THRILL Trips and Experiences

Click an experience to view a description of the experience and see the scheduled trips.

Command & Crew the boat that sailed the world!

Ever wonder what it is like to actually try to maneuver a 50' sailboat in a tight harbor? Want to experience the thrill of manning the helm, raising the sails and setting a course for adventure? Or how about this: Unable to sit still and would rather be doing something because that's how you're wired to relax? Then we have the perfect trip for you!

Revamped in 2024, Customers Loved This Hands On Experience:

This is a hands on sailing adventure that will have you and all other customers completely handle EVERY aspect of a 4 hour sailing adventure! You will be expected to review a brief guide to staying safe on Alyosha beforehand, and there will be a 10-15 minute orientation at the beginning of this trip to ensure everyone stays safe! Then, you can expect to be put to work at the helm, on the sails, or in a variety of other capacities! Captain Steve's perfect vision of this trip is to use his voice (and kind, patient demeanor) to direct everyone to successfully navigate Alyosha through a sailing ocean experience! (If the weather does not cooperate, we will cancel and refund this trip, there is not enough hands on sailing to be had behind Assateague Island...)

Captain Steve Butz has over 35 years of sailing experience and recently completed a circumnavigation on Alyosha. He has logged over 50,000 nautical miles on the boat. You and your fellow guests will be in good hands.

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- which is a longer experience at 4+ hours- 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.

Please note: If you just want to get out there and sail, and this is the most convenient time for you, by all means please book the trip! We have many “Hands On” sailors who actually prefer to just chill out and relax and let others do the work. Also, we have many couples choosing this trip where only one member really wants the "hands on" part! That is fine: This trip is exactly as engaging as you want it to be.

We only allow 6 people on this trip to ensure everyone is able to get some "hands on" experience.

(We prefer no youth under 13 years old for this experience)

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Ocean Sailing on a 50' Catamaran!

Come out an experience either the "chill" or "thrill" of Ocean Sailing (depending on the weather) on this nearly 2 hour adventure.

Watch OC fade into the horizon as the crystal clear Atlantic Ocean waters surround the boat. The fun really begins when the diesel engines cut off and the boat moves along effortlessly under only sail power. Yes, this trip is about sailing! Pods of dolphins often playfully swim right off the bow of the boat, making a once in a lifetime natural experience! There is plenty of room aboard Alyosha for you to spread out and enjoy yourself- we encourage guests to utilize the wide trampolines in front of the boat for lounging. This experience is designed as an introduction into ocean sailing, and is appropriate for most children above age 4/5 and even for seniors who have fair mobility. There is sheltered seating in the spacious cockpit if enjoying the experience on the deck is too daunting!

There is always a four person minimum for all Ocean Sailing trips. Don’t let this discourage you! Book the trip if you want to sail and if we don’t get enough people- we almost always do- we will find another time/date for you.

Birthdays, Anniversaries and Special Events:

Let us know if you are celebrating something with your cruise: We have anniversary, birthday and special event flags- complete with a nautical number set- that we hope you will consider raising during the sail.

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Sail the boat that sailed the world! 

A longer bit of sailing for customers who have sailed with us before, and know they will love the sailing action on Alyosha! (If you have not sailed with us before, please stick to the 2 hour experiences offered throughout the week- or the sunset cruise offered nightly) This experience is only available to those who have a prior booking with us. We know you, you know us, and you are ready for 3 hours of sailing!

Join Captain Steve Butz and prepare yourself for a very different Ocean City attraction! This is not the Sea Rocket! Sailing on the Atlantic Ocean is sometimes very exciting and often very relaxing, depending on the conditions. Don’t worry, you will have a great time either way…

The adventure will begin promptly at the scheduled start time and Alyosha will head out for an unforgettable sail on the Atlantic Ocean. The fun really begins when the diesel engines cut off and the boat moves along effortlessly under only sail power. Yes, this trip is about sailing! Pods of dolphins often playfully swim right off the bow of the boat, making a once in a lifetime natural experience! There is plenty of room aboard Alyosha for you to spread out and enjoy yourself- we encourage guests to utilize the wide trampolines in front of the boat for lounging.

There is always a four person minimum for all Ocean Sailing trips. Don’t let this discourage you! Book the trip if you want to sail and if we don’t get enough people- we almost always do- we will find another time/date for you.

Birthdays, Anniversaries and Special Events:

Let us know if you are celebrating something with your cruise: We now have anniversary, birthday and special event flags- complete with a nautical number set- that we hope you will consider raising during the sail.

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A Worthy, Weekend "Date Night" Option

It’s everything you might imagine a Saturday Night Sunset Cruise to be, and even a bit more! We have added some time to this adventure to make it a worthwhile “date night” excursion. Saturday and Sunday evening Sunset Cruises are usually closer to 90 minutes in durection.

Cruise on Alyosha, a 50ft sailing Catamaran, out into the Atlantic for a beautiful view as the sun sets on Ocean City OR behind Assateague Island, where the sun will melt into the marsh at the end of the day. Each night, our captain will make the decision about whether the ocean or bay will make for the better voyage, keeping your comfort "top-of-mind." On the morning of your trip, you can check our website to see which way we are leaning (Ocean or Bay) weather-wise. Sunset cruises are an opportunity to unwind, and enjoy our natural surroundings. And whether your sunset is on the perfectly flat bay or a calm and gentle ocean, you are in for a treat! Lounge on the trampolines on Alyosha's spacious foredecks or enjoy any of the other excellent seating options that this 50' boat has available. This is a "must do" experience in Ocean City!

Birthdays and Anniversaries:

Let us know if you are celebrating something with your cruise: We now have anniversary and birthday flags- complete with a nautical number set- that we hope you will consider raising during the sail.

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Looking for a Supersized Adventure? For serious sailors only...and offered only to those who have sailed on Alyosha in the past...

Are you looking for something different? Want to watch the land fade away and really get out there to experience open ocean sailing? We have you covered! This is the longest sailing experience we offer and is a great chance to get away from it all. 

We will depart from our West OC headquarters and sail straight out into the blue beyond. The goal here is not only to really soak in the ocean sailing experience but also to watch the water change colors as the Ocean City horizon fades and then disappears!

This 6 hour trip is for those who have sailing experience, have been sailing on Alyosha before OR, for those extremely adventurous types (who must contact us before booking) Alyosha is a 50 foot St. Francis catamaran that has sailed around the world with Captain Steve at the helm, so you are in capable hands out there in the ocean.  

This is NOT a good trip to figure out whether you or your kids are susceptible to seasickness!

This trip is always limited to 6 people.

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