Charter Vacations

 1. What to bring

The vessel will supply galley supplies, soap for showers, towels, complete sheet sets, and duvet bed coverings. Evenings or stronger winds may require a jacket (dependent on climate). Dress casual, in layers, as you would for a hike or long walk. Sunscreen, water bottle, water tolerant footwear, and swimwear, as needed for sailing destination. Ask in advance about internet or phone access. Sometimes it’s just good to be “off the grid”!

2. How to provision

Captain Mark is an excellent resource for provisioning/catering. Experienced enough to do it himself, he can take over for you, or advise you on what to bring. If you wish, you can shop yourself and supply the vessel with your favorites, or sample local produce from nearby stores and markets. In addition, you can cook or allow the crew to handle the meals. Ask about purchasing your own “adult beverages” or request a supply for your cruise.

3. Choose your participation level

This might help you decide how you would like to engage in your upcoming voyage! A professional captain offers options to assist in the cruise as much or as little as you wish. Decide how much you want to learn from this trip.

Experienced Sailor

While wanting to occasionally take the helm, you’d also like sometimes to relax with friends and family. Skippering is a 24-hour responsibility!

4. Am I on board with people I don’t know?

This is your personally planned adventure. You may share the vessel or not. Invite family and friends for a fun vacation you won’t have any other way.

5. How many guests per boat?

• • In our experience two to four couples are the ideal number.
  • While up to ten vacationers may be accommodated on larger vessels, consider chartering a 2nd boat to maintain a more intimate shipboard experience.

6. Will children enjoy a cruise?

Children are welcome, and a family-style yachting vacation will create memories for a lifetime!

7. What will we do on our cruise?

For warm water destinations, snorkel equipment, paddle boards and kayaks are usually available. Our yachts feature a smaller boat, called a dinghy (ding-E) for shore excursions, as we sometimes anchor off beautiful, isolated beaches with no dock facilities. Choose busy port towns, historic locations, tiny islands, or lots of sailing time. Your itinerary will be planned ahead of time, but what we do is up to you and your captain.

8. What dates are available?

There are no set dates. We book by “seasons” of availability and locations. North Americans usually wish to escape to warmer climates in winter. Caribbean trips are ideal December through March. The Northwest San Juan Islands are warmest in the summer months.

9. What is the cost?

Costs vary from $4,000 to $10,000 per cabin/per couple per week.
Four guests on a catamaran in the Grenadines in December will be more expensive than a group of eight on a monohull in the Pacific NW. Each trip is customized for your party, with appropriate food provisioning, itinerary, and daily pace. This is an unforgettable, luxury vacation. Ask us for specifics.

10. What is included in my voyage?

• • Experienced Captain
  • Pre-trip Planning & Consultation
  • Itinerary & Menu planning
  • Provisioning – supplies, food and custom beverages delivered to the boat
  • Bedding, towels, soap, pillows and all the comforts of home

11. What is NOT included?

• • Adult beverages – aside from “Welcome BBQ” champagne and beer. Let us know what you need ahead of time for adequate provisioning.
  • Onboard Chef. Captain Mark’s vacations are “friends and family” style casual. A boat galley, like our kitchens at home – quickly becomes the social hub for food and beverages. Often, each cabin will prepare one evening’s dinner, with guests on their own for breakfast and lunch.
  • Gratuity

12. May I bring a hair dryer or charge my computer?

Smaller vessels may not have a generator to create 110v power for high electrical draw items like a hair dryer or blender – but all vessels DO have a 100v source for “plugging in” device chargers. Most modern vessels have USB ports in the cabins and common areas to charge your phone or GoPro.

13. Is there air conditioning?

This varies by type of vessel. Most do not have AC, or only while the boat is “plugged in” at a dock. Larger power vessels DO tend to have AC but require a diesel-powered generator to be running. We recommend enjoying the ocean breezes!

14. Do I need insurance?

I highly recommend you arrange travel insurance in case you need to cancel for an unexpected reason to cover non-refundable deposits. Please make sure you have personal travel insurance that covers sailing.

The vessel is insured throughout the charter with first-class insurers against all risks, to provide permission to charter as under contract terms and to cover third-party liability.

15. Terms & Conditions

35% deposit at time of booking; balance due 45 days prior to embarkation.
In order of preference: direct wire to Whatcom Educational Credit Union, Check, Venmo, Paypal, or Credit Card.

Wiring Funds to an account at WECU:
ABA Routing #325180113
600 E. Holy St., Bellingham, WA 98225
Member Mark E Brown, Account #295661

16. What is the cancellation policy?

If you cancel a trip, cancellation fees will apply:

• • If Charterer cancels more than 60 days before original charter start, Charterer will lose its 35% deposit.
  • If Charterer cancels 59 days or less before the original charter start, Charterer will lose the entire charter fee paid to date.