What to expect on an Individually Ticketed Cruise

An Individually Ticketed Cruise is one of our Brunch Cruises, Sunset Cruises and an Afternoon Sail.

A passenger can expect approximately one and a half to two hours of sailing time on all of our cruises.  Typically, a charter boat will motor past the Bay Bridge before setting its sails.  Typically, what we do is motor out of the harbor until we are just North of the Bay Bridge.  Here we will set our sails and sail north along the city front towards Angel Island.  Tides and currents determine the actual sail plan, but we always get you right into the center tof the Bay so you can see all the major sites, like Alcatraz, Coit Tower, Sausalito, Golden Gate Bridge, etc.

The sails will be set on all our cruises but may or may not power the boat.  Remember, the warmer the day is in San Francisco, the less wind there usually is.  This can greatly limit the sailing ability of a boat.  But, even if the winds are light, the sails will probably be raised while the boat is powered by the motor.  A two-hour cruise is just about enough time to get into the center of the Bay and turn around to come back.  If you would like to see more of the Bay, a private charter may be your best bet.  

A cash bar is on board all of our ITCs.  Drinks are available throughout the duration of the cruise.  The food portion of the program is usally a basket of peanuts, Chex mix and pretzels.  Food is required when serving alcohol under California State Law.  The Brunch Cruise is the only exception to the usual food program.  The Brunch Cruise includes an on-board buffet.  

What is Sailing Like?  Will the boat move a lot?  Will we get wet?

tIn general, the sailing conditions of San Francisco Bay are pleasant since we are protected from Ocean Waters.  Once in the "Gate" (the area where winds from the ocean blow through the Golden Gate Bridge) sailing can be exciting and a little more choppy than other places on the Bay.  This kind of sailing may cause some spray to come over the side of the boat and the boat will move a lot more.  The water in San Francisco Bay ranges in temperature from 50 to 60 degrees year round.  As a result, winds are always cool, even when it is warm and sunny out.  We recommend bringing a blanket and extra layers of clothes.  The weather can be unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared.

STEP BACK IN TIME to a day when tall ships came and went as quickly as the tide.  Come aboard the classic 90' topsail schooner Bay Lade for a sailing cruise on the San Francisco Bay!