Sound Sailing Coronavirus Response
Sound Sailing Coronavirus Response Letter June 10, 2020
Hi Sailors,
We on Sailboat BOB are very concerned about the new coronavirus and wanted to reach out to you on this issue. We are closely monitoring the situation in SE Alaska though we understand that our visitors are coming from across the globe this summer and face risks in their travels.
Please know we are taking steps to insure we do not contribute to its spread, and are confident we can provide you worry-free, safe, and spectacular Alaskan expedition.
Airlines are going to great lengths to sterilize airplanes and airports, and by summer we are confident that infection rates will be much lower – like a typical flu season. Airlines and hotels are loosening up cancellation policies. Alaska Airlines‘ policies are online.
Sailboat BOB is rigorously cleaned before, during, and after charters. Our COVID-19 mitigation plan is available to all guests. And everyone is saying “Don’t travel if you are sick or have been exposed”. If a passenger does become ill onboard we have response and evacuation plans in place.
Make sure airline tickets and hotel rooms are refundable. Have excellent trip/travel insurance. Many policies don’t cover epidemics, but many do cover the insured’s medical conditions, trip interruptions, and evacuation. Look into trip coverage on your credit cards. We found that ours covers car rental liability. Good to know this stuff.
We have revised our cancellation policy and we will work with you to apply your deposit to a future charter later in this season, or in 2021. If that is not possible we will refund any deposits minus $250/per person.
Of course please, please let us know if you have concerns. We will stay in touch on any news, and are doing everything we can to make sure your time on Sailboat BOB is an incredible and safe experience.
We can’t think of a more peaceful and safer place than a secluded bay or out sailing on the Inside Passage. And we look forward to making it happen for you.
Sincerely,
Capt. Blain and Monique Anderson
Sound Sailing – S/V BOB
Sitka, Alaska
From the State of Alaska:
New: The State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services released an update to Mandate 10 regarding traveling to Alaska from outside of the state, as well as a dedicated travel information website.
Beginning Friday, June 5, at 11:55 p.m., travelers entering the state may enter Alaska upon either:
- producing a negative PCR test result for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to departure to Alaska.
- producing a negative PCR test result for COVID-19 within five days of an individual’s travel date; and then obtain a second test upon arrival and minimize interactions until the second test result is received and confirmed negative.
- obtaining an initial PCR test upon arrival in Alaska that shows a negative result for COVID-19, in which the traveler will self-quarantine, at their own expense, until the second test result is received and confirmed negative. The traveler will receive a voucher for a second test that must occur within 7-14 days after arrival, in which the traveler will minimize interactions until the second test results are confirmed negative.
- providing critical infrastructure services, in which the employee must abide by their company’s protective plan on file with the state.
If a traveler does not fall under any of the above categories, they must undergo a 14-day quarantine at their own expense before continuing on in their travels.
Prior to arrival in Alaska, travelers must complete the State of Alaska Travel Declaration Form online – find out more at Covid19.alaska.gov/
Travelers are also advised to check with local jurisdictions as they may have individual requirements for traveling to and in respective communities.