How do I reserve my course?
Just give us a call or email us and we’ll answer any questions you might have. Our School Team is ready to assist you with your sailing goals and can tailor fit the instruction based on your skills, whether a beginner or if you are coming with experience. We’ll let you know course availability and can often open up a new course if you have specific date limitations.
At the time of registration, we’ll guide you on what textbooks are needed, how to prepare with the curriculum and provide you with a detailed packing list as well finding out your food requests and/or restrictions. We work very well with food allergies and restrictions.
When do I pay for my course?
You will pay a 30% reservation deposit if you reserve your course more than 45 days before the departure date. This reservation deposit can be paid by credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover) or by personal check. After that the balance will be due 45 days before your course starts. We always recommend travel insurance, so that you’ll be covered if an unexpected event doesn’t allow you to attend your course.
What is the cancellation policy for courses with San Juan Sailing/Yachting?
If you cancel your reservation 45 or more days before the start of your course (90 days for Caribbean LNC), your tuition will be refunded in full less $150/person cancellation fee for weeklong courses and stateroom bookings, $75/person cancellation fee for 2-day courses, $175/person for 10-day or 14-day courses and stateroom bookings, and $100/person for the Power LNC.
If you cancel within 45 days of the start of your course (90 days for Caribbean LNC), your tuition (less the cancellation fee) will be refunded if we are able to enroll a new student to take your place in the course. If we are unable to fill your space, your tuition will be forfeited. We highly recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance (available directly through TravelGuard, World Nomads, or from your local travel agent).
How many students are in a class?
There is a minimum of three students, maximum of four, as well as the instructor. We have found this to be the ideal student/instructor ratio and maximize student learning.
What size of boat is typically used for courses?
With a full class of four students, your course will be taught on a boat ranging in size from 34 -38 feet in length, with either 2 cabins or 3 cabins.
Will I know what boat I will be on before I arrive?
We will let you know approximately 2 weeks before you arrive what vessel is planned for your course. Please be aware that changes in boat availability can cause vessel assignment to change at the last minute. We keep all our boats to the highest maintenance standards and want to be sure that the boat you are learning on is the best one for your course!
What are the sleeping accommodations for the course?
Your course will be on either a 2 or 3 cabin boat, with plenty of room for each student. If you are coming as a couple, then you can expect to share a cabin. Most boats have a dinette that converts into a double berth, and a single birth settee in the main salon. Sleeping accommodations will be worked out when all the students arrive and with the instructor.
Should I tip my instructor?
Tipping is common, but by no means expected or required. If you would like to tip your instructor the amount is completely at your discretion. Tip amounts are highly variable, but those who choose to tip often do so in the range of $10/day to $50/day. Please plan ahead to bring cash or check (or ask your instructor if they use a mobile payment app) as tips cannot be charged to your credit card and there is not a cash machine within walking distance of our office.
What is the best time of year to take my course?
This depends on a few factors, including personal preference! Click here for some thoughts on that question.
May I bring along my favorite alcoholic beverage?
Yes, you may do so, as we do not provide alcohol in our provisioning. However, for the safety and learning of all aboard, alcoholic beverages are allowed only after instruction, when at dock or at anchor, with a 2 drink limit.
Is smoking allowed during the course?
All our boats are non smoking. If you smoke, it can only be done ashore (with minimal opportunities for stopping).
What if I have a particular snack I want to bring. Is there room for this?
Yes, bring along your favorite treats. Our provisioning includes snacks, but if you have a favorite you cannot do without, bring it along.
Can you accommodate food allergies or food preferences, such as vegetarian?
Yes. If you have dietary restrictions or needs (e.g. vegetarian, gluten free, allergies), please indicate these details on the Student Survey form which is part of the school registration packet.
What if I become seasick?
Are there precautions I should take? The San Juan Islands are in a protected area, without ocean swells, however, it is always a good idea to come prepared with sea sickness medication, even if you never need to use it. Treatments include acupressure wrist bands, or medications such as Dramamine or Bonine (please note that these medications can cause drowsiness). A non-medication option is ginger. There is evidence that this herb settles the stomach and can be taken in many forms including: raw ginger, candied ginger, ginger snap cookies, ginger ale or ginger beer (non-alcoholic). Once onboard, many people find that the sea-sickness will subside on its own after a few hours as the body re-balances and they find their “sea legs”. Staying above deck and getting fresh air will also help.
What if I need to bring along my CPAP machine?
Most CPAP machines have a 12-volt cigarette lighter power option. We suggest to go to Radio Shack (or similar) and get two (2) 12-volt cigarette lighter extension cords. (Don’t unwrap the second one unless it’s needed for sure…as you can always return it if it’s unopened.) That way you’ll have power to the CPAP machine for sure, as all boats have 12-volt cigarette lighter sockets by the electrical panel. (Plug in the one extension cord and try the machine in your car…just to make sure you’ve got the right cord and that it works well.) Also, if you have a 110-volt A/C power cord, bring that with an extension cord (one should do it) to use when hooked up to shore power at a dock (this will only happen once or twice during the week). That MIGHT also work if the boat has an inverter, BUT…the CPAP machine draws so little power that the inverter sometimes thinks there’s no current draw and it shuts off. Sometimes, plugging in a phone charger along with the CPAP machine helps the inverter know that devices are in need of power, and it won’t shut off. If your machine takes batteries (and many do), please bring lots of batteries in case the other two options are inconvenient (cords all over the place), you aren’t hooked up to shore power or in case something in the electrical system fails while out in the islands.
I am a member/veteran of the US Armed Forces or a first responder. Do you offer a discount?
As a member or veteran of the US Armed Forces we appreciate your sacrifice and offer a discount on several of our courses as an acknowledgement of and in gratitude for your service. We also extend these discounts and our appreciation to police, fire and EMT first responders. Our military/first responder discounts are:
