Basic Sail: Lessons for Sailing Beginners

“On some tours, a minimum number of passengers is required to ensure we can provide the high-quality experience you expect. This minimum allows us to balance comfort, safety, and operational costs. Once the minimum is reached, the tour is guaranteed to run, and additional bookings may be accepted as space allows.”

If you have booked a public tour:

If you are on a private tour:

Then most snacks are allowed.  But remember you are on a boat, the wind blows everything about, and the heeling sailboat spills things easily. For a short 90-100 min sailing tour around the harbour we actually suggest consuming something before or after the tour but we are not strict on this suggestion.  For longer tours – pack something nice, we’ll make a stop or two to give you time to enjoy your snacks.  Remember the boats, Frodo and the Journeyer, are licensed and as such you may not bring outside alcohol. That we are strict on – it’s Ontario law.

What to Wear for a 90-Minute Sailing Tour with Sail Superior:

1. Sunglasses & Hat: Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from the sun’s glare off the water.

2. Non-Slip Shoes: Put on comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good traction to stay steady on the boat’s deck.

3. Windbreaker: Bring a light windbreaker or jacket and a sweater/hoodie fleece. Even if it’s warm, the wind can make it feel much cooler on the water. Most days long pants, jeans are preferred. Some people even like to bring a woolly hat.

Remember, the weather can change fast, so these essentials will keep you comfortable during your short sailing tour with Sail Superior.

On the Catamaran, no heeled shoes, shoes that leave marks. You will be asked to remove inappropriate footwear before boarding. If in doubt bring some soft Croc type shoes, clean white soled runners. Going barefoot is fine but can be chilly.

On the Sailboat, most shoes except heeled shoes are ok.

On the Zodiac, runners/ hiking shoes and most anything except heels. You may be going ashore, it’s good to have trail shoes.

ALCOHOL & DRINKING on a vessel. Our monohull Frodo is licensed, and as such we are bound by the law in regards to monitoring your intake and service. If you are coming from a pre drinking function and are intoxicated you will not be allowed to board, this only relates to those in your party that are visibly intoxicated and not the entire group. We will deny service on board to anyone who is becoming intoxicated. We will insure that you have a designated DD or someone who is picking you up afterwards. It is our Duty to keep you safe. If your tour is cancelled due to any conflict with the above laws and policies you will not receive a refund or credit for your tour. Boating is a great place to have a drink, it is a dangerous place to be intoxicated. If you think you or your party will drink excessively we kindly ask you not to book a tour with us.

Since our boats are fully liquor licensed, personal alcohol is not allowed. There is a selection of wines, local craft beers, and ciders onboard. Should you desire something specific, simply let our captains know and we’ll do our best to arrange for it to be on the tour (at additional cost). All tours will be outfitted with servers as well as customized plans for cash and open bar services.

Catamaran tours: This is boat is not licensed and is a bareboat charter. Consumption of alcohol is only legal while the boat is at the dock or at anchor. Guests may bring their own alcohol. Strong spirits and red wine is not allowed. Remember the crew are there to keep you safe. If you think you or any of your party intends to drink to excess we kindly ask you to not book a tour with us.

Boating is a great place to have a drink or two; it is an extremely dangerous place to be intoxicated.

The Superior Rocket is not licensed and no alcohol will be permitted.

Sailing charters are an adventure for all. From the young to the young at heart. For anyone under 2 years of age we ask that you bring a PFD (personal flotation device) along and know that they’ll be seated with you for the duration of the tour. If you don’t have one, we will supply one upon arrival. Anyone age 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult and will be supplied with a sanitized PFD upon arrival.

With Private Zodiac tours, similar rules apply. Everyone is welcome with special considerations taken by the crew to maintain a safe, comfortable and exciting environment. Those under 2 years of age will be asked to come with a properly fitted PFD, while the rest of the group will be supplied with one upon arrival. The route and intensity of the ride will remain at the Captain’s discretion to ensure safety for all.

For safety reasons, our Public Zodiac Welcome Island Blast tours have strict age and size restrictions. This high-speed adventure takes passengers out onto Lake Superior, where we may encounter varying conditions. As such, we cannot accommodate children under 8 years old, and in some cases, we may advise certain adults to reconsider participation. Customers book this tour expecting an exhilarating ride, and we must prioritize safety at all times. If you are not sure if this tour is right for you but still want to enjoy the lake, please reach out to us, and we can recommend alternative options.

Other Public Zodiac Tours do not have an age restriction; however, we strongly suggest individuals who take a trip on the zodiac make the decision that puts their safety first. These tours often cover large distances and cross open water. Weather and water conditions can change quite rapidly, which can result in larger waves and a rougher journey. We recommend that no children under 5 participate in lengthy tours on the Zodiac. We will be happy to further discuss options on a case-by-case situation.

*Zodiac trips may not be suitable for pregnant women or those with serious neck or back pain. Let us know at the time of booking and we’ll help you find the perfect tour to experience this great lake! Trips up the Kaministiqua river are generally very relaxed and can be enjoyed by everyone.

Part of the wonder of the Lake is its ever changing conditions; the weather is no exception. Unless there is substantial thunder and lightning just prior to the tour and a ‘Small Craft Advisory’ issued by Environment Canada, everything will remain as scheduled. Be sure to monitor the weather prior to the tour and bring appropriate attire to stay as comfortable as possible. Our captains have the final say and will reach out to you in the case of a postponed tour. 

 If it starts to rain mid tour, we have covered spaces to shelter you, come in and let the captain and crew brave the weather. Some of the best photographs and images are when the weather puts on a show.

To maintain the safety and awareness of everyone onboard, no smoking/vaping or recreational drug use of any kind is permitted when on the vessels, or on any of the adjacent docks or waiting areas. Failure to follow this rule will cause the immediate end of your tour and return to the dock. Any fares will be forfeit.