Skip to content

Directory of San Francisco Bay Area Sailboat Charters

There are dozens of Bay Area sailing companies offering ways for anyone to go sailing on San Francisco Bay. Different options are listed in the three tabs below. These options include sailing charters with or without a skipper, individual sailboat rides or group charters for up to 92 people. The three tabs are broken down as:

  • Multipassenger Vessels for groups larger than six or individuals looking to for a sail as a passenger
  • '6-Pack' Charters for skippered charters for six or less people
  • Bareboat charters for people with sailing skills who want to captain a boat for a day or longer

San Francisco Bay is world-renowned as a spectacular sailing mecca and, in the tabs below, you'll find the best possible way for you and friends to enjoy sailing the Bay.

You can learn more in the story linked to your right.

Multi-Passenger Vessels

When you see big crewed charter yachts breezing across the Bay, do you ever wonder what sort of people pay to sail on them? You may be surprised to learn that some charter guests are accomplished sailors who own their own boats.

When occasions arise that require a passenger capacity or special amenities that your own boat just can't provide, you'll be relieved to know that the Greater Bay Area charter fleet contains a vast collection of boat types to meet the needs of almost any special occasion.

A few examples are: wedding ceremonies or receptions, family reunion sails, corporate teambuilding events, milestone birthday parties, retirement parties, divorce celebrations, you name it. As you'll see in the following listings of large-capacity vessels there's a great variety of boat types to choose from, including traditionally rigged schooners, modern former race boats and flat-sailing catamarans. All are accessible to folks of all ages with no sailing skills required whatsoever, as their charter prices include the services of professional crew. That said, participation in some of the sailing chores is often encouraged.

Bay Area charter boats 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. 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: Consistently rated as a top way to tour S.F., our 55-ft catamaran was built specifically for chartering on S.F. Bay. Half indoor/half outdoor: guests can ride on the open-air trampoline over the water, or within the sheltered salon enjoying the views and a drink.
• Carries up to 47 passengers.
• Berthed at Pier 39, Dock J, in San Francisco.
Available for ticketed daily sails + private events - including corporate teams, weddings, family outings and more!
• (415) 777-1630 or (800) 498-4228; www.adventurecat.com

Adventure Cat 2: Our 65-ft cat, like her older sister (above), is fast and fun, but can carry twice as many passengers. Fast, Fun and Flat….catamarans are the optimal way to see S.F. Check out the reviews online, and come join us for a cruise today!
• Carries up to 90 passengers.
• Berthed at Pier 39, Dock J, in San Francisco.
Available for ticketed daily sails + private events - including corporate teams, weddings, family outings and more!
• (415) 777-1630 or (800) 498-4228; www.adventurecat.com

ArgosyArgosy Venture:  This 101-ft Nevins motorsailer also offers expeditions beyond the Golden Gate. Built as a private luxury yacht in 1947, her brightwork and period styling are 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.
• (415) 952-4168; www.argosyventure.com

Bay Lady: At 90 feet in length, she is the largest Coast Guard 'certified' traditional sailing vessel on the West Coast. Built of steel for chartering, her design combines modern strength and safety features with an old-time sail plan. Guests are invited to participate in sailing this great schooner. Driving a 75-ton topsail schooner is something to experience!
• Certified for 90 passengers (most comfortable with about 75-80).
• Berthed at South Beach Harbor, San Francisco (next to AT&T Ballpark).
• Angel Island BBQs, corporate team building, offsites & outdoor meetings, private groups, weddings, celebrations, baseball parties to McCovey Cove, some scheduled sailings (individually ticketed Special Events, 4th of July, Fleet Week, etc).
• (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.  She is a favorite with veteran sailors and newcomers as well.
• Certified to carry up to 24 passengers, but focuses on groups up to 16.
• She is berthed in Sausalito but can pick up in San Francisco.
• Available for private group charters, teambuilding, lessons, corporate charters, ash scattering or special events. Passenger participation highly encouraged.
• (650) 930-0740; www.sfbaysail.com

Brigantine Matthew Turner: Owned by the nonprofit Call of the Sea. She sails during spring, summer and fall, with winter charters and individual berths available in Mexico. This newly constructed 132-ft wooden brigantine’s primary function is Marine Environmental Education for students of all ages. We offer programs combining education, seamanship, marine environmental studies, and fun in the sun.
• Carries up to 70 passengers on day trips; 24 for overnights.
• Berthed at the Bay Model Pier in Sausalito. Free parking.
• Available for youth educational day sails, scheduled (individually ticketed) public sails, overnights to Drakes Bay and the Farallones, private group charters, corporate events, and 'adventure sailing' in Mexico during the winter.
• (415) 331-3214; www.callofthesea.org

Cat Ballou: Originally a Caribbean charter yacht, this is a sweet-sailing Catana 42 catamaran. Chuck is a management consultant by trade, and specializes in teambuilding and private charters.
• Carries up to 12 passengers.
• Berthed in San Rafael, and chartered out of Loch Lomond and South Beach marinas.
• Available for private group charters, special events and corporate charters, including teambuilding.
• (855) 724-5736; www.sanfranciscosailing.com

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

Chardonnay III holds up to 38 passengers and is located at Breakwater Cove in Monterey. Chardonnay III offers everything that Chardonnay II offers.

club NautiqueClub Nautique: Offering a wide range of sail and power yachts, including sailboats that range from 26'-52' and 30'-43' power cruisers.
Vessels available equipped and insured for offshore charters and cruises.
• Corporate Charters to help your organization heighten enthusiasm, forge successful teamwork and increase productivity.
• Custom private charters, ash scattering, wine tasting, sunset cruising, corporate team building.
• https://boats.network/clubnautique

Derek M. Baylis: With a large rear deck and yacht-like living quarters, this 65-ft wishbone ketch provides a safe, comfortable, fast, and environment-friendly platform for fun corporate, recreational and educational cruises.
• Carries up to 35 passengers for day charters or 12 passengers for overnights.
• Berthed at Marina Bay in Richmond, CA.
• Available for day sails such as teambuilding and corporate events, individually ticketed celebrations, private parties, and marine education sails. Highly suitable for ocean charter and scientific voyages.
• (415) 580-0335; www.wyliecharters.com

Freda B: 80-ft Luxury gaff-rigged topsail schooner built along the lines of traditional coastal schooners from the mid-1800's. Her deep draft makes for a very comfortable sail on San Francisco Bay. Restored in Bristol fashion, with the creature comforts of a fine yacht: knowledgeable crew, flat screen TV, iPod compatible, excellent catering paired with Sonoma and Napa Valley wines.
• Carries up to 49 passengers.
• Berthed: Sausalito Yacht Harbor.
• Available for private day charters including: teambuilding, weddings/elopements, memorials, birthdays, Angel Island lobster boils and BBQs, and custom special events. Individually ticketed sails available weekly February-November.
• (415) 331-0444; schoonerfredab.com

Gas Light: This 72-ft schooner is a modern example of an 1874 S.F. Bay scow schooner. Exceptionally stable and comfortable, she boasts an 18-ft x 30-ft cabin and plenty of seating both above and belowdecks.
• USCG certified for up to 49 passengers.
• Berthed: Richmond Marina, pick up in South Beach (San Francisco) and Sausalito too.
• Available for private day sails, special events, corporate outings and teambuilding.
• (415) 405-5279; www.baylightscharters.com

Glory Days is a Morgan Out Island 51 staysail ketch. This luxury yacht is comfortable, fun and a great boat in the high winds of San Francisco Bay.
• Carries up to 42 passengers.
• Berthed at Pelican Harbor.
• Available for corporate teambuilding and private day sails, special events, individually ticketed scheduled sails, BBQ cruises to Angel Island, weddings and memorial ash scatterings.
• (800) 849-9256 or (415) 336-0392; www.sailsfbay.com

Just Dreaming: Rich deep teak and mahogany Gatsby-era yacht. Experience elegance from another era. Three staterooms, two heads (one with shower), full galley, and a luxurious main salon. Forward and aft decks allow plenty of space for socializing.
• Certified for 42 passengers and a crew.
• South Beach Harbor, San Francisco.
• Available for ball park parties, birthdays, Bay cruises, weddings, rehearsal dinners, bachelor(ette) parties, networking events, reunions, holiday corporate events, dinners, ash scatterings, dolphin/whale watching, backwater California vacations, singles events.
• (888) SFO-BOAT or (415) 678-0707; www.justdreamingyacht.com

Journey: The third of three Inspected Coast Guard Certified Islander Freeport 41's this boat has sailed the delta and the SF Bay for decades and is now ready to take you out on the Bay for an unforgettable memory.
• Certified for 36 passengers.
• Berthed at Pier 39.
• Daily 90-minute and 2-hour Bay sails (drinks included) and available for private charters, birthday parties, corporate events, team building and any occasion. Book an Angel Island BBQ or a multi-boat regatta with sister ships Privateer and Santa Maria for 28, 36, and up to 100 passengers.
• (415) 378-4887; www.sailsf.com

Nehemiah: This classic wooden ketch has circumnavigated twice, under previous owners. Solidly built and traditionally rigged, she is an ideal platform for pleasure sailing, as well as hands-on training, including “at-risk” youth sail training, the captain’s true passion.
• Carries up to 29 passengers.
• Berthed at D Dock, Richmond, Marina Bay, 2600 Spinnaker Way.
• Available for youth sail training, scheduled sails (individually ticketed) and private charters.
• (510) 234-5054; www.sailingacross.com

Osprey: Gulfstar 50 ketch built for ocean cruising but a perfect boat for the bay. Passengers enjoy ample deck space for sightseeing, stay high and dry in the center cockpit or enjoy the large salon. Luxury sailing.
• Certified for up to 24 passengers, but focuses on groups up to 16.
• Berthed at Jack London Square, Oakland and can pick up in San Francisco.
• Available for corporate teambuilding, birthdays, anniversaries, lessons and ash scattering charters. Passenger participation highly encouraged.
• (650) 930-0740; www.sfbaysail.com

Passage Nautical: Add some luxury to your fun! Experience the thrill of sailing the San Francisco Bay on one of our beautiful Beneteau sailing or power yachts or Lagoon catamarans. Whether you are an explorer at heart or are passionate about sailing - we create experiences that everyone can enjoy. Book your special event, bring your favorite food and beverages, and create lasting memories for years to come. Adventure awaits you on the San Francisco Bay.
• Carries up to 12 guests
• Departures available from Jack London Square Oakland or San Francisco
• Available for private groups, special occasions, and corporate events.
• (415) 272-4130, (510) 236-2633; passagenautical.com/boat-rentals

Privateer: The first of three Coast Guard Certified Islander Freeport 41 cutter's in our fleet Privateer 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.
• Daily 90-minute and 2-hour Bay sails (drinks included)  and available for private charters, birthday parties, corporate events, team building and any occasion.  Book an Angel Island BBQ or a  multi-boat regatta with sister ships Santa Maria and Journey for up 64 or 100 passengers.
• (415) 378-4887; www.sailsf.com

Ruby: She started chartering in 1981 and proved her seaworthiness the next year by winning the Doublehanded Farallones Race. A veteran of cruises to Mexico, the Channel Islands and Delta, her skipper and crew have lots of party experience.
• 28 passengers.
• Berthed at The Ramp Café, SF.
• Private parties and public sails.
• (415) 272-0631; www.rubysailing.com

Santa Maria: The second of three Coast Guard Certified Islander Freeport 41 ketches in our fleet was built for Wile E. Coyote & Road Runner cartoonist Chuck Jones. A complete refit was done on her in 2006, with a wall-to-wall teak interior and original drawing of the Road Runner still hanging in the boat.
• Certified for 36 passengers.
• Berthed at Pier 39.
• Daily 90-minute and 2-hour Bay sails (drinks included) and available for private charters, birthday parties, corporate events, team building and any occasion. Book an Angel Island BBQ or a multi-boat regatta with sister ships Privateer and Journey for 28, 36, and up to 100 passengers.
• (415) 378-4887; www.sailsf.com

ShoonerSeawardSchooner Seaward: Owned by the nonprofit Call of the Sea. She sails during spring, summer and fall, with winter charters and individual berths available in Mexico. This lovely 82-ft staysail schooner’s primary function is Marine Environmental Education for students of all ages. We offer programs combining education, seamanship, marine environmental studies, and fun in the sun.
• Carries up to 40 passengers on day trips; 12 for overnights.
• Berthed at the Bay Model Pier in Sausalito. Free parking.
• Available for youth educational day sails, scheduled (individually ticketed) public sails, overnights to Drakes Bay and the Farallones, private group charters, corporate events, and 'adventure sailing' in Mexico during the winter.
• (415) 331-3214; www.callofthesea.org

Tahoe Cruz: This Santa Cruz 50 sails daily out of the Tahoe City Marina with Tahoe Sailing Charters, with captains Mike and Tyler, from May to October. Prevailing SW afternoon breezes make for ideal sailing conditions.
• Certified for up to 30 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

Tahoe Dreamer: Enjoy a private charter aboard this 36ft. power catamaran. Cruising daily on three-hour tours of Emerald Bay from Tahoe City. Complimentary beer, wine, snacks and appetizers served on all charters.
• Certified for up to 12 passengers.
• Specializes in private scenic two-hour afternoon and sunset cruises and three-hour Emerald Bay charters. Available for private groups and company charters.
• Daily departures from the Tahoe City Marina, North Lake Tahoe
• (530) 583-6200; www.TahoeSail.com

Team O'Neill: O'Neill Yacht Charters' brand-new, custom-built Morrelli & Melvin 65' catamaran is the ideal venue to experience the beauty and thrill of Monterey Bay for novices and seasoned sailors alike.
• Carries up to 75 passengers.
• Berthed at Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor.
• Public 1-hour, 1.5-hour and special event sails run April to October. Private charters available year-round. Afternoon and sunset sails, Local wine and beer tastings, and whale watching.
• (831) 818-3645; www.oneillyachtcharters.com

USA 76: 84-ft America's Cup IACC yacht that raced in the 2003 Louis Vuitton Cup in NZ. America’s Cup champion Brad Webb brought her to the Bay to share the thrills of pro racing in a rare, participatory experience.
• Carries up to 20 passengers.
• Berthed at Pier 39 in San Francisco.
• Available for 2.5-hour ticketed sails and custom private events.
• (415) 990-9992, (619) 630-6383; www.acsailingsf.com

Yukon Jack: Check out the adrenal thrill of blasting across the Bay on this ultralight Santa Cruz 50. A former ocean racer, she once sailed from San Francisco to Tahiti in an impressive 19 days, and still holds the race record.
• Carries up to 25 passengers (most comfortable with 20 or fewer).
• Berthed at South Beach Harbor, San Francisco.
• Corporate offsites and our most popular Angel Island BBQ, Private group charters, weddings, celebrations.
• (415) 543-7333; rendezvouscharters.com/charter/sailing-yacht/yukon-jack

Six-Passenger Crewed Yachts
Bareboats/Schools/Clubs