Frequently Asked Questions

How can people at home communicate with the crew?
- Mobile phones should be effective. Unlike recent cruises, we'll be in US waters and continuously within range of cell towers.
How do I get to the boat?
- See the Travel page for guidance.
Do I have to make hotel reservations?
- Not unless you want to spend some time in Newport before or after the cruise. Otherwise, all nights will be spent on board. If you'd like a hotel, our charter company recommends the Newport Harbor Hotel. Ask for a room on the REAR ground level. You can walk out on to the grass lawn and also walk around the docks. Also, you are about 2 minutes walking to the downtown waterfront. And you can get to Brenton Cove (where our boat is) by taking the Oldport Launch to Brenton Cove to the Alofsin SOUTH Pier. Or, if you have a car, you can drive over and park for a few dollars per night.
How are day-to-day expenses handled during the cruise?
- During the cruise, each expense which benefits anyone other than the payer (e.g., groceries, crew dinners ashore) is paid for by one of us (whoever picks up the bill first, or whatever). Information about each expense is collected, including who paid and who benefited. Shortly after the cruise, an accounting is made wherein all payers are credited and all beneficiaries are debited. Finally, each crew member pays a balance due or receives a refund, depending on how quick they were with the credit card during the cruise.
What's the best seasickness remedy?
- Meclizine (sold over the counter under the brand names "Bonine" and "Dramamine Less Drowsy") is effective for many people and usually well tolerated. If you want details, read more.
What are the temperatures and winds?
- See the Cruising Grounds page.
What sort of audio-visual equipment is on the boat?
- There is a high-definition TV, so bring your DVDs. Also bring your iPod, to play music through the boat's sound system.
Is there fishing gear on the boat?
- Fishing gear is not provided, but feel free to bring your own.
Do I need to pack any dressy clothes?
- In a word, nope. We'll go ashore for a few dinners, but the harbor restaurants we frequent are accustomed to come-as-you-are sailors.
Should I bring foul-weather gear?
- There will be no foul-weather gear on the boat, so feel free to bring your own. If you have none, you'll probably be OK without it.
What kind of shoes should I bring?
- Any shoes which don't slip on a wet deck will be fine. Boat shoes are the best bet, but sneakers or Tevas are quite serviceable. We won't be sailing in Force 10.
Will there be opportunities to have laundry done during the cruise?
- That's unlikely, so you should bring enough clothes for the entire week.
Can I use AC electrical devices on the boat?
- The boat has a generator which allows you to plug in any 110V appliance just as you would at home (but only when the generator is running).
Is there a blender on the boat?
- Nope. But bring your own blender if you like.
How should I pack?
- Try not to bring conventional hard-sided suitcases, as they do not stow easily. If possible, use duffel bags or sea bags which fold up when not in use. Wheeled collapsible duffels with one rigid side are OK. For many reasons (such as stowage limitations on board), you should travel light. Here's a checklist (click here for a printable version):
  - Shorts
  - Long pants (1 pair)
  - Bathing suits (2 or 3)
  - Socks
  - Deck shoes or tennis shoes
  - Windbreaker or light sweater
  - Sunglasses
  - Lip protection
  - Sun block
  - Shaving kit (for the guys)
  - Toothbrush and toothpaste
  - Short-sleeve blouses or shirts
  - Underwear
  - Skirt or wrap-around
  - Hat (wide brim for sun protection)
  - CDs (the boat has a CD player)
  - Insect repellant (Cutter's or Off), not for the boat but for evenings ashore
  - Fishing gear (see FAQ on this subject above)
  - Foul-weather gear (see FAQ on this subject above)
  - Reef shoes for reef walking
  - Sturdy shoes for clambering around ashore
  - Fanny pack or backpack for shore excursions
  - Camera and charging accessories
  - Guitar (this one's for Kip and Jason)
  - Dramamine or your favorite motion-sickness remedy
  - Soap in a soap dish, or liquid camp soap. Or skip this and use shampoo for everything.
  - Spare eyeglasses and/or contact lenses
  - Laundry bag
  - Washcloth
  - Prescription medications (in your carry-on bag)