Sloop John B. Sailing Info

When can I go?

The Sloop Scoop is your open invitation. Let me know if you are interested in any of the times posted in the Sloop Scoop. I'll usually be able to let you know right away if there is room for you. Don't just show up without letting me know you plan on coming. Sometimes I don't go out since I don't have crew or the weather is bad, and later I find out someone showed up to sail. I also can schedule sails around people, so if you want to go on a particular day at a particular time and I can swing it, we'll go.

Try to give me a few hours notice if you have to cancel. I really don't want to leave people behind, so I tend to hang around, so let me know if you aren't coming. I'll keep the cell phone on (and charged!) when I'm waiting for crew. If you can't get me on the cell phone, leave a message on my cell phone or text message me.

If the weather looks iffy, or even if not, you may want to check with me before you head to the harbor, especially if you live a good distance away.

Who can I bring?

You are welcome (and encouraged) to bring friends and family--including kids (I do ask that you provide one adult for each kid under about 10 years old.) If you do want to bring guests, just check with me first to see if there is room so I don't overload the boat.

What should I bring?

Food & Beverages: You are welcome (and encouraged) to bring food and/or things to drink. Two things to consider: foods that can be eaten by hand are best (it's hard to use utensils on a boat), glass (bottles or jars) and boats don't mix (glass can break easily and boats often make sudden uncontrollable moves). We can always transfer wine into plastic containers. If you are sailing during the day, WATER is strongly encouraged in addition to anything else you may want to drink.

Clothing:It's always cooler on the lake. I'd suggest a jacket for most nights. Light colored rubber soled shoes (preferably with some traction) are best (for you and the boat)> Non-skidmarking dark soled sailing shoes and sandals are fine, but most street shoes with dark soles will leave marks. A swimming suit *and a towel* are good to have, too. We don't always jump in, but it's nice to have the option. Of course you have the option without the suit, too--there are precedents for fully clothed and barely clothed water babies.

Camera: Cameras are safe on the boat given a few caveats. Use your wrist strap, or better yet, a neck strap. If waves are breaking on the deck, put the camera below in the cabin. If you want to capture the waves breaking on the deck, use a plastic bag or dry the camera off right away! And don't forget to send me the pictures!

What does "weather permitting" mean?

"Weather permitting" in general means . . . No active thunderstorms on radar or announced on weather radio or visible in the sky, winds less than 20 knots (especially if the winds are from the NE), waves less than three feet, temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. There are exceptions--skilled sailors may go out for a wild ride, and if there are kids or first-time sailors, the winds and wave limits will be much lower. We also may leave in "permitted" weather and find ourselves in "unpermitted" weather, which we will deal with accordingly.

What can I do to keep from turning green?

Gordon says there are two types of people: one's who've been seasick, and ones who haven't been seasick yet. Veteran sailors will occasionally succumb as well as novices. Swallow your pride, and if anybody gives you a hard time about it, we'll make them walk the plank.

Be sure to eat before you come--and even on the boat. You are worse off with an empty stomach. We try to have ginger ale or other gingery items on board, but just in case bring some of your own. If you know you sometimes get queasy, take some Dramamine-type medication or use one of the wrist straps (it works on acupressure principles). Don't go below to the cabin--probably close to half of people will feel a little nauseous below. Night time also bothers some people since the horizon gets lost, so if you have a problem at night, stick to daytime sails. Big waves and/or the motor fumes are also culprits at times, so if you have a problem on choppy days, pray for west winds, and if the engine bothered your, don't sit in the cockpit or cabin.

If you are feeling sick, keep your eyes open and look at the horizon. Drink ginger ale. Ask to do something like take the helm or any other work that will keep your mind off of how you're feeling. And if you feel like you need to throw up--DO. You'll feel better if you don't try to buck up and keep it in.

Don't give up if you get sick the first time--it is often the only time, and sailing is too wonderful to abandon too soon!