FAQ's

If you are looking for the safest mode of transportation to sightsee around Boston Harbor, compared to overcrowded ferries and large tour boats, a private up to six-passenger charter, with Boston Sailing Charters remains your best option.

• Charters are all private so just you and your party will be on the boat.
• If you contact Covid and must cancel last minute there are no refunds.
• You can rebook your sail on any available day.
•  This offer is valid for the same year you purchased your charter.

The official season is from May 1st through October 31, 2023.

We understand that no one wishes to go sailing in inclement weather. Your charter will be canceled if the weather is inclement. Only the captain of the vessel determines if a charter is to be canceled due to the weather conditions. Examples of inclement weather include thunderstorms, excessive winds, and rainstorms.

Most of our guests have had a wonderful time even if the conditions are not perfect. Your charter will occur in light rain, cloudy skies, cold/hot temperatures, humidity, and small craft warnings.

We track and monitor weather conditions hourly and we will make every effort to contact you two hours prior to your charter if inclement weather will affect your charter. Sometimes, inclement conditions can come on suddenly and result in last-minute cancellations,

Please plan on arriving on time for your scheduled sail even if the forecast calls for rain.  Please note that weather forecasts are incorrect 99% of the time.  We ask for your patience with weather forecasts as they are very inaccurate. Charters will not be rescheduled due to weather forecasts of any kind.

We are located at Constitution Marina at 28 Constitution Road, Charlestown MA 02129, which is part of Boston.

There is pay parking here at Constitution Marina. Street parking is very limited

WHAT TO WEAR

Sailors should dress for safety, comfort, and weather. In spring and fall, dress in layers and bring a jacket or sweatshirt; it can be cooler at sea than on land.

In summer, bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. 

For safety and comfort, soft-soled shoes like boat shoes or sneakers are the preferred footwear aboard the Francesca. You will be asked to go barefoot for safety reasons if you wear hard-soled shoes or high heels on board.

WHAT TO PACK

You’re also welcome to bring aboard your own food and drinks. We recommend keeping food to snacks and easy-to-eat items like sandwiches.  Plan as if you are going on a picnic as we do not have a formal table on board. Drinks can include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. 

Prior to your sail, the Captain will greet you on the dock, introducing themselves and our sailing vessel, Francesca. All passengers will participate in a safety briefing, sign release forms, and, if desired or required, don life jackets. (See below for more information on life jacket requirements.) We’ll then climb aboard, get settled, and off we go!

While life jackets are not required for passengers over twelve, Tribeca Sailing strongly recommends the use of our U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all passengers while on board. Passengers aged 12 and under are required by Massachusett state laws to wear life jackets while on board the boat. Parents or guardians are responsible for determining if their minors between the ages of 13-17 must wear a life jacket. We carry and will provide a life jacket to any passenger wishing to wear one.

While children under five years old, it’s been our experience that they are a little bit too young to fully enjoy the experience. Children under five also find life jackets to be uncomfortable or constraining. 

We do not recommend our sails for children under two years old but they are welcome.  We have USCG-approved life jackets for infants on board.

The effects of the motion of any boat differ for everyone. If you suffer from motion sickness the symptoms can be avoided by keeping your head up, looking at the horizon, keeping fresh air in your face, and staying active while on board. We recommend that you never go into the cabin if you suffer from motion sickness.

Ginger pills, motion sickness wristbands, and doctor-prescribed patches can all help mitigate seasickness. Over-the-counter seasickness medications should be taken two hours before your sail to allow the medication to take effect. Please consult your doctor before choosing your seasickness remedy.

Drinking alcohol before or during your sail can increase your risk of seasickness.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled sail time.  

If you are running late for your private sail, we will wait for you before departing. Please note that we will conclude your sail at the previously scheduled finishing time so that we may stay on schedule.

If you are running late, please call 555-555-5555 to notify us as soon as possible.

Cancellation Policy

More then 48 hours days prior to your charter date:

You may cancel your charter and you will receive a refund minus a 20% service fee.

We are happy to offer you the ability to reschedule until October 31st of the following year’s charter season.

Within 48 hours prior to your charter date:

Refunds are not available. Rescheduling is not available. Illness cancellations (including Covid); You may reschedule to Monday – Thursday at 10am, 12:30pm and 3pm for the same year your charter is booked. Refunds are not available. We recommend travel insurance if you are from out of town.

Weather Policy

Your charter will be cancelled by your captain if the weather is inclement for example: thunderstorms, excessive winds, and rainstorms. Click here for the FAQ “What happens if it rains?” for more details.

There are no refunds for weather cancellations except for the following: If your entire party has arrived by airline and cannot book another charter during your stay of seven days or less, we will make an exception to our cancellation policy and offer you a full refund minus a 15% service fee.

If your charter is cancelled due to inclement weather, you will receive an email voucher valid until October 31st of the following year’s charter season with details on how to reschedule.

We do not cancel charters or allow schedule changes due to weather forecasts. We will make every attempt to notify you two hours prior to your charter if there will be a cancellation.

Additional Terms and Conditions

Rescheduled charters cannot be changed or cancelled. You may apply the original value of your charter to an equal or lesser-value charter. You may upgrade with an additional charge to any charter of more value. Rescheduled charters of a lesser value will not receive a refund.

Infants and children, regardless of age, are included in the six-person maximum allowed on board. This is a requirement by the United State Coast Guard.

Gift Certificates are non-refundable and are valid from the date purchased until October 31st of the following charter season.

Life Jacket Policy:

Boston Sailing Charters strongly recommends the use of our USCG-approved life jackets for all passengers while on board. We will provide a life jacket to any passenger wishing to wear one

Passengers twelve and under are required by law to wear life jackets while on the vessel.

Parents or guardians are responsible for determining if their minors between the ages of 13-17 must wear a life jacket.

The person booking the charter is required to share our life jacket policy with all members of their group.