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Meet the Charter Fleet: A Wealth of Bay Sailing Options

As excitement over the America's Cup grows, so does interest in sailing. New sailors are introduced to the sport every day, and they're looking for ways to get out on the Bay. More experienced sailors want to get in on the action, too, but maybe their finances won't allow the purchase of a new boat . . . or maybe it will, but they're not sure what kind of boat to buy. It's even possible they just don't want the hassles that boat ownership sometimes brings. If this sounds even a little like you, you'd do well to consider one of the many charter options available to Bay sailors.

Below you'll find a comprehensive list of all the Greater Bay Area charter boats that we're aware of. They vary in size from 20 to 50 feet, in comfort from stripped-out racers to comfy world cruisers, in performance from mellow daysailers to ULDBs, and in service from bareboat (sail-it-yourself) to fully crewed. Pick and choose, mix and match, whatever your pleasure. And if you don't think a local charter is right for you, read on for some reasons why it could be, then bookmark this list for when you realize a charter is just what you need.

Crewed Charter Vessels

The vessels listed in this section are accessible to folks of all ages with no sailing skills required whatsoever, as their charter prices include the services of professional crew.

Even if you are a long-time sailor with your own fleet of sailing craft, there are special occasions when chartering one of the vessels listed here might be the perfect solution to a particular challenge, such as when entertaining a large group of out-of-town family members, creating a unique office party, or a special 'benchmark' birthday celebration. By enlisting the pampering services of a professional crew, you'll maximize the time you have for socializing and playing tour guide, while minimizing potential headaches. And by hosting your guests on a classy, meticulously maintained crewed yacht, your guests will probably be a whole lot more comfortable than on your tired old daysailer, and you're likely to make a better overall impression.

Guests who care to pitch in with the sailing chores are usually welcome to lend a hand, while the rest of the group soaks in the salt air and takes in the sights.
The Bay Area's fleet of fully crewed charter vessels breaks down into two principal categories: 'Six Pack' boats, which are licensed to charter with up to six passengers for hire, and 'Multi-Passenger Vessels' (technically called Inspected Vessels). In some cases these can legally carry up to 49 passengers or more.

We've attempted to be as comprehensive and up-to-date as possible in these listings. We regret any errors or omissions.

'Multi-Passenger' Vessels (7+)
(In alphabetical order.)

Adventure Cat: A familiar sight on the Bay, this 55-ft catamaran was custom-built specifically for chartering here. Definitely one of the fastest local charter boats, she's been clocked at 20 knots with a full complement of passengers aboard. Guests can choose to ride on the open-air trampoline, forward, or within the sheltered salon.
• Carries up to 48 passengers.
• Berthed at Pier 39, Dock J, in San Francisco.
• Available for scheduled sails daily (individually ticketed), private group charters, and special events, including weddings, whale watching and corporate programs.
• (415) 777-1630 or (800) 498-4228; www.adventurecat.com

Adventure Cat 2: Designed by cat connoisseur Kurt Hughes, the 65-ft Adventure Cat 2 was launched several years ago. Like her older sister (above), she is fast and fun, yet is much larger and, consequently, can carry twice as many passengers. For really big groups, consider chartering both boats and sail together in tandem.
• Carries up to 99 passengers.
• Berthed at Pier 39, Dock J, in San Francisco.
• Available for private group charters and special events, including weddings, whale watching and corporate programs.
• (415) 777-1630 or (800) 498-4228; www.adventurecat.com

Argosy Venture: One of the largest and more unique yachts in Northern California, this 101-ft Nevins motorsailer does occasional charters on the Bay as well as annual expeditions beyond the Golden Gate. Built as a private luxury yacht in 1947, her gleaming brightwork and period styling make her an eye-catching sight when she roars across the Bay at 12 knots.
• Carries up to 12 passengers.
• Berthed at Brisbane Marina.
• Available for special custom charters locally (including corporate), family charters and expeditions, as well as film and dive charters.
• (650) 952-4168; www.argosyventure.com

Bay Lady: At 90 feet in length, Bay Lady is the largest Coast Guard 'certified' traditional sailing vessel on the West Coast. Licensed to carry up to 80 passengers, she holds the second-largest capacity of any sailing charter vessel in the region. Bay Lady was built of steel in New England specifically for the charter trade. Her design combines modern strength and safety features with an old-time sail plan — she carries great clouds of sail on her traditional gaff rig. Guests are always invited to participate in sailing this great schooner.
• Certified for 80 passengers (most comfortable with about 70).
• Berthed at South Beach Harbor, San Francisco.
• Some scheduled sailings (individually ticketed), private group charters, offshore charters (such as to Monterey) and special events including corporate and baseball parties to McCovey Cove.
• (415) 543-7333; www.rendezvous-charters.com

Bay Wolf: This pedigreed Santa Cruz 50 ocean racer is a veteran of many Hawaii and Mexico races. With her new mast, rigging and other upgrades, she promises fast, exhilarating Bay sailing.
• Certified to carry up to 30 passengers, but focuses on groups up to 18.
• Pickups in San Francisco and Sausalito.
• Available for private group charters, corporate charters and special events. Passenger participation is welcomed.
• (650) 492-0681; www.sfbaysail.com

Cat Ballou: Originally a Caribbean charter yacht, this sweet-sailing Catana 42 catamaran joined the Bay Area charter fleet after owner Chuck Longanecker upgraded her substantially during an extensive refit. Chuck is a management consultant by trade, and specializes in teambuilding and private charters.
• Carries up to 12 passengers.
• Berthed at Schoonmaker Marina, Sausalito.
• Available for private group charters, special events and corporate charters, including teambuilding.
• (888) 566-8894; www.sanfranciscosailing.com

Chardonnay II: This sleek Santa Cruz 70 is one of the most popular charter vessels operating on Monterey Bay. She was custom built for fast sailing, yet with the comforts to accommodate up to 49 passengers. She offers a wide array of 'themed charters' such as wine tasting, sunset cruising, and corporate teambuilding.
• Carries up to 49 passengers.
• Berthed at Santa Cruz Harbor.
• Custom private charters, ash scattering, and corporate teambuilding.
• (831) 423-1213; www.chardonnay.com

Derek M. Baylis: Named after a famous Bay Area yachtsman, this distinctive 65-ft cat ketch was built specifically for conducting ocean research and marine education, and is operated by the nonprofit Sealife Conservation organization. Tom Wylie designed her to be an "environmentally friendly way to keep up with whales and other marine life without using an engine."
• USCG-licensed to carry 49 passengers on daysails or 12 passengers for overnights.
• Berthed in San Francisco and Monterey; pickups in Santa Cruz and elsewhere by special arrangement.
• Offers scheduled daytime 'critter cruises' and sunset 'wine and cheese' cruises with Monterey Bay Aquarium Thursday-Saturday throughout the summer. Also available for marine research, custom group charters, including corporate events. Learn about white shark research, San Andreas fault mapping, and plastics work from naturalists. Educational and naturalist service available at no additional cost.
• (831) 818-6112; www.sealifeconservation.org. For Monterey Bay Aquarium trips call (800) 756-3737.

Eros: This exquisite 103-ft schooner was built in the UK in 1939 for aristocracy. A museum-quality restoration of her was recently completed, making her one of the Bay Area's most eye-catching yachts.
• Carries up to 12 passengers.
• Berthed at Sugar Dock, Santa Fe Channel, Richmond.
• Available for private group charters, special events including weddings and corporate events, and for America’s Cup viewing this summer.
• (510) 232-4282; www.schoonereros.com

Freda B: The classic 80-ft gaff schooner Freda B was built of steel in '92 in Florida, and was bought several years ago by Paul Dines and Marina O'Neil to be the flagship of their company, S.F. Bay Adventures. Inspired by the traditional 1860s coastal schooners that worked up and down the West Coast, Freda B has excellent ocean stability. She is one of the largest-capacity crewed charter boats on the Bay.
• Carries up to 49 passengers.
• Berthed at Sausalito Yacht Harbor.
• Officially accredited for the America’s Cup races allowing priority viewing for guests. Crew will pair local California cuisine with Sonoma and Napa Valley wines, offering guests the ultimate epicurean event on the Bay! Available for private spectator charters, corporate team-building, Napa Valley Wine tastings, Angel Island BBQs, traditional lobster boils, local history and wildlife sails, and other private special events. ABC-licensed to sell beer and wine; PUC compliant; iPod compatible and flat screen TV.
• (415) 331-0444; www.sfbayadventures.com

Gas Light: Built in Sausalito by master shipwright and owner Billy Martinelli, this 72-ft schooner is a beautifully crafted modern example of an 1874 SF Bay scow schooner. Gas Light has a bright and comfortable 30’ x 18’ cabin with a 12’ mahogany salon table, plenty of on-deck seating, and offers an exceptionally stable sailing experience, heeling only a few degrees, even in a brisk wind. She offers a unique glimpse into San Francisco’s maritime history plus a hands-on experience for those eager to help raise sail.
• USCG certified for up to 49 passengers.
• Berthed at Schoonmaker Point Marina, Sausalito.
• Available for private group charters; special events, corporate outings and teambuilding, weddings, birthday parties and educational excursions on the Bay.
  • (415) 331-2769; www.gaslightcharters.com

Glory Days: This classic Morgan Out Island 51 is owned and operated by Pam Powers, one of the few professional female skippers in the local charter trade. Before going out on her own years ago with the purchase of Glory Days, Pam skippered many of the Bay's biggest charter vessels. When Morgan Yachts first began producing the Out Island line in the late '60s, these comfy boats quickly became popular with both cruisers and charter companies — especially the 51-ft version, like Glory Days.
• Certified for 42 passengers — probably the only O/I 51 that is.
• Berthed Pelican Harbor, Sausalito.
• Available for corporate events, private charters, weddings, ash scatterings, teambuilding, and Angel Island BBQ sails. Occasional scheduled sails (individually ticketed) such as Friday night sunset sails and full moon cruises (see website for schedule).
• (800) 849-9256 or (415) 331-2919; www.sailsfbay.com

Nehemiah: Among the things that make this classic wooden ketch unique in the Bay's charter fleet is the fact that she has circumnavigated — twice — under previous owners. Her current use is also unique, however. Capt. Rod Phillips and his wife, 'Admiral' Joni, enjoy doing Bay charters for the general public, which finance their true passion, youth sail training — particularly for 'at-risk' youth. Solidly built and traditionally rigged, she is an ideal platform for hands-on training, as well as pleasure sailing. A lifelong mariner, Rod also captains SF Bay ferries.
• Carries up to 33 passengers.
• Berthed at Richmond's Marina Bay.
• Available for youth sail training, scheduled sails (individually ticketed) and private charters.
• (510) 234-5054; www.sailingacross.com

Osprey: This sleek Gulfstar 50 ketch was built for cruising in comfort. Passengers can spread out on her ample deck to take in the sights, stay high and dry in the center cockpit or enjoy the large salon below. Participation in the sailing is encouraged. On deck Osprey has many comfortable places to sit, perhaps with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or frosty microbrew in hand. Extensive upgrades since 2011 aquisition.
• Carries up to 25 passengers, but focuses on groups up to 18.
• Berthed at Jack London Square, Oakland.
• Available for corporate team-building, birthdays, anniversaries, and ash-scattering charters.
  • (650) 492-0681; www.sfbaysail.com 

Privateer: This Islander Freeport 41 cutter has teak decks, finely varnished trim and many bronze fittings. Come see her mysterious stained glass.
• Certified for 28 passengers.
• Berthed at San Francisco's Pier 39.
• Specializes in scheduled 90-minute and 2-hour Bay sails (individually ticketed). Also available for private charters for all events and occasions. Will be sailing during every AC34 race day.
• (415) 378-4887; www.sailsf.com

Ruby: At 64 feet in length, this double-ended steel sloop has been a familiar sight on the Bay for as long as we can remember. In fact, Ruby has been chartering longer than any other boat on the Bay — 28 consecutive years. She's also become a landmark at her San Francisco Boat Works homeport, adjacent to The Ramp restaurant. Owner/skipper Josh Pryor designed and built her himself back in the '70s with thoughts of long-distance cruising, but once he started chartering her, he discovered that both he and she were well suited to the business. In addition to scheduled sailings, she does a variety of special charters.
• Carries up to 31 passengers.
• Berthed at The Ramp restaurant, foot of Mariposa St., San Francisco.
• Available for lunch and evening sails daily (individually ticketed), private group charters, and special events including corporate functions and ash scatterings.
• (415) 861-2165; www.rubysailing.com

Santa Maria: Interestingly, this Islander Freeport 41 ketch was built for Wile E. Coyote cartoonist Chuck Jones. A complete refit was done on her in 2006, with a wall-to-wall teak interior.
• Certified for 36 passengers.
• Berthed at Pier 39.
• Offers private charter for all occasions, also match racing with the Privateer for team-building events. These are the only two identical inspected vessels on the Bay. 
• (415) 378-4887; www.sailsf.com

Seaward: Originally based in Boston, this 82-ft staysail schooner has a different focus from most others. During the spring, summer and fall her primary function is running hands-on sail training for Bay Area youngsters, which is partially funded by adult sail training and private charters. When winter approaches, she heads for the sunny latitudes of Mexico, where she offers a series of programs that combine education in traditional seamanship, study of the marine environment, and fun in the sun. She is owned and operated by the nonprofit organization Call of the Sea.
• Carries up to 40 passengers on day trips; 15 for overnights.
• Berthed at Sausalito.
• Available for youth and adult sail training, day sails, scheduled (individually ticketed) sails, overnights to Drake's Bay and the Farallones, private group charters and corporate events, plus 'adventure sailing' in Mexico during the winter.
• (415) 331-3214; www.callofthesea.org

Tahoe Cruz: This beautiful custom Santa Cruz 50 sails daily out of the Tahoe City Marina from May through October. Captains Jim Courcier and Mike Pavel are accomplished racers and cruisers who love sharing the joy of sailing the pristine waters of scenic Lake Tahoe. Prevailing SW afternoon breezes averaging 10-15 knots make for ideal sailing conditions.
• Certified for up to 25 passengers.
• Specializes in affordable and scenic 2-hour cruises with complimentary refreshments. Also available for private parties, company charters and Emerald Bay luncheon sails.
• Daily departures from Tahoe City Marina (home of Tahoe YC).
• (530) 583-6200; www.TahoeSail.com

Team O'Neill: As her operators like to say, "For an Extraordinary Santa Cruz Adventure, just add water!" Promising a unique and specialized sailing adventure on Monterey Bay, this 65-footer gives you a true appreciation for big catamaran sailing. Her length and 28-ft beam provide an exceptionally smooth and stable ride, with plenty of deck space to move around freely. Her full galley can accommodate catered sails, or guests may choose to bring along picnic-style meals. Ideally suited for family and friends or groups.
• Carries up to 49 passengers.
• Berthed at Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor.
• Available for private group charters and now offering public 1-hour daysails on Saturdays during the summer.
• (831) 475-1561; www.oneillyachtcharters.com

USA 76: 84-ft America's Cup IACC race yacht from the stables of Oracle Racing. Launched in 2002, she competed in the 2003 Louis Vuitton Cup in New Zealand.
• Carries up to 20 passengers.
• Berthed at Pier 39 in San Francisco.
• Available for ticketed sails and custom charters.
• (855) ACSF-2013 (855-227-3201); www.acsailingsf.com

Woodwind II: At 55-ft, she's the largest sailing charter boat on Lake Tahoe. But rather than boast about that, her owners like to say she's "the world's highest catamaran." She carries 1,500 square feet of sail and is capable of blasting across the lake at 20 knots. With her full bar, sun deck, two underwater observation windows, and seating for 36 in her fully enclosed main salon, she offers plenty of creature comforts and a ride that's smooth enough for Great Grandma, even at top speeds.
• Carries up to 50 passengers.
• Berthed at Zephyr Cove Marina, NV.
• Available for daily public sails (individually ticketed) from early April through October, plus private charters year-round for weddings, receptions, corporate functions and other special events. Complimentary shuttle service from the Stateline area casinos.
• (888) 867-6394 or (775) 588-1881; www.tahoecruises.com

Yukon Jack: Although a remarkable amount of 'big boat' racing takes place on the Bay each year, only a minuscule portion of the sailing community ever gets to ride on those sleek, go-fast machines. But if you'd like to check out the adrenal thrill of blasting across the Bay on an ultralight, this proven Santa Cruz 50 is the boat for you. A former ocean racer, she once sailed from San Francisco to Tahiti in an impressive 19 days.
• Carries up to 25 passengers.
• Berthed at South Beach Harbor, San Francisco.
• Race charters (including offshore), private group charters, and special events including corporate.
• (415) 543-7333; www.rendezvous-charters.com

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 and speedy, Apparition was custom built in Sausalito with small-group chartering in mind. Captain Stan Schilz loves to introduce guests to the ease and comfort of multihull sailing by letting them take the helm. One of the few crewed charter yachts that does overnights, this 38-footer has two double cabins and a full galley. If you're planning to bareboat a cat soon, spending some time aboard Apparition would be good preparation.
• Carries up to 6 passengers for private charters. Can also be bareboated by special arrangement with up to 12 passengers.
• Berthed at Schoonmaker Marina, Sausalito.
• Available for private group charters, special events, multihull sailing instruction, and trips up the Delta or the Petaluma or Napa rivers.
• (415) 331-8730; www.sailapparition.com

Bolgeskrekk: This carefully maintained Irwin Citation 34 is a stiff and comfortable boat, well suited to Bay sailing conditions. On blustery days she often does better than 7 knots, thus outperforming many other sailboats of her size. Her spacious cockpit is roomy enough to easily accommodate six passengers, and her teak interior is a delightful space for lounging and relaxing. Captain Bob has 20 years of experience sailing the Bay and he loves to share his knowledge of local geography and historical spots.
• 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

Caprice: This lovely Seawind 1160 was purchased new in Australia in '07, after which owners Dan and Carol Seifers spent most of '08 delivering her back to the Bay. Dan holds a USCG Master's license and is also an ASA sailing instructor qualified to instruct on both catamarans and monohulls. He and Carol would be pleased to introduce you to the joy of flat, dry catamaran sailing aboard Caprice. Her spacious salon offers a 360° view, while riding her trampoline offers thrill-a-minute exhilaration. Hands-on participation is encouraged.
• Carries up to 6 passengers (capacity increase soon pending USCG approval).
• Berthed at Brickyard Cove Marina, Pt. Richmond.
• Available for private charters, sailing instruction, special events, intimate weddings, corporate team building, preparation for bareboat catamaran charters and private celebrations of life with ash scattering.
• (510) 232-5820; www.sailingcaprice.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 including Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary tours, private charters, accredited instruction, and "team-building challenges" for corporations.
• (831) 375-0648; www.sailmontereybay.com

Evening Star: This fastidiously restored C&C Concours 43 is the 'dream boat' of 30-year charter skipper Mark Sange (aka Capt. Marco). He had been looking for a stiff, high-performance boat that was well balanced and responsive. And to hear him tell it, Evening Star fills the bill perfectly. Having skippered big luxury charter yachts in the Med for a decade, Mark knows a thing or two about putting excitement back in his clients' lives. "I like to introduce them to the therapeutic effect of bashing to windward in 20 knots of breeze with the lee rail buried."
• Carries up to 6 passengers.
• Berthed at Sausalito Yacht Harbor.
• Available for all types of private charters, including corporate and special events; specializes in instructional 'performance sailing' charters.
• (415) 868-2940; (415) 987-1942; www.captainmarco.com or alternately, www.sailingsf.com

Excalibur: This Sabre 30 is in great shape and is perfectly suited to the Bay conditions. She's available for charters and sailing lessons. She's owned and operated by Jonathan Ganz, who has been sailing on the Bay since the '80s and loves to introduce people to the world of sailing. His USCG license allows him to take guests offshore if they so desire. He's also a certified US Sailing and ASA instructor.
• Carries up to 6 passengers.
• Berthed at Pt. Richmond.
• Available for all types of charters, including teambuilding events, relaxed day charters, day and nighttime sailing lessons, and various workshops, such as COB practice and motoring skills.
• (415) 754-3801; www.sailnow.com

Fansea: Captain Paul Adams sails the Bay and beyond on his modern Catalina 34 MkII. 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; email: www.sailsausalito.com

Flying Tiger: This sleek former racing yacht was originally designed to race in the SORC. She was later fitted out for comfortable cruising and explored both Mexico and Alaska. Kirk Miller (a.k.a. Capt. Kirk) gave up a successful career in the energy business to pursue his dream of chartering on the Bay aboard Flying Tiger. She is ideally suited to charters with those who enjoy high-performance sailing — it doesn't take much to convince Kirk to put up the chute on the downwind run past the Cityfront. She has recently undergone an extensive refit.
• Carries up to 6 passengers.
• Based at Sausalito.
• Available for private group charters, corporate charters and special events. Passenger participation is welcomed.
• (650) 492-0681; www.sfbaysail.com

Gentle Storm II: Rick Niles bought this lovely Catalina 42 new in 2004. Since then she's been active in local PHRF racing and chartering, in addition to cruising Mexico.
• Carries 6 passengers.
• Berthed at Clipper Yacht Harbor, Sausalito.
• Available for custom skippered day trips on San Francisco Bay, team-building, ash scattering and America’s Cup viewing.
• (707) 539-6738 or (707) 235-6295; www.gscharters.com

Hasty Heart: One of the largest and most elegant boats on the Bay, this immaculately kept yacht was the longtime pride and joy of a S.F. bon vivant, and has only recently joined the charter fleet.
• Carries up to 6 passengers (bareboat with 12).
• Based at Clipper II in Sausalito. Plenty of free parking.
• Available for all types of charters including corporate, photo shoots, weddings, and other special events.
• (415) 690-7245; www.sailhastyheart.com

Iolani: This gorgeous Sparkman & Stephens-designed Hughes 48 yawl was built in Toronto in 1970. She is one of only 20 of this design by the famous designers of many America's Cup contenders and premier ocean racing sailboats, such as the iconic DoradeIolani has been racing and sailing SF Bay regularly since 2008.
• Carries up to 6 passengers. 
• Berthed at Libertyship Marina, Sausalito.
• Available for all types of daysails with gourmet food. "We can tailor the sail to your choice of relaxing and mellow or adventurous and exciting, or a combination!"
• (415) 488-1066; .

Karisma: This sweet-sailing Catalina 470 is the queen of the Lighthall Yacht Charters all-Catalina fleet. Her roomy cockpit and nicely appointed interior make her ideal for either daysails or overnights. Primarily run as a crewed yacht by longtime Santa Cruz sailors Krista and Scott Lighthall, she can also be bareboated by special arrangement. Catalina 42s and 34s are also in the Lighthall fleet.
• 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 comfortable Cascade 42 ketch is a proven bluewater vessel with a colorful sailing history. Originally intended to be a sailing fishing vessel, she later came to be part of SF Bay’s Peace Navy, and eventually made her way to Panama and back several times before her current owners bought her. 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 is 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 

MagnifiCat: This Prout 38 cat is owned and operated by Jim Keenan's company Skippered by Veterans. After Jim retired IBM, he and Maria cruised both the U.S. East and West Coasts for three years before dropping the hook in the Bay Area. As a former U.S. Army Infantry Airbone Ranger Officer, Jim has a passion for helping returning vets find jobs with help entering a new career by becoming USCG captains in his charter business. Skippered by Veterans has a comprehensive support program to help vets pass the USCG Captain's license, achieve the sea time requirements and then be hired by his company to skipper charters.
• Carries up to 6 passengers (can be bareboated with 12 by special arrangement).
• Berthed at Emery Cove Marina, but will pick up elsewhere.
• Available for corporate events, private charters, ticketed cruises, sunset/full moon, sightseeing tours, weddings and showers, Giants games, Bay events, holidays and teambuilding.
• (415) 889-0428; http://keenanjh.ipage.com

Magnum: 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 Sausalito.
• Available for private group charters, sunset sails, and corporate events. This boat can be bareboated to well-qualified sailors.
• (415) 332-0800; www.yachtcharter.com

Next Adventure: This Beneteau 423 design was named Boat of the Year by Cruising World in 2006. She is elegant, roomy, fast, well appointed and extremely comfortable. She’s a three-time Newport to Ensenada Race vet, now sailing waters of the bay, California coast, and occasional trips down to Channel Islands. Capt. Brad has more than 30 years of sailing experience, and brings a wealth of expertise, local knowledge, and humor for a fun, safe, sailing experience.
• Carries up to 6 guests.
• Berthed in Berkeley Marina.
• Available for private groups, corporate charters, special events: weddings, birthdays, bachelor(ette) parties, memorial services, and photo shoots. Also Americas Cup 334 viewing.
• (925) 984-9697

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 and sail trips and more.
• (510) 535-1954; www.afterguard.net

Pegasus: For the past 18 years, this beautiful 1972 John Alden 51-ft ketch has specialized in taking school groups and at-risk youth out on the Bay (at no charge to schools or parents). In order 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, and special events including weddings and ash scatterings, in addition to special youth sails. Passenger participation is welcomed.
• (510) 717-4439; www.pegasusvoyages.org

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 MkII through a wide variety of charter offerings, including lessons.
• Carries up to 6 passengers.
• Berthed at Alameda.
• Available for private group charters, sailing lessons, teambuilding, memorial services, and overnights to Drake's Bay or Half Moon Bay.
• (415) 302-0101; www.charterperseverance.com

Sensei: Create your own tales of adventure on San Francisco Bay in comfort and informal elegance.This 44-ft center-cockpit Norseman 447, built to the highest standards, is an ideal yacht for a tour of the Bay. Guest participation is welcome. Or sit back, relax and enjoy the sea breeze, fabulous views, and gourmet dining. New live sports monitor on aft deck so you won't miss a thing experiencing the AC races on the water while watching a live racing sports feed.
• Carries up to 6 passengers.
• Based at Marina Bay, Richmond.
• Available for private or shared charters, sunset cruises, corporate charters, and sailing lessons. Menu selections to suit your event.
• (415) 886-7245 (SAIL); www.GotSailing.com

— latitude/andy

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This story was reprinted from the the April 2013 issue of Latitude 38. To order a copy (complete with color photos), use the subscription order form, and specify the 4/13 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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