Sailing
One of Enterprize’s primary sources of income is her public sails. With sails of all different lengths and conditions departing from a variety of ports around Victoria, there’s a voyage to suit everyone!
Getting on Board & Accessibility
Once you’ve booked, you’re ready to go – your name will appear on the passenger manifest on the day. Please arrive at the ship 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, which will allow time for all passengers to be marked off the manifest and settled on board ready to set sail on time. If you are not present at the scheduled departure time, your place on board may be allocated to standby passengers.
We do have some seating, but it is quite limited, and where possible, preference will be given to those who most need it in this regard.
If you are in a wheelchair, that’s fine! Most wheelchairs will fit on our gangway, which is 60 centimetres wide. There is normally a small step of approximately 15 to 20 centimetres at the top and/or bottom of the gangway. Please note, however, that the only toilets on board are down a ladder, so you will need to take this into account when planning your day. Most piers and jetties have accessible toilets nearby.
What To Wear and Bring
Enterprize is an open-air vessel extensively coated in Stockholm tar, so warm, practical clothes that won’t stain easily are recommended. Please wear flat-soled shoes, as stiletto heels which can damage the ship’s deck are not permitted on board, and a coat or scarf to keep off the ocean breezes is a good idea in any season.
You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch or dinner, including a bottle of your favourite beverage, but please be aware that the ship will move, so containers need to be seal-able, and glassware should be plastic.
Managing Seasickness
Seasickness is rarely an issue on shorter day sails, as the sheltered waters of Port Phillip Bay are usually fairly calm. If you are concerned, speak to your medical practitioner regarding suitable seasickness medication so that you can get the most out of your experience on Enterprize. For longer sails or voyages outside Port Phillip Bay, it can be wise to bring seasickness medication as a precaution, even if you later find you don’t need it. Again, consult your medical practitioner for further advice.
Children on Enterprize
Future sailors are always welcome on Enterprize, but until they’re fully grown they do need to be accompanied by Mum or Dad! Children 10 years and under must be supervised at all times by a parent or guardian while on board.
For very small sailors, we can accommodate fold-up pushers or prams belowdecks during the sail, but we ask that you refrain from bringing large prams where possible, as there is limited space on deck. In case of an emergency, we carry life vests for children and infants as well as adults.