Policies & FAQs

How Your Time is Calculated:

Your sailing excursion time begins and ends at your schedule charter time.  Round trip transportation time from the dock to the sailboat is part of your total excursion time.  Charter rates and time are not adjusted for late arrivals, including missed ferries or or other transportation issues, so please plan ahead for an on-time arrival.

Number of Guests Included:

All of our private sails are based on up to 6 guests.  "Public Sail" excursions, currently hosted on Monday and Thursday evenings, are sold on a per-person basis with a maximum of 6 total guests aboard.  If your group is is larger than 6, please call for options.

Hours of Operation:

Charters may be scheduled between the hours of 10 am through 8 pm daily. Our hours of operation end earlier later in the season as the sun begins to set earlier.

*Requests for time outside of our normal operating hours will be considered based on availability and will incur an additional fee.

Additional Sailing Time:  

Please call to inquire about additional sailing time.

Alcohol Policy:

Guests are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages (with the exception of red wine which is prohibited) and drink in moderation while aboard.  Excessive alcohol use, as identified by the Captain while underway, is not permitted as it poses a safety hazard to guests and crew, and will result in an early and immediate end to the sail.

Electronics: 

The marine environment by nature is not conducive to electronics such as laptops, iPads and cell phones. We recommend these items be stowed away for your protection. S/V Phoenix and her staff are not responsible for damage by rain, sea spray, waves or other water damage, nor impact damage from shifts in boat stability while underway.

Inclusions:

All day charters include soda, water, and light snacks. Charter destinations are based on weather, current, tide and sea state. All day sail prices are for up to 6 people. Charter rates do not include gratuity for the crew. Industry standards are traditionally 15-20% gratuity based on great service. 

What about tipping?

Your Captain and crew are not only your tour guides, waiters/waitresses, host/hostesses, entertainers, sanitation engineers, and DJs aboard the sailboat, they are also responsible for your life and your safety. It has always been customary to handle gratuity aboard a vessel just like in a restaurant - 15-20% based on great service. After you sail with us, we think you'll agree that we do so much more than just bring you snacks!

"If you enjoyed your trip, don't forget to tip."

Pick Up Location: 

Guests will be picked up by dinghy at the dinghy dock in Vineyard Haven, located next to the Steamship Ferry Dock.  Please wear shoes that can get wet and that can be removed easily since we are a shoeless boat.  Guests will be asked to remove shoes before boarding the dinghy. Visit our "Directions" tab for a map and physical address of the pick up location.

Cancellation & Weather Policy:

• A 20% service fee is applied to all cancellations. 
• Cancellations made with a minimum of 14 days’ notice will receive a refund less the 20% cancellation fee.  
• Cancellations made with less than 14 days’ notice will forfeit all fees unless Sail The Vineyard is able to re-book the charter dates. If Sail The Vineyard is able to re-book the charter dates, a refund less the 20% cancellation fee will be applied.
• No refunds or partial refunds will be made for late arrivals or early departures. 
• In the case of extreme weather, the Captain and Charterer will discuss a mutually convenient date to reschedule the charter.