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San Francisco Bay Charter Boats

Click here for photos and more in the May 2018 magazine.

Meet the Charter Fleet: A Wealth of Bay Sailing Options

Multi-Passenger Vessels | Six-Passenger Crewed Yachts | Bareboats

Why Not Kick Back and Let the Professionals Do the Work?

Even if you own a boat yourself, there are special occasions when it's nice to leave the responsibilities of provisioning, cleaning and running the boat to a professional crew. At such times it's helpful to know that there are dozens of well-kept charter boats available for hire in the Bay Area, run by congenial crewmembers who aim to please.

What sort of special occasions? Supose, for example, that a favorite set of friends or relatives is coming to town, and you want to share with them the pleasure of Bay sailing, but still give them your undivided attention. Or suppose you want to entertain little kids or old-timers who wouldn't be comfortable on your stripped-down race boat. There might also be times when you'd like to impress your office mates or future in-laws with a ride on a true sailing yacht, rather than taking them out on your funky, antique daysailer.

Six-Passenger Crewed Yachts

Please note that in addition to the six-passenger vessels that follow — many of which are operated by their owners — virtually every sailing school (aka 'club') also has boats available for 'six-pack' charters with captain and crew. Some of the larger boats in those fleets are very nicely outfitted for both comfortable daysails and overnight charters. Call them for details and pricing.

Apparition: Sleek, speedy, and custom-built in Sausalito, Apparition has been chartering for more than 20 years! Captain Stan Schilz loves introducing guests to multihull sailing. This 38-footer has two double cabins, spacious salon and a full galley.
• Carries up to 6 passengers for private charters.
• Berthed at Schoonmaker Marina, Sausalito.
• Available for private group charters, special events, multihull sailing instruction.
• (415) 331-8730; www.sailapparition.com

Carodon: Heather Richard is a US Coast Guard licensed (100 ton) captain for hire on San Francisco Bay. The yacht was originally built to win the Chicago-Mackinac Race and is a light, fast IOR style custom classic racing yacht.
• She sails superbly and comfortably seats 6 passengers for day sailing in San Francisco Bay.
• Charters leave from Galilee Harbor, Sausalito, but San Francisco dockings can be made by request and require additional fees. Parking is free.
• Equipped with modern navigation equipment, offshore safety gear and built entirely of strong but lightweight aluminum, S/V Carodon is a pleasure to sail and kept in immaculate condition.
• (415) 730-0849 or finedayforsailing.com

Balajan: Our Leopard 39 catamaran is a perfect setting for sharing a special moment with friends, family or for a memorable small-group occasion. Prepare your next charter vacation by practicing your catamaran sailing skills with our Captain, ASA certified catamaran instructor.
• Carries up to 6 guests.
• Berthed in Marina Bay, Richmond.
• Available for private charters, special events. Preparation for bareboat catamaran
• Price all inclusive, including Captain and First Mate.
• (510) 710-1968; www.catbalajan.com; www.facebook.com / Catbalajan; [email protected]

Beowulf: Set sail on a beautiful 52' Swan for an afternoon or sunset sail. Passengers are allowed to participate if they wish, or just sit back and enjoy the experience and view.
• Carries up to six passengers
• Berthed in Sausalito
• Available for all types of custom charters including corporate and special events.
• (415) 331-3400; www.sfsailcharters.com

Between The Sheets: An Islander 36, she’s one of the most popular boats not only on the Bay but also on the West Coast of the U.S. One of the smoothest sailboats ever built.
• Carries six passengers
• Berthed at Pier 39
• Available for private charters and sailing lessons
• (415) 378-4887; www.sailsf.com; www.sailinglessonssf.com

Bolgeskrekk: This Irwin Citation 34 is well suited to Bay sailing. On blustery days she often does better than 7 knots, outperforming many other sailboats her size. Her spacious cockpit easily accommodates six passengers, and her teak interior is a delightful space for relaxing.
• Carries up to 6 passengers.
• Berthed at Treasure Island Marina.
• Available for private charters, sailing instruction, corporate events, special events and sunset sails.
• (510) 499-0134; www.goldengatesailingtours.com

Carrera: At the smaller end of the spectrum is Gene Maly's well-kept Capo 32 racer/cruiser. Based at Monterey, Carrera balances her busy schedule between intimate group daysails and instructional sails that feature plenty of one-on-one attention.
• Carries up to 6 passengers.
• Berthed at Municipal Wharf #2 (A-Tier Gate), in Monterey.
• Available for scheduled daysails in Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, sunset cruises, private charters including memorial services, and "teambuilding challenges" for corporations.
• (831) 375-0648; www.sailmontereybay.com

Evening Star: This is a beautifully restored C&C 43 run by Mark Sange, one of the most experienced charter captains on the Bay. An elegant classic with great performance and comfort, it's perfect for SF Bay.
• Carries up to 6 passengers.
• Berthed at Sausalito Yacht Harbor.
• Available for all types of private charters, including corporate and special events.
• (415) 868-2940; (415) 987-1942; www.captainmarco.com or www.sailingsf.com

Excalibur: A Sabre 30, perfectly suited to the San Francisco Bay and beyond. The skipper loves to introduce people to sailing, is licensed by the USCG, and is a certified US Sailing and ASA instructor.
• Carries up to six passengers.
• Available for all types of charters; teambuilding events, relaxed day charters, day and nighttime sailing lessons, various workshops, such as COB practice and motoring skills.
• (650) 619-6896; www.sailnow.com

Fansea: Captain Paul Adams sails the Bay and beyond on his modern Catalina 34 Mk II. Guests may participate in driving and sail trimming if they wish.
• Carries up to 5 passengers.
• Berthed at Sausalito (near parking).
• Takes small groups, often two couples. Marriage proposal and special occasion charters are Capt. Paul’s specialty.
• (415) 269-1973; www.sailsausalito.com

Flying Tiger: This Soverel 36 is a former racing yacht custom-built for the designer’s personal use. Ideally suited to charters for those who enjoy high-performance sailing and lessons on a responsive yacht.
• Carries up to 6 passengers.
• Berthed in Sausalito.
• Available for private group charters, corporate charters, lessons and special events. Passenger participation is welcomed.
• (650) 492-0681; www.sfbaysail.com

Gentle Storm II: Rick Niles’ 2004 Catalina 42 remains in new condition. He has cruised in many parts of the world and has been sailing on the Bay his entire life. A seasoned skipper – a new boat.
• Carries 6 passengers
• Berthed at Clipper Yacht Harbor, Sausalito
• Available for skippered day trips on San Francisco Bay, teambuilding, ash scattering and special events. Sail the boat as much or as little as you like.
• (707) 235-6295; www.gscharters.com

Hasty Heart: One of the largest and most elegant boats on the Bay, this immaculately kept 61' Nautor Swan was the longtime pride and joy of an SF bon vivant, and is now available for private catered charters.
• Carries up to 6 passengers (bareboat with 12).
• Berthed at Clipper II in Sausalito. Plenty of free parking.
• Available for all types of charters including daysails, sunset cruises, birthdays, photo shoots, ash scatterings, corporate gatherings,weddings, and other special events.
• (415) 690-7245; www.sailhastyheart.com

Imagine: An Irwin 34 that is at home on the San Francisco Bay. Kayaks are available for (Giant's games) home runs and fishing tours. Hands-on sailing experiences, overnight sails to Half Moon Bay and Drake's Bay, leisurely and romantic sunset sails available.
• USCG qualified Skipper up to, and including 6 passengers.
• Docked in Berkeley Marina, free parking, excellent access to SF Bay.
• Available for private tours. Set your own itinerary, or ask for suggestions.
• (916) 813-8285; www.imaginesailingtours.com

Karisma: This Catalina 470 has a roomy cockpit and nicely appointed interior, making her ideal for daysails or overnights. Primarily a crewed yacht, she can also be bareboated by arrangement. Catalina 42s and 34s also available.
• Carries up to 6 passengers.
• Berthed at Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor.
• Available for private or shared charters, corporate charters, sailing lessons, bareboating, and scattering at sea services, with affordable prices.
• (831) 429-1970; www.lighthallcharters.com

Kuani: This Cascade 42 ketch is a proven bluewater vessel with a colorful history. Originally intended to be a fishing vessel, she came to be part of SF Bay’s Peace Navy. Her ample deck, cockpit and cabin make a great platform for any Bay excursion.
• Carries 6 passengers.
• Berthed at Marina Bay, Richmond.
• Available for all types of private Bay charters.
• (530) 263-5214; www.wingandwing.net

Lady J: This comfortable, well-cared-for Islander 34 MkII was the first boat in SF Sailing Company's fleet, started 10 years ago, which has now grown to 11 sailboats.
• Carries 6 passengers.
• Berthed at Pier 39.
• Available for private charters of all types.
• (415) 378-4887; www.sailsf.com 

Magick Express: This French-built Dynamique 62 luxury charter yacht is sleek and gracious, with ample room above- and belowdecks. Enjoy a fast smooth ride touring SF Bay.
• Carries up to 6 passengers; or can bareboat (with a chosen captain) with up to 12 passengers max.
• Berthed in the Oakland/Alameda Estuary.
• Available for private group charters, sailing lessons, teambuilding, wine- tasting experiences, catered events and even live music via piano built in to the salon table.
• (510) 535-1954; www.afterguard.net

MagnifiCat: This Prout 38 "British-luxury" sailing catamaran is owned by Captain Jim Keenan's company, MagnifiCat-4-Charter, and is skippered by veterans! Organize a group supporting SF-Bay-Jobs-4-Veterans by chartering at discounted rates and earning rewards for future charters.
• Carries up to 6 passengers (can be bareboated with 12 by special arrangement).
• Berthed at Emery Cove Marina, but also will pick up in San Francisco, Sausalito & Oakland/Alameda.
• Available for corporate events, private charters, shared group cruises, sunset/full moon, sightseeing tours, proposals/weddings & showers, Giants games, Bay events, holidays and teambuilding.
• (415) 889-0428; www.AmericaCupCharters.com

Magnum 44: The design of this sleek Nordic 44 combines sailing performance with a luxuriously appointed interior. She serves as a comfortable daysailer or comfy overnighter. (The owners also book large group charters on a variety of Bay vessels.)
• Carries up to 6 passengers; available for bareboat charter to qualified sailors, up to 12 guests.
• Berthed in Tiburon.
• Available for private group charters, sunset sails, and corporate events.
• (415) 332-0800; www.yachtcharter.com

Next Adventure: This Beneteau Oceanis 423 is roomy, fast, well-appointed and extremely comfortable. She is a three-time Newport to Ensenada Race vet, and Captain Brad, with 35 years sailing, brings a wealth of expertise, local knowledge and humor!
• Carries up to six passengers.
• Berthed in Berkeley Marina.
• We specialize in creating safe, fun, exhilarating, memorable days for friends, family, and associates. Available for private groups, corporate charters and special events.
• (925) 984-9697; www.funsfbaysailcharter.com

Ohana: Beneteau 45f5 designed for comfort cruising and racing. Beautifully appointed salon, cockpit, perfect for any private celebration. Competently skippered by USCG-licensed captain and mate. Let us show you our Bay's splendors. Three staterooms, two bathrooms.
• Carries up to 6 passengers.
• Berthed in Sausalito.
• Available for leisurely Bay/City cruises or hands-on participation in local races. Ocean trips and overnights to Drake's Bay or Half Moon Bay upon request.
• (415) 457-4417; (415) 250-9850; www.OhanaSailing.com

Oli Kai: This lovely 38-ft Seawind 1000 cat provides a comfortable and stable platform for all sorts of Bay charters. Her Treasure Island berth makes her easily accessible to all.
• Carries up to 6 passengers; or bareboat with 15 passengers max.
• Berthed at Treasure Island.
• Available for private group charters, sailing lessons, teambuilding, wine-tasting sail trips and more.
• (510) 535-1954; www.afterguard.net

Passage Nautical: Take a tour on the Bay with up to five of your closest friends and family. Packages include skipper.
• Carries up to 6 guests
• Departures available from Jack London Square, Oakland
• Great for smaller private events, or special occasions including proposals.
• (510) 864-3000; passagenautical.com/book-charter

Pegasus: Since 1994, this 1972 John Alden 51-ft ketch has specialized in sails for school groups and at-risk youth (at no charge to schools or parents). To subsidize those programs, they've made this Philippine mahogany beauty available for private charters.
• Carries up to 6 passengers.
• Based at Berkeley Marina.
• Available for private group charters, corporate charters, special events including weddings and ash scatterings, special youth sails. Passenger participation is welcomed.
• (510) 717-4439; www.pegasusvoyages.org

Peregrine: This 38-foot custom wooden yawl built in 1946 originated in 1911 based on a boat called Seabird, famous as the second American yacht to circumnavigate the Earth. She has ample seating in the open as well as an enclosed cabin with a pleasant sound system. She can hold six passengers in addition to her crew.
• Your captain is Stephan Sowash who, with 30 years of sailing experience, is licensed by the US Coast Guard. Captain Sowash holds a 50 ton near Coastal licence with Sailing Endorsement.
• Charters to the Farallones can be arranged for those who seek a blue water adventure.
• sailingfearless.com

Perseverance: Captain Jeffrey Berman has been a mariner his entire life. An accomplished racer, cruiser and commercial captain, he enjoys sharing the experience aboard this Catalina 36 Mk II through a wide variety of charter offerings, including lessons.
• Carries up to 6 passengers.
• Available for private group charters, sailing lessons, teambuilding, memorial services, and overnights to Drake's Bay or Half Moon Bay.
• (415) 302-0101

Sensei: Private sailing yacht charter on the San Francisco Bay aboard a Norseman 447. Lift your spirits and return to port refreshed and relaxed with memories of sea breezes and beautiful scenery. Enjoy a delicious meal in a tranquil cove, then relax and enjoy the majesty of the Golden Gate.
• Carries up to 6 passengers
• Pickup in San Francisco or our home dock in Point Richmond.
• Available for private crewed charters, sunset cruises, birthday parties, anniversaries, picnics on Angel Island, nature cruises or your special event! We customize each charter therefore a 48 hours notice is highly recommended.
• (415) 886-7245 (SAIL); www.GotSailing.com

Temptation: This Catalina 350 is a modern luxury sailboat. She was purchased brand-new in 2007 and is in pristine condition. Captain John holds a USCG Master's License and has a lifetime of sailing experience.
• Carries up to six passengers
• Berthed in San Francisco
• Available for private charters, special events, celebrations, ash scattering and corporate teambuilding
• (415) 602-8416; www.sailingsanfrancisco.com

This feature was last updated on May 8, 2018.

The story originally ran in the April 2017 issue of Latitude 38. To order a copy (complete with color photos), use the Individual Issue Order Form, and specify the 4/17 issue, or just drop us a note with a check for $7 to Latitude 38, Attn: Back Issues, 15 Locust Ave., Mill Valley, CA 94941.

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