Public Cruises:

· Why are there no refunds or exchanges on tickets?
To be fair to other passengers and to guarantee a place onboard to guests who purchase advance tickets,, we must enforce this policy. It enables us to give the best customer service possible with a consistent policy.

· When will the decision be made to cancel a trip due to bad weather?
Unless there's a tropical storm heading our way, the decision is typically made just prior to departure time.

· Must I buy a ticket for an infant or toddler?
Yes, they count as a passenger according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

· What should I wear for the cruise?
Soft-soled shoes are required and the dress is very casual and comfortable. Depending on season, layered clothes work best. We supply emergency ponchos should there be rain during the cruise.

· When do I need to show up?
We begin boarding 10 minutes prior to departure time. Allow plenty of time for traffic and parking. We cannot hold the boat if you will be late.

· What kind of snacks come with the cruise?
Assorted types of chips, pretzels, peanuts, or cookies.

· Can I bring a bottle of wine onboard?
No. We have a liquor license and it will not allow any type of alcohol to be brought onboard. We do sell a variety of beer, wines and champagne.

· Can I smoke onboard?
There is no smoking permitted on any public cruises.

· What about cigars?
No cigars are permitted on public cruises.

· Can I bring food onboard a public cruise
If you wish to bring food onboard, it must be individually packaged for each person. No spreads, buffets, etc. and no cakes.

· What about motion sickness?
Since we sail in relatively protected waters and we have a heavy ballasted keel, it is very rare for people to get seasick (less than 1%). We recommend getting "sea bands" for your wrists if you are concerned about this. Fawcett Boat Supplies, a few doors away, carries these.

· What about being caught out in a lightning storm?
During the summertime, lightning storm forecasts are a common occurrence. Most of these do not materialize, but if one does "pop up" while sailing and whenever possible, we will head for the dock as soon as we can. Our captains are excellent at reading these storms: where they are and where they are going.

· Why must I purchase a life jacket for my child under 35 pounds?
The U.S. Coast Guard has not officially approved a child's lifejacket for commercial passenger boats for children under 35 lbs., therefore, we cannot provide one. Any lifejacket suitable for a young child that properly fits will be permitted onboard.

· What do you typically see? Where do you go?
All cruises are dependent on weather factors. Minimally, all cruises will encompass the Naval Academy, Annapolis Harbor area and the "Scenic Severn River". Most trips leave the harbor for the Bay, passing by Osprey nests and watching other boats sailing and racing, with a great view of the Annapolis skyline. When there's little wind, a trip up the Severn is in order as we sail into the many creeks to catch a glimpse of the magnificent waterfront estates and private docks.. Some trips are just right for a cruise under the Bay Bridge, and on less frequent occasions, we can sail to Thomas Point lighthouse. It's very easy for us to say "each trip is unique", which keeps frequent sailors coming back for more!

· Can I help sail?
In typical weather conditions and bay conditions, the Captain will encourage guests to help steer Woodwind, help raise the sails, trim the sails and take down the sails.

· Do you offer cruises longer than 2-hours?
Yes. At least once a month we have "special event" cruises from 3½ hours to a full day. All have food included. Check out our upcoming special event schedule: click here. We sail to St. Michaels for an all-day trip in May; we have a wine tasting cruise in August & September, a 4th of July Fireworks cruise, Blue Angels cruise and more.

· Do you offer multi-day cruises?
Once a year we offer double-berth cabins for a 5-day cruise up the Bay from the Norfolk area to Annapolis. This is a great way to get your sea legs and to enjoy this beautiful estuary while sailing on a gorgeous and comfortable schooner. This trip is during the third week of October each year. We also offer individual spots for participation aboard Woodwind in the Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race from Annapolis to Norfolk, during the second week in October.

· Can we go below decks to get out of the rain and/or extreme heat?
We do encourage you to stay out on deck where you can truly experience sailing, however there is abundant space below decks if you need to get out of the elements for a while.

Private Charters:

Do you do teambuilding?
We have wonderful team building programs for groups of 7-70, including our popular "Ultimate Team Challenge: Match Racing Program" with our two, identical schooners.
-Team Building Page -Team Building Brochure

Can I bring my own food?
We work with our exclusive caterer, Palate Pleasers, to provide your group with the best menu for your sailing event. All food is served chilled or at room temperature. Our menus include great appetizers, brunch & breakfast items, gourmet bagged lunches to full lunch and dinner buffets. All food is prepared and delivered to the boat, and service of the food is done by the extraordinary crew aboard.

Who takes care of gratuities and taxes?
All gratuities and taxes are included in your charter proposal.

Do you do weddings?
Small weddings are ideal aboard the Woodwind. Rehearsal dinners or a sailing cruise to entertain your guests is also a treat aboard. Give them the true taste of Maryland!

What if the weather is bad?
We typically sail rain or shine unless the captain cancels the cruise due to unsafe conditions. We do offer "Rain Insurance" at an additional cost on some of our private charters. See below.

What is Rain Insurance?
Schooner Woodwind offers Rain Insurance at an additional cost of 15% of the Vessel Fee including taxes and gratuities or $150, whichever is greater. This insurance gives the charterer a time period of 24 hours prior to the charter until 2 hours before the scheduled departure to cancel due to a 20% chance or greater of rain in the forecast.
Rain insurance is not available:
1. On any charters contracted within 7 days of the Event Date.
2. If the charter originates from a port other than Annapolis, MD.
3. If both Woodwinds are chartered for the same time.