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Hands on Sailing- Deep Immersion

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Sail the boat that sailed the world!

Join us for a hands on sailing adventure that will include some very basic lessons on the basics of sailing. Captain Steve Butz has over 35 years of sailing experience and recently completed a circumnavigation on Alyosha. He has logged over 40,000 nautical miles on the boat. Expect to participate in raising, lowering and adjusting the sails as Alyosha gracefully glides under wind power! No question is off limits as Steve is happy to pursue whatever topics interest sailors looking to boost their knowledge or stoke the interest of newbys to the sport. This trip is for those wanting more than just a ride in the Atlantic Ocean. You will leave with a deeper appreciation of the sport of sailing and the physics behind it.

Trips on Alyosha depart promptly at the scheduled time from the berth alongside of Mad Fish restaurant in Ocean City Harbor. (Consider having lunch or dinner at Mad Fish before or after your trip!) Sailing day trips will generally last about 2 1/2 hours. We will go through the OC Inlet (often the roughest part of the entire journey) and then let the wind dictate the triangular shape we will sail. 

What to expect:

Keep in mind that this experience is real open ocean sailing! The Captain and Crew have yet to be able to control the wind and seas...although there is no lack of effort on that account! Typically June, July and August on the Atlantic Coast features gentle, rolling swells as a "seabreeze" builds throughout the day. But not everyday is "typical."

Alyosha is a big, stable sailing catamaran, and she sails flat. But there is plenty of motion in ocean sailing and if you are prone to seasickness then you should plan to take some preventative medicine BEFORE we leave the dock. (Once you get sick, it is too late!) We recommend "Bonine" or "Dramamine".

This trip is, of course, weather dependent. If the captain feels that there is any risk given the conditions of a particular day, including a forecast that doesn't look promising, then the trip will be cancelled. You will receive a full refund in the event of any cancellation.

Hands On Sailing Expectations

People choosing this "Hands On" sailing experience are expected to be in good physical shape and be willing to sign a fitness waiver before participating. Participants will be given a chance to "re-confirm" their desire for a "Hands On" experience at the onset of the trip. It is no problem at all if participants decide, based on the conditions, to participate a bit less than tey had planned. Additionally, we understand that some participants are choosing the "Hands On" experience to accompany a friend- again, no worries at all if this is the case.

What to bring:

Alyosha has plenty of bottled water for customers. Unless you are specifically choosing the "catered" option, feel free to bring any food or drinks you would like onboard. There is plenty of room for everyone.

There are restrooms ("heads") aboard Alyosha for use by customers. Keep in mind that the toilets on a sailboat are a little bit bit more sensitive than land based toilets...

Protection from the elements: Although Alyosha has a roomy salon area and cabins that our guests may use, the real action is outside, on deck! Therefore, we highly recommend plenty of sunscreen and sunglasses.

Ocean Sailing is something that can be a once in a lifetime experience and even a gateway into the sport of sailing. Join us and experience an incredible way to see "the other side" of Ocean City. 

Aligned with the goal of ensuring all Sail Alyosha customers have a great experience, we will only run trips that are deemed safe by our Captains. Generally, the weather on the coast of the Ocean City area is very pleasant but sometimes storms and thunderstorms do occur.

In the event that your trip is cancelled, you will receive a full refund. Sometimes, the weather conditions, particularly high winds causing choppy seas, will allow us to run a safe trip that is a bit unpleasant.

Our captains will always strive to let people know when conditions will be less than ideal and if conditions warrant a possible refund you may choose to not take the trip. (But sometimes those rough passages make for the best experiences!)

$99

How Many Seats?

You can make this trip a Private Charter -- a trip that is exclusvely for you and your group.

By booking all 6 seats on this trip, you'll get a discount and be able to set the itinerary: whether we go sailing, cruising along Assateague, or anchor for a bit and go swimming!

$99

Any Children? (under 12 years old)