Thanks for the review. Your comments help me consider future improvements. You correctly pointed out that ice was not onboard. Unfortunately, our ice machine was not available. I apologize for this inconvenience.
Safety is our top priority especially on extremely gusty spring days like April 29th, wind gusts exceeded 30 knots. You’ll recall the three points of contact discussion during the briefing, discussion of using the carriage top handrails when stowing away personal items or using toilet facilities below decks. You make a good point to announce the specific location of life jackets. We are USCG safety inspected and carry a CO2 self-inflating and traditional PFD’s. I will include this information in future safety briefings.
Several statements are not accurate in your review, so respectfully, I’d like to correct with facts:
• SV/Shamrock is the only vessel we operate. We sailed on the 42 ft yawl on the day of your excursion.
• It’s springtime, and the teak rails require multiple preparation stages prior to applying a finish. Your comment on sailing vessel not being in good shape most likely refers to the unfinished appearance of teak rails. I should have explained that we were in the middle of reconditioning the teak to alleviate doubts about the soundness of the vessel. SV/Shamrock is USCG inspected and very seaworthy.
• Wind direction determines when sails can be deployed. To use sail power the wind must be 25 degree off your heading. The strong WSW winds worked in our favor running north with only a jib sail, we averaged boat speed over ground of 6.5 knots on the Intracoastal Waterway, the Masonboro Inlet entrance, and Banks Channel portions. The strong winds worked against our progress returning to port.
• We dropped sails and started our diesel engine as we turned to the west heading south directly into the wind and tide. Your comments are useful, in that explaining use of wind and use of power helps our guests understand why are using either engine power or sails to navigate.
• As a captain, I must make decisions regarding how much sail area to deploy on every trip. Given the high wind conditions, using a reefed jib sail was a safe and reasonable choice.
I appreciate your comments- they help me, the owner and captain see where enhancements are possible and where communications about safety, sails and weather can lead to a better experience.