FAQ

We understand that no one wishes to go sailing in inclement weather. Your charter will be cancelled if the weather is inclement. Only the captain of the vessel determines if a charter is to be cancelled due to the weather conditions. Examples of inclement weather include thunderstorms, excessive winds and rainstorms.

Chelsea Piers is conveniently located along the West Side Highway and the Hudson River bike path, on West 23rd and 12th Avenue. The location is easily accessible by car, taxi, public transit, bicycle, and walking paths.

By Car: Enter our location off of the West Side Highway at 23rd Street

Public Transportation: Take the 1, 6, C, E, F, M, R, or W subway lines to 23rd Street to connect with the westbound M23 bus that stops directly in front of Chelsea Piers. The M14D and M12 bus lines are also a 5-minute walk to the Piers.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up at Chelsea Piers: Taxis and ride sharing companies are welcome transportation options. All vehicles have 20 minutes of free access to Chelsea Piers in order to drop-off and pick-up passengers.

Pedestrian Access: Enter from the Hudson River Park pedestrian path or cross the West Side Highway safely using crosswalks at traffic lights via Chelsea Piers’ entrances at 22nd Street, 20th Street, and 18th Street.

Bike Access: Take the Hudson River bike path to Chelsea Piers. Bike racks are available at each venue on Pier 59, 60, 61, and 62. Citi Bike locations are also available within walking distance to Chelsea Piers for your convenience. Please note that e-vehicles, bikes, and scooters are not allowed inside the facilities. They may be parked outside in the parking garages.

All passengers will participate in a safety briefing, sign release forms, and, if desired or required, don life jackets. (See below for more information on life jacket requirements.) We’ll then climb aboard, get settled, and off we go!

Once onboard your captain will perform a safety briefing familiarizing you with the location of important safety items and procedures.

While life jackets are not required for passengers over twelve, We strongly recommend the use of our U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all passengers while on board.

While children under five years old are welcome aboard, it’s been our experience that they are a little bit too young to fully enjoy the experience. Children under five also find life jackets to be uncomfortable or constraining.

We do not recommend our sails for children under two years old but they are welcome.  We have USCG approved life jackets for infants on board.

The affects of the motion of any boat differs for everyone. If you suffer from motion sickness the symptoms can be avoided by keeping your head up, looking at the horizon, keeping fresh air in your face, and staying active while on board. We recommend that you never go into the cabin if you suffer from motion sickness.

Ginger pills, motion sickness wrist bands, and doctor-prescribed patches can all help mitigate seasickness. Over-the-counter seasickness medications should be taken two hours before your sail to allow the medication to take effect. Please consult your doctor before choosing your seasickness remedy.

Drinking alcohol before or during your sail can increase your risk of seasickness.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled sail time.

If you are running late for your private sail, we will wait for you before departing. Please note that we will conclude your sail at the previously scheduled finishing time so that we may stay on schedule.

If you are running late, please notify us as soon as possible.

24-Hour Cancellation Insurance
For an additional non-refundable fee you may cancel or rebook (one time) your charter for any reason up to 24 hours before your scheduled start time. Within 24 hours of your charter start time our standard cancellation and weather policy apply.

Cancellation Policy
8+ days prior to charter date: You may cancel your charter minus a 15% service fee. You may reschedule until October 31st of the following year’s charter season.

0-7 days prior to charter date: Refunds are not available, and rescheduling is not available.

Emergency cancellations (including Covid): You may reschedule the same year as your booked date only Monday – Thursday 10am, 12:30pm or 3pm.

Weather Policy
Your charter will be cancelled by your captain if the weather is inclement for example: thunderstorms, excessive winds, and rainstorms.  If your charter is cancelled due to inclement weather, you will receive an email voucher valid until October 31st of the following year’s charter season.

Charters are not cancelled or rescheduled due to weather forecasts or predictions.

Terms and Conditions
Rescheduled charters cannot be changed or cancelled. You may apply the original value of your charter to an equal or lesser value charter. You may upgrade with an additional charge to any charter of more value. Rescheduled charters of a lesser value will not receive a refund.

Gift Certificates are non-refundable and are valid for the date purchased until the October 31st of the following charter season.

Tipping is always appreciated. If you would like to leave a gratuity the suggested amount is between 15% and 20%.