Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  • ~ A few hours up to a few days of learning something new and meeting other great people. Most of our work will be on the water, however there are classroom topics we’ll cover on the boat.

    ~ Sailing, as with any outdoor activity is heavily dependent on safe weather. We’ll do our best to dodge the rain drops.

    ~ If faced with significant weather challenges, you’ll be notified in advance and we’ll make arrangements to reschedule.

    ~ Often there is enough to do over weekend of learning that we can work around most weather. If you don’t hear from us, show-up for class.

  • ~ First and foremost, we welcome all experience levels to Spinnaker Crew Sailing. We can help take someone who has no experience and teach them how to be prepared to take an open ocean passage.

    ~ The highest-level course you could take with no experience at all through Spinnaker Crew Sailing is SPIN 1: Sailing Fundamentals or through the ASA is ASA 101: Basic Keelboat. Sailing.

    ~ For more advanced students, all certification courses and Spinnaker Crew Sailing non-certification courses require the previous levels as a prerequisite.

    ~ If you do not have any ASA certifications and want to take a higher ASA course, you can challenge the lower levels based on your previous experience. For certification, it will require taking the written exam and demonstrating the skills for each particular level.

  • ~ Yes! This is one of our most common requests and it makes sense. Purchasing a new boat and ensuring you protect your investment and operate it in a safe and effective manner is completely understandable. Please contact us to discuss the specific needs you have.

    ~ If instruction is to occur on your vessel, you will need to ensure the boat is in proper working condition, is equipped to minimum USCG and ASA requirements, and is fully insured for the duration of the instruction.

    ~ Finally, the instructor is at no time in charge of the vessel. The owner remains master of the vessel and accepts all responsibility for the vessel. Spinnaker Crew Sailing is not responsible nor liable for any damage while our instructor is on board.

  • Yes. Because of our broad experience, Spinnaker Crew Sailing can put together the right educational content to ensure that the sailor gains the knowledge and skill necessary to master the concepts that are sought.

  • Absolutely! We are proud to have become an Accredited Sailing Institution as part of the American Sailing Association. We now directly provide the access to the levels and certification necessary to meet the educational needs for each student.

  • ~ The American Sailing Association was founded in 1983 with a simply stated mission: to teach people to sail safely and confidently. To achieve that goal, the ASA set out to establish standards against which to measure a sailor’s level of knowledge and skill, the first such unified standards in the U.S. to apply to sailors in keelboats.

    ~ Today, the ASA is an association of sailing schools, charter companies, professional sailing instructors, and sailors, with over 400 affiliated sailing schools located throughout the U.S., as well as in the Caribbean, Europe, Central America, and Asia. These accredited schools offer ASA certification to individuals who meet the requirements for a given level. To date, ASA schools have certified over half a million sailors!

    ~ The ASA system has eight primary levels of student certification from Basic Keelboat all the way to Offshore Passagemaking. Whether your goal is to skipper a bareboat charter in the Caribbean or to crew confidently on a short weekend sail, the ASA’s sailing-education system will guide you as you learn the theory behind sailing, practice the skills needed to handle a sailboat, and build the foundation of knowledge that will enable you to navigate a vessel safely and within the law.

    By establishing worldwide standards for sailing education, the ASA has provided a way for more people to take part in the sport safely, with the proper training and respect for their responsibilities as boaters, ensuring that sailing will be safer, smarter, and more fun for everybody.

  • The ASA through its network of certified instructors provides internationally recognized credentials that allow others to understand exactly the level of competence that the sailor possesses.

  • The reality is that many sailors who have been sailing for years, may have experience on only one type of boat or on one size. Additionally, many people who are self taught may lack fundamental knowledge to make them a better sailor or more prepared for new adventures (e.g., sailing ground, situations, etc.).

    Spinnaker Crew Sailing provides the education and the fundamentals to ensure that a student masters the concepts/skills in order to add into their existing skillset and make him or her a better sailor.

Sailing Education

  • ~ Sailing on the lake is extremely variable. In the early (May & June) and late part of the season (September & October), a layered approach with a jacket and long-sleeve shirt is recommended.

    ~ Sailing gloves (if in a class) is recommended.

    ~ Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock is also recommended.

    ~ Footwear should be NON-MARKING gym shoes or rubber soled shoes. They should also be skid-proof as the deck can become wet.

  • ~ The weather in Chicago can change on a moment’s notice especially in the early and late parts of the season as well in the afternoons in summer.

    ~ At all times, the captain will ensure the safety and security of the passengers and crew and reserves the right to cancel/reschedule the charter or educational event.

    ~ As a general rule of thumb, when it is too windy and the winds come from either the North or East, the sea may become too choppy. Winds coming from the South or West will result in much calmer seas. The captain will evaluate the weather and if there’s a concern will discuss with the passengers.

    ~ When the winds are too light for sailing, the charter will continue as the captain can motor the sailboat and still provide an enjoyable cruise by enjoying the views, music, good company and being out on the water.

    ~ Assume that sailing education classes will continue (rain or shine) - always come to class. There is classroom material that will be covered inside the boat and, assuming the seas are cooperative, we will wear our raingear and practice our sailing in those conditions as well. The instructor may decide to re-schedule the on-water lesson if the weather is completely miserable or unsafe.

  • Up to six passengers are able to be aboard for a charter or educational class. This does not include the captain or crew.

  • ~ Individuals who are prone to seasickness should proactively treat themselves with over-the-counter Dramamine approximately 1 hour before setting sail.

    ~ At all times, Spinnaker Crew Sailing will look to minimize the potential for seasickness and is always ready to help passengers who may become seasick while out on the water.

    ~ It is important to understand that the sailboat will not “tip over”. It is designed to heel (i.e., tilt) to one side when the wind is blowing. The captain will ensure it does not heel too much to ensure the comfort of the passengers. But under no circumstances will the boat “tip over”.

  • Although there is a bathroom onboard, it is highly recommended that passengers use the land based restroom before setting sail. The toilet is tricky to operate and should be used in case of emergency.

  • Spinnaker Crew Sailing is located at Burnham Harbor. The address of the harbor is 1559 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605.

    For a detailed map of the harbor and location to meet, please click here.

  • Yes, it is absolutely appropriate to tip the captain or instructor. As a rule of thumb, tipping at 15% of total invoiced amount is appropriate, with the percentage going up or down as appropriate to the level of service.

  • ~ Students must be 18 years or older.

    ~ Charterers who are under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

    ~ Because of the need for every individual to have their own lifejacket that fits them specifically, individuals who are looking to charter and bring along a child or an infant should first check with the company to ensure that the proper type and number of specific lifejackets will be available.

    ~ There is no upper age limit, but it will be the student’s responsibility to ensure that they are fit and able to join and participate in their chosen course or the charter.

  • ~ Students or charterers need to certify that they do not have any condition or disability that would create a hazard or hardship for yourself or other persons.

    ~ We reserve the right to decline accepting or retaining any student whose health or actions in Spinnaker Crew Sailing’s sole judgment impede the operation of a charter or educational session.

  • ~ Please just send us an email with your request. Throughout the site, there are specific places to do so. However, at any time, please send an email to adventure@spinnakercrewsailing.com with the specifics of your request and we’ll get the conversation going! Please include what your request is, the location, the dates, the number of people.

    ~ We will confirm availability and provide a quote. Once agreed, we will send a link to an online registration form to book and for you to provide a deposit to secure the event.

  • Yes. Spinnaker Crew Sailing is pleased to provide a 10% discount to the following types of customers:

    ~ Active Military, Reservists and Veterans

    ~ Former students and charterers

    ~ Students enrolled in a college or university

    ~ Healthcare Providers & First Responders

  • ~ After a deposit is placed for an educational event or for a charter, the student or the charter is entitled to work with the company to reschedule the event (prior to 7 days before the start of the event). However, no refund will be given.

    ~ If a student or charterer, needs to leave the course or charter before it is complete, due to sickness, family emergency or any other reason, no refunds or adjustments can be made for any unused portion of the course or charter.

    ~ If a course or charter is cancelled due to weather no cash refunds will be issued, but you will be given a rain check to reschedule at a later date.

Charters

  • ~ We require a deposit of 50% of the total charter fee to secure the booking. The balance is due 7 days prior to the scheduled charter date.

    ~ Reservations made after 7 days of the charter date require full payment.

    ~ Payment is accepted by VISA, MasterCard, Zelle, Paypal, cashier’s check or money order or any other mutually agreed upon form of payment.

  • It depends…

    ~ Any event that is confirmed and paid completely can be rescheduled if given one week’s notice (7 days) notice before the scheduled event.

    ~ Any event that is cancelled with less than one week’s notice, can not be rescheduled and forfeits all payments made to Spinnaker Crew Sailing. Unfortunately, this hardline stance protects the company as it precludes both the company and captains from booking other charters for those dates.

  • ~ Charterers who are under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

    ~ Because of the need for every individual to have their own lifejacket that fits them specifically, individuals who are looking to charter and bring along a child or an infant should first check with the company to ensure that the proper type and number of specific lifejackets will be available.

  • We’re sorry, but no animals are allowed on the vessels.

  • ~ Any payments are non-refundable. If you have to cancel a reservation, it can be applied to another date, except if cancellation occurs at least 7 days prior to the scheduled charter date.

    ~ If Spinnaker Crew Sailing has to cancel the the charter, which may happen from time to time, (e.g., sickness, accidents, travel delays), we will make every effort to find a mutually agreeable future date, but our liability is limited to a refund of the original deposit.

  • A no show is defined as not contacting the captain or the instructor and/or being greater than 30 minutes late for the class or charter. Any no-shows will forfeit their right to any and all monies paid for the scheduled charter.

  • Of course, and it is always welcome. Our captains are also instructors and enjoy teaching. At all times, we will ensure your safety but will try to allow you to do as much or as little participation as you prefer.

Conduct

  • Yes, but…

    For those chartering:

    ~ Charterers are are able to bring drinks to the event. No red wine can be brought aboard the vessel at any time. Food can also be brought aboard the charter as well however a $100 cleaning fee will be charged prior to the event and will be refunded if the fee is not necessary.

    For those in sailing classes:

    ~ Students should not bring drinks containing alcohol to any educational event. Other drinks are acceptable and water is recommended. It is also suggested that students bring their own lunch with them to allow for more instructional time. However, there is a place for food at the main harbor office.

  • Yes. We have the ability to connect your phone to the stereo system onboard to allow you to listen to your favorite tunes.

  • No. All smoking will need to occur away from the boat at all times.

  • ~ No weapons, illegal drugs or substances, objects or contraband may be brought onboard the yacht at any time.

    ~ Any person found in the possession of or under the influence of any illegal substance will be removed from the course and vessel and will forfeit any remaining services to be performed by Spinnaker Crew Sailing and will not receive any refunds.

  • Do Behaviors

    ~ Have fun. We first and foremost want you to have the experience that you set out for your adventure. If there is something that would enhance the event, please ask the company in advance or the instructor/captain at the time of the event.

    ~ Ask questions. We are passionate for teaching people and to ensure that they get the most for their money - so ask away.

    ~ Let us know your preferences. Do you prefer to listen to Jazz, Rock, something else on your charter? What is the experience you are looking to have? We will do our best to accommodate.

  • Don’t Behaviors

    ~ Behave in a manner that endangers the vessel or any person or property on board.

    ~ Behave in a disorderly manner or in a manner to which others may reasonably object.

    ~Disobey the orders of the Captain/Instructor in command of the vessel.

    Spinnaker Crew Sailing will take such actions to prevent continuation of such conduct, including removal from the vessel. If this should occur, no refunds will be provided nor the continuation of any outstanding be provided.

  • Yes but it depends on the weather and your safety. We will never allow anyone to put their safety in jeopardy on our watch.

  • A cleaning deposit of $100 will be added to any charter where the charterer has decided to bring (or have Spinnaker Crew Sailing provide) food to be consumed while on the boat.

    The fee is refundable if under the sole assessment of the captain that it is not necessary. The cleaning fee is the company’s way to encourage proper passenger behavior as well as cover the costs to clean should that be necessary.

  • ~ If an accident occurs, you agree to be responsible for, and to replace and make good, any injury to the yacht, her furnishings and equipment caused by you, or any of your party, less any wear and tear.

    ~ Limits of liability for any injury to the yacht and the equipment is the deductible amount on the insurance hull coverage carried on the vessel, per incident.

Sailing Club

  • The answer is it depends.

    ~ Sailing Experience - if you were never certified by an accredited organization, Spinnaker Crew Sailing Club reserves the right to review your sailing resume and make a determination.

    ~ U.S. Sailing Certified (or some other accrediting body) - Yes, if you can provide proof that you have been certified to the equivalent of the ASA 101 level, then this would fulfil a major requirement for sailing experience.

    However, in all cases Spinnaker Crew Sailing Club reserves the right to make the final determination to allow anyone to become a member of the sailing club.

  • All reservations are booked on a first come, first served approach. At the current time, the scheduling program does not allow for assigning each member the right to a holiday. To be clear, all times including holidays are subject to availability.

  • ~ All members must return the vessel to the mooring buoy 30 minutes prior to their ending time. For the sake of clarity that means 12:30 PM for the morning session and 17:30 for the afternoon session. Failure to return the boat on time will incur a charge of a minimum of one-half (1/2) the hourly charter rate.

    ~ It is incumbent on the member to return the vessel in Charter Ready Condition. For the sake of clarity, charter ready condition means the boat is in the same condition and clean state as when delivered. Failure to return the boat in Charter Ready Condition will incur a charge of a minimum of one-half (1/2) the hourly charter rate.

  • ~ All new members are required to have a mandatory check-out sail. During the check-out, the club will review the boat, the procedures for checking in and checking out, how to leave the boat in Charter Ready Condition, and the inventory of items onboard.

    ~ Additionally, the member, under the supervision of the club, will be responsible for doing a check-out sail to ensure the prospective member has the skills necessary to become a member and sail the vessel.

  • ~ Membership cancellations and refunds are defined by the membership agreement. The membership agreement may not be assigned to another individual.

  • ~ The club reserves the right to cancel a charter due to adverse weather conditions or any other factor which might adversely affect the safety of the member or the vessel. It is the responsibility of the member to take any and all action to ensure the safety of the vessel and her crew.

    ~ If a charter is cancelled by the Sailing Club, the member will be afforded the opportunity to re-book another date/time without additional charge.

  • Of course we understand that plans may change so the following applies:

    ~ > 72 hours notice - If the member provides the sailing club more than 72 hours notice, the hours of the charter shall be reallocated back to the member for his/her future use.

    ~ < 72 hours notice - If the member has to cancel the charter within 72 hours from their prescribed charter time, then the member will forfeit those hours. The only exception to this will be if another member signs up for that cancelled charter. If the club has to reschedule the charter due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., weather, boat maintenance), then the member will have those hours reallocated back to the member.

  • Members acknowledge and agree as part of the membership agreement to return the vessel in good seaworthy condition (i.e., Charter Ready Condition). Whereas normal wear and tear is expected, any damage, missing or lost equipment, discrepancy, or situation that occurs as part of a charter is the member’s responsibility.

    ~ If the condition is noted upon arrival, then it needs to be immediately reported to the club PRIOR to start of the member’s charter time then it shall be the responsibility of the PREVIOUS member. If the member reports the condition AFTER the start of the charter, then it shall be the responsibility of the CURRENT member.