FAQs

I have a mobility issue, or I am traveling with someone who has a mobility issue, is this cruise suitable?

• The Woodwind boarding ramp is approx 22″ wide with rope handlines on one side (crew members will offer their arms and hands to help guests board). The current tide determines the angle of the ramp (higher tides mean a steeper slope to the ramp).  At the end of the ramp, guests must step down (approx -11″) onto the deck.
• The cockpit area provides bench seating with a non-cushioned backrest and an area where guests can brace their legs. This is the most suitable place for guests with mobility and/or stability issues to sit and feel the most secure.  In order to access this area, guests must step (or swing legs) over and down approx 13.5″ to the bench and then down to the cockpit floor (approx 16″ down).
• As Schooner Woodwind is a sailboat, she may at times, sail heeled over at an angle of 5-20 degrees from one side to the other. Guests with mobility issues will likely find it difficult to move around the boat and/or keep themselves seated comfortably when the boat is heeling.
• The restrooms (heads) are located below deck – accessed by means of a companionway ladder (about six steps).

Can I bring my mobility aid aboard?

• Most wheelchairs and walkers do not fit aboard the Woodwind without compromising the safety of the boat and/or other passengers aboard. Mobility aids can be left at our Dock Office and retrieved following the cruise.  The captain has the authority to determine if it is safe for the other passengers aboard to allow mobility aids aboard.

Are you ADA compliant?

• The vessel configuration does not violate the law. There are no vessel configuration regulations now in place with which to comply.

Please consider all of these factors before deciding to purchase a ticket for a cruise on the Schooner Woodwind.  The captain has the right to determine if a specific person with limited mobility will be a danger to other guests aboard due to the current conditions.  In such cases that a person is not able to sail, a refund will be provided to this person and one caregiver that stays behind.

I see that only 30 people is the capacity on public cruises, but I see that the boat is USCG certified for 48? Which one will it be?

The company has decided that the experience aboard with just 30 people (who may not know each other) is a better experience than the USCG capacity of 48 people.  Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we would sell out the boat with 48 people aboard. We reduced how many tickets we sold and our crew and customers have loved it.  We will be operating this way all season.

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.

Are there life jackets for my infant?

Yes. When you check-in at the dock office, let us know that you have an infant and we will hand you a special infant life jacket.

What should I wear for the cruise?

Soft-soled shoes are required and the dress is very casual and comfortable. Depending on the season, layered clothes work best. We supply complimentary ponchos should there be rain during the cruise.

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. You can purchase these wristbands from our ticket office prior to your cruise. Motion Sickness pills will work too, however, the side effect is they may make you drowsy. We do not sell medication 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 the storms 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 to see the 4.5 miles 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 we go below decks to get out of the rain and/or extreme heat?

We do encourage you to stay out on the deck where you can truly experience sailing, however, there is space below decks if you need to get out of the elements for a while.

Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?

We do sell a variety of beer, wines, and bubbly. We have a liquor license, and it does not allow for any type of alcohol to be brought on board.

What if I need to cancel?

Our cruises do not allow for cancellations.  You can sell or give your ticket to someone else.  In the event that we need to cancel the cruise, all ticket monies will be refunded.

Must I buy a ticket for an infant or toddler?

Yes, they count as a passenger, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Can I buy tickets more than 6 days in advance?

Yes, you can. By purchasing a flat-fee Group Sail package (1-16 guests), you will be guaranteed the sail time that you want.  An added bonus, if you are checked in at the Dock Office 15 minutes prior to the sail, your group will board first to select the seating you like.  Click here for Group Sail information.

When do I need to show up?

We begin boarding 10 minutes prior to departure time. Allow plenty of time for traffic, parking, and time to check-in at our Dock Office. We cannot hold the boat if you will be late.

Can I smoke onboard?

There is no smoking of any kind or vaping permitted on any public or private cruises.

Can I bring food on board a public cruise?

If you wish to bring food on board, it must be individually packaged for each person. No spreads, buffets, and no cakes.

Do you do team-building?

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. Visit our Teambuilding page here to learn more.

Do you have merchandise so my guests can remember their adventure?

We have a wide variety of merchandise, from t-shirts to hooded sweatshirts, postcards to patches, we have it all. Check out our Ship’s Store for what we sell. All this merchandise can be purchased at the dock office or online in advance of the cruise. For large quantity orders, please let your sales agent know ahead of your visit, so we can make sure we have everything in stock.

Can I bring my own food?

We work with our exclusive caterer 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 lunch and dinner options. All food is pre-packaged for each guest and delivered to the boat and served by the extraordinary crew aboard. See our menus here.

Who takes care of gratuities and taxes?

All gratuities and taxes are included in your private cruise contract under Service Fees.

Can I have my wedding on the Woodwind?

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 Protection” at an additional cost on some of our private charters. See below.

What is Rain Protection?

Schooner Woodwind offers “Rain Protection” 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 if there is a greater than 30% chance of rain forecasted for the time of the charter.

Rain Protection is not available:

• On any charters contracted within 14 days of the Event Date.
• If the charter originates from a port other than Annapolis, MD.
• If both Woodwinds are chartered for the same cruise time.
• Special dates like Blue Angels Fly-Over, July 4th, and other Holidays.

Is a private cruise the only option for a scout or student trip aboard the Woodwind?

Yes. In order for our crew and captains to be able to offer interactive programming for the Scouts, we do need it to be a private event.

If we wanted to brush up on our nautical terms, where should we go?

Go to our Educational page where they can learn terms, names of the sails, and other great information.

Does Schooner Woodwind have Scout patches? If so, how much?

We have great Participation Patches that say “Annapolis Sailing Cruises”.  Each participating scout and student will receive a patch as part of the Private Cruise Pricing. Additional patches are $4.25. Click here to see patches

Do you have merchandise so the guests can remember their adventure?

We have a wide variety of merchandise, from t-shirts to hooded sweatshirts, postcards to patches, we have it all. Check out our Ship’s Store for what we sell. All this merchandise can be purchased at the dock office or online in advance of the cruise. For large quantity orders, please let your sales agent know ahead of your visit, so we can make sure we have everything in stock.

What is the life jacket policy?

According to the Girl Scout USA and BSA safety procedures, they want all Scouts, adults, and other children aboard a cruise must be outfitted in life jackets. We have additional Type III life jackets that are more comfortable for non-emergency use.

How many people can we fit on the boat?

The USCG limits us to 48 passengers, however, we are limiting the boat to 40 passengers.  We do have two Woodwinds, so if you have an extremely large group (40 to 80), we can fit them aboard both boats.

What should I wear for the cruise?

Soft-soled shoes are required, and the dress is very casual and comfortable. Depending on the season, layered clothes work best. We supply complimentary ponchos should there be rain during the cruise.

What should I bring aboard?

Bring a smartphone to purchase bar items or an extra soda or water. Bring a real raincoat, if it is forecasted to rain, yours will far surpass the complimentary rain ponchos that we have aboard.

Can I bring a bottle of wine aboard?

No. We have a liquor license, and it does not allow any type of alcohol to be brought on board. We do sell a variety of beer, wine, and sparkling wine.

Can I bring food on board a public cruise?

If you wish to bring food on board, it must be individually packaged for each person. No spreads, buffets, and no cakes.

What do I do when I arrive at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel Dock?

Check-in at our ticket office when you arrive at the dock for boarding instructions. Our ticket office staff will direct you to the boarding line for your cruise. If both Woodwind and Woodwind II are sailing, there will be two lines.

If you have not already purchased tickets, you can do so at our ticket office on the dock.

What do I need when I check in?

If you bought your tickets online, you should bring the printout of your ticket confirmation page. If you have a smartphone, you can bring up the confirmation email on your phone. If you bought your tickets over the phone, please have your confirmation number and a photo ID with you when you pick up your tickets. You will be told where to stand for which boat you are on.

When should I arrive?

Please arrive at the dock no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time of the cruise. If you arrive early you can check in at any time, there is a great bar and restaurant located on the water at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. No alcohol may be brought aboard.