Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I purchase tickets in advance?
A: Yes, and we encourage you to do so, this will insure you have a reserved place onboard. To purchase by phone please contact us. To make a secure purchase online, select the "buy tickets" option below your chosen sail on the appropriate schedule page. We will not take an advance reservation without full payment. You may also purchase tickets before any sail 20 minutes prior to departure directly from the ship, however, there is no guarantee there will be space available. Also, only advance reservations will be guaranteed a meal if this is included in the sail.

Q: How many people will be onboard?
A: The Appledore IV holds 48 passengers and 4 crew. The Appledore V holds 29 passengers and 3 crew.

Q: On a dinner sail, where do we eat?
A: Dining is casual, there are no tables aboard the Appledores, with the exception of a small banquette table below deck in the cabin. Most passengers eat with their plate on their knee or on the cabin top beside them.

Q: What kind of seating is there?
A: The Appledores have bench seating on deck boxes and along the cabin house top. There is also a below deck area with additional seating. There is adequate seating for all passengers on deck. About 25% of the seats allow the individual to lean their back against the railings. Passengers usually choose to be on deck the majority of the time, but they are welcome to enjoy the well appointed below deck area.

Q: Is there a bathroom onboard?
A: Yes, each ship has one bathroom onboard. It is below deck and requires use of a ladder for access. Sorry, but it is definitely not handicapped accessible.

Q: What happens if it rains?
A: The schooners sail rain or shine. We have awnings that will cover about half of the deck area if necessary. There is also a below deck area. In the unlikely event of dangerous weather that prevents us from departing, rain checks will be issued for a future sail of your choice.

Q: Can I bring my children?
A: Yes, children are allowed on all public sails. On the day sails, there are student prices and children five and under are free (if the sail includes a meal your child may opt out, otherwise there will be a meal charge). All passengers on dinner sails must pay full price no matter their age. Regardless of age, you must have a reservation for each child so we know how many are aboard the ship.

Q: What about safety?
A: Our vessels are inspected and licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard. They meet or exceed all regulations for subchapter (T) passenger vessels. Appledore captains are also licensed by the coast guard. Both ships carry safety equipment that includes enough life jackets for everyone on board and an inflatable life raft that can accommodate everyone onboard.

Q: How should I dress?
A: Dress is casual for all sails. A flat comfortable closed-toe, soft-soled shoe is a good idea. For women, it is best to wear pants or shorts, as dresses or skirts tend to get caught in the wind. Passengers typically dress a bit smarter for evening and dinner sails, but nothing fancy. Also, keep in mind that it can be ten to fifteen degrees cooler on the water so bring extra layers just in case. There is plenty of room to stow extra belongings if you don't need them, so don't feel you will be stuck lugging around your unneeded jacket on a hot day - bring it along just in case.

Q: Where will we go?
A: On our Bay City sails the Appledore will take you down the Saginaw River and out to the Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron. Our Mackinaw City departures sail the Straits of Mackinac in sight of the Mackinaw Bridge and Mackinac Island. In Fort Myers, Florida we sail along the Matanzas Pass out to San Carlos Bay on the Gulf of Mexico.

Q: Will we sail the whole time?
A: No. The ships must use the engine to depart the dock and transit out to open water. But don't worry, getting in a good sail is always a priority.

Q: Can I help sail?
A: Absolutely, and we encourage you to jump in and help out! But if you don't feel like it, sit back and relax.

Q: Where can I park? How do I get there?
A: All of our regular locations include free parking next to the ship's dock. Please view the following maps for directions.

Bay City: Wenonah Park (view map).

Mackinaw City: Straits State Harbor (view map).

Fort Myers Beach: Salty Sam's Marina (view map).

East Tawas: East Tawas State Dock (view map). Please note: in East Tawas there is a 10 - 15 minute walk to the end of the pier where the ship will be docked.