FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We're here to help answer any questions you may have about our charter events.
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call us at 415-405-5279 or email info@baylightscharters.com
We will ask you a few questions like:
-How many guests do you expect to have? We can accommodate:
* up to 49 passengers on our schooner Gas Light
*up to 6 passengers on our 35 foot power yacht Blue Skies
What date and time are you looking for?
Do you want us to provide food or will you BYO?
*You are welcome to bring your own food aboard either boat. There is a small clean up fee for Gas Light, the 49 passenger boat
*For Gas Light, the 49 passenger boat we offer catering. Here is a list of great options to choose from.
*On Blue Skies, our up to 6 passenger trawler, it is BYO food
What about Adult Beverages?
Gas Light, the 49 passenger boat but we don’t allow outside beverages on this boat as she has a California liquor license that prohibits it.
On Blue Skies, our up to 6 passenger trawler, it is BYO beer and wine only please.
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You have 4 options on where to board:
1. Alameda, Marina Village Yacht Harbor two blocks from the Posey Tube. There is plenty of free parking. We will meet right by the massive white statue as you pull into the marina.
Docking fees are required.
2. Pier 40 or South Beach Harbor in San Francisco, a short distance from Giants Stadium. There are several paid parking lots or meters on the street. Meeting Location – We will meet at the benches at pier 40/ South Beach Harbor at the parking lot.
Docking fees are required.
3. GAS LIGHT departs from Marina Bay Yacht Harbor in Richmond. The Harbor Master's office address is 1340 Marina Way S. in Richmond Ca 94804. The dock is located right behind the harbor master's building. There is plenty of free street parking and a paid lot. Do not park in the school's lot.
Docking fee at this location.
4. Gas Light can depart from Sausalito if the tide is right. We are more than happy to check the tides for you if this location works best for you. There is free parking at this location, call us for details.
Docking fees are required here.
*Please arrive at the docking location 15-20 minutes early so we can have your guests sign our waiver, (view the waiver here https://waiver.fr/p-4oQ2F). Guests may board only after the waiver is signed.
Before departing we will complete a short safety talk.
Let’s Go Sailing!
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Dressing in layers is always a smart way to go. San Francisco Bay can go from warm to chilly in minutes, so bring a light jacket just in case.
Because yacht decks are slippery when wet and the paint can scratch easily, we request that you wear no heels or studded jeans. Rubber-soled shoes are by far the best.
We have blankets on board you can snuggle under, just ask one of our crew to provide you one.
Both Boats have warm comfortable interiors that guests can escape the elements and still have a pleasant voyage.
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Yes, Our sound system connects via bluetooth to most smartphones. It works best if the playlists are downloaded onto the phone. Sometimes in the middle of the Bay there is spotty connectivity.
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Our 72-Tall Ship doesn’t “heel,” meaning she sails almost level with the waterline.
Scow Schooners were designed this way in the 1800’s to carry heavy cargo, like lumber, so they characteristically remain level. It is very rare to experience sea sickness on our vessel. One comment we hear nearly every cruise is how flat and stable GAS LIGHT feels under sail, which relates to our guests satisfaction and repeat business.
The 35-foot Power Yacht is also really smooth and comfortable with both indoor and outdoor seating.
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Our Captain and crew work very hard to ensure that you have a great experience on the Bay. 15-20% is typical, like a restaurant. You can add it to your bill or pay the Captain directly.
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Payment of the charter rate secures the time and location of your sail. We will finalize the details of your charter and get final payment 2-3 weeks before your event.
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We ask our guests to arrive 15-20 minutes ahead of the scheduled sail time so we can get our waivers signed, then we will board everyone, then the Captain will give a short safety speech and then we will depart the dock.
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We will work with you, as the primary clent, regarding latecomers. If people are late, we may or may not be able to wait for them. If the departure is delayed, that cuts into your charter time on the water.
We endeavor to give you and your guests the full charter time. We like to be prompt in departure and arrival back at the dock. We share the use of the dock with lots of other vessels. Occasionally we need to wait for a boat to leave the dock before we have enough room to dock.
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There are always at least 1-2 crew on board that are CPR trained. We have an extensive set of first aid supplies on board, well beyond the usual "kit". We run crew training regularly with an emphasis on emergency procedures. You are in good hands.
If there are people in your group that have known serious health issues, please share that info (confidentially) with the crew and we can keep an extra eye on them. Oh, we cannot dispense medication..
Can I bring my pet onboard?
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If you have guests that are known to be car sick or sea sick, they should bring their own medication. It is best to take this type of medicine at least one hour before boarding the boat.
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The owners of Bay Lights Charters all LOVE dogs! That said, we also understand that some people are highly allergic to pets. So the answer is yes you can bring a pet with a few conditions.
First, we don’t provide pet lifejackets and suggest they have one before boarding our yacht.
Second, we have an additional pet deposit of $150 to cover the additional cleaning costs. After a pet is on board we are very thorough in removing not only the fur left behind but the dander too.
If these conditions agree with you, then make sure you let us know beforehand so we can make arrangements.
We look forward to tall ship sailing with you.
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For rain, we usually know in advance if there will be weather. We take it case by case. If it works better for you to reschedule we do that. If you want to go rain or shine, as long as it is safe we do that. Both boats have a beautiful interior that easily fits the maximum number of people so guests can get out of the elements. If you want to cancel all together, we refund 50% of the money paid, if within 30 days.
Most people choose to reschedule with all monies paid applied to the new date. The only exception is Catering that is ordered cannot be refunded. Since you are bringing your own food, that won't make a difference.
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Typically windy – which makes for nice sailing! And also can be cool.
If you’re a Bay Area resident, plan for 5-10+ degrees cooler than on land, depending how far inland, and cooler still, after 5pm.
San Francisco is famous for its micro-climates and the Bay has many. The Central Bay from the City to Angel Island usually has the strongest breezes and summer fog banks. East of Angel Island can be 15 to 20 degrees warmer and calmer.
All in all, that is the beauty of the bay. You can experience a little of everything!
Our Captain and crew will do their best to plan your route to encompass your specific desires for your guests they are always ready to discuss your preferences on the day of your charter.
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A lot depends on the location where you board GAS LIGHT, The local weather (wind) and the length of the cruise also plays a big role in course planning.
Generally, for a three-hour cruise, out of San Francisco, we sail under the Bay Bridge, past Treasure Island, around Alcatraz Island, tacking back toward the San Francisco waterfront and Fisherman’s Wharf the Golden Gate Bridge is in full view.
If you pick up the boat in Sausalito, this is your best chance to get up close to the Golden Gate bridge, view the Marin Headlands and Angel Island, Alcatraz and the city front are across the Bay.. If you choose to set sail out of Richmond, this is our 3 bridge view tour! The Richmond location takes you by the Rosie the Riveter museum as you head out towards Angel Island and Alcatraz. This location offers the best chance for a sunny day and steady Bay breezes.
Finally, if you sail out of Alameda, we will head down the estuary, which tends to be calm and warmest with sights like Jack London Square, the Port of Oakland and then enter the SF Bay near Yerba Buena/Treasure Island. The boat will head under the bay bridge and down the city front. Sights will include Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge and Angel Island from a distance on the central bay.
There is no bad place to sail on SF Bay!
*Subject to weather, currents and time limitations, cruises are completely customizable in consultation with our Captain day of your trip.
Is there a medical team or first aid box on the charter if needed?
There are always at least 1-2 crew on board that are CPR trained. We have an extensive set of first aid supplies on board, well beyond the usual "kit". We run crew training regularly with an emphasis on emergency procedures. You are in good hands.
If there are people in your group that have known serious health issues, please share that info (confidentially) with the crew and we can keep an extra eye on them. Oh, we cannot dispense medication..
What about if someone is prone to sea sickness?
If you have guests that are known to be car sick or sea sick, they should bring their own medication. It is best to take this type of medicine at least one hour before boarding the boat.
How do I make a reservation?
Inquire Now or call us at 415-405-5279 or email us at info@BayLightsCharters.com