Frequently Asked Questions

Booking your sailing cruise with Sailing Celebrate is a breeze! Simply visit our bookings page,(/charters) select or read more about the charter options, then browse our available sailing dates. Select the one that suits your itinerary along with the departure/return location. Our user-friendly booking system will guide you through the process. Of course, if you prefer, you can always contact us via email: sailingcelebrate@outlook.com (mailto:sailingcelebrate@outlook.com)or call/text Captain Charlie: 815-307-4013. Note: you may have to hold down the <CTRL> key when clicking these links to open them in a new tab.

We strive to provide a comfortable and personalized experience for our sailing charter services. We are approved to accommodate up to 6 guests (including any children) plus our Captain and Crew. This is a U.S. Coast Guard regulation as part of our Charter Service License.

We obviously want all our guests to be comfortable. To ensure you have the best experience on your sailing adventure, dress for outdoors on the water. We recommend bringing comfortable clothing, clean soft-sole shoes (non-marking), sandals/flipflops (closed toe is recommended). Sun creams (no sprays please), sunglasses, and any personal items you may need. The lake is often a bit cooler than land, so we recommend throwing a sweatshirt or light jacket in a small duffel or backpack just in case. Unless we go swimming, you won't get drenched, but you may get some spray or a light splash. A change of clothes is usually not necessary but feel free, if that makes you comfortable (you are welcome to change in a private stateroom).

Children of any age are absolutely welcome and we will provide appropriate life jackets or you can bring your own - please let us know the ages of all children so we can be prepared. We love pets, however, we cannot accommodate animals or pets of any type onboard.

Absolutely! The water can be a bit chilly in Lake Michigan, but if you want a refreshing swim in the bay, just let us know and don't forget to bring a bathing suit and towel - you can change in a private stateroom. If you are interested in visiting a beach and going ashore, we will need to know that ahead of time so we can prepare the dinghy to shuttle you to/from shore.

Most people are going to be fine, but some people can be sensitive to sea sickness or motion sickness. While this cannot always be avoided there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of this discomfort. • Consider using a bracelet for motion sickness - put this on a few hours beforehand. • Eat a carbohydrate rich meal shortly before your sail. • Avoid excessive alcohol intake. • Munch on some ginger snaps or ginger chews (we have these onboard). • Consider taking an anti-nausea medication such as Dramamine. • Stay above deck where you have fresh air and can see the horizon.

Little Traverse Bay has some wonderful beaches and towns to visit. We can absolutely go ashore if that is something you wish to do however, it does take time. Please let us know if this is something you would like to enjoy as part of your excursion so we can plan accordingly.

Sometimes that happens, but a light breeze is all we need for a pleasant cruise. What you may feel onshore can be dramatically different on the water. Our experience of finding a gentle breeze is usually not an issue and can add to the fun. Even so, we can turn on the motor to get us where we want to go.

Feel free to bring food and beverage items aboard to make for an enjoyable journey. We will have light snacks, water, and a selection of soft drinks - please let us know if you have any special requests or dietary restrictions/allergies. For our sunset and evening cruises, we will also enjoy a charcuterie tray, a selection of local beers and house wines. If you wish to have something more or different during your cruise, please bring it and let us know. Prepared food, snacks, and beverages may be brought - we have a fridge/freezer and a microwave, if necessary. Please do not bring glass onboard. Wine and Champagne bottle(s) are permitted as long as they remain secure in a protective container during your charter. We have plastic cups, drinkware, dinnerware, and cutlery all available onboard - again, please let us know your plans - we are happy to assist.

Yes - we have 2 bathrooms onboard with hot and cold fresh water. It is important to know the plumbing system is NOT the same as your home. Instructions on the use of the toilet are provided on the underside of the seat and if you require assistance (before or after), please ask a Crew Member (we promise to be discrete).

We want everyone to have a fun and pleasant experience however, for everyone's safety and enjoyment, we cannot allow excessive alcohol consumption or intoxication. Guests may bring and consume alcoholic beverages within moderation and legal limits of applicable state law jurisdiction. While alcohol is allowed, use of any tobacco, THC or CBD products, cigars, pipes, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapor devices, etc. are NOT allowed. Marijuana (medical or recreational) in ANY form is NOT allowed.

Safety is our top priority. The Captain will provide a short safety briefing at the beginning of our cruise and will answer any questions you may have. U.S. Coast Guard approved Life Jackets will be made available and offered to all guests upon arrival. We have a multitude of safety equipment onboard including a first-aid kit, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, temperature alarms, high water alarms, GPS trackers, VHF radios, cell phones, emergency flares and even automated equipment that notifies the U.S. Coast Guard in the unlikely event of a serious emergency. Our Captain and Crew are trained in the use of all onboard safety equipment and also Red Cross certified in CPR and First Aid.

We request identification (e.g. drivers license, student ID, or passport) for all adult guests. Our insurance company requires all passengers to complete a Liability Waiver form along with reading and adhering to other provided documentation. You can access all this documentation by clicking the button below: Note: you may have to hold down the <CTRL> key and click the button to open this page in a new tab.

The published price on our website are the fees for the respective charter services. If you wish to request something over-and-above for us to provide (e.g. champaign, flowers, photographer, prepared meal, etc.) we will be happy to oblige for an additional fee. We will require a $200 deposit to hold your date with the balance payment due prior to sailing - we can accept payment via Venmo, credit/debit card, or cash beforehand or at the dock. We will either talk or email/text each other prior to your scheduled date to confirm your details and payment information. With regard to tipping ... Our crew strives for excellence, and we welcome your constructive feedback. While you may wish to provide a nominal tip as customary for an extraordinary experience and outstanding service, it is never expected but always appreciated.