Frequently Asked Questions
Lyra vs Wren
“Which boat should I go on?” is a common question. Both boats provide a very similar experience and are well maintained, safe and solid vessels. Unless it’s a cold or very windy day and you have a party of more than 4 guests (go with Lyra in this case), just pick the times that work for you. Wren is just fine for up to 6 guests in most conditions.
Weather and Clothing
It is usually cooler on the water. In the spring and fall a lightweight jacket and a pair of pants are appropriate. Even in the summer you may want a jacket or sweatshirt for sunset sails. Sunblock, a good hat, soft-soled shoes, sneakers or sandals are recommended. Don’t forget your camera!
Beverages, Food, Catering
On Watch Sailing provides filtered water for your container as part of the trip. Please feel free to bring a bottle of wine, beer or other beverage of your choice. Due to liability, no hard liquor is permitted. A sail on Lyra or Wren is an active environment that is unfamiliar to many of our customers. Plastic cups and beer cans are preferred and should be brought by you. We request that you drink in moderation and reserve the right to end the trip at any time should our customers pose a danger to themselves or the boat.
Please feel free to bring food and snacks. We have cold storage and provide coolers for food and beverages. Finger foods are always a hit! Also keep in mind that light items, such as popcorn, may blow around.
If you would like to have food and beverages catered, please be sure that you will be present to meet any deliveries and to let them know that you will be on a boat. Because our schedule is very tight, the crew cannot accept deliveries.
Will I get seasick (No)
Seasickness is not an issue on Narragansett Bay. There are always protected areas to sail in and there is no need to be concerned. However, should you as the customer opt to go out of Narragansett Bay and aim for the islands… All can say is that we have less control over boat motion, and you may want to make provision for motion sickness. That said, Lyra and Wren have a very easy motion and we find it rare that anyone feels ill at all. Of course, it helps immensely if you tell us that you’re prone to the motion of ocean so that we can plan our trip to stay in calm waters!
Children
We are used to (and enjoy) having children aboard. It is Rhode Island state law that children under the age of 13 wear a lifejacket. Please do not ask us to look the other way if your child does not want to wear a lifejacket – we will abide by the law every time for a variety of reasons. Lyra and Wren carry both U.S. Coast Guard approved children and adult lifejackets. You are also welcome to bring your own.
It is a good idea to give us a heads up before you sail if you plan to bring your kids.
We are often asked if children count toward the total number of guests. Due to US Coast Guard Federal Regulations, they do.
Learn about sailing
Drawing upon extensive personal and practical experience, On Watch Sailing can provide in-depth instruction, from cruising your boat successfully to selecting and upkeeping vessel systems. Lyra is probably the better choice if you are interested in boat systems and living aboard. As she is a larger vessel, it is preferred that individuals seeking instruction have at least a basic knowledge of sailing so that we can concentrate where needed.