Can I bring my pet onboard tall ship Gas Light?

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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.

There are many famous dogs that have sailed the seas with their owners, and some of them have even become legends in their own right. Here are a few examples:

  1. Rigel - Rigel was a Border Collie who sailed around the world with his owner, Bob Comlay, in the 1980s. Rigel was known for his love of sailing and his ability to navigate the seas with ease.

  2. Seaman - Seaman was a Newfoundland dog who sailed with Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their famous expedition across the western United States in the early 1800s. Seaman was known for his strength and bravery, and was said to have saved Lewis from drowning on one occasion.

  3. Bummer and Lazarus - Bummer and Lazarus were two stray dogs who became famous in San Francisco in the 1860s for their ability to catch rats. They were often seen on board ships in the harbor, and were even given free meals at restaurants in exchange for their rat-catching services.

  4. Tasha and Alaska - Tasha and Alaska were two Samoyed dogs who sailed around the world with their owners, Colin and Louise Paddon, in the 1980s. The dogs were known for their love of adventure and their ability to adapt to life at sea.

  5. Sinbad - Sinbad was a mixed-breed dog who sailed with the United States Coast Guard in the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his loyalty and bravery, and was even awarded several medals for his service.

These are just a few examples of the many famous dogs who have sailed the seas throughout history. They serve as a reminder of the important role that dogs have played in our lives, both on land and at sea.

There are several traits that can make a dog well-suited to life on a boat. Here are some qualities that are often considered important for a good boat dog:

  1. Good Swimmer: A good boat dog should be a strong swimmer, as there is always the risk of falling overboard or needing to swim to shore. Breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Newfoundlands are known for their strong swimming abilities.

  2. Well-Behaved: A good boat dog should be well-behaved and obedient, as there are many hazards on a boat that could put both the dog and the crew at risk. A dog that can follow basic commands and is well-socialized with other dogs and people is generally a better candidate for a boat dog.

  3. Calm and Confident: Life on a boat can be unpredictable, with rough seas, changing weather, and unfamiliar surroundings. A good boat dog should be calm and confident, able to adapt to these changes and remain relaxed even in challenging conditions.

  4. Small Size: While there are many larger breeds that make great boat dogs, a smaller dog may be more practical for some boats with limited space. Additionally, smaller dogs may be easier to lift and carry in case of an emergency.

  5. Good Temperament: A good boat dog should have a friendly and affectionate temperament, as they will be spending a lot of time in close quarters with their owners and possibly other crew members. Breeds such as Golden Retrievers and Australian Shepherds are known for their friendly personalities and make great boat dogs.

  6. Good Health: A good boat dog should be in good physical health, as the conditions on a boat can be challenging. It's important to keep up with regular vet check-ups and make sure that the dog is up to date on all necessary vaccinations.

Ultimately, the ideal boat dog will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the owner and the boat. However, dogs that possess these traits are generally well-suited to life on a boat and can make great companions for their owners on their seafaring adventures.


Here are some websites that provide information and resources about dogs on boats:

  1. BoatUS: BoatUS is an organization that provides boating resources and support for boaters in the United States. Their website has a section specifically dedicated to pets on boats, with articles and tips on how to safely and comfortably bring pets on board.

  2. The Boat Galley: The Boat Galley is a website dedicated to providing resources and advice for boaters. They have an entire section on their website dedicated to pets on boats, with articles on everything from choosing the right dog for a boat to managing pet waste on board.

  3. Sail Magazine: Sail Magazine is a popular sailing publication that covers all aspects of sailing. They have an article on their website that provides tips for bringing a dog on board, including how to train them for boat life and how to keep them safe while underway.

  4. Cruising World: Cruising World is another sailing publication that covers all aspects of cruising, including life on board with pets. They have an article on their website that provides advice on how to prepare for and manage life with a dog on a boat.

  5. Gone with the Wynns: Gone with the Wynns is a popular travel and lifestyle website that follows the adventures of a couple who live on a sailboat full-time. They have a section on their website dedicated to their dog, Lenny, with articles and videos about life on board with a pet.

These websites provide valuable information and resources for boaters who are considering bringing their dogs on board, as well as for those who already have dogs and are looking for tips and advice on how to manage life on board with their furry companions.

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