand Escapes cancels your sail due to adverse weather conditions, you will receive an email voucher valid until October 15 of the following sailing season. If you cannot book another sail during your stay, we will make exceptions to our cancellation policy and offer you a full refund.
- Grand Escapes is not responsible for last-minute mechanical failures. If your sail is cancelled for mechanical reason you will receive a full refund.
- The length of time for each sail is flexible due to winds, and other weather conditions beyond our control. Grand Escapes cannot be held responsible for sails that end earlier or later than scheduled. There are no full or partial refunds for sails ending prior to the scheduled arrival time. Sails will be end early for cleaning if your party has warranted the necessity.
- All passengers, parents or guardians are required to sign a release form. No passenger is permitted to sail without signing the release form.
- Life jackets and safety: While life jackets are not required for passengers over 12, Grand Escapes strongly recommends the use of our U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all passengers while on board. Passengers 12 and under are required to wear life jackets while sailing, and parents or guardians are responsible for determining if their minors between the ages of 13-17 must wear a life jacket. We will provide a life jacket to any passenger wishing to wear one.
- Passengers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Indeed! Adults over 21 years of age may bring alcohol on board. We do ask that you try to limit the amount of glass items you bring on board, and we will provide plastic cups for your drinks.
No, for safety and comfort of everyone involved, we cannot exceed this number.
We have only a porta-potty on board for emergencies. We will give you the opportunity to use a bathroom on land prior to climbing on board.
Absolutely! Weather and safety permitting, you will be able to steer the boat and trim the sails. The captain loves nothing more than to share his passion for sailing with you.
You are welcome to bring a small backpack and stow it inside the cabin. All personal items and electronics brought onboard are at your own risk. Grand Escapes will not be responsible for any items that accidentally fall overboard.
Tipping is optional and never expected but always appreciated.