San Francisco Sailing

Frequently Asked Questions about Sailing San Francisco Bay - FAQ

1) Do all of the Bay AreA Sailing trips provide food and drink? If so, what is the menu?

All trips include food and drink. We eat very well on Flying Tiger.

I will typically go to Trader Joes or Mollie Stones market and buy lots of good food and drinks. A typical trip will include: ham, turkey, salami, cheese, sourdough bread, sliced fruit, lots of good chocolates, potato chips, wine, beer, juices, water and sodas. We never run out of food! Vegetarian food can be provided.   If you have any special food requests, then please let me know.

2) Are the prices listed per person or for the whole boat?

The prices listed are for the whole boat. You can bring from 1-6 passengers. All of the trips are private charters – no need to spend your time with a bunch of strangers.

3) Do you provide hotel pick up or do passengers meet at the dock?

Usually we meet at the boat in Sausalito. There is plenty of easy, free parking next to the dock. If you are staying at a hotel in Sausalito, I can arrange to pick you up.

4) Are children allowed on all tours?

Yes, children are allowed on all trips. If you have children under 4 years old, then call me and we can discuss. Sailing with kids under 4 can be stressful for the parents. I have two children of my own and lots of experience with kids on the boat – call me and we can discuss.

Children 5 years old and older are fine if there is at least a 1-1 adult/kid ratio and if the kids listen well to instructions (safety instructions are important). I enjoy teaching kids and teenagers how to sail.

5) Are drinks available? Soda, bottled water, etc? Are they included?

Yes, lots of various drinks are available and they are included. If there is something special that you want, please let me know.

6) May food/drinks be brought onboard?

Yes, feel free to bring your own food if you wish. We have cups, plates, cutlery and napkins. So no need to bring anything else.

7) What do passengers do besides sightsee?

I encourage people to help steer the boat and work the sails.  People can do as much or as little as they like. I enjoy teaching people how to sail and I will hand you the helm for as much time as you like.  Sailing San Francisco Bay is a fun adventure.

8) Is there any narration provided?

I have been sailing San Francisco Bay for over 20 years and know lots of the nautical information, history and interesting sights.  I can talk as much or little as people like. We will often be discussing the currents, the wind, the sights on the shore, the different boats, the Golden Gate Bridge, the animals and birds we see, etc.  There are a great deal of interesting sights on a Bay Area sailing trip.  I enjoy talking about sailing on San Francisco Bay and the history of the Bay.  Each trip we see something different.

9) Do you have a set itinerary or schedule for the San francisco Sailing Trips?

Every trip is different. The route that we take is totally flexible. Sailing from Sausalito leaves open many routes.

There is a general counter-clockwise route that is often followed. This route often includes the following for a typical 4 hour trip:

• Leaving Sausalito and sailing along the Sausalito waterfront for an up-close view.

• Sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge for an awesome view of the Pacific Ocean and the Marin headlands.

• Spending time sailing out past the Golden Gate Bridge (depends upon the weather and currents).

• Sail back under the Golden Gate Bridge, cruising along the Presidio, Crissy Field, Aquatic Park, Fort Mason, Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39.  See the Liberty Ship Jeremiah O'Brian.

• Continue along the waterfront past the financial district and under the Bay Bridge, approaching PacBell park by water close enough to cheer with the crowd and hope for water-bound home run.

• Then sail back up under the Bay Bridge to Alcatraz Island, where we get a very close for your own Alcatraz tour.

• Sail past Angel Island, and then back to the docks in Sausalito.

Sailing San Francisco Bay can also include loops around Angel Island and picnics at Angel Island. We have dropped people off at Pac Bell Park before the Giants game, sailed up in the North Bay to see the Brothers Lighthouse, sailed the South Bay to see the ships in drydock, sailed out past the Bonita lighthouse or cruised the Alameda estuary to view the Port of Oakland.

Every trip is different depending upon the winds, currents, time of day, wildlife, location of other boats and the desires of the clients. Your own private yacht with a captain. You get to choose the route.

10) Is there an enclosed cabin where people can sit inside?

Yes, there is an enclosed cabin with a small sitting area and a head (bathroom). There is also a custom canvas dodger outside that keeps people dry and warm while in the cockpit. Most of the sailing time is spent up on deck or in the cockpit. The cockpit or the deck are the best places to see the views and experience the sailing adventure.

11) What if the weather is bad?

Sailing San Francisco Bay in the spring, summer and fall provides many excellent sailing days.  Rain in the summer and fall is very rare.  On windy days there are places with plenty of wind or places with less wind – we get to choose. On foggy days there are parts of the bay that are fog-free.  Sausalito is the perfect starting place for a Bay Area sailing trip, because Sausalito has quick access to the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito is usually sunny and warm when San Francisco is totally socked in with fog. 

In the Winter, if it is raining, we will simply reschedule for another time or cancel the trip and return all of your money. Some charter operations force you to sail in the rain – Yuck!

If it is raining, you do NOT have to go sailing.

Everyone who has sailed with me has had a good time and I plan to keep it that way.  Sailing San Francisco Bay should be a fun experience.

12) What do people tend to enjoy most about these cruises?

Different people enjoy different parts of the trip. Sometimes it is the thrill of seeing dolphins jump outside the Golden Gate Bridge, or seeing the sunset, or getting to steer in high winds, or having a conversation with your family and friends.

Sailing San Francisco Bay is also a chance to unwind and recharge your internal batteries. There are no outside distractions, just you, the wind, the water and the boat.

Sailing on Flying Tiger is your own private San Francisco yacht with a captain. Your choice of destinations, your choice of food and drink, you can steer if you want or have the captain take care of everything. Sailing Flying Tiger on San Francisco Bay is something that you have always wanted to do and you will remember the experience for years.

Gift Certificates

• The perfect way to say you care - Sailing San Francisco Bay
• Contact us for a custom sailing gift certificate - no expiration date, flexible scheduling.
• Perfect for an anniversary, birthday, wedding gift, prizes or auction items.

Captain Kirk donates 10% of all revenues to several non-profit organizations. The organizations supported are listed on the “Resources” page.

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Call Captain Kirk today to reserve Flying Tiger

for your private party.

(415) 328-6480 cell

or email Captain Brian