Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located and where are the pick-up and drop off points?

We operate out of Port de Plaisance Yacht Club in Cole Bay, on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten. This is where your charter will start and end, and there is plenty of free parking available.

Address:

  • 155 Union Road, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten
  • Port de Plaisance Yacht Club, South Harbour, Boat Slip C10

Directions:

  • At 155 Union Road, turn into the entrance to Port de Plaisance Yacht Club, travel through security and continue straight until the roundabout.
  • Go all the way around the roundabout and take the left exit, which is located to the left of the hotel lobby.  
  • Park at the small parking lot on your righthand side.
  • Follow the foot path to the water’s edge, where you’ll find us ready to welcome you aboard Freedom

What amenities are available onboard?​​

Freedom, our brand-new 2022 Lagoon 42 is a custom-made sailing catamaran appointed with all the luxuries for a comfortable, safe, and sustainable cruising experience. Its modern and sleek design offers an intimate vibe with ample space enough for 10 guests plus two crew, and with a cockpit open to the sea, plus an air-conditioned interior, Freedom’s onboard comfort exceeds all expectations.

Some stand-out features include beautiful teak decking and outdoor dining table, solar panel, UV-filtered water desalination system, two queen-size cabins with ensuite bathrooms, hot-water deck shower, upgraded stereo system, underwater lighting, espresso machine, and more.

 You can stretch out on the bow’s adjustable loungers and cozy bean bag chairs, lay suspended over the crystal water on the trampoline, or sneak up to the ‘meditation station’ for some blissful solitude. You’ll feel right at home aboard this beautiful boat.

Read more about Freedom.

What activities are available onboard?

We’ve got a selection of water activities for you to enjoy including paddle boarding, snorkeling (with adult and child size gear), and of course, sailing. But If sunbathing is more your sport of choice, then we’ll pass you craft cocktails while lounging on our floating lily pad.

What should I bring?

All you need is your photo ID (passport), a bathing suit, and you’re good to go! Bare feet are best, so slip off your sandals and step aboard, here’s what you can expect to find:

  • Beach towels for everyone
  • Reef-safe sunscreen included and also for purchase
  • Bed linens, bath towels, robes, shampoo & conditioner, shower gel, hair dryers and a washer and dryer for our overnight guests
  • USB ports and 220 power to charge your devices (converters available)
  • T-shirts, tank tops, hats, and other goodies available for purchase onboard in our Renegades Shop

For our overnight guests, we recommend you pack lightly in a soft-shell bag as cupboard space in your cabin is limited.

What is reef-safe sunscreen and what type of sunscreen should I bring?​

We ask that aerosol spray and tinted sunscreens are not used onboard as they can damage our boat. We’ve got reef-safe sunscreen available for you to use onboard, and also purchase in our Renegades Shop, if needed.

Coral reefs are the most biodiverse, yet fragile, ecosystems on the planet, and while some of SXM’s have been damaged by hurricanes, there are colourful corals to explore and protect. The ingredients found in some sunscreens are dangerous to coral reefs and other marine life. It’s estimated that 14,000 tons of sunscreen are deposited into the world’s oceans annually, so choosing the right sunscreen is a simple step we can take to protect coral reefs.

The harmful ingredients in sunscreen to avoid are Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. Additionally, look out for Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-Benzylidene camphor, and Octocrylene. The safest sunscreen is biodegradable and made from minerals, instead of chemicals. We recommend using brands with non-nano Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide as the active ingredient.

What is the menu, and can it be customized?

Our sailing packages include a delicious selection of chef creations and craft cocktails freshly prepared onboard, so you can snack and sip while you sail the beautiful turquoise sea. Our homemade dishes and nibblies always include a mix for both meat and veggie lovers, inspired by Caribbean flavours, our roots, and our travels.

We source the freshest ingredients from local providers whenever possible. Some items, however, are shipped to the island and subject to availability, so there may be substitutions made to our menu from time to time.

Please let us know of any dietary considerations at the time of booking, or at least 24 hours before your charter is scheduled to begin, by email at ahoy@sailrenegades.com, so we can customize your menu.

Read more about the menu in each of our sailing packages.

Is alcohol included?

Our premium bar is open all day and includes craft cocktails and mocktails inspired by an award-winning mixologist local to SXM, plus other standard mixed drinks, beer, wine, prosecco, juices, soft drinks, and plenty of infused water to stay hydrated throughout the day. A limited selection of vintages, Brut, and spirits are also available for purchase onboard.

The legal age to consume alcohol in Sint Maarten is 18. We take measures to ensure responsible alcohol beverage service onboard our vessels and reserve the right to refuse service to passengers whose overconsumption of alcohol is deemed to be hazardous to the safe operation of the vessel, and to other passengers or crew.

Read more about our commitment to your health and safety in our Terms.  

Is there a set itinerary or can we customize where we go?

We will recommend an itinerary for your charter based on a few things like the weather, the fixed start and end times of your package, and whether your charter is private or shared. But naturally, when sailing on Freedom, there is freedom within this framework, to customize where we go based on the vibe you want, whether it’s all about adventure, or nothing but chill.

Check out some of St. Maarten’s hotspots and our favourite stops.

What happens if I’m late?

Please arrive promptly at the scheduled start time of your charter, so other guests are not kept waiting and we don’t miss the lagoon bridge opening time which is only every two hours. The boat will depart as scheduled, but in the event, you are late, please contact us as we may be able to arrange an alternate pick-up point, once the boat has cleared the bridge.

Here’s how to contact us

Is our charter weather-dependent?

We set sail rain or shine, and the sun in St. Maarten is almost always shining. If rain clouds blow in and gift us with a refreshing shower, they don’t usually stay long. There are typically favourable winds for sailing, and our captains will chart the safest course keeping in mind your comfort and schedule. If the captain deems the weather to be unsafe for travel, then your charter may be cancelled or postponed, and you will be reimbursed as outlined in our Terms.  

Can I make changes to my booking?

Yes, depending on when your charter is scheduled to begin. To do this, click the Change or Cancel My Booking link found in your order confirmation email. As outlined in our Terms, you can make the following changes to your booking:

For private charter bookings:

  • Changes to the calendar day of your booking can be made up to 3 days (72 hours) before your charter is scheduled to begin. 
  • Changes to your booking that include the purchase of additional guest tickets can be made up until your charter is scheduled to begin.   

For shared charter bookings:

  • For individual guest tickets, changes to the calendar day of your booking can be made up to 1 day (24 hours) before your charter is scheduled to begin.

Can I cancel my booking and what is your refund policy?

Yes, you can cancel your booking and get a refund, depending on when you cancel your booking. To do this, email us at ahoy@sailrenegades.com for support. As outlined in our Terms, your booking is eligible for a refund, if cancelled as per the following:

For private charter Bookings:

  • Bookings cancelled at least 3 days (72 hours) before your charter is scheduled to begin receive a 100% refund. 
  • Bookings cancelled 2 to 3 days (48 to 72 hours) before your charter is scheduled to begin receive a 75% refund. 
  • Bookings cancelled 1 to 2 days (24 to 48 hours) before your charter is scheduled to begin receive a 50% refund. 
  • Bookings cancelled 1 day (0 to 24 hours) before your charter is scheduled to begin do not receive a refund. 
  • For additional guest tickets cancelled in your booking, the same terms apply: cancelled at least 3 days (72 hours) before your charter is scheduled to begin receive a 100% refund, within 2 to 3 days (48 to 72 hours) receive a 75% refund, within 1 to 2 days (24 to 48 hours) receive a 50% refund, under 1 day (0 to 24 hours) do not receive a refund).

For shared charter Bookings:

  • Individual guest tickets cancelled at least 1 day (24 hours) before your charter is scheduled to begin receive a 100% refund.
  • Individual guest tickets cancelled under 1 day (0 to 24 hours) before your charter is scheduled to begin do not receive a refund.

Is gratuity included in the package price?

No. While gratuity is not included in your package price, or expected, it is accepted with gratitude ????.

Are your charters family-friendly?

Absolutely! There is no cost for children under 4 years of age, and children aged 5 to 12 receive a discount applied at the time of booking. We have child size snorkeling gear, a selection of sand and water toys, and board games. The boat is also equipped with child and infant size Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) approved life jackets and a number of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), or you can bring your own. Just let us know at the time of booking how many children and infants are in your group so we can make sure we have the right sizes and quantity of life jackets for everyone.  

We can also plan a custom event or birthday party, designed and hosted by two of our captain and crew who are former schoolteachers, so just reach out and we’ll help you make something magical.

Are your charters pet friendly?

Oh yes! We love our fur babies and yours, too. Your dog is welcome aboard our private charters, and we’ll chauffeur your little prince or princess by tender to shore for breaks. Your little one’s safety is also our priority, so please make sure they have a life jacket to wear. We have two large-breed dog life jackets available, but no other sizes.

Are there life jackets onboard and do I need to wear one?

The health and safety of our passengers, crew, and vessels is our number one priority, and we have safety measures in place to protect everyone while onboard. Our boat is equipped with the required number of adult, child and infant size Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) approved life jackets, and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) as additional equipment. Let us know at the time of booking how many children and infants are in your group, so we can make sure we have the right quantity and sizes for everyone. You are also welcomed to bring your own PFDs.

Passengers are required to wear a SOLAS life jacket when instructed by the captain. We encourage the use of PFDs when underway, swimming, and using motorized and non-motorized water toys or equipment. If adult passengers decide not to wear a PFD, it is done so at their own risk. Parents and, or guardians are responsible for discerning the use of PFDs by their children and infants.

Read more about our commitment to your health and safety in our Terms.

Still have questions?

Just reach out and we’d be happy to answer them. Here’s how to contact us.