Overnight trips depart from Carter’s Cove Marina in Weems, VA

All charters are private bookings with a max capacity 3 guests 10yo+

3 days / 2 nights aboard ~ $2,700

ASA certifications optional

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Explore the lower Chesapeake Bay with a professional captain, aboard our 36’ monohaul Galene. This 3-day sailing trip is a blend of hands-on learning and fun-filled adventure. Along the way you will see historic lighthouses, explore charming coastal towns and spend each night either at anchor or at a marina.

You will practice the fundamentals, including how to navigate channels, hail marinas on the VHF, and steer across the vast lower Chesapeake Bay. You have the option to earn an ASA 103 or 104 certification. This trip is designed to provide a hands-on learning experience in various aspects of sailing including weather forecasting, standing watch during the day, anchoring/docking for the night, and how to handle challenges that arise along the way. No certifications or prior sailing expierence is required.

Moreover, you will get the chance to sail in a variety of conditions, which will help you develop your skills and gain confidence as you progress. At the end of the journey, you will have valuable knowledge and experience that will serve you well in your future sailing adventures.

ROUTE

EXPECTED ITINERARY

DAY 1: Meet at Carter’s Cove Marina at 10am for safety briefing, route planning, and stowing belongings aboard Galene. Sail to Jackson Creek anchorage for the night.

DAY 2: Jackson Creek to Cape Charles (dinner in town); overnight at marina

DAY 3: Cape Charles to Weems, arrive by 5pm

*Please keep in mind that conditions can dictate our schedule, therefore there may be changes made while aboard.

the vessel

Galene at anchor

Multi-day trips take place aboard Galene, our classic 36’ Columbia sailing vessel outfitted for coastal adventuring. This setting will provide an intimate and realistic sailing experience.

Main cabin

V-berth

Quarter berth

Galley

Sleeping Arrangements: Choose from the v-berth with a double bed (which may be single or double occupancy), or a quarter berth (a single bed). Each berth has a compartment for stowing your personal belongings. While the berths by design offer some degree of privacy, there are no private cabins.

Bathing: There is one private head aboard with a composting toilet and cold water sink. Hot showers are available at marinas.

Heating/Cooling: A diesel heater provides warmth in cool months and fans located throughout the cabin and in each berth provide cooling.

Meals Aboard: Provisions while aboard are included in the price of the trip. When you register, let us know if you have any dietary preferences.

WHAT TO BRING

Pack light. A carry-on size duffel bag for clothes/foul weather gear should suffice.

Already Onboard:

  • Linens, Blankets & Pillows

  • PFD with harness and tether

  • Baby wipes to for hygiene between showers

  • Coffee & Sugar (bring your own creamer)

Recommended to Bring:

  • Foul weather gear - Rain gear and water-proof boots or shoes.

  • Swimwear

  • Warm Layers - its better to have them and not need them; we recommend that all/most clothing be quick-drying

  • USB charging cords for your devices (there are USB-A outlets in each berth)

  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat with a brim

  • Sailing gloves (optional)

  • Entertainment - Books, tablet, music (headphones are required)

  • Noise reduction earplugs for sleeping (if you are a light sleeper)

  • Personal and sea-sickness medicines

  • Shower shoes

  • Towel and wash cloth

Galene is outfitted with the following gear:

  • Hydrovane self steering windvane

  • Roller furling Genoa & mainsail with “stack pack” sail cover

  • Slab reefing system / 3 reef points

  • 200’ all-chain anchor rode on electric windlass with Rocna anchor

  • 100 watts solar with 200 ah lithium battery bank

  • 30HP marine diesel with folding propellar

  • Propane cook stove

  • AIS transponder, Navionics chartplotter and Garmin InReach

  • 6-person liferaft

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • 3 days / 2 nights aboard Galene

  • Food provisions while underway (meals ashore are not included)

  • Hands-on experiential sailing with expert guidance and feedback

  • ASA certification (optional)

ASA CERTIFICATIONs

Participants will have the option to earn either ASA 103 or 104 certifications, provided they have met the pre-requisites*. If you opt to earn a certification you will receive personalized guidance throughout the trip aimed at achieving that level of proficiency. You will take an exam toward the end of the trip to demonstrate your competency. The cost for an ASA certification is an additional $150 / person (select that option at checkout), which includes the textbook that will be mailed to you after you register.

Alternatively, you may simply soak up the experience and forego any certifications. There are no pre-requisites or sailing experience required for participating in the trip.

*note that 102 is optional, so the only pre-requisite for 103 is a 101 certification.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Typically we do not cancel multi-day trips, unless the weather is extreme. In that event your captain will reach out at least 48 hours in advanced. Cancelled trips due to weather will be rescheduled or refunded. The final decision on weather cancellations is made by the captain.

We offer free cancellation within 24 hours after booking. After that if you decide to cancel for any reason, and we are able to re-book your spot, you can use your payment towards a future booking or receive a full refund, minus $100 admin fee. Otherwise, if we cannot rebook your spot, no credit or refund can be made for any reason, including illness.

Price:

$2,700 private charter with captain / instructor; meals aboard included

ASA certification (level 103 or 104): $150 / person

*50% deposit required to book; final 50% charged 30 days prior to start of trip

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