what about weather?
weather happens
We sail out of Port Dalhousie, in a long, shallow bay formed between Jordan Harbour and the outlet for the Welland Canal. With the predominantly westerly winds we experience in Ontario, these waters are well protected. The warmer water in this bay (which is great for swimming!) creates a bubble that has its own weather, often deflecting rain and wind that might be experienced on land. We (Beth and I) live on this bay and, from our beach, can watch storms blow by over the lake while we stay dry.
Of course, it rains here too. We want your sail to be as enjoyable as possible, and we will cancel or reschedule a charter if the weather justifies it. But we do not cancel just because rain is in the forecast - the weather channel, your phone app, and what you’re experiencing outside your house are often quite different than what you’ll find when you get to dock.
Charters will sail rain or shine unless the Captain determines that conditions are unsafe, or that rain will take up a majority of the scheduled sail. If this happens, we will reschedule your sail to suit your calendar.
weather policy
cancellation insurance
If you’d like the option of canceling your charter (for any reason, including weather) without our input, you can purchase Cancellation Insurance for 18% of the cost of your charter. That insurance is non-refundable. If you decide, for any reason, to cancel your sail, the rest of your charter cost will be refunded, no questions asked.
try to not worry
Rain comes and goes. Black Diamond has a covered cockpit and lots of room to relax down below. A grey day makes for the best photography, and a little rain might even make for a fun photoshoot. There’s very few perfect days in a year, so instead of worrying about the clouds, try to embrace the freedom of not caring about them. You’re going sailing, not bowling.
These photos were taken on our wedding day, in August of 2022. It rained in the morning, so we hopped on the boat and went out for a photoshoot that turned out incredible. Then the sun came out and we visited with guests on the lawn for hours before getting married in front of a beautiful sunset on the waterfront. The night was clear and warm, and we shooed everyone home when the stars came out.
Come experience the magic.