Why Gas Light Is Like No Other: The Story Behind Our Tall Ship

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There are plenty of beautiful boats in San Francisco Bay — but none quite like Gas Light. She’s not just a vessel. She’s a story. A vision. A handcrafted piece of maritime history brought to life with love, steel, and an actual tree.

Yes, really. Let us explain.

🌲 It Started with a Tree

When our ship’s designer and original builder, Billy Martinelli, set out to recreate a Gold Rush-era scow schooner, he didn’t settle for replicas or shortcuts. He went to Humbolt County, hand-selected solid Douglas Fir, and transported it — the whole tree — to begin shaping Gas Light’s towering masts. We have the photos to prove it: the tree arriving by truck, ready to become the heart of a working tall ship.

⚙️ Built with Steel, Designed for Soul

Unlike the wooden schooners of the 1800s, Gas Light was constructed with a steel hull for unmatched stability and strength — but her interior and rigging stay true to tradition. Her flat-bottom scow design, once used to transport cargo throughout the Bay and Delta, creates an incredibly smooth ride for modern-day passengers.

Step below deck, and you’ll find a warmly finished salon with red and yellow cedar, a 15-foot mahogany table, and lounging spaces that feel more like a cozy speakeasy than a sailboat. It’s the best of both worlds: rustic charm and refined comfort.

⚓ A Living Piece of Bay Area History

Launched in 2000, Gas Light received her U.S. Coast Guard certification to carry 49 passengers and 5 crew, and she’s been delighting guests ever since. Every plank, line, and curve of the ship is a nod to California’s maritime past — and yet her mission is thoroughly modern: to bring people together through unforgettable experiences on the water.

🧭 Why It Matters

When you sail with us, you’re not just renting a boat. You’re stepping into a legacy. You’re walking the deck of a vessel that was dreamed into being by someone who believed the past could come alive again — and you’re now part of that story.

Want to see her for yourself?
Join us for a public sail or plan a private event »