Where do we sail? We leave from historic downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, and sail the lower Cape Fear River. But don’t worry – there’s nothing to be afraid of! There’s great sailing to be found under the Memorial Bridge to the south, near the state port, along with sightings of globetrotting container ships, tugboats, and tankers. Or perhaps we’ll head upriver, where old irrigation canals from rice plantations still thread through the marsh grass, overlooked by the ospreys which perch on ghostly cypress trees. There’s beauty to be found on our river, whichever direction the wind is blowing.
How many people can fit on the boat? Due to U.S. Coast Guard regulations concerning uninspected passenger vessels, our maximum number of guests is limited to six. (More than six on a thirty foot boat is a little crowded anyways, we have found.)
Can I help sail the boat? Absolutely! It’s up to you how involved you want to be. Let the captain know if you’d like to to help steer and trim the sails, or just relax and enjoy the scenery and the sound of water gurgling past the hull.
Do I need to wear a lifejacket? Children under 12 are required by the Coast Guard to wear a life preserver, but adults don’t need one – unless they’d prefer to wear one! We provide all safety equipment.
What should I wear? Make sure you dress appropriately for the weather. Your captain will brief you on expected conditions before your sail. Sun protection during the summer months is encouraged – long sleeves, hats, and sunscreen – as shade is scarce in the cockpit. If you’re sailing with us in the spring or fall, remember it’s always a few degrees cooler on the water and bring an extra layer, just in case.
Can we bring food and drinks aboard? Of course! Our galley is fully equipped with dining essentials and a cooler with ice; we advise you pack as you would for a picnic. Guests 21 and older are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages. Cans over glass bottles for beer or seltzers are preferred, as they don’t shatter. We have an experienced wine opener and clean glasses aboard, if you prefer grape to grain.
How do I reserve a charter date? Book online with us by clicking one of the green buttons scattered around this webpage. Please note that even though departure times are listed at 10 am, 3 pm, and 6 pm, every day is different and some wiggle room to allow for better conditions (or scheduling constraints) may be necessary. Or please call or text us at (910) 960-SAIL, or email us at captain@sailwilmington.com and we’ll get you on the books. Please be patient if you call as we may be unable to answer immediately if we’re underway; safe navigation is our highest priority and we’ll call you back when we return to the dock.
What does it cost? Prices are available on our “What We Do” page or by looking on our booking platform.
We accept all major credit cards, cash, and Venmo. Tipping is never expected, but always appreciated by the crew.
Will I get seasick? Probably not! While the boat does move around a bit in normal conditions, sailing on a river is far gentler than the open ocean. We also have land on both sides of the boat everywhere we sail – so thalassophobes are welcome.
Still have questions? Reach out to us at (910) 960-SAIL or at captain@sailwilmington.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
The WILMINGTON SAILING Co. 