FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

Securing your bunk

How do I book a workshop or passage?
Booking begins by selecting your passage and completing the initial registration. Once submitted, you’ll receive a follow-up email confirming availability and outlining next steps. In all cases, a short call will be scheduled to ensure the trip is a good fit for both you and the crew. Trips are intentionally small, and space is limited, we like it that way (you will also).

What is the cancellation and refund policy?
Deposits are fully refundable up to 60 days before departure

Within 60 days, half of the deposit is refundable

Within 30 days, payments are non-refundable; however, 50% of the total payment may be applied toward a future Sail Libra trip.

If illness or unexpected circumstances prevent you from joining, we do our best to work with you on rescheduling whenever possible. We are a small business and value you, your time, and your situation. In all our years of operation, we have never kept someone’s deposit simply because the language said we could. Plans change, life happens, and we understand that. Enough said.

What is included in the trip price?

Your fee includes:

Your assigned bunk aboard Libra
All onboard meals, snacks, and beverages
Hands-on instruction and training
Professional Captain and Mate
Fuel, dockage, and normal onboard operating costs
Safety equipment and briefings

Shore-side expenses such as meals ashore, even as a group, excursions, shopping, or entertainment are personal costs, Obviously.

Arrival, Departure & Travel Planning

When should I arrive?
The first day of the trip is an arrival day (All Day). Please plan flights that arrive on the first day, not earlier. There is no advantage to arriving early, and early arrivals cannot be accommodated onboard, HOWEVER many people show up early and get a resort, hotel, or Airbnb to climate themselves to weather or visit and be a tourist in the area for fun, same goes for departure. Get off the boat, go get a hotel or fly right home, up to you.

When do we depart?
The last day of the trip is a departure day (All Day). Plan return flights for that day. Trip start and end dates are built into the schedule to allow for smooth crew transitions, provisioning, and rest between trips.

When should I book flights?
Right after the confirmation Call, best deals on flights tend to be earlier rather than later, We plan our start and stop locations at areas with large airports and plenty of flight options..

Experience & Skill Level

How much sailing experience do I need?
No prior sailing experience is required on any Libra passage. These trips are designed for all skill levels. Newer sailors build confidence and foundational skills, while more experienced sailors refine their understanding and decision-making. The small-group, one-on-one learning environment allows everyone to learn at their own pace.

Am I too old?
Age is not a limiting factor. Physical ability is. If you can move around the boat safely, carry your own gear and weight, climb a ladder, and participate without being a liability to the crew, you are welcome aboard. We regularly sail with guests in their 60s, 70s, and 80s.

What are my duties onboard?
This is a participatory sailing experience. Crew duties are shared and include:

Watchkeeping
Navigation
Sail handling
Log keeping
Everything you want to learn

Watches typically rotate on a 3 hours on / 6 hours off 24hours a day when offshore.

Life Onboard

Will I have my own bunk?
Yes. Each guest is assigned their own bunk with space for personal belongings. Sleeping arrangements are communal and similar to camping or RV travel — functional, comfortable, and shared. Ear plugs and eye masks are strongly recommended.

What amenities are onboard?
Libra is fully equipped for offshore sailing and includes:

USB charging ports at each bunk
Reading lights
head with shower
Shared salon and deck spaces
Starlink internet for communication
Water, power, and propane are finite resources and are used thoughtfully.

Can I communicate with family and friends?
Yes. Libra has Starlink onboard for messaging and email. Many guests choose to disconnect entirely and that’s perfectly fine. Family and friends can also track the vessel via Garmin tracking and MarineTraffic if desired.

Food & Meals Onboard

What do we eat onboard?
Meals aboard Libra are simple, hearty, and designed for life at sea the do include meat on our menu, vegetarian options are always available. The focus is on food that keeps you comfortable, energized, and well-fed while underway. It’s good, practical food that works offshore, you will probably sail again just for the food.

Who prepares the meals?
The Mate handles provisioning and meal preparation, with help from the crew when needed. Meals are planned around sailing conditions, safety, and watch schedules.

What does a typical day of food look like?

While every trip varies, a typical day may include:
Breakfast: Coffee, tea, oatmeal, bacon & eggs, yogurt, fruit
Lunch: Sandwiches, wraps, soups, or salads
Dinner: One-pot meals, pasta, rice dishes, grilled proteins, or similar. Snacks and drinks are always available.

Will dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-related diets can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Please disclose all dietary needs during signup (it asks) so provisioning can be planned properly.

Can I bring my own food or snacks?
Yes. You’re welcome to bring favorite snacks or comfort items. Storage space is limited, so pack thoughtfully.

What about meals ashore?
Meals onboard are included. Meals ashore are personal expenses and are highly encouraged when time allows.

Packing & Preparation

What should I bring?
Pack everything in one soft duffel bag and a backpack. Storage space is limited.

Essential items:

Passport (if international travel)
Medications (with original prescriptions)
Sunglasses, hat, reef-safe sunscreen (no aerosol)
Non-marking deck shoes (if you value your toes)
Swimsuit (if tropical)
Mug or tumbler with lid and water bottle
Seasickness medication

Recommended:

Headlamp with red light
Favorite snacks
Personal logbook
Snorkel gear
Electrolytes

Please do not bring:

Hard suitcases
Sheets, pillows, or sleeping bags
Excessive luggage

Safety, Weather & Conditions

Do I need my own safety gear?
No. All required offshore safety equipment is provided, including:

Auto-inflating life jackets
EPIRB
Life raft
Satellite communications

A full safety briefing is conducted before departure.

What should I expect regarding weather and sea conditions?
Sailing is weather-dependent, and conditions vary by region and season. Expect changing wind, sea state, and temperature. Flexibility is essential. Routes, timing, and stops may change based on conditions and safety considerations.

What about seasickness?
Seasickness can happen to anyone. The most effective preventive measure is a scopolamine patch (prescription required). Test it before the trip for side effects. Alternatives include Bonine, Dramamine, or ginger. If you feel unwell onboard, notify the Captain or Mate early. Always vomit over the side or on deck,never inside the boat.

Alcohol & Conduct

What is the alcohol policy?
Moderate alcohol consumption is permitted at anchor or docked. Drinking underway is not an option. Safety and good judgment are mandatory, its not Spring Break 1985 in Key West.

Still have questions?

If you’re unsure what is the right fit, or you have questions not covered here, reach out. We’re happy to answer questions, talk through options, and help you decide if Sail Libra is a good match for what you’re looking for.

Sometimes a short conversation is the easiest way to get clarity.

Text Ryan at 251-923-8825 to schedule a call, the easiest way to contact us is to drop a line below