Frequently Asked Questions




What is the length of the commitment?
To put it simply, 90 days. The agreement you sign with your base manager can range from 1-3 years, however all our agreements begin with a solid 90 day, no questions asked out-clause. The program is designed for longer time periods, so we do not suggest that you join for just 90 days, however if at any time you are unsatisfied just give us 90 days notice, and you are done.
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Is there a trial period?
Yes, we offer a 10 day trial, if you are not satisfied with the program we will refund your deposit and 1/2 of your training fee, provided there is no damage to the boat and you have not used it more than twice.
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What are the initial costs?
The initial cost varies by location, generally you will pay a $1,000 training and initiation fee, as well as a $2,500 security deposit to cover the deductible on the insurance. To find the actual costs for your location visit our locations page. Also, visit our cost comparison page.
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What are the ongoing costs?
Ongoing costs vary by location and boat, for a typical Catalina 350 it is $565 per month, or if you pay an annual lump sum we will give you two months for free and charge $5,650 for the year. To find the actual costs for your location and boat visit our locations page. Also, visit our cost comparison page.
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Do I need to sign an agreement, can I see it?
Yes, the agreement varies by location, contact your local base manager to get a copy of the agreement for your area.
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What are the steps to becoming a Member?
Becoming a WindPath Member is easy.

  1. Meet your local base manager at the boat to take a look
  2. Sign the Membership Agreement and return it to your local base
  3. Pay your initial fees and choose a monthly or annual payment plan
  4. Complete an approved training program or document 5 years of experience on a boat of similar size
  5. Take an orientation sail with your base manager to become familiar with your new boat.
  6. Enjoy all that sailing has to offer with none of the headaches

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Are their any other fees?
No, there are no hidden fees. If you decide to take your boat out for 2 or more consecutive overnights the fuel tank will be full when you leave, depending on how much you run the motor (remember this is a sailboat!) you may need to re-fuel the boat if the fuel gets low. Also you may be required by your base to pay for a detailed cleaning depending on the boats condition when you return it.
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How many members share a boat?
Maximum 8 members per boat.
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What if I damage or lose something on the boat?
While you are in command of the boat your guests, the boat inventory, and the boat itself are your responsibility. Any lost or damaged items, other then general wear and tear, will be deducted from your deposit. You must replenish your deposit before you can sail the boat again. Our insurance will cover any major damage to the boat, however you are still responsible for the deductible.
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Can I sail at another WindPath location?
Absolutely! Simply call your local base manager and let them know where you would like to sail, they will have the base manager from the other location call you to schedule. There is a $100 per time slot fee for sailing at a location other then your home base. Scheduling is at the base managers discretion so it does not interfere with existing members on that boat. Book early!
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Do my costs change based on the number of Members assigned to my boat?
No. Wether you are the only member assigned to a boat or it is full with 7 other members your fees, and guaranteed time aboard stay the same.
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Do I own part of the boat?
No. This is one of the joys of our program. You don’t have to worry about depreciation, resale, or anything else related to the management of your boat. If you are interested in yacht ownership with WindPath visit our Owner-Member page.
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Who is responsible for maintenance and the associated costs?
Your base manager is. All scheduled and emergency maintenance, as well as bi-monthly detail cleanings are your base managers’ responsibility, we simply ask that you clean up after yourself.
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What about fuel?
WindPath takes care of the cost and time to re-fuel the boat. The only time you may be required to purchase fuel is if you are on an extended trip, and use all the fuel in the tank (very unlikely, this is a sailboat). If you book the boat for 2 or more consecutive overnights the tank will be full when you arrive at the boat.
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Can I share my membership?
No. Our insurance prevents us from allowing memberships to be shared. The only exception is a husband and wife who complete the training and orientation together. You must be on the boat at all times when it goes out.
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Can I see the boat before joining?
Absolutely! Give your local base manager a call to schedule a time.
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Who cleans up after I am done sailing?
You do. Just hit the deck and cockpit with a hose, remove your trash and personal belongings and you are done. WindPath uses FirstMate, a wireless internet connected PDA, which you use to check on and off the boat each time. It takes about 10 minutes and ensures that everything is ship-shape for the next member. WindPath performs a detailed cleaning and inspection of each boat twice a month. Remember that because you are always sailing on the same yacht, we hope that you, and the other members sharing it, will develop a pride of ownership and treat the yacht accordingly.
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What if another Member is not following the rules?
If a Member is consistently not following the rules of the program it will affect the other members sharing the boat. There are provisions in the agreement to remove members that consistently do not follow the rules.
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What is the length of the commitment?
3-5 years, you and your local base manager will set the term in the agreement.
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What are the initial costs?
You are responsible for the down payment (usually 20%), the closing costs (usually $500), and the cost of outfitting the boat (usually $3,000). We take care of the rest including slip fees, insurance, maintenance, etc…
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What are the ongoing costs?
Usually none. WindPath will cover all of the ongoing costs associated with the boat, and provide you with a monthly income. For a general breakdown visit our cost comparison page.
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What are the steps to becoming an Owner-Member?

  1. Meet with you local base manager and discuss the boat and options you want.
  2. You secure financing by working with one of our finance partners or on your own, we secure insurance and a slip.
  3. Place the order for your boat with your local base manager(10% down)
  4. Select and purchase your boats equipment inventory working with your base manager.
  5. Accept delivery of your boat (remaining 10% down)
  6. Execute our owner-member agreement
  7. Enjoy all that sailing and yacht ownership has to offer with none of the headaches.

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Can I see the agreement?
Yes, the agreement varies by location, contact your local base manager to get a copy of the agreement for your area.
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Are there any other fees?
No, there are no hidden fees. If you decide to take your boat out for 2 or more consecutive overnights the fuel tank will be full when you leave, depending on how much you run the motor (remember this is a sailboat!) you may need to re-fuel the boat if the fuel gets low. Also you may be required by your base to pay for a detailed cleaning depending on the boats condition when you return it.
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What if I damage or lose something on the boat?
While you are in command of the boat your guests, the boat inventory, and the boat itself are your responsibility. Any lost or damaged items, other then general wear and tear, will be deducted from your deposit. You must replenish your deposit before you can sail the boat again. Our insurance will cover any major damage to the boat, however you are still responsible for the deductible.
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Can I sail at another WindPath location?
Absolutely! Simply call your local base manager and let them know where you would like to sail, they will have the base manager from the other location call you to schedule. There is a $100 per timeslot fee for sailing at a location other then your home base. Scheduling is at the base managers discretion so it does not interfere with existing members on that boat. Book early!
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Does my guaranteed monthly income change based on the number of Members assigned to my boat?
No. Wether you are the only person assigned to your boat or it is full with 7 other members, your income and guaranteed time aboard stay the same.
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Do I own part of the boat?
Yes, but you lease it to WindPath for a period of 3-5 years.
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Who is responsible for maintenance and the associated costs?
WindPath is.
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What about fuel?
WindPath takes care of the cost and time to re-fuel the boat. The only time you may be required to purchase fuel if you are on an extended trip, and use all the fuel in the tank (very unlikely, this is a sailboat). If you book the boat for 2 or more consecutive overnights the tank will be full when you arrive at the boat.
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Can I share my membership?
No. Our insurance prevents us from allowing memberships to be shared. The only exception is a husband and wife who complete the training and orientation together. You must be on the boat at all times when it goes out.
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Who cleans up after I am done sailing?
You do. Just hit the deck and cockpit with a hose, remove your trash and personal belongings and you are done. WindPath uses FirstMate, a wireless internet connected PDA, which you use to check on and off the boat each time. It takes about 10 minutes and ensures that everything is ship-shape for the next member. WindPath performs a detailed cleaning and inspection of each boat twice a month. Remember that because you are always sailing on the same yacht, we hope that you, and the other members sharing it, will develop a pride of ownership and treat the yacht accordingly.
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What if another Member is not following the rules?
If a Member is consistently not following the rules of the program it will affect the other members sharing the boat. There are provisions in the agreement to remove members that consistently do not follow the rules.
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I live in a seasonal location, what happens to my boat during the off-season?
You have two choices. WindPath can winterize and store the boat for you at no cost, or you can sail south to a warmer climate and maintain and use the boat at your discretion and cost. Just remember to have your boat back in time for the start of the next season!
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How much time do I get?
7 Guaranteed uses per month, plus as available use. Not even the most avid boaters use their boat this much.
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How long can I take the boat for?
Anywhere from one time slot (1/2 day) up to a maximum of seven consecutive days.
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What does “as available” use mean?
Our goal is to maximize your time on the water. If the boat is not reserved 24 hours before the start of a time slot, you may book it and it does not count against your 7 guaranteed uses per month. You can sail as often as you would like using the as available rule.
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How do I schedule?
WindPath has invested a great deal in providing an intelligent, fair online scheduling tool. The WindPath Scheduler allows you to make reservations 24 hours a day 365 days a year in real time.
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What if a time I want is already booked?
You can request that the Member who reserved the time slot swap with you for a different time, if they agree you can go sailing, if not you will have to find another available time.
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How far in advance can I schedule?
Up to a year in advance
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Can I communicate with other Members on my boat?
Absolutely, we encourage our Members to get to know each other.
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What is the training program?
Weather you have little or no experience, or have been sailing for years WindPath offers a program that is right for you. Training varies by location but generally you will participate in a nationally accredited US Sailing or American Sailing Association training program, then spend a day on your boat with your base manager for an orientation sail, getting familiar with its systems, safety equipment, local waterways, and docking. Your base manager will continue working with you until you are comfortable piloting your yacht on your own.
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How long does it take?
US Sailing and American Sailing Association classes are generally a three day intensive course, or if you prefer you can space it out over a longer period of time. The orientation sail generally lasts for 4-6 hours. Your base manager will continue working with you until you are comfortable piloting your yacht on your own.
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What does it cost?
Nothing, all training is included in your up front costs.
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Who provides it?
US Sailing and American Sailing Association classes are provided by a training partner or your base depending on the location. Your on boat orientation is provided by your base manager or a member of their staff.
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Do I have to participate in training?
Yes. If you have extensive experience and can provide a sailing resume to your base manager you will only be required to complete the 4-6 hour orientation sail.
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What are “accredited programs”?
US Sailing and the American Sailing Association both provide accredited programs that are accepted by WindPath’s insurance providers.
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Why Catalina?
It simple, we want to deliver the best. Catalina Yachts has been building a high quality product for over 35 years. Catalina has seen owner loyalty that is unmatched in the marine marketplace. Catalina Yachts are characterized by high volume interiors, efficient and spacious family-sized cockpits, and easily managed yet powerful rigs offering excellent performance.
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What type of navigation electronics are on board?
We load up all of our boats with state of the art electronics. On a typical WindPath Catalina you will find a combination chart plotter and GPS with a large color display, integrated autopilot, VHF radio with a RAM mic in the cockpit and wind, speed, and depth indicators. Some of our yachts incorporate radar as well.
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What safety equipment is on board?
Safety is our top priority. All of our yachts meet or exceed USCG standards for safety equipment. On a typical boat you will find life jackets for 8 adult passengers, if you wish to bring more guests you must be sure to provide a life jacket for each passenger on board. WindPath does not provide child life jackets, the USCG requires every child 12 years old and younger to wear a life jacket while on deck.
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What is in a typical inventory?
We provide everything you will need for trips ranging from a typical day sail to week long outings. The galley is fully stocked, generally with service for 4, cookware, utensils, glasses, and other items. Items like binoculars, spotlights and flashlights are also provided for your convenience. Ask your local base manager about your boats linen policies. WindPath boats also come equipped with a CD stereo and flat panel TV’s with DVD players, great for the kids, or a night at a rainy anchorage.
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Can I cook on the boat?
Absolutely! All of our boats have LPG stoves with multiple burners and an oven in the galley, in addition you will find a BBQ in the cockpit. WindPath provides all cookware and supplies on board each boat. Just bring your favorite recipe.
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Fresh water?
Water water everywhere… Each of our yachts is equipped with a hot and cold potable, pressurized fresh water system. The head(s) (shower and sink), Galley (sink), and transom (back of the boat) are equipped with hot and cold running water. Water is heated either by the engine when away from the dock, or by a water heater when connected to shore power. The tankage, or amount of fresh water on board, varies by model but is generally around 100 gallons.
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Cold storage?
Sure, no problem. All of boats are equipped with cold storage, a refrigerator and freezer compartment are available for your use. Cold storage is “charged” when connected to shore power or while the engine is running, once charged it will generally stay cold for up to 24 hours depending on the climate and how often it is opened.
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Waste water?
The environment is very important to all of us. While it is safe to discharge “grey water”, waste water from the sinks and shower, overboard WindPath has a strict no discharge policy for “black water”. Black water is whatever is flushed down the toilet, it will be stored in a holding tank onboard and “pumped out” to a facility on shore for treatment. Pump out is taken care of by your base manager.
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