Frequently Asked Questions about our Girl Scout Cruises

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What is the cruise like? What will they learn?
First the girls will learn how to ask for permission to board the schooner. Once aboard the captain will give a safety speech about the boat and have one of the girls demonstrate how to put on a lifejacket. After leaving the dock, the crew will ask for volunteers to help raise the sails. Then the Girl Scouts will be divided into smaller groups (depending on size of the group) where they will be taught the aspects of sailing by one or two of our professional and fun crewmembers. During this time they will learn about nautical terms, proper lookout, boating safety, Chesapeake Bay facts, weather and the basics of sailing. We do this in a question and answer manner. For example, the crew would ask "does anyone know how a sailboat can sail through the water" and when the girls start answering the questions, the crew keeps asking them more probing questions, so they are learning the whole time.

After this learning period which length is determined by the girls attention span, they are then quizzed on everything they have learned by the captain in order to sail the boat. When the girl answers a question right, they get to steer the boat for a little while, and use their newly acquired skills. Depending on wind conditions and the attention of the girls, they may also be instructed how to work the sails. Everyone will get a chance to sail the boat.

What do the adults do?
The adults (and siblings) can listen in on all the fun the girls are having, take pictures or simply relax and enjoy the sail. While the girls are in their learning stage, the adults can steer the boat.

What is a good age for the cruise?
Any age is great for these cruises. The captain and crew tailor the experience for the age group aboard. We have had every age group aboard, and they all love the experience!

Descriptions for each group are on these web pages:
Brownies, Juniors, Teens, All Ages

What are the times for a Girl Scout sail?
We sail from April 17-October 31. Click on Girl Scout Brochure for our exact times and dates we sail.

How much are the tickets (Group Sail)?
Ticket prices are in the Group Sail Brochure and include all taxes, gratuity, soft drink and a snack.

Do they get a turn at the wheel (helm)?
Absolutely. They all participate in a sailing trivia contest and when they get the question right, they steer the boat. Everyone will get the chance.

How many people do we need in order to get the "Group Sail" Price and reserve further than 6 days out?
18 people is the minimum number of people. 48 is the maximum- unless you use both boats.

What happens to the extra tickets that we don’t purchase for the "Group Sail"?
We have a capacity of 48 passengers. Any remaining tickets you do not purchase will go on sale to the general public six days prior to that sail.

If we don't have the minimum 18 people to get a "Group Sail" what are my choices?
You can still sail with us, but you would not be able to get your tickets until they went on sale to the general public six days prior to the date that you wanted to sail. Under certain circumstances, we may be able to group you with another Girl Scout group. You could also check with other groups to get your numbers up to 18 people- or open it to siblings, too.

If we wanted to brush up on our nautical terms, where should we go?
Go to our Kid's Corner page where they can learn terms, names of the sails and other great information.

Does Schooner Woodwind have scout patches? If so, how much? Could we purchase them now or should we wait until the day of…?
We have great patches that say "Annapolis Sailing Cruises". They are $4.25. Purchasing them now will make it easy to have them ready for your group when you get aboard the boat. But, you can purchase them at the dock office. The dock office is very busy; we request that if you can buy them all together at once verses all separate transactions, we would greatly appreciate it. click here to see patches

Do you have merchandise so the girls can remember their adventure?
We have a wide variety of merchandise. From t-shirts to hooded sweatshirts, postcards to patches, we have it all. Check out our Ship's Store for what we sell. All this merchandise can be bought at the dock office. For large quantity orders, please let us know ahead of your visit, so we can make sure we have everything in stock.

What is the life jacket policy?
We do not mandate anyone to wear a lifejacket unless conditions warrant for us to. If you want us to enforce your girls to wear lifejackets, we will, but we do not normally. We have lifejackets for everyone except children weighing less than 35 pounds. The U.S. Coast Guard has not officially approved a child's lifejacket (Type I) for commercial passenger boats for children under 35 lbs., therefore, we cannot provide one. You must bring a lifejacket suitable for a young child, who is under 35 lbs, in order to be permitted onboard.

How many people can we fit on the boat?
The USCG limits us to 48 passengers. We take aboard one captain and three crew members. We do have two Woodwinds, so if you have an extremely large group (49 to 96), we can fit them aboard both boats.

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