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   Frequently Asked Questions
Priority Sailing

What should we wear?

Soft-soled shoes with non-marring soles are a must. Black-soled shoes are likely to leave many marks on the boat. If
your shoes don’t pass inspection on arrival, you will be asked to take them off.

If you plan to wear a hat, we recommend it have a tie or clip attached. You may want to purchase a hat clip ahead of
time which will prevent your hat blowing off in a breeze. We try to keep hat clips aboard for purchase if you need one.

Wear whatever makes you comfortable. Layered clothing, sun glasses and sun protection are strongly advised.

Do we need to bring life jackets?

We recommend that sailing students wear a personal flotation device while actively engaged in sailing. We have Type I
Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices aboard for adults and children to wear in case of an emergency.
These are designed to keep an unconscious victim afloat. If passengers prefer a different style, they are encouraged to
bring their own.

Should we bring food and drinks?

We provide complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to our cruising passengers, on the Carolina Gale.. If
you have special dietary preferences, let us know. You are also welcome to supplement with your food and beverages.
You may bring alcoholic beverages aboard the Tayana 52, but not the Colgate 26. We can recommend caterers for
special events. Sailing students will have a cooperative food plan, either bringing and preparing food aboard or going
out to eat at restaurants accessible from the water.

What about seasickness?

If you know you have a problem with motion sickness, you may want to take medication for it in advance. Bonime is a
non-prescription drug that works well. If you take Dramamine, be sure it's the "less drowsy formula." Some people use
a prescribed scopolomine patch. Please use this only if you have tried it ashore first and have no adverse side effects.
Do not eat a lot of rich or spicy food before sailing. A river sail is always a good alternative if you have a motion problem.

Will we see dolphins?

Bottlenose dolphins are frequently seen around sunrise
and sunset, in areas where there are small fish to eat.  
When we see shrimp boats nearby trawling for fish, we sail
close by, as the dolphins always follow the trawlers. In the
spring and fall, we occasionally see herds of dolphins
migrating through our area.

What about birds?

We always see birds. Battery Island is a bird sanctuary and one
of the largest nesting sites for White Ibis on the East Coast. The
flight of the colonial water birds across the water is a breath-
taking sight  You will enjoy watching the antics of Brown Pelicans
as well.

Should we bring our children along?

Most children find the Carolina Gale to be a fascinating floating playhouse. We have puppets, children’s story books,
puzzles and games aboard to help keep them entertained. On longer sails, we can put on a children’s video or DVD.
We also provide snacks and drinks kids like. However, seasick and crying children can make the ride miserable for
others, so please be thoughtful when you make your decision.

The Carolina Gale is so big, why can you just take six passengers?

The number of passengers we can take is regulated and strictly enforced by the US Coast Guard. On "uninspected"
commercial vessels, a captain is only allowed to take six passengers.  Because the Carolina Gale was built in Taiwan,
we do not have some construction data that the Coast Guard would require for this.

Do you have any suggestions for larger groups?

For larger groups, we recommend going out in two or three shifts, or chartering both the Tayana 52 and the Colgate 26.  
For team training events, we can charter other boats in the area and handle a sizeable number of persons at the same
time.

Do we need to help sail the boat?

Extra hands are always helpful while getting in and out of the boat slip, but helping out is not required. If passengers
want to steer or help trim sails, we are glad to give them the opportunity when conditions are safe.

Will we stop off at any places?

When we teach an all-day sailing class, we like to go to South Harbour Village Marina or Bald Head Island for lunch or
dinner.  We charge $75 for pick up and drop off at Bald Head Island, or $40 for drop off only. Guests dropped off there
can go exploring, rent a bike or golf cart, swim on one of the beautiful beaches, eat in one of the restaurants on the
island or enjoy a picnic.

May we play music?

We normally just listen to the calls of the birds and the sound of waves lapping on the boat, but we have a variety of
CDs aboard ranging from classical music, to jazz, new age, love songs, and "parrot head." We can also play music
from an MP3 player, and can download music for a special occasion. Our stereo system has speakers in the cockpit
and cabin. Feel free to bring your favorite CDs along, and if all guests agree they would like to hear them, we will play
them while we sail.

Will this be fun?  Of course!