Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you really sail or just motor?
A: We never go out without hoisting sails. Normally we use the engine for a few minutes to get underway and get the sails up, and again for a few minutes at the end of the trip for docking after the sails are lowered . On the rare days when there is insufficient wind for sailing, we must assist with the engine but that's the exception rather than the rule.

Q: I get seasick just looking at water. Is that going to be a problem?
A: No. We only sail in protected waters. We don't go out where it's deep and rough.

Q: I've never sailed before. Do I need to know how to help?
A: No. Probably half of our passengers have never sailed before. You can sit back and watch us do it all.

Q: I'd like to bear a hand and get involved. Is that allowed?
A: Sure! Let us know and we'll be happy to let you haul away on a halyard or take a trick at the wheel.

Q: Can we bring a camera?
A: It's definitely recommended.

Q: Is it O.K. to bring alcoholic beverages?
A: Certainly. As a courtesy to the other passengers, however, we ask that you exercise discretion. "What shall we do with a drunken sailor?" Maroon 'em ashore!

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Due to limited deck space only service animals are allowed. Both your pet and your shipmates will have a better time if your pet stays ashore.

Q: Is it safe for young children?
A: Yes. We have life preservers for all passengers, children as well as adults, but the children will not be required to wear them. We don't sail in rough water and the deck is fully enclosed by lifelines and netting.

Q: What is a schooner?
A: It's a fore-and-aft rigged (as opposed to square-rigged) sailing vessel with (at least) two masts, the taller of which is abaft (behind) the shorter one.

Q: What happens if it rains?
A: We get wet. We therefore try not to get caught out. If we have a brief light shower we just ignore it but if it rains hard we hurry back to the dock. If weather shortens the trip by 50% or more we give you back 100% of your money. Otherwise there is no refund for a trip shortened by weather.

Q: Is the boat equipped for wheelchairs?
A: We do not have wheelchair rest room facilities, ramps, etc. but we often take people in wheelchairs with or without the chair. Feel free to look the boat over and discuss it with us and we'll do everything possible to accommodate passengers with special needs.

Q: Are we going to tip?
A: If you mean "capsize," no. A good sailing breeze causes the boat to incline toward the leeward side and this is normal, perfectly safe and part of the fun. It's called "heeling" not "tipping." Tipping means giving the crew a gratuity if you feel they've earned it. While this is always appreciated, it's not expected as it would be in a restaurant. On the Windfall all tips are given to the mate to augment his/her grog fund even if the tip is handed to the skipper. It's a good way to show you've enjoyed the trip but if there's something you feel we could improve upon we'd be equally grateful to hear about that. As the old expression goes, "If we've done something wrong, please tell us -- if we've done it right please tell others!"

Q: What ever happened to that handsome young feller that used to work on the schooner?
A: He got old and bald-headed. Unless you mean Charles, the mate. He took a job as the high school English teacher at the Ocracoke School in 2003. If that sounds like a big job, consider this: he recently brought the entire high school student body and faculty aboard for a sail and we did not reach our passenger limit of 30! This summer Charles is at Oxford (yes, England -- not Mississippi) studying for his master's degree. If he comes back to Ocracoke wearing an academic gown and smoking a pipe, we'll make him walk the plank!

Q: Been sailing all your life?
A: Not yet!