How much notice is needed for a reservation?
You can make a reservation at any time for a cruise, class, or bareboat rental. Just call or email us to make a reservation. You can change your reservation at any time. You may cancel your reservation. If you cancel within 72 hours of the departure, you will receive a rain check to sail another day but not a refund. We recommend making the reservation a few days to a week in advance although we will try to accommodate all reservations.
What details are needed to make a reservation?
To make a reservation, provide us with your name, billing address, zip code phone number and credit card information. The credit card information we need is your credit card number, expiration date, 3 digit CCV number off the back of your card, and the name on your card. We also need to know what day you would like to go out, what time, for how long, and with how many passengers.
How do I make a reservation to rent one of your boats and What are the qualifications?
You can make a reservation at any time for a bareboat rental. We recommend making the reservation a few days to a week in advance although we will try to accommodate all reservations. Prospective renters must show our Captain that you can competently handle and manage one of our boats in a seaworthy way. After you pass a 45 to 60 minute check out sail, you will be able to rent a boat from us.
| Catalina 22’ |
Basic Keelboat Sailing |
| Coronado 30’ |
Basic Keelboat Sailing and Basic Coastal Cruising |
| Celestial 32’ |
Basic Keelboat Sailing, Basic Coastal Cruising and Bare Boat Chartering |
| Wyliecat 30’ |
Basic Keelboat Sailing, Basic Coastal Cruising and Bare Boat Chartering |
If you do not have the certifications listed above a detailed yacht resume or extensive experience is required.
I would like to sail but I’m concerned about seasickness.
Some people do get sick on our trips at the rate of less than 2 out of 100 when they take no precautions. When precautions are taken the incidence is well below that. I have 3 remedies in our store and onboard which you may buy or rent for $2.00 - 7.00. None of them involve pharmaceuticals (Dramamine) nor do they have side effects. Most people that have gotten sea sick previously were on a deep sea fishing, whale watching, or other diesel powered party boat. A sailboat is a much smoother ride and no diesel exhaust which is a contributing factor in nausea. The trip is in the calm part of the bay and June is one of the calmest months of the year. You may view the current sea conditions at http://www.montereysailing.com/conditions.htm.
What if the weather is bad?
Monterey does have some grey days like anywhere on the planet but many more are beautiful than not. Sailing is an outside activity and we work with what the ocean and your higher power give us. The mammals and birds don't care whether it is sunny or not. They show up every day regardless. It very rarely rains in Monterey and more often at night than in the day. We almost never have fog here but we do have marine layer which is a different condition. The sailing is never cold here if you dress appropriately. The coldest day of the year is about 57 degrees and it is usually low to mid 60's. As the sun sinks it does begin to cool which one would expect. Our passengers do not get wet. Our boats are dry and safe. I do cancel trips on a rare occasion if the ocean is too rough or the weather is too inclement. Our first goal is that you enjoy yourselves and the Sanctuary. When we cancel a trip, we do so based on the current conditions which exist at that time. We do not speculatively cancel trips based on weather forecasts. I can make you no promises regarding weather. I can promise you that the sailing, the views, and the experience will entertain and satisfy.
I would like to take an ASA class.
Learning to sail oceans is one of life's greatest pursuits. The half day lesson ($110) covers points of sail (close hauled, close reach, beam reach, broad reach, and running) , reading the wind, helmsman ship, getting under way, tacking, jibing, cleats, winches, and line of sight navigation. It is hands on experience and you and your classmates do all the sailing at both crew and helm positions. It is taught entirely on the water, not in a classroom.
I would like to go on a dinner cruise.
The dinner cruise is one of our most popular trips. It is a very romantic evening with the right company. The sunsets are colorful; it is a good idea to bring a camera. There are a lot of mammals and birds to see and Capt. Dutch will grill and thrill. Dinner cruises include four courses replete with local merlot or chardonnay, brie cheese, pear & sesame crackers, spinach salad with cranberries, blue cheese and caramelized pecans alongside a succulent grilled Monterey Bay salmon and chocolate ganache to finish are a sensory extravaganza. A lighter Appetizer Cruise of roasted red pepper hummus with whole wheat pita and brie cheese, pear & sesame crackers is available as well.
| Dinner Cruise for 2-6 Passengers |
$99 per person |
| Dinner Cruise on 30’ Yacht (Private) |
$399 |
| Appetizer Cruise for 2-6 Passengers |
$75 per person |
| Appetizer Cruise on 30’ Yacht (Private) |
$375 |
Check in for the sunset trip in is 5:15 PM for a 5:30 boarding and departure. We return at 7:30 PM after a 10-12 nautical mile sail in North America's largest marine Sanctuary. These departure times vary throughout the year depending on what time the sun is setting. We recommend making a reservation ahead of time.
I would like to purchase a gift certificate.
Our gift certificates make an exceptional present for any occasion. The certificate itself is a full color 8.5 x 11 glossy print so the recipient has a gift to open which is both physical and visual. You may purchase any monetary denomination which may be used for any of our products. If you have a specific product in mind then the certificate will reflect that but not be limited to only that choice. They do not expire until redeemed. The only thing I need to effect the transaction is a method of payment and an address to mail the certificate to. You can submit that by phone or online on our reservation page. I can mail the certificate to you or to the person you would like to gift with a note who it is from or you may pick them up at our office on Old Fisherman’s Wharf #1.
I would like to do a boat overnight.
You have the boat to yourself from sunset until 10 0r 11 AM depending on what is booked the next day. It is tied to the dock and not underway. The boat is a 32' sail boat so not really anything like a cruise ship which confuses some people. The aft cabin and double berth are set up for sleeping and there is heater on board to keep it cozy. Monterey is a very pristine harbor and lots of interesting animals will swim and fly by: otters, sea lions, night herons to name just a few. Most guests want to do a sunset cruise ($59 per person) to see the bay or the sunset dinner cruise ($99 per person) before the overnight but you can do either or both. It is a much more intimate and unique stay than a hotel. We are near to many restaurants and night spots and there are shower facilities ashore and restroom facilities aboard. The boat overnight is $99 per night for 2 people.
I would like to stop in to talk about classes, cruises, or rentals.
Monterey Sailing and Monterey Bay Sailing offices used to be on the Coast Guard Pier (32 Cannery Row) with a Fisherman's Wharf location as well but we are only on Old Fisherman's Wharf #1 currently. Fell free to stop by any time. We are staffed heavier on weekends. It may be a good idea to call before you come in so we do not miss each other.
Why should I sail with Monterey Bay Sailing instead of other sailing locations?
We are in Monterey of course. Monterey Bay is an unbelievable place to sail and come into the sport. We are the second largest marine sanctuary in the world, and one of the most bio-diverse ecosystems of the Pacific coast. We can guarantee that you will see more whales, mammals, birds, and other life than anywhere else on the US coast. The wind on the pristine Bay starts every day by 10:00-11:00 blows to 7:00-8:00, and is usually near ideal velocity for learning or challenging yourself by going further outside the bay and cruising true North Pacific ground swell. It becomes a lifestyle for some of our students. It sounds like you have some serious aspirations to achieve. If you have sailing dreams, Monterey Bay Sailing Academy can make them a reality. |
