Frequently Asked Questions

Sailing Experience

Do I need a license to charter a sailboat?

All boaters from Canada are now required to carry a Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC), so please ensure you have one and bring it along on your charter.  Non-residents may demonstrate proof of competency by providing proof of competency from their own country or by completing a Rental Boat Safety Check List.  This checklist will be provided by Ahoy Rentals and will be reviewed with you when we do the check out of the boat at the start of your charter. Let us know at the time of booking if you require this checklist.For a list of accredited course providers, visit Transport Canada

What kind of experience and qualifications are required to book a Bareboat Sailing Charter?

We look for sailors who have owned or chartered a sailboat of similar size or have taken a credited sail training course.  In additiion you will need to understand how to read a nautical chart (chartplotters are provided), be able to determine your position on the chart, recognize symbols, know the rules on the water and the operation of a VHF marine radio.

Policy and Fees

Booking and Cancellation Policy

A down payment of 50% of the total Charter price is required for any booking. The balance is due upon arrival. A cancellation fee of 20% of the total charter price is payable for any cancellation more than 2 weeks prior to your start date, with the full deposit being forfeited within 2 weeks of your start date. Payment can be made by credit card (visa or m/c) or cheque.

What additional charges can I expect for my charter?

You will have to pay for fuel used, tanks will be full when you pick up the boat.  Pump out at other locations are to be paid by the customer.  There is a pump out pass for the boat at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour.  Any equipment lost will be the responsibilty of the charterer.  HST is included in all our pricing. 

Logistics

What time will the boat briefing be held?

Boat briefing will be held at 8am on the start day of your charter.  If you are a repeat customer, and are familiar with the boat, we do not need to meet. 

When do charter times start and end?

Charter times start as early as 8am, when the briefing takes place.  Return time is by 5pm on your last day.  You must arrive at the Gas Dock by 4pm to allow sufficient time to pump out and fuel the boat.

When does the charter begin and end for weeklong charters?

Weeklong charters during can start on any date depending on availability.

Can we board the night before?

Yes, you can stay aboard the boat the night before anytime after 6pm.  No extra charge for this.  The key can be left for you.  This will be communicated to you once a booking has been made.  Please remember to bring your own bedding and pillows.

What do I have to do when I return the boat?

Head directly to the Gas dock before going to your dock.  You will have to fuel the boat and have the dock attendants pump out the head holding tank.  Make sure they rinse the tank out.  Do not fill the water holding tanks, I will do this.  Clean the dishes and tidy up the boat.  I will clean the interior and deck.  Plan to arrive at the Gas dock no later than 4pm.

On the Boat

What else should I bring?

Apart from your own food & beverages, bring propane for the bbq.  These are the green disposable ones that can be purchased at any hardware store in Canada.  Fuel for the stove will be provided.  Water in the holding tanks is drinkable, but many people wish to bring bottled water.  Bring your own bedding, if you are flying to Canada and this is not convenient, contact us and we can help you with this.

List of Equipment on CS36 

List of Equipment on C&C30

Is there refrigeration on the boat?

Yes, the refrigeration that runs off the boat batteries and will keep your food and beverages cold for the duration of your charter.  Solar panels will keep the batteries charged during the day with enough battery capacity to keep the fridge running overnight. 

Fueling, Pump Out and Cleaning

Please top up the fuel and pump out the boat upon your return to the Harbour. A seasonal pump out pass is provided, however you are responsible to pay for your own fuel. In addition we ask that you clean all dishes, pots and pans, cutlery and the BBQ before returning the boat. We will clean the interior and the deck

Off the Boat

Is there parking available?

Yes, parking at Porsmouth Olympic Harbour is included as part of your charter. 

Is the dock where the boat is berthed, held for the boat?

Yes, the docks for both boats are reserved exclusively for these boats, so you can come and go as you wish. 

Other Questions

If I am not familiar with the area, can I get suggestions for destinations?

Yes, we have nautical charts and chartplotter on board.  I make this part of the briefing to show you areas going both West and East depending on what you wish to see and do.  I will also show you areas for docking and anchorages as part of your route planning.

Where can I get provisions while on my charter?

Waupoos Marina Picton, ON   Many vineyards and things to do in this lovely town, including shops, restaurants, live theatre.

Picton Gananoque, ON    There is a courtesy 3 hour docking just inside the harbour to starboard as you enter the municipal marina.  There is a liquor store with a 2 minute walk and grocery stores are a 5 minute cab ride. Gananoque 

Sailing to the US

Cape Vincent, NY Municipal Docks has a 4 hour limit for day time stopovers and a fee for overnight docking. 30 amp power, water, washrooms, showers.

Clayton, NY :Village Dock is for temporary docking, up to 3 hours, this is also where you can check into US Customs, via videophone.

Islander Marina has room for 6 or 7 transients, 30 amp power, water, washrooms, showers, ice, coin laundry, picnic tables and gas barbecues.

French Bay & Islander Marinas: 30 amp power, water, washrooms, shower, picnic tables and gas barbecues. Clayton Big M Supermarket has groceries, deli, bakery, beer, and free shuttle to and from the docks.

Alexandria Bay

The Ledges Resort Motel & Marina has 10 to 12 transient slips, 30 amp power, water, washrooms, shower, ice, swimming pool, picnic tables, charcoal barbecues.

Bonnie Castle Yacht Basin has many transient slips. Full repair service on site and a convenience store selling basic groceries and beer. Fuel pumpout, 20 amp power, water, washrooms, showers, ice, coin laundry, indoor and outdoor pool, tennis courts.

Horizon Marine has fuel an pump out and can arrange for docking at the Thousand Island Club on Wellesley Island. Main Village Dock is a good place to stop to visit the village and provision. No fee for day use, however you have to pay for overnight docking. Big M grocery store will deliver for boaters and has a dock for dinghies that can get under the bridge. There are also many well stocked convenience stores for basic groceries. Liquor store at the Village Dock.

Main Office: 21 Ontario St., Kingston, ON, K7L 2Y2, Canada

Portsmouth Olympic Harbour: 53 Yonge St., Kingston, ON K7M 6G4.
C&C30 Tankard: Dock A48. CS 36 Finisterre: Breakwall 13

Phone: 613-549-4277 | Email: [email protected]

Back to Top