The forecast says 30% chance of rain, will it rain on my charter?

This is a common summer forecast in this area. The majority of time we will see little or no precipitation. We watch the weather radar carefully and will cancel in the event of extended periods of heavy rain.

How long is Scout?

Scout is 38′ on deck and 11.5′ wide. She is built for the ocean and, consequently has a very stable and comfortable motion.

Do I need to have 6 people to book?

You do not need to have six people to sign up. The price is set for the boat and not the amount of passengers aboard. However we are limited to 6 passengers max.

Do you have lifejackets for children?

Yes, we have a variety of kids’ lifejackets ranging from infant up to 90 lbs.

What should I bring with me?

We strongly recommend sunscreen and a hat, although we do provide shaded areas. While we provide complimentary snacks and soft drinks, all alcoholic beverages are BYOB. Don’t forget your camera!

Are there bathrooms aboard?

Yes, there is a head (bathroom) below deck.

What should I wear?

Even at the height of summer it’s usually cooler on the water. We recommend having a jacket or sweater with you. If you would like to sun bathe or swim off of the boat (conditions permitting) be sure to bring a bathing suit. All passengers should wear soft-soled sneakers/tennis shoes only. No boots or high-heels please! (For safety reasons, passengers who are not wearing proper foot attire mayIMG_1043 be asked by the Captain to remove their shoes).

Should I tip the captain and crew?

Tipping is customary, but should be based on your satisfaction with the service you receive. A 15-20% gratuity is appropriate if you are happy with the performance of the captain and crew.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you made a reservation and need to cancel or reschedule, please let us know as soon as possible. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
  • We accept cancellations up to 48 hours prior to the date of your cruise.
  • Any cancellation received after 48 hours  before the date of your cruise are non-refundable.

SEE OUR COVID 19 MESSAGE FOR OUR COVID 19 CANCELLATION POLICY

NO-SHOWS:
If you fail to show up or are late arriving at the launch site at the scheduled meeting time, you will be considered a No Show and your cruise ticket is non-refundable.
If you have further cancellation-related questions, please contact us at 231-941-2000.

What happens if there is bad weather?

If Traverse Tall Ship Co. cancels because of bad weather (thunderstorms, heavy rain for extended periods etc.) you may reschedule your sail or receive a full refund.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

While we can sometimes accommodate last minute sign-ups, we highly recommend booking in advance.

Do you provide food and refreshments on the boat?

We provide snacks and soft drinks aboard. All alcoholic beverages are BYOB. You may pack a picnic if you like. We ask that you not bring hard sided coolers aboard.

Do children or infants count as a passenger?

Per USCG regulations all guests must be counted as passengers.

Can I bring more than 6 passengers on the sailboat?

USCG regulations forbid more than 6 passengers aboard Scout.

Is your sailboat safe?

Scout meets or exceeds all U. S. Coast Guard regulations for construction, stability, safety equipment, and electronics for vessels in passenger service. The U. S. Coast Guard licensed captain has many years of experience and you can rest assured of being in good hands.

Will I get seasick?

You are unlikely to get seasick. Scout was specifically designed for the rigors of offshore ocean sailing and has a very comfortable and easy motion. In addition, our sailing grounds in Grand Traverse Bay are well protected from most wind directions.