Private Yacht Charter for an ash scattering on SF Bay.

Bay Lights charters does private charters, on our large yacht for charters to celebrate

weddings, birthdays, group sailing, team building events or just a fun charters (in general)

But some of our most memorable events are the Ash scatterings on San Francisco Bay. These generally refer to the practice of scattering the cremated remains of a person on the waters of the San Francisco Bay. This is a common practice among those who wish to honor the memory of a loved one who has passed away.

The practice involves taking the cremated remains of the deceased and scattering them on the surface of the water. This can be done from our boats depending on the individual's preference for large or small boat, big group or small group of guests. Some people may choose to have a small ceremony or memorial service as part of the scattering process, while others may choose to scatter the ashes in a more private and personal manner. We can accommodate either wish.

It's important to note that scattering ashes on the San Francisco Bay may be subject to certain regulations and restrictions. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established guidelines for the scattering of cremated remains in the United States.


The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has established guidelines for the scattering of cremated remains in the United States. These guidelines are intended to ensure that the scattering of ashes is conducted in an environmentally safe and responsible manner. The EPA guidelines include the following:

  1. Scattering ashes on the water should take place in open water. This helps to ensure that the ashes are dispersed in an area of the ocean where they are less likely to wash ashore.

  2. The scattering of ashes should be done in a manner that ensures the ashes are dispersed widely and not concentrated in one area. This helps to prevent any potential impact on aquatic life and the environment.

  3. The ashes should not be scattered near beaches, swimming areas, or areas where people are likely to be fishing or engaging in water sports. This helps to prevent any potential health or safety risks to individuals.

  4. The ashes should not be scattered in areas where water intake systems are located. This helps to prevent any potential impact on the quality of the water supply.

It's worth noting that these guidelines are intended to be flexible and adaptable to different situations. The goal is to ensure that the scattering of ashes is done in a manner that is respectful to the deceased and safe for the environment.

general reasons why you might consider choosing our charter company, Bay Lights Charters, for your ash scattering event:

  1. Professionalism: Our charter company has experience in organizing and conducting ash scattering events, and can provide a professional service. We are here to answer any questions you might have.

  2. Knowledge of local regulations: being a reputable charter company we are familiar with local regulations for ash scattering, and can advise you on the proper procedures and requirements.

  3. Personalized service: Our charter company, Bay Lights Charters, can tailor the event to your specific needs and preferences, ensuring that the event is meaningful and respectful.

  4. Comfort and convenience: Bay Lights Charters will provide a comfortable and convenient way to conduct the ash scattering, with amenities such as seating, restroom facilities, and refreshments.

  5. Safety: Bay Lights Charters can ensure that the event is conducted safely, with experienced crew members and proper safety equipment. We are USCG certified and take safety very seriously.

  6. Privacy: A charter company can provide a private and intimate setting for the ash scattering event, away from the public eye.

  7. Flexibility: A charter company can accommodate different group sizes and schedules, and can work with you to plan the event at a time and location that works best for you. We have several pick up and drop off locations like Alameda, Richmond, San Francisco, and Sausalito.

  8. Scenic views: It is harder to imagine a more scenic views of the San Francisco Bay, than from the water. We are pros at creating a beautiful backdrop for the ash scattering event. Popular spots are Angel Island, The SF city front, Treasure Island or of course the Golden Gate Bridge!

  9. Emotional support: A charter company can provide emotional support and guidance during the event, helping to make the experience as comforting and meaningful as possible. We make sure there is tissue onboard and go above and beyond to accommodate your wishes.

  10. Positive experience: A charter company can help to create a positive and memorable experience, allowing you to honor your loved one in a way that is meaningful and respectful.

The ceremony for an ash scattering on San Francisco Bay can be customized to the individual's preferences, beliefs, and cultural traditions.

However, here is a sample ceremony that may serve as a guide:

  1. Introduction: The ceremony can begin with an introduction and welcoming of the family and guests. The person conducting the ceremony may offer words of comfort and support to the family.

  2. Reading or prayer: A reading or prayer can be offered to honor the memory of the deceased and provide comfort to the family. This can be a religious or secular reading or prayer, depending on the individual's beliefs. see a couple examples below.

  3. Moment of silence: A moment of silence can be observed to allow everyone to reflect on their memories of the deceased.

  4. Scattering of ashes: The scattering of the ashes can take place, with family members and guests taking turns scattering the ashes into the water. Music or a poem can be played or read during the scattering to add to the atmosphere.

  5. Farewell: As the ashes are scattered, the family and guests can offer their final goodbyes and say a few words in memory of the deceased. Flowers or petals can also be tossed into the water as a final farewell.

  6. Closing: The ceremony can end with a closing prayer, reading, or message of hope and comfort for the family. We at Bay Lights Charters like to ring 8 bells a maritime tradition that signifies “last watch” it is a touching moment that seems to add closure.

After the ceremony, the charter boat may return to shore, or the family and guests may choose to raise the sails and continue on a scenic tour of the bay. The exact details of the ceremony can be personalized to meet the family's wishes and preferences.

There are many different readings that can be chosen for a memorial service, and the choice will often depend on the preferences of the family and the beliefs of the deceased. Here are three popular readings that are often included in memorial services:

  1. "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Mary Elizabeth Frye - This is a popular poem that offers comfort to those who are grieving. The poem speaks of the deceased being at peace and encourages the living to find solace in the natural world around them.

  2. "The Lord is My Shepherd" from Psalm 23 - This psalm is often read at Christian memorial services and speaks of the comfort and protection that God provides to his people. The psalm is a reminder of the hope and reassurance that faith can bring during times of loss.

  3. "Crossing the Bar" by Alfred Lord Tennyson - This poem speaks of the journey from life to death as a crossing of a bar, or sandbar, that separates the land from the sea. The poem is often read at sea-themed memorial services and offers a message of hope and comfort as the deceased moves on to a new phase of existence.

"Crossing the Bar" is a poem written by Alfred Lord Tennyson that speaks of the journey from life to death. Here is the full text of the poem:

Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark;

For though from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crossed the bar.

In this poem, Tennyson describes the evening sky and the call that he hears to set sail. He hopes that the journey will be peaceful, with no dangerous waves or shoals to navigate. He envisions a peaceful and serene passage, with the tide flowing gently and silently. As night falls and he sets out on his journey, he hopes that there will be no sadness or sorrow, and that he will meet his "Pilot" face to face once he has crossed the bar, which represents the boundary between life and death. The poem offers a message of hope and comfort to those who are grieving, reminding them that death is simply a journey to a new place, where they will be reunited with their loved ones.

how does the lord is my Sheppard go

"The Lord is My Shepherd" is a psalm from the Bible, specifically from Psalm 23. Here is the full text of the psalm:

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

This psalm is often read at memorial services and speaks of the comfort and protection that God provides to his people. The psalmist compares God to a shepherd who guides and protects his flock, leading them to safety and providing them with everything they need. The psalm also speaks of the comfort and reassurance that God provides, even in the face of difficult times or dark days. The psalm ends with a message of hope and assurance, as the psalmist expresses confidence that God's goodness and love will follow him all the days of his life, and that he will dwell in God's house forever.

what are the most popular songs played at a memorial

There are many popular songs that are played at memorial services, and the choice will often depend on the preferences of the family and the deceased. Here are some of the most popular songs that are often played at memorial services:

  1. "Amazing Grace" - This hymn is a classic choice for memorial services, and its message of grace and redemption offers comfort and hope to those who are grieving.

  2. "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler - This song is a tribute to someone who has been a source of inspiration and support, making it a popular choice for memorial services honoring a loved one who was particularly inspiring or supportive.

  3. "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton - This song was written by Eric Clapton after the death of his young son, and its message of loss and grief has resonated with many people who have experienced the same.

  4. "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion - This song is best known as the theme from the movie "Titanic," but its message of enduring love and connection has made it a popular choice for memorial services as well.

  5. "I Will Remember You" by Sarah McLachlan - This song offers a message of remembrance and tribute to a loved one who has passed, making it a popular choice for memorial services.

  6. "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong - This song celebrates the beauty and wonder of the world around us, offering a message of hope and optimism during difficult times.

These are just a few of the many popular songs that are often played at memorial services, and the choice will often depend on the personality and preferences of the deceased.

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