Frequently Asked Questions
Priority Sailing

Where will we go?

Where we go is always dependent on the wind, weather and sea conditions. We also take our guests' preferences into
consideration. Typically we sail out the Intracoastal Waterway, along Oak Island, out into the Atlantic Ocean, and come
back in along Bald Head Island and Battery Island. That takes about three hours.

Alternatively or additionally, we head up the Cape Fear River, and point out historically and ecologically important sites
and sights along the way. Our guests are amazed at how wide and beautiful this part of the river is.

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 to 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?

When we take passengers for hire, we follow the Coast Guard rules for commercial vessels. We provide Type I
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's)  for all passengers and crew, and the captain may request that passengers wear
them under certain conditions. If you want your children to wear a more comfortable Type II PFD, you may bring your
own. We also recommend that sailing students bring their own PFD and wear it during the class.
On recreational vessels children under age 13 must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while topside and
underway.

Should we bring food and drinks?

We provide complimentary snacks and beverages. If you have special dietary preferences, let us know. You are also
welcome to supplement with your food and beverages. We can recommend caterers for special events, or if Carolyn
has time, she will prepare or bring along more elaborate food and special beverages, for an extra fee.

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. We also have pressure point Queese-away wrist bands aboard that guests may
borrow, if needed. 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. Nearby 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 breathtaking site  You will enjoy watching
the antics of Brown Pelicans as well.

Should we bring our children along?

Most children find our boat 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, some 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. Those staying on shore can visit the North Carolina
Maritime Museum, take a walking or biking tour of Southport,  go to the beach or go shopping.  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. If they ride back to the mainland on the Bald Head Island ferry, landing at Indigo Plantation
Marina, they will have to pay the full ferry fare.

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." Our stereo system has
speakers in the cockpit and cabin. Feel free to bring your favorite CDs or cassette tapes 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!