Frequently Asked Questions
San Juan Sailing Charters
Privacy – Everybody on a cruising yacht needs to respect each other’s space. Each guest (and crew) has their own cabin that is their sanctuary. If somebody needs a little “quiet time” they can just close their door and curl up with a book and headphones and escape. One of the benefits of the stability and width of a catamaran is that even in the cockpit there is more than enough room to spread out and never rub elbows.
Luggage – One bag per quest – space is limited, duffle bags work the best. Please do not bring large hard-sided luggage as there is literally nowhere to store it (except taking up the limited floor space of your cabin). However, if there are only two guests, you are welcome to store you luggage in the unused aft cabin.
Showers – It’s certainly possible to shower on the boat, but between cramped space and limited freshwater, we prefer to wait an extra day (or two) and enjoy showers on land while visiting marinas before a night on the town. (Most people prefer to “freshen up” with a washcloth on the boat…
Toilet – Manonash has a single (shared) head with a top-of-the-line household-sized electric toilet. No need to switch valves and pump levers, simply push a button!
Clothing – It’s all about the layers. Typical summer temperatures in the San Juan Islands range from the 50’s at night to the mid 80’s during the day, but typically plan for the 65-75 range. However, 75 degrees with a breeze crossing the north Pacific might feel a little to some with thinner blood. We typically wear wool or synthetic base layer along with a windstopper fleece that we can take off when the sun comes out. Of course, a thin raincoat on standby for more wind (and rain) protection. Plan to re-wear clothing to cut down on extra luggage. (It’s better to have a dirty shirt than ten clean ones you’ll never wear on the trip…)
Dress Code – Even the nicest restaurants in the San Juan Islands are very casual, but you might want to bring a change of “casual dress” clothes if you have special plans for a night on the town in Friday Harbor or high tea at the Empress Hotel in Victoria.
Shoes – We suggest one good pair of all purpose walking/running shoes with non-marring soles. They will be good on trails and city streets as well as the boat. (When inside the boat, most people just wear socks to keep their feet warm while not tracking sand/mud through the boat.)
Kids – Unfortunately, our insurance carrier does not allow any children under the age of 13 on board for reasons of safety and liability.
Communications – Most people are able to use their cell phones and data devices through much of the islands with both 4G LTE and 3G coverage in most areas. (There are a couple of exceptions i more remote areas that are certainly worth a day “off the grid”.)
Alcohol – This is not meant to be a booze cruise, but we are not prudes. We just ask that you keep safety in mind and respect the peace and quiet for other boats in small anchorages.
Smoking – We do not allow any smoking on the vessel for reasons of both safety (propane, gasoline, and solvents nearby) and comfort of guests and crew (a boat is a small space).
Drugs – No illegal drugs of any sort are allowed on board – this includes marijuana. (While Washington state did legalize marijuana recently, there are different laws pertaining to federally registered charter vessels – especially in international waters of Canada.)
Weapons – No firearms are allowed on board for any reason. (If the USCG or Border Patrol were to board and find a weapon, you would go to jail.)
Passports – If you have chosen an itinerary that includes a stop in Victoria, BC – you will need a passport (or other acceptable identification) and the captain will ask to see it before leaving the dock on the first day. If you are part of an excursion that includes Canada, and happen to forget your passport, we will help you find accommodations on San Juan Island (at your additional expense) for the period that the rest of the guests enjoy their planned time in Canada.