FAQ's
How long are these trips?
We generally run trips for 6 days, 5 nights. Boarding mid morning on a Sunday and disembarking on Friday afternoon. We can however run shorter trips in some locations, and even longer if it makes sense.
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How much do these trips coast?
Our 6 day trips in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Mexico generally work out around $4,500 to $6,000 per person, sharing a double occupancy cabin. Prices depend on location and dates (high or mid seasons). A 4 day, 3 night trip in US starts around $2,750 per person.
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Where can we go sailing?
We can take you sailing all over the world! The Med - French Riviera, Spanish Balearic Islands (Majorca and Ibiza/Formentera), Italian Amalfi Coast, Sardinia or Sicily, Greek Islands or Croatia; The Caribbean - St Martin, Guadeloupe, St Lucia, USVI or BVI's to name a few, even Belize; Baja Mexico - La Paz, or the more remote, Loreto; Or even further afield - to the Seychelles, Tahiti and Thailand! We're also starting some shorter trips in US waters this year - LA to Catalina Island, and 2 locations in Florida - St Petersburg and Key West.
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When should we go?
A good rule of thumb is: Summer months - The Med; Winter months - Caribbean and Mexico.
Is this your own boat?
No. We charter the best luxury catamarans we can find in various locations around the world, through our charter partners. This means we are not limited to location, and we can find beautiful 1 or 2 year old Cats to sail.
What are the accommodations?
We charter Catamarans that generally have 4 or 5 sleeping cabins. They all have a queen size bed; an ensuite private bathroom and shower; and more often than not, AC. We all sleep on the boat every night, usually at anchor or at guest marinas.
What’s the food set up?
We provide all food, snacks, drinks (soft and alcoholic). We pride ourselves in finding local produce and natural wines. We cook for you on board the boat, breakfast, lunch and dinner . We also usually have 2 evening meals on shore at amazing restaurants we’ve found (the cost is not included in the price). There is also opportunity to have 1 or 2 lunches ashore, when it makes sense and if desired, but not mandatory and up to individual’s preference. We can cater for all dietary restrictions.
Where do we sail?
We sail in coastal waters only, ie you can always see land at all time during the trip. The furthest from land would be around 2 miles. We find beautiful anchorages along the coast for lunch and overnight stops, with plenty of opportunity to swim, padddleboard, hike on shore, or simply relax.
How long do we sail each day?
We usually sail around 3 to 5 hours a day. Itineraries are somewhat depending on weather and wind direction, and will be discussed daily. We will sometimes stay 2 nights in the same place to provide more opportunity for exploration on shore, or for more specific water sports.
What should I bring?
We will send out a recommended packing list once your trip is confirmed. Soft sided suitcases are recommended, and modest packing is a good idea due to space on board.
Do we go ashore?
Yes! We go ashore most days. We have a motorized dinghy/tender (around 12' length), and also 2 stand up paddleboards. Getting in and out of the dinghy can be a little tricky sometimes, but you’ll get used to it quickly. We often stop in at guest marinas for 1 or 2 nights, where disembarking the boat is easy. Plus some anchorages have water taxis, that are a bit bigger than our tender
Will I get sick?
Hopefully not, but you might. So It’s best to always be prepared and have some sea sickness pills and bracelets with you. We don’t sail in rough seas, but the gentle sway can sometimes set people off.
What about bad weather?
We call it ‘cheese board sailing’ - if it’s too rough to serve a cheese plate, we’ll stay at the marina! There may be some swell, but catamarans are very stable and don’t heel over (tilt to one side)
When should I arrive?
We recommend flying in at least 2 days early. This can alleviate complications with flight or baggage delays. It also gets you over any jet lag before you board the boat.
Where do I stay and is that included?
We can recommend hotels, but the cost of these before and after the trip are not included.
What insurance company should I use?
We have a list of insurance companies we recommend. Travel insurance, including medical, is compulsory.
Who actually sails the boat and what’s your sailing experience?
Captain Eddie sails the boat and Ashley is his 1st mate! They have been sailing together for 11 years. Eddie started sailing in 2010 in the San Francisco Bay and got hooked immediately. He worked his way through the American Sailing Association (ASA) curriculum, and now holds a USCG OUPV 6-pack license, as well as his Royal Yacht Association (RYA) Coastal Skipper qualification and a FCC Marine Radio Operator License. Ashley has been sailing with Eddie since 2014 and is RYA certified Competent Crew.
Can I help and learn about sailing?
Absolutely! Whether you’ve never been on a boat before, or have experience in power boating or even sailing, you’re always welcome to help, at Captain's discretion and command of course!
What if I have to cancel?
If you have to cancel, you will unfortunately loose any money you’ve paid to date.
Are we going to make music?
You bet! Bring any instruments you want (within reason!). Think of it as a ‘campfire jam’ and let’s have some fun!
I wanna go! What’s next?
The best thing to do is either send us a direct email to catalystsailing@gmail.com expressing your interest, or simply schedule a call using the button below, and you will have a personal video call with Eddie and Ashley. We can tailor trips to your preference, including dates, locations, group size and extra activities like Scuba.
So, get in touch and let’s plan your bucket-list vacation!