Price from:
750 USD
Booking Notes
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AND BRING
Guiding Star Sailing Adventure 2025
Congratulations on booking an adventure that will undoubtedly bring you and fellow passengers joy while also magnifying your appreciation for the amazing land and waterscapes found in the San Juan Island archipelago. By reading the following paragraphs, you will learn critical details that will help you both find the boat and ensure your comfort along our journey together.
Bring Layers: the air over water is inherently cooler than that above land. Plan on temperatures AT LEAST ten degrees cooler than what the forecasts predict for Friday Harbor. Also factor in the movement of the sailboat itself which can increase wind speeds and cause additional cooling. Bring TWO more layers than you think you will need. We have blankets on board, but it is much easier to move around when your own clothing is providing the thermal protection you need. If rain is predicted, you should definitely bring a waterproof layer. Being cold and wet makes it hard to appreciate even the most epic outing.
Bring snacks: unless you have paid for hors d'oeuvres or a meal on board, you will benefit from bringing your favorite nibbles and full water bottles. Whether you have booked a four or eight hour tour, eating food will help your blood sugar remain steady and improve your body’s capacity to thermoregulate no matter the temperatures. A 36 foot sailboat is not large enough to suffer a hangry crew member. We will have tea and various flavors of fizzy water to help keep you hydrated too, but come prepared to provide the bulk of your body needs.
Safety: we provide personal floatation devices (PFDs) and will insist that all passengers (and crew!) wear them. Beyond that, please make sure that you have brought/taken any medications you require for the day. Alcohol is only allowed on PRIVATE charters with a limit of one drink per passenger per trip. Pets are not allowed on the boat. Service animals are permitted on private charters only and will require the passenger sign of a waiver exempting Guiding Star Adventures from providing for the safety of the service animal while also assuming financial responsibility for any damage the service animal causes.
Itinerary: the exact trip itinerary will be dependent on several factors. Captain Alan will evaluate updated forecasts, weather on the water, wildlife reports, and YOUR STATED INTERESTS (Seals? Scenery? Sailing?) in creating the best possible trip as the hour approaches and as the trip unfolds. Nature is not predictable and inflexible scheduling typically results in lower quality trips.
Finding MAKANI: in case you have forgotten, Makani is the name of the Catalina 36 foot sailboat you will soon be riding aboard. She is found in slip (essentially a parking spot for a boat) M7 at the Friday Harbor Boat Marina. M7 is shorthand for the 7th slip along the Main Dock. The instructions and photo below will hopefully help you find Makini, but if you run into trouble, simply call Captain Alan (360-480-5000) en route and he can help you find your way.
Type 204 Front Street into your map app. There will be three flags (US, Canada, and Washington State) waving next to a two story brown building. Follow the 20 foot wide wooden dock leading down to the water. About 100 yards down the dock constricts to a metal ramp (do not go down the metal ramp 50 yards down on your left). Descend it. Notice the fish shop on your left. Count four boats down (or five if there is a fishing immediately adjacent the fish shop) on your left and you should lay eyes on Makani and Captain Alan awaiting you. You can also look for the slip numbers on the power boxes and locate M7.
Parking: parking at the marina is not possible (highly regulated 2 hour parking that is usually full). On Sundays, there is no two-hour limit, however the likelihood of finding parking at this lot in the summer is low. If you are driving to Friday Harbor and need a place to park your vehicle, we recommend parking at the 8 hour spots located in front of the County Court House at 350 Court Street or the parking lot in front of the San Juan Community Theatre at 100 2nd Street. See the highlighted sections below and note the walking path (that includes six flights of stairs!) that is the most direct route to the Marina.
Bathrooms: Makani is outfitted with a “head” which is boat jargon for a tiny primitive bathroom. To the degree possible, utilize facilities on land before the trip. Although doing your “business” while at sea is possible, it is not nearly as comfortable as doing so on land. Instructions on how to use the head will be provided before your sailing adventure commences. The most important rule to remember is that no paper (even toilet paper!) can enter the toilet. It all must be thrown in the provided trash can. If this rule is forgotten or ignored, utter mayhem will ensue the moment the person attempts to flush the toilet contents.
Additional Comforts: Makini is also outfitted with a small “galley” (boat jargon for kitchen) that has a conventional oven and a two burner stove both of which can be used to heat up whatever snacks or meals you have brought for yourself. We also have a small fridge that can hold a few items although if you have a significant beverage load (64 ounces or more) we recommend you bring a small cooler. Should a passenger tire of being exposed to the elements on deck, there is ample sitting space in the salon below deck.
Cancellation Policy
Cancelation must be made within 48 hours of departure or payment is due in full.
