Frequently Asked Questions

Based in Marathon Florida we offer routes all over Florida to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Cuba, Mexico/Central America and the Dry Tortugas.  We are constantly monitoring the weather and seas to try to predict the best routes for your excursion but because we have so many options we are generally always able to accommodate your trip's needs.  

Crossing the Gulf Stream generally takes from 12 to 24 hours and sailing overnight is an amazing experience you will NOT want to miss.  However being offshore carries risks and your skipper will always be the last word on a crossing. Having an 8 day window to cross almost always ensures one crossing to or from the U.S. so we try to have our guests fly into one port of entry and out of another unless they desire to do the round trip.

While there is no set itinerary for a skippered trip due to variables such as weather, etc. we will plan a route to a destination.  As the client, the route is for you and the skipper to decide upon, taking into account places you would like to visit or see. The captain will always do their utmost to satisfy your requirements. It is advisable to have a rough itinerary in mind, this will allow the captain to construct the best possible route. We highly recommend leaving one day on each end of your schedule flexible for weather, provisioning for last minute needs, etc.

Sample Itinerary (Cay Sal Bank, Bahamas - 8 Days)

Day 1 

• Leave Dock (9am)
• Sombrero Lighthouse (snorkeling, lunch, etc.)
• Set Sail To Cay Sal (4pm)
• Overnight Sail (15 Hours)

Day 2

• Arrive Elbow Cay (7am)
• <Activities>

Day 3

• <Activities>

Day 4

• Sail To Cay Sal (8am)
• Day Sail (10 Hours)
• Arrive Cay Sal (6pm)
• <Activities>

Day 5

• <Activities>

Day 6

• Sail To Anguilla Cays (8am)
• Arrive Anguilla Cays (6pm)
• <Activities>

Day 7

• <Activities>
• Sail To Marathon (6pm)
• Overnight Sail (20 Hours)

Day 8

• Arrive Marathon (6pm)

Because we are at the mercy of the seas and winds we strongly advise flight arrangements and other responsibilities be flexible. It is not uncommon to set out on a course for a destination and modify that course to accommodate for weather or even comfort.

You choose the pace you want to set and your own itinerary with the help of the captain’s sailing expertise and knowledge of the cruising grounds. You can get as involved as you would like with the sailing or if you would rather relax and take in the stunning surroundings – it’s completely up to you.

The captain is not responsible for your moment to moment needs. Hosts can be hired for your trip.  A host will do the daily shopping as well as prepare and serve breakfast and a light meal each day. Provisions will be made and meals prepared according to your preferences set out at the start of the trip. This will be done to the best of their ability in so far as the local shops allow. It is also the duty of your host to keep your yacht clean and tidy for the duration of your trip.  If available the host's fee is around $125 - $150 per day.

Onboard we have sleeping accommodations for up to 5 individuals (besides the crew) with two heads, two showers as well as a full galley and main salon.  The top deck comfortably can accommodate 8 people.

SV Remiinisce has scuba, a dive compressor to refill tanks, stand up paddle boards, snorkel gear, floaties, etc.  Should you require something, just ask!

The captain is responsible for the navigation of the yacht, mooring, anchoring and maneuvering. A lot of thought and time goes into watching weather, winds and planning the best possible route. Every one of our captains is skilled mechanically and can deal with any mechanical or electrical issue on board within reason.  The skipper is responsible for any damages caused while sailing, motoring, anchoring and maneuvering the yacht on the condition that these are attributed to their own actions either willful or negligent. As the charterer, you assume full responsibility for your guests and remain liable for damages that you or guests may cause to the yacht. 

As well as keeping the deck and cockpit in good order, they will manage the refilling of water and fuel when necessary. Lastly, the skipper will process the crew through customs and immigration, and deal with any mooring/dock fees.. Other tasks such as interior cleaning and cooking are not part of the skipper’s obligations but we help as much as possible.

Food and drink for the skipper are your responsibility. There are two different ways you can provide the skipper’s meals. You can choose to treat your skipper as one of the crew, including them in all your meal preparation for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or, if you would prefer to be on your own in the evenings, you can give your skipper enough money to allow for their dinner. or prepare their meal to be enjoyed in the privacy of their cabin.  

The captain’s primary responsibility is to ‘drive’ the yacht and ensure the safety of the crew. It is important to remember that they are not an instructor, so they are not paid or qualified to teach. However, over the duration of your charter the captain would more than likely be happy for you to get involved with the sailing, giving you pointers and tips along the way. We consider ourselves to be "immersive" and want you to walk away from the experience knowing more and accomplishing goals so we're more than happy to have you involved. We have had guests train and man the helm and even do overnight watches while crossing.

• Half Day (4 Hour)        $500*
• Full Day (8 Hour)        $1000**
• Multi-Day Excursion   $900/day**

All of our options include use of all the amenities listed in the About section. 

All trips are crewed by captain, and when necessary, a mate. 

* Typically departs at 9am. Includes: captain, fuel, dock fees, water, propane for cooking, yacht insurance, cabin linens & bath towels (limited toiletries). Please bring your own clothes and specialty toiletries or other personal items

** Typically departs at 9am. Includes: same as 4 hour.  Meal options are available for a fee.

*** Typically departs at 9am. Includes: captain, fuel, dock fees, water, propane for cooking, yacht insurance, cabin linens & bath towels (limited toiletries). Please bring your own clothes and specialty toiletries or other personal items.

NOT INCLUDED

- Visa/Entry fees

- Offshore excursion costs

- Meal provisioning

- Host fees

TIPPING & GRATUITY

A gratuity of 15-20% for daily excursions or $300 and up for weekly is the standard and highly appreciated.

Tipping is entirely at your discretion.

Depending on the size of your group we recommend bringing only things that will fit into one (1) large carry on duffel bag.  Storage space on boats is very limited as every nook and cranny is used.  Our favorite bag to recommend is: the XXL Mesh Bag on Amazon

For an average one week trip in the Caribbean our guests find that they wear a swimsuit 90% of the time.  The evenings get cool so a light layer is desired as well.  Realistically we recommend bringing the following:

• PFD / PLB *
• Swimsuits (2-3)
• Shorts (4)
• T-shirt (4)
• Rash Guard Shirts (2)
• Jacket (1)
• Sweater (1)
• Pants/Sweats (2)
• Undergarments
• Nice Set Of Shore Cothes (1)
• Toiletries
• Books (1-3)
• Shoes/Hiking Boots (1)
• Flip Flops (1)
• Sunscreen & Aftersun
• Sunglasses (CHEAP! You will scratch or lose them in the water)
• Drybag/Waterproof Phone Case
• Hat or Cap
• Bug Repellant (Mosquitos and bugs can be bad on or near islands and shore)
• Medication
• Dramamine (for sea sickness)
• Scuba/Snorkel Mask (Ask about what we have and can provide)
• In-Date Passport
• Credit Card
• Cash
• Camera/Video Recorder

* Personal Locator Beacons & Personal Flotation Devices

We encourage guests (especially if you are an adventure activity type) to get your own PLB.  We have two AIS PLB's on board for guests to use during watches, etc. but this invaluable tool could mean the difference between life and death in the event someone is separated from a vessel, hiking in a remote location alone or any other circumstance where cell service or help is unavailable. If you intend to keep sailing, investing in an offshore inflatable PFD is highly recommended.

Depending on the destination we will be cooking and eating on the boat most of the time and on a typical 7 day trip guests can expect to eat on the boat for at least 5 days.  Since we cook each meal as a group and eat as a group to conserve food and energy it's important that each group create a shopping list and provision. It will be up to your crew to accommodate allergies and diets but that is not always possible. Be sure your crew knows your requests. Bear in mind your Skipper eats whatever your crew makes and has no opinion on the meals but should be factored as one of the crew in planning.

As for WHERE to buy your provisions, the most expensive will be Marathon.  There is Publix and Winn Dixie in Marathon but we have found ALDI to be the most cost efficient option and with one in Homestead it's an easy stop on the way from MIami/Ft. Lauderdale.

Other options we've used include Wild Fork but you have to make sure it will arrive BEFORE your departure date or you can make it to one of their pickup locations  https://wildforkfoods.com

Depending on destination, provisioning may not be easy or cheap.  The Bahamas are notorious for expensive provisions and Cuba for having none.  In the case of food, we believe it's always better to be looking at it than looking for it.  

Keep in mind, you may not consume all your provisions on your trip.  What cannot be frozen at the end is usually given away if guests cannot take it with them so it will likely not go to waste.

 
We've put together a sample list of things past crews have brought.  When making your list make sure you account for every one for the days you will be sailing.  For example, if you have a crew of 5 and each person eats 3 eggs for breakfast and we have breakfast 5 days a week that means you'll need 75 eggs! 

Perishables

Milk (cereal /coffee/cooking)
Orange juice
Yogurt 

Cheese (blocks/slices/sticks)
Butter (4 sticks/block)
Mayo (miracle whip)
Eggs (3 per person/day)

Fruit (NO BANANAS)
Apples – last well 2 dozen

Oranges
Grapes 2 – 3 big bunches

Vegetables
Lettuce – use early
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Limes (or lemons)

Carrots
Celery
Onions

Meat
Hamburger – frozen – in 1 & 2 # packages
Chicken – frozen – in 1 & 2 # packages
Lunch meat

Summer sausage

Beef jerkey
Hot dogs
Kielbasa type sausage
Bacon
Breakfast sausage links

Staples/Dry Goods
Bread (5 People = 1 Loaf/day)

Cinnamon Raisin Bread (French Toast)
Hot dog/hamburger buns

Dry cereal
Pancake mix (complete – needs no eggs or milk)

Pasta

Pre packaged black beans & rice 

Pre-packaged beef stroganoff 

Canned Goods

Beans 

Peas 

Corn

Tomatoes 

Tuna fish 

Hash 

Stew

Spam 

Soups

Baked beans

Condiments/Spices
Syrup
Jelly or preserves
Peanut butter
Ketchup
Mustard
Olive oil
Salad dressings

Garlic

Salt/Pepper

Tabasco (Green)

Snacks
Dried fruit
Raisins
Cookies
Potato chips? (Pringles stow well)

Candy

Drinks

Coffee/Tea 

Iced tea (Arnie Palmer 1 Gal Jugs are great!)

Hot Chocolate mix packets 

Soda (1 ltr)

Gatorade powder mix

Water (We do fill roughly 20 1 gallon water jugs at the dock)

Ziploc bags – Qt & Gallon

• Each of our captains has attained a valid captains license ranging from the more common "6 Pack" to the highest USCG Masters License
• Remiinisce is registered with the United States Coast Guard and carries a Coastwise endorsement
• Remiinisce carries charter insurance
• The crew of Remiinisce is actively enrolled in a drug consortium