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. You must bring a proper fitting lifejacket for any child under 35 pounds.

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

· Can I buy tickets more than 6 days in advance?
Yes you can, only if you agree to purchase 18 or more tickets and sign a Group Sail contract. There have been many times that people have elected this choice to guarantee the boat will go out with their group and pay for a few extra people (that aren't going) to ensure their date and time. Click here for a group sail brochure.

· 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 15 minutes prior to departure time. Allow plenty of time for traffic and parking and time to check in at our Dock Office to pick up your ticket(s). We cannot hold the boat if you will be late.

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

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

· 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. West Marine, a boat supply company, carries these types of wrist bands. Motion Sickness pills will work too, however the side effect is they may make you drowsy. We do not sell anything to help with motion sickness; please bring anything you may need with you.

· 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 when 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.

· What do you typically see? Where do you go?
All cruises are dependent on weather factors. Minimally, all cruises will sail past the Naval Academy, Annapolis Harbor area, and the "Scenic Severn River". Most trips leave the harbor and head out to the Bay, passing by osprey nests and other sailboats & powerboats. While sailing you may get a to see the 4.5 mile long, Chesapeake Bay Bridge and as the Woodwind sails back into the harbor, the historic, Annapolis skyline stands out quite prominently. If the wind is light, we often sail up the Severn River where the magnificent waterfront estates meet the shoreline. 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 a new adventure!

· 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 half day. All include food. Check out our upcoming special event schedule: click here. We have a wine tasting cruise usually 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 Portsmouth, VA (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 Portsmouth, 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 space below decks if you need to get out of the elements for awhile.

Private Charters:

Do you do teambuilding?
We have wonderful team building programs for groups of 7-70 people, 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, and gourmet bagged lunches to full lunch and dinner buffets. All food is prepared and delivered to the boat and s6erved 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 while sailing or a cruise to entertain and show off Annapolis to your guests is also a treat aboard. A 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. 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 greater than 30% chance of rain in the forecast for the time of the charter.

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 cruise time.