Reasons to Charter with BLC!
What’s the special “SPARK” that makes us YOUR best choice in the SF Bay?
Whether you are a visitor or a native, we recognize there are SO MANY choices for how to spend your precious time in the San Francisco Bay Area. We want to provide you with some of the reasons to “pick us!”
Bay Lights Charters Experiences are different because of who and what we are:
WE ARE 100% Custom and PRIVATE event charter company! We want to make your sailing dreams come true!
We are EDUCATED, QUALIFIED, CERTIFIED Captains and crew, not just friendly sailors. Our crew are trained in the art of entertainment as well as competent sailors. Once onboard our goal is to wow you with our anticipation of your every need, entertain you with our knowledge of history and the highlights of San Francisco Bay’s iconic sights. We aim to keep your tummy full of tasty drinks and yummy bites. You will notice our attention to detail and we look forward to demonstrating the meaningful differences that Bay Lights Charters offers!
We are the ONLY San Francisco based private tour company with a premium fully-loaded, 49 passenger Scow Schooner Tall Ship. This is the style of yacht that literally built San Francisco Bay! It was known as the semi-truck of the day because it hauled lumber, hay, and all the necessities needed to grow SF during the Gold Rush and beyond. What this translates for our guests is a smooth, comfortable ride. The boat is designed to sail flat- after all the lumber would roll off if it tipped over.
Not only is our luxurious yacht clean and gorgeous, it also allows us to explore bay in a more comfortable way than any other companies with traditional sailing yachts.
No sharing germs with strangers on our ship, or dealing with crowds. This is Luxury Social Distancing. We strive to make the BEST possible use of your time, on your terms. Are you planning a wedding? Team Building Sail? Birthday? Maybe an ash scattering of your loved one. You can rest assured that our boats are designed to entertain.
The sail belongs to YOU. We adapt to your needs and desires. Custom menus are available. We will take care of the set up and breakdown should you decide to bring your own catering items.
We have a full bar licensed and ready for you and your “crew” to enjoy.
You get our full and undivided attention at all times. Are you cold? We have blankets, need a warm beverage? We offer complimentary coffee, tea and hot cocoa to our guests. Want to hear stories of history or learn more about sailing? Our captain and crew are happy to tell you all about the iconic sights you will see like facts about the Golden Gate Bridge, Stories of escape from Alcatraz, how Angel Island became the Ellis “island of the west or maybe you want to catch a Giants Game from McCovey Cove. We are here to make your sail a dream come true!
We operate based on quality personalized service, not client volume. When you boil it all down, we care!
WE ARE SOPHISTICATED FUN!
Our experiences are relaxed and entertaining, yet high-caliber.
We genuinely LOVE our jobs! Its a treat to get to know new people and explore amazing destinations. You are welcome to help raise the sails , take the helm, learn knots or sit back a sip a yummy beverage…. Basically, Come play with us!
Being on the water is a blast! “I’m on a Boat!” or a Titanic photo op is popular. Let’s see what the “Schooner” can do!
WE ARE TRANSPARENT
The Owners (Capt. Steve, Allie and Joyce) will coordinate your experience personally and assign the best-fit, most qualified guide for you. We help make you, the organizer, shine! Let’s plan an epic event together!
Should you require a unique expertise, we can accommodate many special needs upon request. Don’t be shy, share your vision!
If you have a larger group, just contact us and we can arrange a “regatta” or multiple boat trip for your custom experience.
For your safety, we are fully licensed and compliant, unlike many illegal operators with legitimate-looking websites. The Coast Guard inspects us yearly and we are fully insured for you and your guests safety!
WE ARE EFFICIENT
You can quickly book a pre-curated “Classic” experience, knowing that we’ve already put together an itinerary of top-rated highlights our private guests consistently enjoy. Our clients are busy and have high standards. Select a date, book it online, and move forward with confidence. DONE.
Alternatively, co-create your day with a fully “Custom” experience. Spend just a few minutes telling us about your goals. Share your bucket list, answer a few questions about your travel personality, and we’ll put together a bespoke experience specifically tailored to you.
We save you time planning your trip. Again, we know how to make it look like you put hours and hours into this adventure ensuring it is perfect when in reality, we make it quick and easy for you to “set sail!”
WE ARE LOCAL
This is our home. We love this place and it shows! Let our enthusiasm rub off on you!!! All of our crew are required to “do their homework, know unique stories about SF Bay. Engage with guests and make the whole experience a WOW!
We are physically located IN THE DESTINATION. We can’t emphasize this enough. We are from here, we live here, we know what’s going on, and we know what worksfor a seamless experience. Our yacht was designed, built and sails here! Gas Light is a replica of a real Scow Schooner that sailed SF Bay and was responsible for making San Francisco the City By The Bay that we all know and LOVE!
As experienced Captains and crew, we add meaningful context to what you are seeing, smelling, hearing and tasting—– for the most enriching experience possible.
Even local clients tell us all the time how much they learned about their own hometown after just one Sailing Experience with Bay Lights Charters! Come see how a day on the bay will captivate and inspire you.
WE ARE LISTENERS AND EDUCATORS
We want to hear what YOU want. From there, we’ll do our very best to ensure you end the day with wonderful memories! Our crew will snap photos of you and your guests, help anyway we can.
Our Lead crew, James is a trained educator who has massive experience leading literally thousands of corporate executives, retired professionals, students and families. All of our affiliated Crew (to accommodate special requests) are also of the highest caliber.
Want a TON of information? Fantastic, we LOVE sharing our knowledge! Perhaps you prefer a more relaxed, low-key day to enjoy your loved ones, without any risk of information-overload? Superb! YOU set the tone! We train our crew to read the crowd and anticipate needs.
We’ll also be honest with you and share our personal insight. If you really want to understand complex (sometimes delicate) issues in our community, we aren’t afraid to add an informed, respectful perspective. We’ve done our homework. If there’s a question we can’t readily answer, we’ll be frank about that too, consult our sources, and get back to you ASAP!
Guest Reviews
Hear what our past clients have to say!
This boat is the BEST ! Your crew’s passion and expertise shine through ! The best team building event we have ever had. ? Thank you for making our trip a memorable and enjoyable one ! See you again real soon!
Lisa- Facebook
Thank you so much for sharing beautiful yacht with us! Your crew made this trip so wonderful and personal. The sail with you all was the highlight of our family reunion we will always remember this very special time on San Francisco Bay.
Jose and Maria
Our wedding was the BEST! Our guests absolutely LOVED watching us Tie the Knot aboard your tall ship. Captain Steve performing the Ceremony was amazing. We felt so comfortable and in the moment! Thank you for making our experience extra special and memorable. Your caring attitude and attention to all the many details made all the difference !
Jerry & Madisson
Your knowledge, up-beat attitude and pleasant demeanor inspired us to learn as much as possible about our destinations ! Our team was so glad to have the time aboard Gas Light to meet in person and share an experience like no other!
Tim- Google
We want to thank you for providing a fabulous trip to celebrate my birthday! I wanted to have a party that brought joy to my family and friends after all they have done for me through the years! It was an event that will definitely be repeated annually!
Chris
Before we could feel a need, you and your crew had filled it. Everything was so easy from booking to arrival to the actual sail you and your team were on it! We are forever grateful!
Sue & Paul
You made this trip wonderful in so many ways big and small… Spreading the ashes of my husband was difficult yet you all made it easier. I leave truly awed. Your patience, your insights, your creative ideas- were greatly appreciated. With deep gratitude I say Thank You!
“Buy Experiences, Not Things!
Spending on experiences makes people happier than spending on things.
Things get broken and go out of style.
Experiences get better every time you talk about them.” -Jean Chatzky
We do what we LOVE, with people we LOVE, for people who LOVE what we do!
- BLC Mission Statement
Reason to Plan a Team Building Sail with Bay Lights Charters:
Team building activities are a great way to strengthen the bonds and camaraderie among colleagues in the workplace. One such activity that has gained popularity in recent years is team building boating trips. Boating trips offer a unique and exciting way to bring colleagues together, promote communication, and build trust. In this blog post, we'll discuss the benefits of team building boating trips and offer some tips on how to plan a successful outing.
Benefits of Team Building Boating Trips
Promotes communication and teamwork: Boating trips require a team effort to navigate the vessel and ensure everyone's safety. This makes it an excellent activity for promoting communication and teamwork among colleagues.
Builds trust: Trust is a crucial component of any successful team. When colleagues work together to overcome challenges and navigate the water, they build trust and respect for each other.
Increases motivation and morale: Boating trips provide a break from the monotony of the office environment, giving colleagues a chance to relax, unwind, and have fun together. This can help boost motivation and morale, leading to a more productive and positive work environment.
Enhances problem-solving skills: Boating trips present a variety of challenges that require quick thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills can be transferred to the workplace, where colleagues can use them to solve complex problems and overcome obstacles.
Planning a Successful Team Building Boating Trip
Choose the right boat: The type of boat you choose will depend on the size of your group and the activities you plan to do. A pontoon boat is an excellent choice for larger groups and provides plenty of space for team activities like team-building games or simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
Set clear expectations: Before setting sail, make sure to set clear expectations for the trip. Let everyone know what the itinerary is, what activities are planned, and any safety guidelines that must be followed.
Hire a captain: If none of your colleagues have boating experience, it's a good idea to hire a captain to ensure everyone's safety and make sure the boat is operated correctly.
Plan team-building activities: Boating trips offer a unique opportunity for team-building activities like water sports, fishing, or scavenger hunts. These activities promote teamwork and communication, and also offer a chance for everyone to have fun and enjoy the trip.
Provide adequate provisions: It's important to provide adequate provisions for the trip, including food, drinks, and any necessary safety equipment like life jackets.
Respect the environment: As you enjoy your boating trip, make sure to respect the environment and follow all rules and regulations regarding waste disposal, fishing, and wildlife.
In conclusion, team building boating trips offer a unique and exciting way to bring colleagues together, promote communication, and build trust. When planned correctly, they can help increase motivation and morale, enhance problem-solving skills, and provide a fun break from the office environment. So, consider planning a team building boating trip for your next company outing and experience the benefits for yourself!