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Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL
Q1: Can I charter the boat for a private or business gathering?
Q2: What if I am vegetarian or have other special food requirements?

Short Sails in the North West
Q3: What should I expect on a short sail in the Portland area?
Q4: What is included with brunch sails?
Q5: What food and drinks are a part of the other river excursions?
Q6. What is the reservation process?

CHARTERS
Q7: Are private accommodations available?
Q8: What other kinds of accommodations are onboard?
Q9: What kind of food will we eat while on a charter?
Q10: What is a participatory Charter?
Q11: Do I have to sign up with a group?
Q12: How does weather affect a charter itinerary?
Q13: What activities are available onboard Scovare?
Q14: When we are anchored or in harbors what are my options?
Q15. What is the reservation process for charters?

PASSAGES
Q16: How much experience do I need before joining a passage crew?
Q17: How much experience do I need before joining a passage crew?
Q18: What will we eat on the 3 week trip across the pacific?
Q19: Where will I sleep?
Q20: How is travel to and from the boat handled?
Q21: What makes an Ideal Crewmember?
Q22: What if I take medication or have other on going medical needs?
Q23. What is the application process for passages?

 

 

GENERAL
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Q1: Can I charter the boat for a private or business gathering?
A1: Yes, we can accommodate up to 6 guests and you can customize a charter onboard Scovare for one hour to one year in length. Let us know what you dream!!!

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Q2: What if I am vegetarian or have other special food requirements?
A2: We are more than willing to accommodate special dietary needs and will work closely with you to meet your needs. We require at least 7-day advance notice to insure proper provisioning. We have experience and are familiar with vegetarian cuisine. However, vegan, gluten free and other dietary specialties can be accommodated with your involvement.

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Short Sails in the North West

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Q3: What should I expect on a short sail in the Portland area?
A3: Our two hour sails are can be active sailing times to learn how to raise and adjust sails or more relaxing voyages. Just let us know the type of adventure you want when you get aboard. font>

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Q4: What is included with Dinner sails?
A4: Breakfast, lunch or dinner are available on voyages over two hrs long and our Romantic Dinner Sail includes a full steak or salmon dinner complete with salad, coffee and desert.

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Q5: What food and drinks are a part of the other river excursions?
A5: Breakfast is usually scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, cinamon rolls and the best coffee on the river. Lunches can be deli sandwiches or grilled burgers. Our grilled steaks or salmon are our specialities for dinner. Soda and other beverages are included in ticket price.You are welcome to bring wine or other "adult" beverages to enjoy.

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Q6. What is the reservation process?
A6: Reservations and full payment must be completed at least 24 hrs in advance to confirm a spot on a cruise. Shorter notice is acceptable on a space available basis. No refunds- but every effort will be made to reschedule on another cruise if an emergency comes up.

CHARTERS

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Q7: Are private accommodations available?
A7: Yes, we have a forward cabin with double berth and a semi private double berth available in the aft cabin. We say semi private because, while at night you will have the cabin to your self, it is just aft of the salon where meals are sometimes served. These two private accommodation options make Scovare excellent for 2 couples to share a chartering experience or for a family with up to 4 kids. When you book your trip please specify the accommodations you would like so we can best serve your needs.

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Q8: What other kinds of accommodations are onboard?
A8: We have a complete and fully stocked galley. Guest will have many snack options in addition to the meals served on board. The “Head” is our onboard bathroom and is complete with hot pressure water for the shower, toilet and vanity.

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Q9: What kind of food will we eat while on a charter?
A9: Our menus are similiar to our short cruises
During a 6-day itinerary there are two suppers designated as onshore meals that are the responsibility of the guests. Our Captains and crew will assist you with recommendations and reservations if you would like.

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Q10: What is a participatory Charter?
A10: On participatory charters each guest will be assigned meals to prepare for the group and help with sailing the vessel and will learn sailing techniques from a licensed Captain who is also a certified Sailing instructor. If you are interested in becoming ASA Certified so you can do bareboat charters please let us know at the time of your booking.

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Q11: Do I have to sign up with a group?
A11: No, we offer participatory charters as shared experiences. This is a great way to meet new friends. You can also sign up for a private charter with your own group of 2 or more.

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Q12: How does weather affect a charter itinerary?
A12: Weather is always a big part of any sailing experience. Wind is what we use to power our vessel. While we have the ability to motor anywhere and have the advantage of a comfortable wheelhouse in the foulest of storms, this is not always the most pleasurable experience. Therefore our Captains have the ability and reserve the right to alter any itinerary to insure the best and safest experience while you are aboard Scovare. If ternaries need to be changed the captain will discuss the options with you and together with our guest decide on new destinations or activities.

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Q13: What activities are available onboard Scovare?
A13: We have a 14' sailing dinghy, and will have access to remote beaches for a romantic stroll or to search for treasures, you can relax on deck in a hammock or swim from the aft deck, we also have a selection of board games, cards and other entertainment such as a VHS video player and a limited video library.

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Q14: When we are anchored or in harbors what are my options?
A14: Many itineraries have time for exploring the area. There are a multitude of activities available ashore. Your captain will be able to make recommendations of shopping, eating and other entertainment in each town. When you book your trip there are some adventures onshore we can book for you in advance such as swimming with sharks, skydiving. or kayak tours of the island coves. All of these onshore activities are the financial responsibility of the guest but our staff will assist you in planning your time ashore to best fit the experience you are looking for.

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Q15. What is the reservation process for charters?
A15: Reservation forms and a 50% deposit are required at the time of booking to hold a spot with the balance due one month before sailing (unless you have booked a shorter notice cruise in which case the full fare is due upon reservation confirmation. Refunds less 25% of the fare are given up to 6 weeks before sailing date. This refund will be given after 6 weeks IF we are able to rebook your cruise dates with another party.

PASSAGES

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Q16: How much experience do I need before joining a passage crew?
A16: No previous experience required however we would like crew to have either experienced at least one over night sail on a boat less than 100 feet and to have previously day-sailed. If you are interested in a passage and have no experience on board or would like additional experience we recommend signing up for one of our 3,6 or 12 day exploration charters or create your own overnight experience aboard Scovare. This will allow you to get to know the vessel and her Captains before you embark on an ocean passage.

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Q17: What will my day be like on a passage?
A17: Please go to a “typical day on a passage” on this site for a full description.

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Q18: What will we eat on the 3 week trip across the pacific?
A18: The crew and captain all take their turns at making us delicious, healthy fair. . Breakfast might include Eggs, tofu sausages, Toast bagels, Fruit, French Toast, pancakes, Hot and cold cereals creatively combined to get each morning off to a GREAT start. Lunches and Dinners will vary with dishes such as curried chicken/fish and vegetables over rice, Italian dishes like pasta, chicken Picata, or veal Marsala. Sandwiches are an easy solution for those rougher days or when we’re having too much fun for a sit down meal. Each passage is different as we add new recipes to our favorite meals recipe box. Bring your favorite casserole, pasta or other recipe to add to the fun!

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Q19: Where will I sleep?
A19: Each crewmember will have an assigned bunk and a cabinet for stowage of personal gear. Bunks are all located in the large and comfortable main cabin. Berth sizes range from 27’x80” to our smallest berth at 22”x72”. We have one double berth (60”x80”) available. All crew will share community spaces.

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Q20: How is travel to and from the boat handled?
A20: We recommend you book tickets following a passage that can be changed as passages do not always take as long or finish as early as our itinerary states. Time to cross is dependent on weather, currents and circumstances. We also recommend you take a few extra days upon arrival to readjust to life on land and to explore the beauty of our destination. Please call us for recommendations on travel agents who can assist you in these arrangements.

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Q21: What makes an Ideal Crewmember?
A21: We try to select passage crew who have a desire to realize a sailing dream, want to participate and are capable of working together in a close team oriented environment to make the passage a success for all onboard. Crewmembers must be physically fit enough to step up 18” inches carry the equivalent of 50 lbs and the ability to make quick assessments and decisions to maintain the safety of the boat and all her crew. It is important that all crew are able to hear and see possible hazards both on board and in the surrounding waters. Scovare is a smoke free boat.

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Q22: What if I take medication or have other on going medical needs?
A22: You should bring a one-month supply of any medication prescription or over the counter that you regularly take. We have a limited supply of Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Acetaminophen, anti-diarrhea and other things in our first aid kit for minor problems that could occur during the passage. While our Captains are experienced in first aid and emergency medical care we do not have access to doctors or hospitals while crossing. If you are diabetic, have seizure disorders or other on going medical care needs we require written approval from your physician and you must be able to self regulate and administer any medications required during a one-month period.

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Q23. What is the application process for passages?
A23: A signed and notarized application, medical and liability release form and the signed ships articles along with a $500 deposit are required to reserve a spot on a passage. A confirmation letter will be sent after your application is reviewed. If you are not selected your deposit will be returned with in 30 days. 50% of the passage fare is due two weeks after we send the confirmation letter and the balance is due two months before the sailing date. In the case of short notice passage application (less than three months from sailing date) the full fare is due two weeks after the date on your confirmation letter. Refunds less the $500 deposit will be given 5 months or more before sailing date. Less than five months prior to sailing date this refund will be given IF we are able to rebook another person in your slot.

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