We had 6 of us, my wife and I and our 4 kids ages 18,17,13,and 10. We all had a great time it was very relaxing on the water... read more and capitan Bill is very informative. He had some great information and allowed all the kids to spend time at the wheel, which they all loved as well. They all wanted to go again and wanted to get a boat after the fun day they had on the water.

  Family Fun Sailing on the York River - Our family of four enjoyed our time out on the water sailing with Capt. Bill. We learned about steering the boat and each us were given the opportunity to take... read more the helm and steer. The outing was very relaxing and something fun to do with our boys. Thanks, Capt. Bill!

  Great time! - We were out in Williamsburg for our anniversary and decided to do a sail! Captain Bill was very nice and knowledgeable. He let us get involved- My husband helped with... read more the sails, and I got to steer the boat! It was a good time with good conversation. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a lot of wind that day, so we didn’t get to “sail” much. Captain Bill refunded our money, even though he doesn’t control the wind. We were very appreciative of captain Bill taking us out on the water, and I would love to do it again!

  Sailing with Dolphins - What an awesome day with Captain Bill of Williamsburg Charter Sails. Our family enjoyed sailing the York River as my dad did growing up. It was a beautiful day to... read more share and honor memories of time spent with him while on the water. Seeing the dolphins and sailing alongside of them made the day. We highly recommend spending the day with Captain Bill. He is a fun, knowledgeable, and friendly captain and host.

  Excellent experience! - The captain was very knowledgeable about the history surrounding the river and the sea. He provides visuals and markers along the way. You can relax and enjoy the view and... read more also learn a little about sailing and the boat! I even got to captain the boat for a little while. The captain was very accommodating and considerate. Not to mention that pictures from the trip are included in the voyage. I would highly recommend this experience as it is much more personable than a typical cruise/voyage. The restaurant was also VERY good and I appreciate the captains recommendation.

  A great day on the water. - Captain Bill was amazing in that he allowed us to sail his boat and had numerous stories of Navy ships that docked near the bridge. He was also encouraging... read more and went above and beyond by taking our pictures and sending us information on sailing classes and other information on finding boats in my area to rent. We may just return in the fall!

  Bill is a great host and sailing captain. He welcomed us aboard and made us feel at home, allowing three of us to do most of the steering at... read more the helm for the entire three hours. Beautiful afternoon, great winds and waves, and a gracious and knowledgeable captain. It all added up to time and money well spent.

  Great experience! - What a great day on the water! Captain Bill made us feel at ease as first-time sailors and allowed us to take the wheel for most of the trip. He... read more was a wealth of historical knowledge and patiently answered our many questions. The weather cooperated perfectly for us as we made memories with our parents who recently celebrated their 80th birthdays.

  Enjoy a few hours at the speed of the wind - If you have been dreaming of turning off your phone for three hours, slowing down, taking a deep breath, and being present with friends and nature. Sailing with Captain... read more Bill on the York River checks all those boxes.
Captain Bill is such an experienced sailor, he will let you drive the boat. He just serenely points in the direction that will catch the best wind.
For history enthusiasts he will provide insights into this very historic waterway and its surrounding landmarks. He even conjures up pictures from below deck to aid his narrative.
This is a must do trip if you are in the area or are planning a trip to America's historic triangle.

  Great Experience - During our recent visit to Williamsburg we scheduled a 3 hour sailing tour of the York River with Captain Bill. It was a wonderful experience. Beautiful day for... read more a sail and Captain Bill was very informative about how a sailboat operates. It was a great educational experience. He also allowed our adult daughter take the helm and instructed her on how to sail the ship which has led her to want to take sailing lessons on the James River in Boston where she lives. Highly recommend sailing with Captain Bill, he is knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor.

  Skittles - We had a very nice day sailing with you and the Dolphins. Bill is very knowledgeable and friendly. We would recommend this trip to anyone..

  Fun for the whole family! - We were recently in town to visit my folks in VA, and the group of us (including my 3 teen daughters and elderly parents) decided to try a sailing lesson... read more on the York River. First of all, if you're not familiar with this amazing tidal river, it is a treasure that you must experience. As for how you go about that, I highly recommend getting out on the water with Captain Bill @ Williamsburg Charter Sails! He took such care that my mom got on / off the boat safely and was comfortable for the tour; meanwhile, gave a top notch sailing lesson to my teens. The eldest sailed us right under the Coleman Bridge and back again - first time sailing! Afterward, we got an email with follow up information and lots of photos he took for us to remember and enjoy. If you're looking for something fun on the water that the whole family will love, this is the trip to book!

  First of all, it was my wife’s birthday on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, November 29 so we called on November 28 not realizing that Bill had closed for the season... read more he was gracious enough to ask us where we were and being in Williamsburg that day he invited us to come out with him in the afternoon When we got there, it was just very relaxing and informal we were able to take our golden doodle with us who had never been on a boat Bill was great with him. He had the best time standing up on the boat looking over the side and everything, Bill is very knowledgeable I had a great time talking with him and my wife was on the steering wheel almost the whole trip, so Bill did the sails and instructed my wife who was terrific I helped a tiny bit She truly had an exceptional birthday one that we’ll remember the rest of her life strongly strongly recommend this to anybody looking to do something unique and learn some history and learn about sailing and everything else that Bill has an extensive knowledge of. Thanks Bill

  This was our first time sailing and my soon-to-be 21-year-old son and I had an incredible sailing experience with Captain Bill. The water was calm and peaceful, and the weather... read more was immaculate for a November day! Captain Bill was nice, accommodating, friendly, and an excellent guide with his knowledge of the area and naval experience. I will definitely share my awesome experience with families and friends, but for those who look into a sailing excursion, I highly recommend Captain Bill. You won't be disappointed!

  A sail with Williamsburg Charter Sails was a surprise for my husband’s birthday. The boat is a beautiful 32 footer that is kept in tip top shape. Captain Bill gave... read more us great historical tidbits regarding sites along the way as well as information about the river. He is a very gracious man who made the sail all the more interesting. It was a truly relaxing and fun afternoon.
Living locally, I’m not sure why we hadn’t sailed with Williamsburg Charter Sails before this, but we will definitely be back! Such a great way to spend a morning or afternoon!

  Sailing Adventure - We had a lovely time. Capt. Bill was a great guide and my husband thoroughly enjoyed sailing the boat.

  My husband and I enjoy battlefields and history but wanted a slightly different way to experience the area than visiting a national park. Williamsburg Charter Sails was the perfect balance... read more between relaxing on a boat and learning about the navel battles that occurred during the Revolutionary War.

CPT Bill responded quickly to emails and provided great instructions for what to expect. We got a full three hours of sail time in with another couple and my husband got to steer the boat a bunch as we sailed (he was thrilled about that). There were complimentary photos sent the next day and I personalized email.

Make sure you eat something before you go. While water is provided and you can bring your own snacks/drinks, it can be a long trip if you are hungry.

  We spent our 10th anniversary in Williamsburg and capped off our trip with a day of sailing. It was a gorgeous day, with both beautiful views and temperatures. We even... read more got to see a large pod of dolphins-- the most I have ever seen at once! Bill was a great host, and we highly recommend sailing with him.

  Super Saturday Sailing - Captain Bill was a great historian. We took the afternoon historic sail. He was very infromative and entertaining. It was a great way to spend a fall... read more day sailing on the York River. We totally enjoyed our time with Captain Bill.

  Wonderful Day Sail - Great Day Sail with Captain Bill. Very well organized trip, lovely boat and marina. We appreciated the updated weather forecast and the instructions received prior to departure. We enjoyed... read more a beautiful day on the York River, and plenty of practice at the helm.

  What an incredible experience my wife and I had on our 32nd wedding anniversary. What a beautiful and extremely well maintained boat and Captain Bill was a very experienced and... read more knowledgeable sailor. We could not planned a better day on the river I even got to help raise the sails and we each had our try at the wheel. Not only did we have a awesome day sailing we learned a little too. If you are in the Williamsburg Virginia area I would suggest anyone give it a try.

  Exceeded all expectations! - Our afternoon of sailing for my husband's birthday exceeded all expectations! Captain Bill was so easy to work with and communicative in scheduling from the start. Once we... read more got out on the water, his knowledge of both sailing, naval history, and the area made for a fascinating and delightful afternoon. We even got a surprise of seeing a naval warship pass through the Coleman Bridge. A perfect afternoon. Can't recommend highly enough for locals or visitors.

  I surprised my husband with a day of sailing as he missed it so much. Captain Bill was the type of person who genuinely cared about your experience. He was... read more sociable and so very kind. My husband sailed before and to see his happiness being at the helm and helping the whole time was just a memory we both will never forget! Book this for your anniversary, date, or just because. I promise you your happiness will be just as matched as ours. Thank you so much Captain Bill, we will be back for sure.

  We had a wonderful historical sail of the York River with our Adult son and Nephew on their visit here from Texas. Bill O’Donovan offers a special trip! We even... read more helped with the rigging!

  What better way to spend a beautiful September afternoon than sailing on a 32' sail boat with Captain Bill? My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our 3 hr cruise on... read more the York River. Captain Bill is friendly and knowledgeable. The only disappointment was that we didn't go out into the Chesapeake~ but a great afternoon nonetheless.

  Sit back, relax, and feel the breeze. It’s an easy motor out to the York River, and the sails are up.
If you’re looking for a laidback sail past... read more historic Yorktown, you are in good hands with Captain Bill. You’ll have a fantastic time.
If you’re the type that likes to take the helm, and learn a bit about sailing, you’re in for a real treat!

  Excellent experience out sailing on the York River near the Chesapeake Bay. Exceeded all expectations!

  Once again we had a memorable time with Capt. Bill. The boat is impeccably maintained, the Captain experienced and very knowledgeable of the area, and the conditions were most... read more favorable for a relaxing cruise. This is our second time with Bill. Outstanding value and family affordable. Very safe, you won’t be disappointed!

  Captain Bill deserves the high marks - he was very flexible and understanding in helping accommodate an older family for a birthday sailing trip.

  Our 3 hour sail with Captain Bill surpassed our expectations. My husband, being an experienced sailor, got to take the helm. Turns out Capt. Bill is not only... read more a proficient sailor but also a well versed historian. We learned so much on this sail. I can't say enough about how awesome this was, Definitely the best part of our trip.