607-280-3538 rick@schoolsoutboattours.com 607-280-3538 rick@schoolsoutboattours.com
Getting itchy!
The BIG Miami Boat Show is only a couple of days away. This event usually marks the start of our preparation for the new season. Every manufacturer, distributor and vendor in boating is there. It is an event that always charges up my batteries and gets me in the mood for the new season. It's especially tough this season because of the non-winter we've had. I even got a call a couple of weeks ago from a person who wanted to know if we could go out (in January)!
Help Wanted - A dynamic, outgoing, personable person with boating experience and knowledge of Cayuga Lake and the surrounding areas. Responsibilities include checking in passengers, tending lines, serving as a look-out, tour guide and comedian...oh, and did I mention the obligatory swabby detail? O.K., what is the title of the job? First Mate, of course! Pay is meager (tips), but the job is fun and helpful if you need sea time towards a Captain's License. In addition, if you have marketing type skills, we are in need of a foot soldier to set up new accounts at area businesses (ie: hotels, inns, etc). We will be rolling out new scheduling software to help in this process. Please contact Capt. Rick if you'd like more information. 607-280-3538 or rick@schoolsoutboattours.com.
Tony Matosich - our friend and crew mate...
On September, 9, 2011, the world lost a very special person. Tony was taken from us in the prime of his life.
Tony didn't know how to say no. He was always there to help, whether it be to prepare the boat for the water, take publicity photos, crew our wine cruises, or pet sit for a friend. When we were contemplating the purchase of a second vessel, he spent countless hours helping me work up the numbers. He never asked for as much as a penny.
And, boy, was he talented, too! He was an amazing photographer and artist...heckuva musician, too. He loved to fly, sail and drive. He lived to solve problems...and he was good at it.
But, most of all, Tony was a friend. He was always there. You didn't need to tell him what kind of day you had, he knew...and he knew the right prescription to make you feel better. When our customers would ask what Tony did for a living he would usually reply by telling them he was a Lion Tamer! Laughter was always a part of our time together. Time that will be cherished forever.
We will miss you Tony...God speed, my friend.
Tony didn't know how to say no. He was always there to help, whether it be to prepare the boat for the water, take publicity photos, crew our wine cruises, or pet sit for a friend. When we were contemplating the purchase of a second vessel, he spent countless hours helping me work up the numbers. He never asked for as much as a penny.
And, boy, was he talented, too! He was an amazing photographer and artist...heckuva musician, too. He loved to fly, sail and drive. He lived to solve problems...and he was good at it.
But, most of all, Tony was a friend. He was always there. You didn't need to tell him what kind of day you had, he knew...and he knew the right prescription to make you feel better. When our customers would ask what Tony did for a living he would usually reply by telling them he was a Lion Tamer! Laughter was always a part of our time together. Time that will be cherished forever.
We will miss you Tony...God speed, my friend.
WE ARE NOW OFFERING GROUP AND PRIVATE CRUISES!
MISS SORRENTO IS NOW SAILING AND AVAILABLE FOR DAILY CRUISES!
Winery Cruises
School's Out Charters offers small group and exclusive tours to Cayuga Lake's best wineries.
This is the ultimate way to enjoy the wineries! No crowded cattle buses, no traffic, just a leisurely cruise on the lake combined with tastings at some of the best wineries in the Finger Lakes. Check our price list for more information.
Listed below are the wineries that we can visit during your excursion:
This is the ultimate way to enjoy the wineries! No crowded cattle buses, no traffic, just a leisurely cruise on the lake combined with tastings at some of the best wineries in the Finger Lakes. Check our price list for more information.
Listed below are the wineries that we can visit during your excursion:
Sheldrake Point Winery and Simply Red Bistro - New York State's Winery of the Year
Sheldrake Point Winery & Simply Red Bistro are located on the shores of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes Wine Region of New York. Visit Sheldrake Point's Tasting Room and Artisan Gift Shop to taste our wines and purchase locally made cheeses, crafts and products of all types. Enjoy the lakefront and vineyard view as you dine on fine American cuisine. Discover us, our location and wines - you will see we are a hidden gem.
Thirsty Owl Wine Company
The Thirsty Owl Wine Company's name has become synonymous with award winning wines. The winery has won many prestigious awards including the Governor's Cup and the John Rose award for their Rieslings. This past year its Pinot Noir was the highest rated North American Pinot at the Taster's Guild International competition.
Since the beginning, The Thirsty Owl Wine Company has prided itself on producing only the highest quality wines, in a friendly atmosphere, with the most spectacular view of Cayuga Lake.
Since the beginning, The Thirsty Owl Wine Company has prided itself on producing only the highest quality wines, in a friendly atmosphere, with the most spectacular view of Cayuga Lake.
Goose Watch Winery
Goose Watch specializes in truly unique premium wines, with a selection unlike any you will find anywhere in the world. Our exciting new wines are produced from classic European grape varieties such as Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Lemberger and Merlot. Don't miss our Pinot Noir Brut Rosé Champagne. You'll take in one of the loveliest views of Cayuga Lake from our tasting room, situated in a beautifully restored century-old barn nestled within one of the area's only commercial chestnut groves.
Lakeshore Winery
The winery is located on a farm that dates back to 1825. It's an ideal site for growing grapes. Proximity to the deep waters of Cayuga Lake provides enough tempering effect to enable the European (Vitis vinifera) grapes to thrive. The original barn provides a unique setting for receiving visitors, with a spectacular view of the lake. All of our grapes come from our own vineyard or neighboring Finger Lakes vineyards.
We welcome you to Lakeshore and hope you enjoy your visit and enjoy our wines.
We welcome you to Lakeshore and hope you enjoy your visit and enjoy our wines.
Cayuga Ridge Winery
Our estate-grown wines are nurtured from our vineyards to your table. Come home with us to our rustic barn, and savor our award-winning wines under the glow of our gothic church lights. Located in the picturesque Finger Lakes region of New York State, we happily call the center of the Cayuga Wine Trail our home.
As one of the oldest wineries in the Finger Lakes the Challen family invites you to tour and taste our bounty. Through the practice of sustainable vineyard cultivation we attain consistent grape quality and optimal fruit production. The wines of Cayuga Ridge Estate are straightforward and honest in their presentation.
As one of the oldest wineries in the Finger Lakes the Challen family invites you to tour and taste our bounty. Through the practice of sustainable vineyard cultivation we attain consistent grape quality and optimal fruit production. The wines of Cayuga Ridge Estate are straightforward and honest in their presentation.
Bet The Farm Winery
Our wines have gained acclaim during our first two years -- two wear silver medals from the 2008 New York Wind and Food Classic ("the Governor's Cup"). We continue to build our production each year with many continued thanks to our hosts at Damiani Wine Cellars. Lou Damiani and Phil Davis are among the top red wine producers in the region and we’re learning a lot about the wine making mystique from them. As New York winemakers we are allowed to sell any NY State wine in our shop. We’ve worked hard to offer a broad quality selection-- something for everyone’s palate and everyone’s purse.
Long Point Winery
Long Point Winery is located on the east side of Cayuga Lake in Aurora, New York. The winery sits on 72 acres of land overlooking beautiful Cayuga Lake. Guests are treated to a tasting of fine wines and the spectacular view that the tasting room provides.
Known for producing the finest dry red and white wines, Long Point Winery has collected numerous awards for wines such as, red Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Dry Riesling.
Known for producing the finest dry red and white wines, Long Point Winery has collected numerous awards for wines such as, red Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Dry Riesling.
Buttonwood Grove Winery
Nestled among the vineyard dotted hills of Cayuga Lake; Buttonwood Grove Winery offers visitors a unique experience for wine connoisseurs and novices alike. We invite you to join us for a wine tasting and let your journey through wine country become an experience not soon forgotten! The spacious tasting room overlooks sweeping views of Cayuga Lake and provides the perfect backdrop for tasting our award winning wines or browsing the gift shop in search of a wine country souvenir.
The view, arguably the most breath taking on Cayuga Lake, provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely picnic out on the deck, or afternoon hike to our own waterfall, or an evening of entertainment. No matter what your plans are in the Finger Lakes, whether you visit for an hour or for the night, Buttonwood Grove Winery offers a little something for everyone.
The view, arguably the most breath taking on Cayuga Lake, provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely picnic out on the deck, or afternoon hike to our own waterfall, or an evening of entertainment. No matter what your plans are in the Finger Lakes, whether you visit for an hour or for the night, Buttonwood Grove Winery offers a little something for everyone.
Private and Group Boat Charters on Cayuga Lake
photo courtesy of Lansing Star Online
Come Aboard School's Out and enjoy everything Cayuga Lake has to offer. Your wish is our command! Do you desire a slow, relaxing sightseeing cruise? How about a day playing and swimming? Perhaps you are interested in cocktails and a trip to some of Ithaca's best dining. A half day winery cruise is a great way to unwind. Sunset cruise? You got it! Just contact us with your desires and we'll custom tailor your cruise for you.
Taking the helm is a USCG Licensed Master Captain with over 20 years experience navigating the waters of Cayuga Lake. Our vessels are equipped with all USCG required safety equipment and will accommodate up to 6 guests.
Contact us at rick@schoolsoutboattours.com or 607-280-3538.
Taking the helm is a USCG Licensed Master Captain with over 20 years experience navigating the waters of Cayuga Lake. Our vessels are equipped with all USCG required safety equipment and will accommodate up to 6 guests.
Contact us at rick@schoolsoutboattours.com or 607-280-3538.