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USGG 50-Ton Master Captain Jeff Vegas

White Glove Captain Services

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Feb 06 2023

Top Hat and Sails Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of sailboats that you can deliver?

We deliver monohulled, catamarans and trimaran sailboats. They can be wood, fiberglass or metal hulls.

What are the requirements to hire you to deliver a sailboat?

For the safety of the crew, and the sailboat, the vessel must be in excellent mechanical condition with certain safety equipment present and able to perform their proper functions so it is able to safely handle the distance to be travelled. I will always provide a list of specific maintenance items that must be completed prior to departing.

Some insurance companies may have additional requirements so it's not a bad idea to check with them too.

How much does it cost for sailboat delivery?

Every trip is unique and has its own needs, and different insurance companies have different requirements. I give each customer a customized estimate based on their needs and the needs of their insurance company.

Can I, as the owner, be part of the delivery crew?

I am happy to include an owner on a delivery. If the owner is experienced, they can be part of the crew. If they are not experienced, we will still need a full crew, however, I will begin to teach the owner how to operate their vessel safely during the journey. Keep in mind the lessons during the delivery may or may not be enough time to give the owner all of the instruction they desire, depending on their goals.

What ports do you deliver sailboats to and from?

Loosely speaking, we will deliver a boat from and to any port that it is safe to do so. Some considerations are hurricane season and any turmoil in the region. The most common ports inquired about are on the east and west coast of North America & Central America as well as the Caribbean.

Do you deliver sailboats up the Baja Bash?

Yes. The trip north to the West Coast of the United States along Baja California from as close as Turtle Bay (Bahia Tortuga), also known as the Baja Bash is not the most pleasant trip you (or I) can take in your sailboat, but yes I will deliver from Mexico, north to the coast of California, Oregon & Washington.

What is the longest delivery you have completed?

In 2024, I delivered a Leopard 42 catamaran from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to San Diego, California (yes through the Panama Canal). The trip took 66 days and went 5,209 nautical miles.

My longest sailboat delivery
The boat arrived safely and the owners were thrilled!

What are the different types of private sailing lessons that you offer?

I offer two types of sailing lessons:

  1. Private sailing instruction, on your vessel, is designed to have you focus in the specific areas you want to address. A common reason people hire me is that although they have been sailing for a few years, they recently acquired a boat that is very different from what they are used to operating (such as a larger sailboat or switching from monohulled to multihull or the other way around).
  2. American Sailing Association (ASA) certifications are International recognized, so, as you progress through the courses you'll be able to sail throughout the world based on your certification. The ASA system has eight primary levels of student certification from basic all the way to advanced. (Often these can be aboard your vessel, privately, or in a group setting through a local ASA school that I am affiliated with)

Certification courses like ASA and US Sailing are fantastic, but they have their own goals, and those may not be your goals, so let's talk about your goals and get you on a path that meets them.

Can you teach me to sail my boat while we go on a trip?

Absolutely, yes. If you don't want to wait to become proficient to go on a sailing trip, as long as there is a private cabin for me, (or proper accommodations for me, if it is a short day-trip), we can get provisions and shove off right away.

What if I don't want to learn, I just want you to Captain my sailboat and take me places?

Also, yes, as long as there is a private cabin for me, (or proper accommodations for me, if it is a short day-trip).

What does it mean that you are a USCG Master Captain?

I am a highly trained and experienced sailor who has been certified by the United States Coast Guard to carry passengers for hire. This means that I have met the highest standards of safety and seamanship, and that you can trust me to keep you and your sailboat safe on the water.

Can you help me get my SLC?

Yes, we offer the SLC (Sailing License and Credentials).

This is the sailing license that is Mediterranean accepted and encouraged. It is nearly impossible to bareboat charter a sailboat in the Mediterranean without the SLC. There is an online assessment first. Once you have finished that, you will need to complete an in-person assessment that typically takes about six hours if you're already a competent sailor. If you need lessons to become competent enough, we can assess your current abilities and work from there to fill in the gaps. Contact us today for details.

Written by Renee Do · Categorized: Captain's bLog

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