Yacht Charter on Gas Light
We are a land-based species. Even so, we tend to gravitate to the land's edge. It doesn't seem to matter if we live by the water, or a thousand miles from it, we always find a way to look out over the sea or in our case, the San Francisco Bay.
If you have traveled far and wide, you know our City by the Bay is truly unique. San Francisco and its beautiful natural harbor holds a fascination even to locals.
Our bay has been used to transport people, animals, lumber and goods for basic survival or to build and maintain entire cities. Situated at the junction of the pacific ocean and the two major rivers draining the mighty Sierra Nevada mountains, our Bay holds centuries of maritime history.
Vessels of all shapes, sizes, and functions ply the Bays waters night and day. Due to its ideal geographic location, we have world class sailing, especially in the summer months. To sail in such a famous place anytime of the year will leave memories for a lifetime. But what about the brisk winds and cool bay waters? As the saying goes, "the coldest winter you will spend is a summer in San Francisco"! It is our proximity to the vast Pacific Ocean and the only gap allowing the sailing breezes to flow in that brings visitors flocking to view the Golden Gate. San Francisco Bay is not only one of the most scenic inland waterways in the world, city views across the water.....especially at night rival any major city on the planet.
One would think that sailing on San Francisco Bay will be a challenge to keep warm and dry. Ninety-Nine percent of sailing charter boats share two major negative qualities. First, given the fact that our Bay is blessed with brisk winds from the Golden Gate, sailboats typically "heel over" or "tip" with the pressure of wind in the sails. This can be uncomfortable for passengers walking on slippery decks.
Secondly, that same ninety-nine percent has small, cramped and difficult to enter interior cabins. The bay can be a rather wet and cool place to boat on given the currents sometimes running against the prevailing winds. This will cause "choppy" seas that when combined with wind can send spray on to the decks of any vessel.
The unique experience that we offer with Bay Lights Charters centers around our vessel, Gas Light. Our guests have the opportunity to not only feel the sea breeze on their faces, but to also walk a few steps to the main salons' beautifully designed interior. "It is the best of both worlds and just so beautiful, "our guests exclaim.
Perhaps the most desirable quality of Gas Light is her one-of-a-kind design. Her hull, or "body" is indicative of the very popular "scow" shape that carried freight and passengers across the windy and choppy Bay from the 1850's well into the 20th century. The scow has a flat, angled bow, straight sides and a flat bottom. The result of this functional design is a very stable and easy ride through the waves.
Because Gas Light is so incredibly stable, our guests immediately notice the results and are grateful for the smooth and easy ride. Normally, a typical round bottom sailing vessel instantly heels or tips away from the wind in her sails. For the guests, this can be an uncomfortable feeling. Just trying to keep your feet on the decks of a typical sailing yacht, can cause slipping or sliding from the "high side" to the "low"side. Aboard our Tall Ship Gas Light, the effects of the strong San Francisco winds are erased by her beautiful, strong yet simple design. Our guests are treated to a flat, sturdy ride. Even in the windiest areas of San Francisco Bay. Gas Light demonstrates that she not only sails flat, but quickly and safely. Passengers can place a wine glass on her decks and be thrilled to see it doesn't move after a brisk sail across the central bay.
Gas Lights tremendous stability translates to extra levels of safety too. Our guests are instructed to have one hand for the boat at all times, however one will find out quickly that with a much more stable and flat sailing vessel you have a greater amount of freedom when compared to other boats. Freedom to move about at will instead of finding a hand hold and clinging to it for the duration of the voyage. Again, the most desirable quality of Gas Light is her one of a kind design; she is perfect for groups large or small to sail on S.F. Bay!
At Bay Lights Charters we know we have something special with our vessel Gas Light. Our amazing five-star reviews on Yelp and social media consistently speaks to the overall comfort and stability of Gas Light. In addition, the countless positive reviews also mention the beauty of Gas Light's huge interior.
For most passenger sailing charter boats, if they have an interior space, it is difficult to access. Other charter sailboats on the Bay might have a small, cramped area below decks to escape the wind and spray or to simply have a bite to eat. If interior areas are available at all, these other boats have steep ladders for passengers to climb down, then back up..... all while hanging on to a "tipping" vessel. Not so on Gas Light! Again, her design is all about guest comfort and safety. To access the open, main salon, there are only four wide and easy steps. For guests looking for a quick warm up or a plate of fresh food and a cold beverage, it is a quick and easy passage from outside to inside.
Once below decks on Gas Light, you will be amazed at the open and airy design. We routinely host large groups either on deck or below decks without anyone feeling uncomfortable. The "flow" of the interior maintains clear walkways to the Bar and back to other sitting areas or the two restrooms.
In fact, even hardy sailors sometimes prefer the "speak-easy', warm, inviting atmosphere of Gas Light to the sometimes brisk and breezy upper decks! Wide, comfortable couches line both sides of her interior. Running down the center of the Salon is a solid teak wood table. This fifteen foot table is the centerpiece below. Delicious hot Buffett's are served here. Guests can design a custom menu or bring their own food onboard. Passengers tend to mingle here where cool beverages are enjoyed from the bar. Our goal is to have everyone feel at home here surrounded by nautical hard woods including teak, mahogany, yellow and red cedar lining the walls. A running theme for our guests is a constant smile or feeling of total comfort and satisfaction. For a yacht charter that exceeds our guests expectations, we often hear people anticipating a return voyage for their own crew of family and friends aboard Gas Light.
While there are many choices for a day or evening sunset dining cruise on San Francisco Bay, Bay Lights Charters can truly say we offer the best voyage on the Bay.
Any event aboard our 49-passenger vessel Gas Light is not only comfortable, stable, but also fun! Come celebrate your birthday, anniversary, or consider tying the knot in a wedding ceremony or wedding reception aboard our yacht. Ash scatterings in one of the many beautiful and protected areas of the Bay offer a memorial service for your loved one unparalleled by other vessels. There are countless reasons to gather your friends, family or coworkers. Every time, the guests remark "Let's Do It Again".....we feel like we have achieved the highest goal.
From Corporate meetings and team building outings under sail or motor , our talented crew will design a memorable and safe experience for your employees and team members. Our return corporate customers number in the thousands. Off-site corporate outings are ideal on Gas Light. Her traditional rigging allows for everyone to become a participant and experience the sights, sounds and feeling of sailing an historical vessel while learning the "ropes". What brings them all back year after year? A successful recipe of many things working together. Our knowledgeable crew, captains and stewards that serve up the perfect adventure, our experienced and friendly staff who will tailor your every need and budget with an itinerary of delicious food choices and bar options. Of course, topping it all off is Gas Light, our tall ship yacht herself. Her many unique attributes complete the equation.
It is simple, we offer it all in a place that has it all. Whatever your occasion, come sail with us and Experience the Bay in a whole new way!
Steven Ingram, Skipper of Gas Light