Capt. Dan answers Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to know?

Not very much. Common sense is the key. We all wear life jackets all the time when we're underway and I give a thorough briefing on safety considerations before we get underway. Capt. Dan answers FAQ

(The main one is, don't fall over the side. No one ever has fallen overboard and we intend to keep that record clean.) On some of our boats, if you're taller than 6 feet, you also have to be aware of the boom, particularly when we tack. It moves pretty slowly, in fact, the real danger is walking into it.

What should I bring; what should I wear on a day sailing trip?

Bring a camera, and, no matter how warm and sunny it is at your hotel, bring a sweater or sweatshirt and a jacket. If you've got one, bring a hat. Bring sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, I wear SPF 50 and a hat. (By the way, I've already been informed that my hat is quite dorky.)

What should I bring; what should I wear on an overnight sail?

People do not usually bring enough warm clothes for day trips, but on overnights, they tend to bring more than they'll wear during high-fashion season. So leave the tuxedos and ball gowns at home and pack for camping (sans tent & cook gear): Be prepared for weather that is 10-15 degrees cooler than it is ashore. You probably won't need shorts, you probably will appreciate having a warm sweater and windbreaker.

Use soft-sided luggage or duffle bags. It's easier to get aboard and it's easier to store.

Sancerre is a big boat, but not as big as your house, condo or even a starter apartment.

We provide linens, towels, meals, wine etc. etc. Click What Should I Bring for a printable list. If you have additional questions about what to bring and what to leave home, just e-mail me or call 805.750.7828.

Menus

A week or so before we're scheduled to shove off on an overnighter, we'll confer with you about what you'd like to eat and drink. Some folks like to do some of the cooking themselves and we're happy to move out of the galley for a spell. We have a four-burner stove, an oven and a gas barbecue and several styles of coffee maker. We have a fairly - for a boat, anyway - capacious refrigerator and a large drink cooler on deck. Our extension cord is only a couple of feet long, so electric appliances like blenders and the microwave are only usable dockside.

Shoes?

Wear 'em. White-soled court shoes are the best. Sandals are dangerous. High heels are insane. The white soles are not 100% necessary, but I'm much happier at the end of the day if I don't have to rub out scuff marks. You can test your shoe's scuff quotient by putting your weight on the toe and rubbing it around on a hard surface as if you were putting out a cigarette. If it doesn't leave a mark at home, it's unlikely to leave one on the boat.

Kids? Can I bring them?

Kids in sixth grade or higher are invited. We've found that children in lower grades aren't ready to sail for extended periods. I don't even take my grandkids.

Mal-de-mer/seasickness

It can happen. It's not routine, but it can happen. If you have had bouts with it before, bring your favorite medicine. Better yet, take a tab about an hour before we leave. If you start to feel queasy, we can try different courses and try to smooth the ride. If you begin to feel really horrible, we can come back early. It’s important to let me know when you first start to feel badly so that we can change course, put you in a spot where you can see the horizon and try some of the other anti-seasickness tricks that we know.

Can I learn to sail?

If you want to learn a bit about sailing, just ask. My wife and daughter have cautioned me to wait until you ask. In addition to being a former strike-fighter pilot and a former journalist, I’m also a former, though unreformed teacher. My wife and daughter also told me to tell you that you can say – “OK, I know enough about that.”

Can I smoke?

Only if you suffer personal spontaneous combustion.

Sailing: it's about fresh air.

Will my cell phone work?

My job is to help you have the best day on the water that you can possibly have. Most of my clients are trying to distance themselves, if only for a day, from the race of rodents. I'm really tempted to placard the boat with a cell phone in a red circle with the prohibiting diagonal slash to help them in their quest for a bit of peace, a few hours of quiet.

The straight answer to your question is, yes, it will work out to several miles off shore. Sometimes we can make calls from the north shore of Santa Cruz. But only sometimes. If you're on an overnighter, don't make any promises to call anyone ashore.

Dogs: Salty, Sly, Hatch and Canine

The first two - Salty and Sly - are typically human, though one can be a drink. Those are OK aboard our boats. Hatch dogs, well they're what keep the hatches closed, but Rover ...

We love our dogs and our dogs love that we leave them ashore. Their issues are two: they don't walk on water and therefore going for a "euphemism" is very problematical for them (and us) and they don't like the boat's movement. To compensate for pitch and roll, they dig their claws into the teak.

You may bring a parrot, but only if your bird of color is used to accessorize the rest of your outfit, which must include a prosthetic peg leg and an eye patch. (Be advised: a little "ARGGGH" goes a long way if you do invoke this clause.)

Cats hate salt water.

So, pets, in general, are happier staying at home.

Where are you, what's your phone number, etc. etc.

Click here - Find the Boat, find Capt. Dan, Call us etc. etc.

What about my deposit?

If we are forced to cancel due to weather or other unfavorable conditions, your deposit will be refunded; however, the deposit is not refundable if you change or cancel your reservation within 10 calendar days of your scheduled departure.

Gees, that sounds mean and I apologize. I just don't know a more subtle way to put it.

Do you accept plastic?

You bet.