What is our Daily Captain's Report?

Our Captain's Report is an automated message that our Captain updates every day with the weather conditions at the dock, a confirmation of the sails and the cast-off times for the day, and any day-by-day info that we want you to have. We always recommend that you call and listen to the report the day of your sail to check on the conditions at the dock, which will often vary from those outside your front door - especially since the local weather forcasters seem to enjoy promising thunder storms every day of the summer, and those reports very often give way to surprisingly beautiful days on the water.

How do I make a reservation?
To make a reservation you may use our risk-free secure on-line reservation system or come to our Dock Square ticket booth to purchase tickets in person. If you are interested in a private charter, please call 877-899-9696 and leave a message with us about available options.

How long is the sail?
Each sail aboard New Horizons is scheduled for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Private charters are also available – hourly, or for a half or a full day.

When should we arrive for a sail?
Please arrive at the dock at least 30 minutes prior to departure time to give you plenty of time to check in at the ticket booth, board New Horizons and settle in, and allow us to set off on time.

Are there food and beverages on the boat?
Yes. Our Pilot House snack bar offers a variety of snacks and beverages (soft drinks, bottled water, wine, as well as a selection of good beers) for purchase during the Public Day Sails. Appetizers and two drinks are included with the Sunset Cocktail Cruise. Passengers are asked not to bring food or coolers aboard. For private charters, there are a variety of options available that we can arrange for you.

Is there a bathroom onboard?
Yes, there are two heads, located below deck. 

Will we sail on every trip?
We will raise the sails on most every trip and passengers will often be invited to join the crew in raising and trimming the sails. New Horizons is a motorsailer – so, whether there’s wind at our backs or not, we will be able to enjoy a relaxing, fun cruise.

Can I take the helm?
Yes, guests are invited to take a turn at the helm provided that the Captain feels that it is a safe time.

How many people will be on the boat and is it certified?
New Horizons is Coast Guard certified and licensed to carry up to 48 passengers. However, during public charters, we will typically have about 35 passengers aboard the boat. This is to provide a more comfortable and enjoyable ride for our guests, and to allow greater mobility aboard the boat. There are 3 double berths and two heads with showers for our overnight guests - for a maximum of 6 passengers.

Are gratuities included?
Crew gratuity is not included, however, it is greatly appreciated by the crew if you deem it appropriate.
 
Will my cell phone work on the cruise?
Yes, your cell phone will work on the water. For the comfort and convenience of other guests, we ask that cell phone conversations be held to a minimum.

Can we smoke onboard?
For the comfort and safety of all the passengers, smoking is not allowed aboard. In keeping with the spirit of a private charter, we do not mandate whether to allow smoking during private events.

Where will we sit?
There are several comfortable seating areas aboard New Horizons. On deck, there is bench style seating for several passengers with and without backrests and there is plenty of space to find a spot around the deck– we have seat cushions available for your use. Below deck, there is cushioned seating for about 14 people in the galley and in the spacious aft room. Guests are certainly encouraged to move around the boat throughout the sail.

What types of payment do you accept?
At the dock, we accept cash only, and there is an ATM at the booth for your convenience. Master card, Visa, and American Express credit cards may be used online.

What is the cancellation policy?
Sails are rain or shine. The captain reserves the right to cancel any sail at any time due to equipment or dangerous weather conditions. In the unlikely event of a cancellation, we will attempt to give passengers as much notice as possible by contacting you either by e-mail or the mobile phone number given during the reservation process. In the event of our cancellation, passengers will be refunded their fare. For public sails, a minimum of 2 hours notice of cancellation is required and a full refund will be given. Any cancellation made less than 2 hours before a sail will not be issued a refund. If for any reason we need to return to the dock within 45 minutes of our departure time, passengers may have their choice to be issued a refund or to reschedule their sail for another available day and time. The refund policy for private charters varies – please refer to your contract for details.


What happens if there is bad weather the day of the sail?
We ask that you confirm that we are sailing by calling 877-899-9696 and listening to the daily Captain's Report. The captain does reserve the right to cancel any sail due to equipment or dangerous weather conditions. In the unlikely event of a weather cancellation, we will attempt to give passengers as much notice as possible. We do reserve the right to cancel at any time. In the event of our cancellation, passengers will be refunded their fare.

What if it rains while we are out on the boat?
If it begins to rain while we are out on a sail, passengers are invited to go below deck or into the Pilot House to get out of the rain or to borrow a rain poncho if they prefer to stay on deck. If we return to the dock within 45 minutes of our original departure time, passengers may have their choice to be issued a refund or to reschedule their sail for another time.

What do we need to bring/wear?
We recommend that you always dress appropriate to the weather. It is a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater as temperatures on the water are cooler than on land. Soft soled shoes are required, high heels are NOT permitted.  Please bring a hat or visor, sunglasses, a camera and/or binoculars and wear sunscreen. Passengers are asked not to bring food or coolers aboard.