Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Sail With Confidence

Find answers to common questions about public sails, private charters, youth programs, parking, weather, what to bring, donations, volunteering, and more. If you still need help, contact Gloucester City Sail via our contact page form, at info@northwindsail.org, or at 856-409-0898.

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General Sailing Questions

  • The North Wind sails along the Delaware River near the Philadelphia and Camden waterfronts. Routes may vary based on the event, weather, and river conditions, but common sights include the Battleship USS New Jersey, Penn’s Landing, the Ben Franklin Bridge, the Walt Whitman Bridge, and other historic waterfront landmarks.

  • The home port is Freedom Pier, 101 S King Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Some sails may depart from alternate locations depending on the event, so always check your ticket confirmation before arriving.

  • For sails departing from Freedom Pier, self-parking is available near 101 S King Street, next to the white Holt Logistics building. The boat is located on the northwest corner of the pier.

  • Yes. Guests are welcome to bring food and beverages aboard. The North Wind does not offer catering services, and guests are asked to remove all trash and leftover items at the end of the sail.

  • Wear casual, comfortable clothing and bring layers, since it can be cooler on the river. Soft-soled shoes are required for all guests.

  • Yes. Soft-soled shoes are required. For youth sails, closed-toe, soft-soled shoes are required, and sandals are not permitted.

  • Yes, there is a marine head onboard. It is limited and located down ladder-type steps, so guests with mobility concerns should keep that in mind before booking.

  • Yes. The North Wind is a U.S. Coast Guard registered vessel with a knowledgeable, fully trained, all-volunteer crew. The schooner sails in relatively protected waters and has a heavy ballasted keel that helps provide a smoother ride.

  • No, you must ascend stairs with a handrail on one side to board the boat. The restroom is down a ladder-type step, and mobility equipment such as wheelchairs or walkers cannot be accommodated on board.

Weather & Motion Sickness

  • Safety comes first. If the captain determines that conditions are unsafe, the sail will be canceled and alternate dates will be offered.

  • Weather decisions are often made close to departure time because river conditions can change. The captain makes the final call based on safety.

  • During the summertime, storm forecasts are a common occurrence. Most of these do not materialize, but if one does “pop up” while sailing, and when possible, we will head for the dock as soon as we can. Our captains are excellent at reading these storms: where they are and where they are going.

  • Since we sail in relatively protected waters and we have a heavy ballasted keel, it is very rare for people to get seasick (less than 1%). We recommend getting “sea bands” for your wrists if you are concerned about this. . Motion Sickness pills will work too, however the side effect is they may make you drowsy. We do not sell medication to help with motion sickness; please bring anything you may need with you.

Public Sails

  • Click Buy Tickets, then select Calendar of Availability to view the current public sail schedule. New sails may be added throughout the season.

  • Public sail options may include Philadelphia Skyline Sails, Fireworks Sails, Wine & Cheese Sails, History Sails, Pride Sail, Spooky Halloween Sail, Fort Mifflin Sails, and special holiday or destination sails.

  • Ticket prices vary by sail. Current listed pricing includes $38 for select 2-hour sails, $50 for Fireworks and Wine & Cheese Sails, and Fort Mifflin Sails at $30 for adults and $10 for children. Always confirm pricing through the booking calendar.

  • Most public sails do not include food or drinks unless the event specifically says otherwise. Guests may bring their own food and beverages aboard.

  • Your boarding pass may entitle you to a discount at participating local eateries for one week from the date of your sail. Check current details before your trip.

  • Many public sails are approximately two hours. Some special sails, such as Fort Mifflin Sails, may be shorter. Check the booking details for the exact duration.

Private Charters

  • Yes. Private charters are available for birthdays, graduations, company gatherings, nonprofit events, family celebrations, fundraisers, and group outings.

  • Private charters can accommodate up to 30 passengers, including children.

  • Private charters are $795 for 2 hours and $950 for 3 hours. Nonprofit group rates are $695 for 2 hours and $850 for 3 hours.

  • Private charters include seating for guests, free parking at Freedom Pier, BYO food and beverages, an onboard sound system, microphone, binoculars, safety equipment, life vests, rain jackets, and a limited marine head.

  • Yes. Private charter guests may bring their own food and beverages aboard. Guests are responsible for removing all trash and leftover items after the sail.

  • Yes. Guests can connect to the onboard sound system for music. A microphone is also available for announcements or group moments.

  • Yes. You may ask about a special itinerary when submitting your charter request. Final routes depend on timing, weather, river conditions, and safety.

Youth Programs

  • Youth Sails are educational sailing experiences that give students the opportunity to learn history, explore science, build teamwork, and actively participate aboard the Schooner North Wind.

  • Youth programs are generally designed for students in 5th through 12th grade. Curriculum and activities can be adjusted based on the age of the group.

  • Youth Charter Sails and Youth Education Sails are both approximately 2 hours.

  • A Youth Charter Sail is a 2-hour sightseeing sail for youth groups. A Youth Education Sail includes sightseeing plus structured, age-appropriate STEM lessons.

  • The STEM curriculum may include navigation, weather, water quality, and river ecology. Students may learn about nautical terms, charts, clouds, tides, water chemistry, microplastics, plankton, and life in the Delaware River.

  • The Youth Charter Sail is $595. The Youth Education Sail is $950.

  • Yes. Limited need-based grants are available. Grants may range from $50–$245 for Youth Charter Sails and $50–$600 for Youth Education Sails.

  • Groups must provide transportation, at least 75% of the group must be youth, and the maximum of 30 passengers includes youth and chaperones. Parent or guardian permission slips and proper footwear are required.