FAQs

How safe is it to sail on a tall ship?

Although any outdoor adventure has within it some inherent risks, safety is built in to all levels of sailing aboard a tall ship.  

• The vessel itself is registered with the US Coast Guard and certified as a sail training vessel.  The Coast Guard maintains rigorous standards for safety features both built into the vessel (radios, lifelines etc) and required to be on the vessel (like lifejackets and lifeboats).  The Coast Guard certification also specifies the number and experience required of the crew of the vessel.  There are two licenses Captains on board the Bill of Rights during our voyage as well as several experienced crew members.
• We are constantly monitoring the weather, both visually and via radio reports.  Our first concern is always safety, and we make decisions about the trip based on the safety of the environment.   
• Students join the vessel as part of the working crew and as such will be given specific instructions on how to live safely aboard the vessel.  They are required to take a role and participate in emergency drills such as man overboard and abandon ship drills.
• On this trip, we will be within about 30 miles of the California Coast at all times. In cases of acute emergency illness or vessel distress, the Coast Guard is in easy reach of our ship at all times.

Do I have to know how to sail?

No! There is absolutely no sailing experience necessary.  

Where do we sleep?

The Bill has one large cabin at the front of the boat with bunks that line both sides.  You will have your own bunk and are expected to sleep in your bunk.  Privacy is at a minimum on board so be prepared for this, and be respectful of others in this space.

Are there bathrooms?

Yes!  Toilets on boats are called "heads" and the Bill of Rights has several heads.  These toilets do not work quite the way your toilet at home works, but they serve the same function.

Are there showers?

No, the Bill of Rights does not have showers.  Although you may not feel as clean as you do at home, there are simple ways to keep yourself hygienic.  Bring a facecloth and use the sink to keep your face etc clean.  Bring babywipes (sailors call these "showers-in-a-box").  We also plan to swim in the ocean, so that will give you a full body wash!

Will I get seasick?

Seasickness is a very individual thing -- its possible you will get sick, and possible you won't.  A few things to remember are that the healthier you are, the less likely you are to succumb to seasickness.  So, be sure to stay hydrated, use sunscreen to avoid sunburn, keep simple foods in your stomach and get plenty of fresh air.  

There are a variety of seasickness remedies on the market from acupressure wrist bands to aromatherapy oils to medications.  If you are welcome to bring any of these with you, but PLEASE be sure to tell your watch leader if you take any of these medications.

Does the Bill of Rights have electricity?

Like most sailing vessels, the Bill does produce electricity when running its engine or a generator and stores the electricity in batteries.  Items like digital cameras can only be charged during times when the engine/generator is running.  As a sailing vessel, we try to run the engine as little as possible, so the windows when you can charge cameras is very limited.  For this reason, please do not bring any additional electronics (besides cameras) that would need charging.

What electronics devices can I bring?

Please limit electronics to a digital camera.  Do NOT bring phones, cameras, laptops, ipods, ipads, hairdryers or electric toothbrushes.

What kind of food will be on the boat?

Three meals a day plus snacks are provided aboard the boat.  We will be planning the food before we leave for the trip, and students will be in charge of cooking it so we have quite a bit of say!   Most "mainstream" dietary restrictions can be accommodated if we know about them in advance.  

We ask that you do NOT bring your own supply of food on the boat.  If you do bring something, please make sure that it is stored in the galley (kitchen) and that there is enough for everyone!

What type of clothing do I need to bring?  How cold will it be?

The temperature on the water can vary quite a bit. A comprehensive gear list is included on this website.  

Can we bring digital cameras?

Yes.  Be careful with them though because salt water and electronics do not mix well!  And charing times are limited (see above).

Can students call home?  

Students will NOT have their cell phones with them on this trip and so will not be able to call home during the trip.  On Friday, as we get back to land and start our drive back to San Francisco, students will be able to call home to let you know when they plan to arrive.

In an emergency, how could a parent/guardian reach someone on the boat?

In an emergency, parents can contact the vessel using the contact numbers listed on the Bill of Rights Information entry on this blog.