FAQ | Distant Shores
Most of the Sail Away Week cruises are priced per cabin not per person. The cabins are designed for 2 people.

We have a couple of offshore passages such as the Transatlantic Passage to the Caribbean that are priced per berth/per person.

The price covers onboard necessities including food and beverages on board (alcoholic beverages include beer and wine), insurance, fuel, marina fees, cruising permits, gratuities and training.

Not included is all airfare to and from the boat, airport transfers, trip cancellation insurance, travel/medical insurance, communications costs, meals or drinks ashore and shoreside activities.


Note prices are in US$
The aft cabin (Aft Cabin) has a luxurious near-queen size berth. There is an en suite heads (toilet) with a separate shower. At sea on passages the crew might all use the aft heads since it has the least motion on rougher days.

The forward cabin (Fwd Cabin) has a large v-berth but there is a fill-in piece (not shown in the picture) so it converts into a very large double berth. There is an en suite head with a separate shower which is shared with the crew in the bunk cabin (most often us) through a separate door.
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We'll be in the "Crew Cabin", the bunk cabin, also called the Pullman cabin. We want to give our guests an exclusive experience so are limiting the number of guest crew to 4 maximum – 2 couples or individuals in their own cabins (plus Paul & Sheryl who will stay in the bunk cabin).
Traveling to and from the boat can be challenging. We've tried to choose ports to start and end at with good connections so it's easy to meet the boat. Specifics on where to find Distant Shores III when you join us will be sent out in an e-mail once you register to sail with us, but here are some helpful tips in general when making your plans.

Arriving
We recommend flying in a day before you are due to join us so you can explore the area and in case of travel delays. The date the trip starts on the Sail Away Weeks Schedule is the first day that guest crew can arrive at the boat.
We are setting up Facebook groups to help people meet up online before you meet aboard, and we will also share contact info with the others on your Sail Away Week(s) with your approval. It can be helpful to get to know your fellow sailors before arriving at the boat, coordinate travel plans with the possibility of sharing costs of taxis, etc.

Departing
Your Sail Away Week ends on the last day listed on the Schedule. However we recommend booking your departure travel plans for the day to cover possible delays. Flexible travel arrangements are best, especially for our ocean passaging legs.
For the big voyages such as our Transatlantic Passage there is always the possibility of delays at sea. We've scheduled additional time in port at the end in Antigua so we should be OK.
We ask that you not schedule your return flight earlier than 3 PM on the final day of the journey. Most of our guests plan a night or two ashore after the trip to relax and explore.

Three payments are required:

Holding Deposit
- To secure your booking, a non-refundable holding deposit of $250 US is required. When our office receives your request and we confirm that space is available, an invoice will be sent for the $250 US holding deposit along with an application form. You may pay the holding deposit by PayPal, credit card or check.

50% Deposit less the $250 US Holding Fee - Once your application has been accepted, 50% of the balance (less the $250 US holding deposit) is due within 7 days. If your application is not accepted (this is a rare occurrence) your $250 US holding deposit will be returned in full. An invoice for the 50% deposit will be sent to you along with the application. We'll send you an email confirming your registration has been accepted and the invoice may be paid by money order or cashier's check. (For credit card payments we must charge a 3.5% service fee.)

50% Balance - Final payment of the remaining 50% owing is due 90 days before the trip starts, and you'll again receive an email invoice asking for this.

If you need to cancel, please see our cancellation policy below.

Rates include all onboard necessities, including food and beverages on board, insurance, fuel, marina fees, cruising permits, gratuities and training. Not included is all airfare to and from the boat, airport transfers, trip cancellation insurance, travel/medical insurance, communications costs, meals or drinks ashore and shoreside activities.

Once you are booked, we will send out a series of emails as the sailing date approaches with information to make your voyage with us relaxed and easy - suggested packing lists, travel hints, etc.
You can receive a full refund (minus $250 cancellation fee per cabin booked) if we receive written notification of cancellation more than 60 days prior to departure date only if we are able to re-book your cabin. We highly recommend trip cancellation insurance. Please contact your travel agent to make arrangements. Your payment may be eligible to transfer to a future passage if we can re-book your cabin.

In the event that an emergency arises and we need to cancel the leg of the voyage that you are booked on, you will receive a full refund.
Sailing in the British Virgin Islands involves passages of no more than 4-5 hours. Joining us on longer legs is more demanding physically. Sail Away Weeks with offshore ocean sailing involves more boat motion and activity - even holding yourself in place on a rough day takes energy. Many of our guests wish they had prepared better for a passage by doing regular exercise before they came aboard. Hiking, yoga, Pilates, and basic strength training all help. A recent guest reported he had used a personal trainer and increased strength quite a bit in just a few months before joining us. This made a big difference for him on the passages. A good guideline would be to do 20 minutes of aerobic activity per day and add in some stretching or yoga to build flexibility and strength in the months before you join us. We want everyone to feel good and enjoy their time on board with us!
Being at sea for more than 24 hours can be exhausting - but is also very rewarding! If the seas are up or the boat is heeling, just moving around can be challenging. It takes strength to hold on even when seated in rough seas. Maintaining watch schedules for many days or weeks while sailing offshore makes you realize that stamina is important. If you are worried about your level of fitness, we recommend you prepare for the voyage by increasing your exercise regimen. A good guideline would be to do 20 minutes of aerobic activity per day and add in some stretching or yoga to build flexibility and strength in the months before you join us.