Found this charter on google as I was looking for a nice Sunday out on April 11, 2010 near Anna Maria Island for my girlfriend's 30th Birthday.

On their website (http://www.sarasotasailing.com/pricing.htm) it says that "Reservations are free, no deposit is required. We don't collect until we return from your sail." We called and were trying to make a reservation. First the captain said he needed a credit card. We told him we had an American Express card, and he said he would charge 4% more to use that card. Then we used a Visa, and he said this would only be used to "hold" the reservation - even though reservations are "free."

Unfortunately, we were informed Saturday at about 2 am that one of the people that was supposed to go with us got into a car accident. I called at 3 am on Saturday morning to let the captain know we wouldn't be able to make it. I called a few times to make sure he got the message. Finally at about 9 am Sunday morning, he picked up. Instead of being understanding, he said "I'm not going to let you screw me over on this trip, and I'm here to run a business" and used obscene language with me.

I called my bank and told them to dispute the charge because what he said completely contradicts what was stated on his website. The captain called me Monday morning leaving a threatening message saying he's going to call the police on me for credit card fraud and charge me with a felony and using more obscene language. He threatened me for payment for services he didn't even render!!!

I'm shocked that this man is still in business. Don't waste your time or your money on this company. I'm sure there are tons of other charters that have far superior customer service, we just were unlucky to have picked this one.