FAQs

  • We sail rain or shine. We understand that the unexpected happens to the best laid plans, and we try to accommodate our guests. We offer a full, 100% refund if canceled more than 30 days before arrival. For cancellations less than 30 days before arrival, your refund, if any, will be based on our ability to rebook the dates you've reserved. If we rebook you’ll receive a 75% refund. In the event the captain cancels your sail due to dangerous conditions, you will receive a 100% refund.

  • Oh Joy II lives at 231 Parfitt Way SW on Bainbridge Island, a 30-minute ferry hop from downtown Seattle. If at all possible, we encourage you to board the ferry as walk-on passengers. Oh Joy II is a pleasant 15 minute walk from the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal. If you choose to drive onto the ferry, please check the ferry website for alerts regarding delays and wait times.

    Catch the Bainbridge Island Ferry at the Coleman Dock in downtown Seattle. Check the Seattle/Bainbridge Ferry schedule.

    Exit the ferry and proceed to the second traffic light at the intersection with Winslow Way. Turn left. You'll pass Streamliner Diner on your left and Town and Country Market — no ordinary grocery. Across the street is Blackbird Bakery (yum), keep going and you’ll come to a four-way stop. That's Madison Ave. Turn left again. At the bottom of the hill, Madison "L's" into Parfitt Way. You can only turn right. So turn right. 

    AFTER YOU MAKE YOUR TURN, parking is in the third drive to your left at the Harbour Public House. If that lot is full, you can park in the lot next door, to the east back toward the ferry terminal. (Don’t confuse the Harbour Public House with Doc’s Marina Grill. Doing so may result in confusion and an unscheduled beer.)

    The marina is immediately behind the Harbour Public House at 231 Parfitt Way SW. Follow the walkway to the right of the pub that leads to the waterfront.

    At the bottom of the walkway you’ll come to a long wooden bridge leading out to the Harbour Marina. You’re here. Send me a quick text (541.953.3936) and I’ll walk up and meet you. 

  • Always assume that it will feel 10°–15° cooler on the water. Sweaters and windbreakers, even on a hot summer day, are recommended. And don't forget hats, sunglasses and sun screen.

    We provide comfortable, easy-to-wear automatic inflatable life vests. These will be made available to you upon arrival. Please wear them anytime you venture out of the cockpit. Remember: drowning can put a real damper on your trip.

    We also have binoculars available, but don't hesitate to bring your own.

  • Puget Sound and Salish Sea waters are protected and waves are generally quite small. Also, Oh Joy II is a very heavy, sea-kindly boat, and most waves don't affect her motion in any discernable way. That said, if you are particularly susceptible, it's a good idea to take an over-the-counter medication. Please read the directions and take the medication well before you arrive for your sail. Once symptoms present, it's usually too late for medication to have any effect. In 5 years, we've only had one guest display anything more than very mild sea sickness. (And he was spending entirely too much time looking at tiny photos on the back of his camera.)

The Groth’s — Johnson, Nebraska

“The boat and the sailing adventure were the highlight of our trip!”