Cat Boat Sail Article

Be captain for a day on San Francisco Bay

Neither of us wanted a police record just yet. But we were powerless. Then we remembered the bay was only a few feet deep there. So we dodged the law--by walking the boat home.

These days, I turn to more reliable sources for boating on the bay: charter services. Admittedly, chartering a boat with a skipper seems like a splurge--a three-hour trip for five easily tops $400, including tip for the skipper (bigger boats generally cost more, smaller boats less). But calculate the cost per person and you'll realize a boat tour costs no more than a special night out.

If you'd rather dodge sticker shock, try a regularly scheduled three-hour trip aboard a catamaran or majestic tall ship, with 50 or so other people: Cost is per person, not per boat--and it's usually no more than $50.

Either way, check the tides and put a finger to the wind. You don't want to get stuck walking home.

PRIVATE CHARTERS

Atlantis Yacht Charters. Boats leave from Sausalito or San Francisco.

Club Nautique. Boats depart from various Bay Area locations.

Ka'iulani. This 86-foot gaff schooner sets sail from Sausalito.

Spinnaker Sailing San Francisco. Sailboats are docked at Pier 40.

SCHEDULED SAILS

Adventure Cat Sailing Charter. Tours on a 55-foot catamaran depart daily from Pier 39. $25-$30 per person.

Hawaiian Chieftain. Cruises are available from Sausalito on a 103-foot ketch. $35-$50 per person.