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Q. If I book an early sleep-aboard, will we get checked out that evening to expedite our departure in the morning?

A. While we will make every effort to accommodate sleep-aboard customers who request early checkout, we cannot guarantee it . Variables such as prior charterers, weather, maintenance, repairs and checkout skipper availability are all factors that come into consideration. If we cannot check you out that evening, you may get a head start on your morning checkout by completing the inventory and hull condition report. Early sleep aboards will have first priority on our check out schedule the next morning.

Q. How long will my checkout take? What, if any, additional training is needed?

A. Most checkouts are scheduled between 8am and 11am on the day of your departure. For the first hour, you will be completing your inventory and hull condition report. When your checkout skipper arrives, you will need another 1-2 hours to go over all the systems on the boat and have your check ride. If you need additional training after your sea trial, this is available at $35.00/hr.

Q. Will I then be able to leave immediately after the checkout?

A. Yes, unless there needs to be extra instruction given. Also, there is always the weather to contend with such as fog or gale force winds. We cannot let you leave in these conditions. Our entrance is also very shallow so on days with a minus tide; sailboats might need to wait for the tide to come up.

Q . Will I have any problems entering into Canada and re-entering the US if I want to cruise Canadian waters?

A . Both Canadian Customs and US Customs along with Homeland Security have heightened security. If you wish to cruise in Canadian waters, let us know and we will send you information such as what you can and cannot bring across the border and identification requirements. Passports will be required in 2007. It is important to note that per Canadian regulations, Canadian citizens may not enter Canadian waters as a contracting or skippering party of a vessel.

Q . I'm bringing my two kids, age 9 and 11 along. Will our boat be equipped with life vests for them?

A. All of our boats are equipped with sufficient life vests for all aboard plus 2 child size preservers. They are usually the basic bulky life jackets. We suggest that you bring your own fitted comfortable vests (like the Sterns) for your kids. They'll be a lot happier and more comfortable.

Q . Are crab pots and fishing poles supplied?

A. All of our yachts are equipped with a crab pot. For crabbing, cans of seafood cat food work great for bait. For fishing, we have a few basic fishing poles though we do not supply fishing tackle. The avid fishermen will want to bring their own poles and tackle. For either crabbing or fishing you will need a Washington license and another license for Canadian waters. Remember fishing and crabbing have their own seasons. Kids 15 and under can fish without licenses but will need a catch card. Check the WA Department of Wildlife website for full regulations at http://wdfw.wa.gov/ . For fishing and crabbing in Canada refer to BC fish and wildlife at http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/recreational.html

Q. Do I need to bring blankets and towels? How about propane bottles for the barbeque?

A. We will supply your boat with enough pillows, linens and towels for all people on board. Please fill out the number of people (singles and doubles) on the top of your contract or contact our reservations desk and let them know what you need prior to your arrival. Marine Toilet Paper is also supplied. We do not supply the BBQ propane bottles but the previous charter will often leave one. Buy one as needed.

Q . What should I bring on my charter?

A . Bring clothing that can be layered because conditions range from warm sunshine to rain or fog. Evening temperatures can dip into the mid-50's. Deck shoes are a must! Please leave your black-soled shoes at home as they scuff the decks. Teva sandals or aqua socks are great for the dinghy and getting off at shore. A hat and sunscreen are a must!

Q. Check-in time is at noon on the last day of our charter. How much time do I need to allow to check in and still make our flight out of Sea-Tac airport in Seattle ?

A. Allow plenty of time to make your flight. Allow approximately 2 hours from the time you arrive back at Skyline Marina to get the boat checked in. You need to fuel the boat and empty the waste tanks. Allow extra waiting time, as the fuel dock is likely to be crowded. Then you need time to unload, clean the boat, and check in with our representative. Allow 2 hours driving time from Anacortes to Sea-Tac airport. It is advisable to be at the airport 2 hours ahead of your departure.

Q. If we want to arrive back at the Marina and just leave the boat, is that permissible?

A. Yes, you can sign off and leave the boat and you will be charged for any cleaning, fuel, or damages, etc. accordingly.

Q . I don't understand how the insurance works. Can you explain what is covered?

A. The daily insurance fee covers any damage to the boat not due to gross negligence. It does not cover lost inventory items. P& I insurance provides coverage in any mishap with another vessel. All incidents need to be reported immediately to SHYC.

Q . Can we ship some of our gear to your office ahead of time rather than contend with extra baggage on our flight?

A. Yes, we'll be happy to receive and hold any extra baggage for you. Just let us know. But do remember you are coming to a boat that has limited storage. Pack light!

Q. How do I provision? Is there a supermarket nearby?

A. Yes, there are two major markets (Safeway and Food Pavilion) within 5 miles plus a convenience store up the block.

Q . I'll be driving to Anacortes and want to leave my car there for the week. Is parking available? Are there rental car agencies that rent on a one way basis with drop fees?

A. Yes. We provide free parking for all of our guests. It is very safe to leave your vehicle here. We recommend either U-Save with a $75 drop fee (360-293-8686) or Enterprise with a $100 drop fee from SeaTac Airport (360-293-4325). There is also an airport shuttle (1-800-BELL AIR).