Celestial Navagation Weekend (2Days) ∙ $1,295 total ∙ 3-6 people
Two mornings aboard Wind Song transform you from curious student to someone who can plot a fix using the sun and stars. This small-group, hands-on weekend in New Bern teaches sextant use, sight reduction with the Nautical Almanac, and practical plotting under the night sky.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days (3 hours per day)
Fitness Level
Comfortable standing and basic balance on a small boat; moderate mobility to step on/off a dock and move around the cockpit.
Wildlife
History
Celestial navigation is an ancient maritime practice; this workshop preserves techniques sailors used for centuries before GPS.
Conservation
Instructors emphasize minimizing deck lights during night sights to protect night vision and reduce light pollution; guests are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles for shore visits.
Wind Song Sailing Adventures
Celestial Navagation Weekend (2Days) ∙ $1,295 total ∙ 3-6 people
Wind Song Sailing Adventures is a New Bern, North Carolina sailing operator that conducts public sailing experiences on the Neuse River aboard the SV Wind Song. Offerings include Small Group Trips—daytime or sunset sails— a three-hour Private Sunset Sail, Full Day Sailing aboard a one-of-a-kind Bugeye Ketch, and Day Sailing for up to six guests. Each trip focuses on delivering scenic river and coastal views, hands-on sailing options, and a leisurely pace suited to families, couples, and small groups.
The fleet is centered on the SV Wind Song, described as a Bugeye Ketch for the Full Day Sailing experience, and used for other day and private excursions. The Private Sunset Sail is a dedicated three-hour charter that highlights New Bern’s riverside sunsets. Small Group Trips provide an opportunity to share the deck with a limited number of guests during daytime or evening sails. Day Sailing accommodates parties up to six passengers aboard the SV Wind Song.
Wind Song Sailing Adventures is featured on The Adventure Collective, where trip summaries and booking details are listed. That feature provides an additional channel for travelers to find trip descriptions and availability. Information about trip lengths, routes, and on-board experience is presented clearly in the business’s listings. Travelers seeking scenic sailing on the Neuse River can rely on Wind Song Sailing Adventures for scheduled small group sails, private sunset charters, full-day outings on a historic-style Bugeye Ketch, and intimate day sails for up to six guests. Trip information is updated seasonally for accuracy now.
Location
New Bern, NC
Sailing on the Neuse River
Trips Offered
4 trip types
Small group, private, day, full-day
Sunset Sail
3 hours
Private sunset charter length
Vessel
SV Wind Song (Bugeye Ketch)
Used for day and full-day trips
Select a small group trip, private 3‑hour sunset charter, full day on the Bugeye Ketch, or a day sail for up to six guests — check availability on The Adventure Collective.
Dress in layers
Mornings and evenings on the water are cool; a windproof outer layer and warm mid-layer make cockpit work comfortable.
Bring eye protection and a red light
High-quality sunglasses cut glare for sun sights; a red headlamp preserves night vision for chart work.
Arrive early to the dock
Be at the marina 15 minutes before start time and look for Wind Song at the end of E dock Slip 38 to get settled.
Stabilize your stance
Expect boat motion while shooting sights—plant your feet, use the rail, and take your time to steady the sextant.
Windproof layers
Keeps you warm during cool morning hours on deck.
spring
Sunglasses (neutral tint)
Reduces glare for accurate sun sights and protects eyes on bright days.
summer
Notebook and pencil
Record sights, reductions, and plotting notes—graphite won’t smudge when damp.
Red headlamp
Preserves night vision for star identification and chart plotting after dusk.
fall