FAQs
Will I need to know how to sail?
Absolutely not! We can customize the experience to be a completely hands-off, relaxing cruise for you, or an experience in which you are fully involved in all aspects of the adventure, from passage planning to actual sailing, motoring, and anchoring. We understand that each guest on board will bring a unique set of skills and interests, and we will do our best to ensure that everyone has a good time and can participate in whatever activities they enjoy the most.
Are there SUPs or kayaks available?
The vessel is equipped with a dinghy for shore excursions, and does not normally have other watercraft due to space constraints. If, however, you would like to include kayaks or SUPs, please reach out in advance of your trip for a quote. We can accommodate up to four inflatable/collapsable kayaks and/or SUPs on-deck, and the cruise destinations can be optimized for paddling. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate hard-shell (plastic or fiberglass) kayaks. There are a few locations, such as Port Townsend and Friday Harbor, where hard-shell kayaks are available for hourly rent.
Can you provide sailing instruction?
We can provide sailing experience, including documented sea-time as needed, however we are not engaged in or authorized to provide formal sailing instruction. If you would like to have formal sailing instruction during your visit to the Northwest, we can suggest a number of excellent local providers and courses, ranging from Basic Keelboat and Coastal Navigation, to International Cruising.
Is there a second crew-member?
SV Hikari is well-equipped for short-handed sailing, and there is generally no need for a second crew-member. In some cases, depending on destination and conditions (for example if an overnight passage is anticipated) the captain might choose to bring a second crew-member for a portion of the trip, unless there is at least one experienced sailor among the guests. Our goal is to reduce the number of crew to provide guests with more space.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you must cancel your trip within 30 days of the departure, whether for a single guest or the entire trip, you will be responsible for 50% of the cost for the guest or for the full trip, respectively. See the per-guest rates published for each type of adventure.
If, on the other hand, severe weather, illness, or a mechanical issue forces all or part of the trip to be cancelled by us, then you will be offered a full or prorated refund, and a 20% discount on a future equivalent trip. If you are concerned about the cost of your air travel, you should purchase appropriate travel insurance, or be prepared to make alternate arrangements during your stay. If needed, we can help arrange alternate activities, including contacting alternate local charter operators.
Can the cruise start in the San Juan Islands instead of Seattle?
Yes. If you would like to fully experience the San Islands and/or the Canadian Gulf Islands without crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca, we can meet you instead in Friday Harbor, which is easily accessible via scheduled flights from SeaTac airport. The Friday Harbor airport is walking distance from the Friday Harbor marina. If you will have a rental car during your trip to the Pacific Northwest, another good and scenic alternative is to leave your car parked at the Anacortes ferry terminal, and take the walk-on ferry to Friday Harbor. Contact us for additional details and costs.
Are the toilets hard to use?
SV Hikari is equipped with highly reliable, electrically operated, fresh-water flushing toilets that empty into holding tanks. The toilets are easy to use, and are quite similar to what you have at home. You will be instructed in how to use them to minimize water usage, avoid clogs, and monitor the holding tank levels. During an extended cruise (longer than 2 nights) the captain will be stopping briefly at pumping stations to empty and rinse the holdings tanks, as needed.
What should I bring?
Less is better, however you should bring clothes that are appropriate for the weather that is forecast for the duration of the trip. Even during the warm summer months, the air on Puget Sound and the Salish Sea can be chilly, especially at night. The interior of SV Hikari is warm at all times, however to fully experience the beauty of this area, you will want to spend time outside, for example when viewing the bioluminescence on a dark, moonless night. A fleece sweater, light rain jacket and a hat are highly recommended.
Please also bring two pairs of footwear: one pair of soft-soled shoes (light-colored soles preferred) for use on the boat, and one pair of boots, hiking shoes, or sandals for beach excursions.
If you are joining us for a winter cruise, please reach out for additional recommendations.
Whatever you choose to bring, please pack into a soft duffel bags, rather than bulky hard-to-store suitcases. There will be ample opportunities to purchase an additional layer of clothing when we visit towns and marinas along the way.
If you would like to get in the water, for example to snorkel, keep in mind that the water here is quite cold; a light wetsuit and gloves will make your dip more enjoyable.
Will I get seasick?
It’s highly unlikely that you will get seasick in the protected waters of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. However, if the adventure includes a crossing of the Strait of Juan de Fuca or the Strait of Georgia, there is a good chance that the sea-state will get lumpy. While we will endeavor to have a calm trip with no queasiness, even your captain has become unexpectedly sick on a few occasions out in the Strait. We have found that seasickness can be greatly reduced or eliminated through a combination of methods, which we will discuss at the start of the trip. If you are still concerned, you may be able to obtain a prescription (e.g. Scopolamine) from your doctor. We have had excellent results using electrical stimulus bands such as Reliefband®.
Is there a professional cook on board?
Our standard rates include all food and non-alcoholic drinks (with the exception of one night per week for a shore-side dinner) but we do not include a professional cook. Instead we will cooperate with guests in the preparation of meals. If you aren’t comfortable in the galley and don’t wish to help with meal preparation - then don’t worry about it, we can adapt. If your group would prefer to have a professional cook, then we can provide a quote.
Can you accommodate glucose-free, vegetarian, and/or vegan diets?
Yes, absolutely. We will discuss the meal plan prior to the trip in order to ensure all guests are happy and well-fed.
Can I bring alcohol on board?
Yes! However, for safety reasons, please do not open or drink alcohol before we are anchored or docked for the night. If our adventure includes a crossing into Canadian waters, please limit the amount you bring to no more than the limits published by Canadian Customs (currently 1.5 liters of wine, 1.14 liters of liquor, or 8.5 liters of beer per person).
For trips of a week or more, we will make at least one stop at a waterfront town for re-provisioning.
What about Cannabis products?
While cannabis is legal in both Washington State and British Columbia, Canada, it is still a controlled substance at the US Federal level, and therefore cannot be brought on board the vessel, which operates under federal (US Coast Guard) regulations. Please leave your cannabis products at home.