The BIG Blue
A Supersized Adventure — For Serious Sailors Only
Are you looking for something different? Want to watch the land fade away and really get out there to experience open ocean sailing? We have you covered. The Big Blue is the longest sailing experience we offer—close to 6 hours—and is a great chance to get away from it all.
We’ll depart from Olde Towne Marina and sail straight out into the blue beyond. The goal here is not only to really soak in the ocean sailing experience, but also to watch the water change colors as the Ocean City horizon fades and then disappears. This is 20 miles offshore. This is the real thing.
We also have other ocean adventure trips here.
What to Expect on The Big Blue Trip
Close to 6 hours of ocean sailing. You’ll watch Ocean City shrink behind you, the water will change colors beneath you, and eventually the horizon will be nothing but open Atlantic in every direction. Six hours affords you the ability to really experience the sea—and if you want to bring a book, a podcast, or anything else to pass the time between tacks, no worries.
This trip is all about the ocean. Some preparations to consider: an extra layer on chilly days (especially early in the season) and a dry change of clothes if you plan on lounging on the trampoline and conditions are a bit rough.
Who Is This Trip For?
This trip requires a prior booking with Sail Alyosha. It’s designed for those who have sailing experience or have been on Alyosha before. If you’re an extremely adventurous type who hasn’t sailed with us, you can contact us before booking to discuss.
Alyosha is a 50-foot St. Francis catamaran that has sailed around the world with Captain Steve at the helm, so you’re in capable hands out there in the ocean. This trip is always limited to just 6 passengers.
This is NOT a good trip to figure out whether you or your kids are susceptible to seasickness.
A Note on Motion Sickness
Let’s be direct: if you’re prone to seasickness, it is highly recommended that you take anti-seasickness medicine prior to the trip. This is 6 hours on the open Atlantic—not the place to find out how your stomach handles the ocean. We recommend Bonine or Dramamine, taken before we leave the dock.
If you’re on the fence, take a look at our Seasickness Guide!
Weather & Cancellation
The Big Blue is more weather-dependent than our other trips—we need a solid forecast for the full day to support a 20-mile offshore adventure. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ll receive a full refund.
Alternatively, you may be given the choice of a shorter sail closer to shore: either 10am to 1pm or 1pm to 4pm. If you choose this option, you’ll sail for three hours instead of six, with no further refund—but with only 6 passengers aboard, it becomes a much more exclusive opportunity.
What to Bring
This is close to 6 hours on the water, so plan accordingly. Bring lunch or heavy snacks—Alyosha has plenty of water bottles for guests, but all other food is up to you. There’s plenty of room onboard to store coolers, food, and drinks, including a refrigerator and a “cold box” for your supplies if you don’t want to bring a cooler.
Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential. Alyosha has a roomy salon area and cabins if you need a break from the sun, but the real action is outside on deck. Restrooms (“heads”) are aboard—just keep in mind the toilets on a sailboat are a little more sensitive than the ones on land.
No. The Big Blue requires a prior booking with Sail Alyosha, meaning you need to have sailed with us before. This is a 6-hour offshore adventure sailing 20 miles into the Atlantic—not the place to figure out whether you enjoy sailing or how your stomach handles the ocean. We strongly recommend starting with our 2-hour Ocean Sailing trip first. If you love it and want more, The Big Blue will be waiting for you.
The Big Blue is more weather-dependent than our other trips—we need a solid forecast to support a full-day offshore adventure. If conditions aren’t safe, you’ll receive a full refund, no questions asked. Alternatively, you may be offered a shorter sail closer to shore (either 10am–1pm or 1pm–4pm). If you choose this option, you’ll sail for three hours instead of six with no further refund—but with only 6 passengers aboard, it becomes a much more exclusive experience.
Take seasickness medication (Bonine or Dramamine) before we leave the dock if you’re prone to motion sickness—once you’re feeling sick, it’s too late. Bring lunch or substantial snacks (Alyosha has bottled water but all other food is up to you). Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and an extra layer for chilly conditions, especially early in the season. If you plan to lounge on the trampoline in rougher conditions, bring a dry change of clothes. Alyosha has restrooms, a salon area, cabins, and plenty of space to store coolers and personal items.
Getting Here
Trips depart promptly at the scheduled time from our slip at Olde Towne Marina (307 Dorchester Street, Ocean City, 21842). Plan to arrive about 5 minutes before departure—there’s no formal check-in. But please know: if we have other guests and you’re late, we will still leave on time. It’s not fair to punctual guests to make them wait. Parking can be a challenge, so arrive early and maybe have a drink at the restaurant next to the marina.