Want to learn to sail a Tall Ship?
Bay Lights Charters realizes that learning to sail a Tall Ship is not something most people have the opportunity to learn. It is with this in mind that we developed a curriculum that we plan to offer from time to time to the public. We can also provide a private class upon request. The class is limited in size so we can take our students through the basics and let them get their hands on the lines and literally, learn the ropes.
A “tall ship” describes a type of sailing vessel that incorporated multiple masts, vast expanses of sail and miles upon miles of rigging. These vessels served mankind for centuries in all the ways modern ships, airplanes, motor vehicles and trains serve us today. In fact, the last Tall Ship that carried freight as paid cargo made her last last journey around Cape Horn only 70 years ago. Modern internal combustion engines have been a hindrance to our environment, but have also made travel and commerce more efficient. The days of the Tall Ships ruling the world’s waterways have disappeared, however we wish to honor the thousands of years of history and tradition by offering our hands-on curriculum.
This introductory sailing class will take students through a brief history of the scow schooners and the role they played on San Francisco Bay during the gold rush era. Our yacht Gas Light is a living replica of this type of schooner that was deemed the semi-truck of the day. These vessels were plentiful around the bay, by some accounts up to 600 of them traversing the San Francisco bay and delta with goods like, lumber, hay and eggs to name a few. When the Golden Gate Bridge, cars, and railroads came on the scene, the scow schooner numbers started to dwindle. As of today, there are only 2 left on the bay. We feel so fortunate to own a rare piece of nautical history.
Our Tall Ship class, will be a hands-on class where students will learn the workings of a traditional gaff rig, two-masted sailing vessel. Some topics will include how to Belay and Ballantine a line, hoisting gaff rigged sails, maneuvering a schooner rig on different points of sail and so much more.
This custom class will include a chance to get out on the water aboard 'Gas Light' to learn about these classic vessels under sail, take the helm, and spend a day on the Bay in the most unique way.
“I took my sailing lessons as far as possible on the modern US Sailing curriculum. After some offshore deliveries and sailing with friends, I decided that I would like to take my sailing skills and knowledge to another level. I feel that I have broadened my horizons by taking your introduction class and falling in love with traditional sailing vessels.”
Tim Kersch