Summer 2020 Sail NW COVID-19 Protocol

Thank you for taking the time to thouroughly read through this webpage. Our top priority is always our guests safety and wellbeing. This year, that sentiment is taken to a whole new level!

The only way to be a successful sailor is to make the best of any situation that comes your way. With that in mind, we intend to have the best summer of sailing we’ve ever had.

We know there will be challanges and difficulties, but we’re committed to giving you the best trip imaginable. You can’t change the wind or weather, but you can change your attitude about it and how you trim your sails!

Please read each section below. We hope it answers any questions you have, but feel free to reach out to Brendan for any other specifics.

In March we created our “Navigating COVID-19 Page”. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to check it out here:

Traveling to Friday Harbor

If you haven’t already, please visit our Traveling to Friday Harbor Page Here . There are several other things to note this year about getting to Friday Harbor:

  • There is no need to drive your car onto the ferry (unless you are coming a few days early or staying late). We HIGHLY recommend parking your car at the Anacortes ferry dock, and walking onto the ferry.

  • You should arrive at the ferry dock an hour before your scheduled departure to make sure you can find a parking spot, and purchase your tickets.

  • The ferries are busy. There are lots of locals and travelers going back and forth to the islands. There is inside seating (every other booth) but we recommend outside, for lots of reasons!

  • We know that you might be arriving in Friday Harbor early or late in the afternoon. Due to Brendan and Bri’s short “Turn Around” (where we get the boat clean, provisioned, and ready) for the next trip, we have to continue to ask that you Don’t Board/CHECK-IN at Hopscotch Until 3 Pm on Sunday Afternoon. In a normal year, when guests arrive early it’s easy to stow their bags at the Marina Office until “Check In at 3pm”. This year if you arrive early please feel free to come drop your luggage off on Hopscotch (we will text your trip leader the exact location). We do however ask that when you come to the boat, that you DO NOT board her. If you are not a returning guest, you’ll soon find out that Brendan and Bri will be happy to talk your ear off about all things! However, as we are still in “GO MODE” (cutting flowers, making treats, cleaning decks) before 3 PM we kindly ask that you hold our official “meet and greet” and orientation till 3 PM.

  • The Town of Friday Harbor is open and in “Phase 2”. What this means is most shops and restaurants are open.

    • To enter any building/shop/restaurant you are required to wear a mask at all times (Except when eating/drinking).

    • You’ll probably want your mask handy always. Most people are wearing them all the time (walking on the sidewalks, parks, streets, docks).

    • There are lots of great dining options with outdoor seating. Also it can be a great plan to order takeout, and find a great view of the harbor!

    • The liquor/wine/beer stores are all open, and stocked!

Arriving at Hopscotch

There is certainly a lot we don’t know about COVID-19. What we do know is that people are approaching and thinking about it differently. We also know that we can give you the same amazing experience as always, while also adhering to some new protocols, a few of which are required. The bottom line is that we are always concerned about our Guests’ wellbeing and safety, and this year we're also concerned about ours (the crew) as well, and want to make sure we all have a wonderful and healthy Summer.

Our ability to run our charters/business this season depends on us keeping Hopscotch clean, and Brendan and Bri COVID-Free, and our guests COVID-Free. Please read these items carefully. We have put a lot of thought into them, and realize not everyone will agree with everything. But, we think it’s the best compromise for giving us (and you) peace of mind, a great adventure, and the ability to run charters for the remainder of our season.

  • We ask that each member of your group fill out this quick online survey within 24 hours of your arrival on Hopscotch (Sometime Saturday Afternoon/Evening, or Sunday Morning), it can easily be completed from a smartphone (even while on the ferry to Friday Harbor):

  • When you arrive at Hopscotch for Check-In at 3pm on Sunday we will take your temperature with a forehead scanning digital thermometer

      • If you have a temperature/fever we will ask that you do not board Hopscotch and instead head up to Peace Island Health Hospital (Just a mile outside of town) to consult with a nurse and possibly take a COVID-19 test. Last we heard they were offering rapid 20 minute tests, but this seems to change almost daily. At this point we will discuss our options.

      • We will ask that all members of the group await this medical consultation before boarding Hopscotch.

  • Hopefully everyone passes the temperature check!

    • When you board, or are within 6 feet of Brendan or Bri, we ask that you do your best to put your face mask on. We know that there will be times when this is hard, or impractical, but we will do our best.

VERY IMPORTANT:

If you have symptoms when you arrive, or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, we really need you to be honest with us. We will not be able to refund you for this trip. BUt we will make it right, and credit you for a trip in the future. OUr goal is to keep everyone safe, and keep you happy!

While On Board Hopscotch

There are a few guidelines we will try to follow as best as we can:

We ask that when you are in the main Cabin/Salon/Galley (Inside the common areas of Hopscotch) that you wear a mask. Brendan and Bri will be doing the same.

  • When you are in your individual cabin please feel free to remove your masks.

  • This year Brendan/Bri will not be “Tidying Cabins, or Cleaning Heads” mid trip (sorry!). But we are happy to help supply anything you might need, and can assist in an emergency (toilet/plumbing situation).

  • It is our hope to serve as many meals outside in the cockpit or on deck, and (when weather/daylight allow) on shore (picnic/beach fire style) as often as we can.

  • When we are sailing/motoring and you are on deck (outside) please feel free to remove your mask. As soon as you go down the steps, please put it back on (we also have many disposable masks handy for use).

  • We have plenty of hand sanitizer throughout the boat, and ask that you use it.

  • If you need anything, please ask Brendan or Bri. We are trying to limit any contact with the galley/fridge/freezer from as many people as possible.

  • We may have other guidelines to tell you about when you arrive.

THANK YOU!

Thank you for joining us! We know this year will be different, but we think it will be great!

Brendan and Bri just finished their “Shakedown” Cruise, and made a quick little video to get you excited and show you a bit of what you’re in for!

Stay safe, healthy, and happy!

-Captain Brendan and Chef Bri, SV Hopscotch