Dog Sailors

Dogs on sailboats bring a unique blend of companionship, adventure, and joy to life on the water. For many sailors, their canine crew members are more than pets. They’re loyal mates who share the highs and lows of nautical living. Whether lounging in the cockpit, sniffing the salty breeze, or keeping watch from the bow, dogs adapt surprisingly well to the rhythms of sailing.

Safety is paramount when bringing a dog aboard. Most sailing dogs wear life jackets with handles for easy retrieval in case they fall overboard. Non-slip surfaces, shaded areas, and secure spots to rest are essential for their comfort. At Let’s Go Sail, we typically attach the leash to a silver bar at the pedestal, giving the dog free range around the cockpit but tethered from falling overboard.

Breeds with calm temperaments and moderate energy levels tend to thrive on sailboats. Labradors, spaniels and terriers are popular choices, though any dog with the right personality can become a seasoned sailor. Regular shore excursions are important for exercise and bathroom breaks, unless the boat is equipped with a designated potty area. Our Lakeland terriers were no good on the boat, constantly trying to jump off — successfully once

Beyond logistics, dogs offer emotional support and companionship during long passages. Their presence can ease the solitude of solo sailing or add warmth to family voyages. Many sailors recount stories of their dogs alerting them to changes in weather, unfamiliar boats, or even dolphins swimming nearby.

Dogs on sailboats embody the spirit of adventure and loyalty. They remind us to savor the moment, stay curious, and embrace the unpredictable nature of the sea. With the right preparation and care, sailing with a dog can transform a voyage into a shared journey filled with wagging tails, salty kisses and unforgettable memories.

We set out last summer to prove the theory that dogs attract dolphins. The prevailing wisdom is that some sort of animal instinct alerts the dog and the dolphins so that the latter circle the boat for the dog’s protection. They say music helps, along with a bell. The theory only applies during dolphin season, when the water temperature of the York River is in the 80s.

We tried everything, and among six trips with dogs onboard, dolphins showed up three times. So that’s a 50% yield, which is great for stocks but not so much for dolphins.

The latest case involved a couple from Pennsylvania who brought their mini- Labradoodle named Janess, who huddled close to her namesake Janet Moroney in stiff winds and spitting rain. “They’re considered mini if they weigh under 30 pounds,” she explained. “Mine is 29 pounds.”

“She’s not really named for Janet,” her husband Michael interjected.  “There’s a short story. We got married young at age 19. My grandmother couldn’t get her name straight and kept calling her Janice. So years later when we were looking at a set of these pups, they already had names. One was Janess, so that was it.”

Excerpt from Sailing with Dogs

By Erin Carey, Sailing Magazine

The cruising life is difficult enough, with confined space and endless maintenance. Throw an animal into the mix aboard a sailboat and cruisers are presented with a whole raft of additional challenges. Litter trays and fur balls, seasickness and vet bills; these are just some of the obstacles pet owners face. 

Pet owners feel a sense of loyalty toward their four-legged friends. After all, they are members of the family and for some, leaving them behind is not an option. 

Stephanie Colotti Ferrie also felt very strongly about bringing her two Labradors along for the adventure.

“Having dogs was a long-term commitment our family had chosen, and we’d had both Emmie and Summer since they were puppies. We couldn’t imagine leaving them behind,” she said.

Neither of her dogs had ever stepped foot on a boat until they moved aboard their 44-foot monohull Serendipity. Lucky for them, it was a smooth transition.

“Our dogs love being with us 24/7. At home, they would often be alone while we ran our four kids around. Now they get to spend so much more time with us, and they clearly love it,” she said.

It wasn’t such a smooth transition for Sharon Fisher and her cat Mollie aboard Spindrift. She too wanted to bring her pet along, but she had a hard time trying to help her kitty adapt to boat life. In the end, they had to stop cruising. “We totally failed at getting our cat on board. She was so sick. She was always vomiting, unable to adjust to the movement of the boat—it was horrible. In the end, she was part of the reason we had to stop sailing,” Sharon said.

For others, their dogs seem to find them as they go sailing.

-Sailing Magazine, Sept. 19, 2019

Cats on Sailboats?

Cats and sailboats might seem like an odd pairing at first, but they’ve shared the seas for centuries. Historically, cats were essential crew members on ships, prized for their ability to control rodent populations and protect precious cargo. From Viking longships to merchant vessels, feline sailors earned their keep—and often the affection of their human counterparts.

Today, cats aboard sailboats are less about pest control and more about companionship. Many modern sailors bring their cats along for the adventure, finding that their calm demeanor and independent nature make them surprisingly good boatmates. Unlike dogs, cats don’t require frequent walks, and many adapt well to the rhythms of life at sea. With a cozy berth, a shaded deck, and the occasional flying fish to chase, some cats seem to thrive in the maritime lifestyle.

Of course, not every cat is cut out for the open ocean. Successful sailing cats tend to be curious but cautious, agile, and comfortable with motion. Owners often train their cats to wear harnesses and life jackets, and some even install netting around the deck to prevent accidental overboard excursions. Litter boxes are cleverly tucked into corners, and feeding routines are adjusted to match the boat’s schedule.

There’s something poetic about a cat perched on the bow, eyes narrowed against the wind, tail flicking with quiet confidence. They bring a touch of mystery and elegance to the rugged world of sailing. Whether curled up in the captain’s lap or prowling the deck at sunset, cats on sailboats remind us that adventure doesn’t have to be loud—it can be graceful, whiskered, and purring softly beneath the stars.

Maximum Fun at a 15-degree Heel

Tripadvisor review: Let’s Go Sail the York River in Gloucester Point, Virginia

“What a fantastic trip. Captain Bill has a well maintained and very clean boat. What an amazing adventure; so much better than any other sailing tour I’ve done. We deployed the sails as soon as we left the no wake zone and didn’t put them away for 2-1/2 hours when we came back to dock. Yes, it helped that the weather was perfect and we had good winds.

“Great history of the bay that paired beautifully with our Colonial Williamsburg trip just down the road. The history lesson we asked for showed the Revolutionary War through the eyes of the bay, which most historians don’t bring to life. No better way to “stand on the battlefield” than on a sailboat on the water.

“The captain was kind enough to let me helm the boat for the whole sailing portion and I was delighted. One of my favorite memories over 30 years ago was the quiet sound of the wind and the waves, going fast while heeling. No obnoxious motor with diesel fumes. I relived those memories and basically grinned nonstop for over two hours. Thank you, Captain, for such a wonderful birthday memory.

“I’m doubly amazed at the fantastic value. Private charter is absolutely the way to go. These tours make an awesome date no matter your age. Captain Bill is an ace at keeping the nautical lingo to a minimum so we could make the most of our time enjoying our trip, learning only as much about sailing as we wanted to.”

–Charlie Todd, Miamisburg OH

Let’s Go Sail

Check the “Book A Cruise” tab and pick a day for a sailboat charter. Scroll down reviews on Trip Advisor. Go back to the home page of Williamsburg Charter Sails.   

The best Williamsburg boat tour offers safe sailing daily for up to 6 people. It’s an extraordinary experience for couples. Leave your worries behind. Enjoy the thrill of moving with the wind without a care in the world. Put life back on an even keel with a romantic experience for a birthday or anniversary. 3-hour sailboat cruise as a semi-private yachting charter lets you exhale and relax as you enjoy comfort, stability and speed.

Women enjoy sailing today more than ever, and particularly a romantic cruise. Couples get to enjoy a romantic getaway as they sit up on the bow for privacy, and Let’s Go Sail provides professional photos for free. First-time or skilled mariners are welcome to sail a modern-32-foot sailboat in a unique setting of wildlife and Fall foliage or Spring bloom. It makes for an extraordinary anniversary idea.

The best Williamsburg boat tour offers safe sailing daily for up to 6 people. It’s an extraordinary experience for couples. Leave your worries behind. Enjoy the thrill of moving with the wind without a care in the world. Put life back on an even keel with a romantic experience for a birthday or anniversary. 3-hour sailboat cruise as a semi-private yachting charter lets you exhale and relax as you enjoy comfort, stability and speed.

Ideal for Couples

Our York River sailboat tour offers an unforgettable boat adventure that is ideal for couples. Choose from five unique sailing charters: Adventure, Lessons, History, Boat Buying, Real Estate. We provide sailing for everyone. Couples enjoy the romance, and families enjoy the adventure. See openings at williamsburgchartersails.com under Book A Cruise.

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