Health and Safety
Updated: Oct 16
Your safety comes first on every Sail Barbary cruise. Here's what to expect before and during your time on the water, so you can relax and enjoy the sail.
Before you board
Please be at the boat, at Berths 9 & 10, Redoubt Street, Taupō Boat Harbour, 15 minutes before departure. That gives you time to settle in and hear the safety briefing.
Your skipper will run through:
Where the life jackets are and how to put them on
Where the life ring is kept
How to move around the boat safely
What to do if someone falls overboard
It's worth reading the rest of this page before you book, so you know what to expect.
Weather
We check the weather forecast every day. Lake Taupō is a big lake and conditions can change quickly.
If strong or gusty wind or rain makes it unsafe to sail, we'll cancel, refund or reschedule your cruise, or offer an alternative boat where we can.
The decision is made by our skipper and management, with safety as the only priority.
What to wear
Summer: sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. Bring swimwear and a towel if you'd like to swim.
Winter: dress warmly. Ponchos, blankets, hats and gloves are available inside the cabin.
All year: flat, non-slip shoes and a warm layer, even on sunny days.
Things to watch on a sailing boat
A sailing yacht has a few things you won't find on a motor boat. Your skipper will point them out.
Moving parts. Take care around ropes, pulleys and winches.
The boom. Keep your head down when the boat tacks (turns through the wind).
Heeling. Sailing boats lean with the wind. Brace yourself against the side of the boat, and your skipper will keep an eye on everyone's comfort.
Man overboard. If someone falls in, shout "man overboard". Life rings are at the helm.
Your safety on board
Life jackets are available for every age and size. Just ask the skipper. Read more in our life jackets post.
Swimming is optional and into deep water. A ladder is used to climb back on board. Children can swim with a designated adult in the water with them.
Children must be supervised by their parents. The skipper looks after the boat.
Alcohol. Intoxicated guests won't be allowed on board, as required by our liquor licence.
Hot drinks. Take care with hot drinks while the boat is under sail.
Water. Bring your own drink bottle to stay hydrated (and to help us cut waste).
Moving around the boat
If you have mobility needs, have a look at our boat accessibility post or give us a call on 07 378 5879 before you book. We're happy to talk it through.
Read more
Find everything in one place on our safety page, or see answers to common questions on our Lake Taupō cruise FAQs.
