CAPTAIN CHUCK’S CHARTERS’ WEB LOG

 

Amazing Sea Life

February 20, 2012

 

Following some years of struggle, San Francisco Bay is once again buzzing with marine life. White birds blanket the water like snow. Schools of silvery fish break the surface and jump in unison. Pelicans dive for their dinner. Seals perform mating rituals. The music and beauty of nature surround us as we sail past. It is an extraordinary experience and one not to be missed. Spring comes early at the Golden Gate. And though I’ve lived here all my life, it is always a wonderful surprise.

 


 

Happy Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2012

 

Did you see the full moon last week? It was spectacular sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge as the sun set and the moon rose. We had some wonderful sailing charters on San Francisco Bay this past week including several birthday parties. Our youngest sailor of the week was a little guy named Jace who was there helping us celebrate his mom’s birthday. The weather continues to be beautiful most days, making for excellent sailing. To all of you who have sailed with us

 


 

More Great Sailing Weather

February 7, 2012

 

We sailed with a wonderful group visiting from England this past weekend—another great birthday sailing cruise. The weather was perfect—crystal clear skies, 15 knot winds. Cameras were clicking as we passed under the Golden Gate Bridge. Everyone eagerly took a turn sailing the boat. And it seems there’s more beautiful San Francisco Bay weather on the way. Come on out and enjoy it with us.

 

Wishing you fair skies and following seas,

Captain Chuck

 


 

Exceptional Sailing

January 25, 2012

 

We had some great sailing adventures these past two weeks. Most notably, we took out a lovely family with three great young children who had never sailed before. They all had fun taking the helm and getting the feel of the wind in the sails. We also celebrated a thirtieth birthday onboard with a fun group of young people visiting the San Francisco Bay Area. And the clear weather provided us with some spectacular sunset cruises.

 


 

Full Moon is Tonight

January 9, 2012

Happy New Year! What gorgeous weather we have been having—perfect for winter sailing on San Francisco Bay. And perfect for watching the full moon rise as the sun sets just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge. We had an amazing view of the nearly full moon during last night’s sunset sail with just a few wispy high clouds producing spectacular red highlights in the sky. We are also experiencing some of the most dramatic tides of the year which produce fascinating currents and whirlpools as we sail out the gate. What a great way to start the year.

 


 

The Days are Getting Longer

December 27, 2011

 

We have passed the winter solstice and spring is on the way. I know, we still have a few months of winter, but in the San Francisco Bay Area, January and February can be quite lovely, thanks to the bay itself which keeps our temperatures fairly mild. Many people have asked me lately if it is too cold now for sailing on San Francisco Bay. We have been out almost every day (even Christmas) and the great thing is, we have the Bay mostly to ourselves. It’s a good idea to put on a few extra layers, and then be prepared for a gloriously smooth sail. We’ve been doing a lot of sunset cruises (this time of year they are early enough to do before dinner) and the holiday lights are spectacular. In a few days, it will be 2012. May the New Year bring abundant joy to your life.

 


 

In a Holiday Mood

December 12, 2011

 

From holiday office parties to fashion model photo shoots, we are sailing through this busy season. The weather has been amazingly cooperative for sailing on SF Bay. It is a wonderful time for an early evening sunset cruise. In addition to the regular lights of the bridge and city, the colorful holiday decorations create a spectacular sight. And with the sun setting so early, you can be home in time for dinner. It has also been a big week for sailing gift certificates—a wonderful way to give the gift of sailing to friends and family. Whatever you may be celebrating this season, I wish you all the best.

 


 

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 22, 2011

 

The holidays are upon us and it is still lovely sailing in SF Bay. We did a number of charters this week: several ash scatterings, a honeymoon cruise, a couple of birthday parties, and even a few sunset cruises. The brisk air makes for an invigorating experience. I want to take this opportunity to say Thank You to all of our customers for making this such a wonderful business to be in. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Sailing!

 


 

Spectacular Fall Sailing

November 14, 2011

 

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it continues to be great sailing on SF Bay. Year-round mild weather is one of the wonderful things about the San Francisco Bay Area. We participated in a corporate team-building event this week that involved a three-boat race, lots of happy people, and a big batch of chocolate chip cookies. We had a couple of birthday parties onboard—just one of the great reasons for a private sailing charter. And we had visitors from as far away as France—a retired French Navy officer and his family—who were overjoyed to sail out under the Golden Gate Bridge. We look forward to many more exciting sailing adventures over the holidays.

 


 

Dolphins in the Bay

November 1, 2011

 

We saw lots of sea life in the Bay this past week—dolphins, seagulls, pelicans, terns, seals. As we head into Thanksgiving, the weather continues to be spectacular—exceptional for sailing on SF Bay. This week we had two daytime birthday celebrations, one sunset cruise birthday celebration, and an anniversary that included the happy couple’s three-month-old infant. And as proof that sailing is not just for the young, we had a charter with two lovely ninety-year-olds onboard who thoroughly enjoyed sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge and back over to Angel Island. Sailing is truly an experience for all.

 

Till next time,

Captain Chuck

 


 

Great Sailing on SF Bay

October 21, 2011

 

We had another fun week of sailing charters including an anniversary celebration and sunset marriage proposals on both Hasty Heart and Wild Streak. On Wednesday, we had the privilege of sharing in a lovely ash scattering offshore from Point Bonita Lighthouse. It was also our honor to be chosen to view the rising moon from the bay with two couples participating in a beautiful Karva Chauth observance. We have been experiencing some of the best weather the Bay Area has to offer: warm days, cool nights, mostly clear skies with just enough fog to give us that San Francisco ambiance. Perfect for a spectacular sailing adventure.

 

Till next time,

Captain Chuck

 


 

It’s Columbus Day

October 10, 2011

 

What a busy weekend! San Francisco Bay was the sight of the Blue Angels air show this past week. And, as usual, it was a spectacular event. It was our privilege to sail with both old friends and new guests. The weather was cooperative most of the time—a little high fog but quite pleasant. It’s a great time of year for sailing on SF Bay. And for those who care to venture outside the gate, it’s a perfect time to combine sailing with whale watching. Plan to join us soon.

 

Captain Chuck

 


 

Here Come the Blue Angels

October 5, 2011

 

It’s Fleet Week and sailing on San Francisco Bay is the best way to see the spectacular ships and air shows. The sights and sounds are amazing. We look forward to being out there. This past week was a busy one with lots of people taking advantage of the balmy fall weather. We had an extremely unique and romantic marriage proposal cruise. Congratulations to the newly engaged couple! Lots of good weather left for sailing charters in SF Bay. Hope to see you soon.

 

Happy sailing!

Captain Chuck

 


 

Welcome Fall!

September 19, 2011

 

The first day of fall is this week. In the San Francisco Bay Area this means the best sailing weather of the year. The fog backs off, the days tend to be clear and warm, the breezes are consistent and moderate. If you’ve ever thought about a sailing charter on San Francisco Bay, this is a great time for it. This past week we entertained guests from Ireland, Scotland, Florida, and Kansas. We had another wonderful marriage proposal (we have a 100% success rate!). We had two birthday parties and a beautiful anniversary sunset cruise. And many groups simply enjoying sailing on the Bay. Hasty Heart sailed to the Farallon Islands for a spectacular whale-watching voyage. Looking forward to another week of great weather and wonderful sailing on San Francisco Bay.

 

Captain Chuck

 


 

HAPPY LABOR DAY!

September 5, 2011

 

Hard to believe it’s September already. We’ve had an amazing summer of sailing on the bay and look forward to an even more amazing fall. This time of year means more consistent winds, less fog, moderate temps. We’ll be sailing every day. Hope you’ll join us. This past week we had a number of sailing charters that took us out into the ocean. It’s always such a thrill and always a different experience. We had two marriage proposals (they both said yes), a birthday celebration, and lots of sunset cruises. Hasty Heart made another beautiful whale-watching trip to the Farallon Islands. Both boats will be sailing today. A great way to spend the holiday.

 

Till next week,

Captain Chuck

 


 

MORNING FOG

August 30, 2011

 

We had some morning fog this past week, so typical of San Francisco Bay in the summer. And such a beautiful sight, cascading over the mountaintops like a waterfall. It adds a special dimension to sailing on SF Bay, a quiet, sometimes eerie feel. Then it clears and off we go with blue sky and the welcome warmth of the sun. Both boats were busy all week sailing with lots of fun groups, both local folks and visitors from as far away as Chile and Argentina. It’s a great time of year for a private sailing charter on the bay.

 

Till next time,

Captain Chuck

 


 

BIRTHDAY WEEK

August 23, 2011

 

Isn’t it funny how things happen in waves? Almost every sailing charter we took out this past week was celebrating a birthday. One was a combination birthday/reunion: friends who had known each other for forty years, getting together again for a sailing adventure on San Francisco Bay. Another group included a professional photographer who spent most of his time on the foredeck getting some spectacular pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Alcatraz as well as the magnificent sea life of SF Bay including dolphins which are swimming in our waters again. What a gorgeous sight they are! I hope to share some of these great pictures on the website soon.

 


 

MORE FUN ON THE BAY

August 16, 2011

 

Another busy week of sailing on San Francisco Bay with spectacular weather and visitors from all over the globe. Had a mother from New Orleans who had learned to sail when she was twenty and wanted to give her daughter the same experience. The daughter was a natural. She steered the boat all the way across SF Bay, from Sausalito to San Francisco. On another charter we had a four-year-old at the helm (with supervision, of course). Not quite as adept at handling the boat but she sure looked cute trying. Another couple redeemed their sailing gift certificate for a sunset cruise—brought along a group of friends and had a great time.

 


 

TOURIST SEASON

July 25, 2011

 

The San Francisco tourist season is in full swing. This week we had sailing charters with customers from Brazil, Ontario, and Texas as well as another romantic marriage proposal tour. (She said yes!) In addition to lots of sailing in San Francisco Bay, Wild Streak made two ocean voyages and Hasty Heart took another group to the Farallones. We couldn’t have asked for better weather—blue sky, warm temps, perfect sailing winds, and just enough fog to create spectacular Golden Gate Bridge photo opps. This truly is one of the most beautiful sailing areas in the world.

 


 

SUMMER ADVENTURES

July 18, 2011

 

It’s been a whirlwind of activity. We’ve been out every day, enjoying the temperate SF Bay sailing weather. Occasional visits from the famous San Francisco fog added a special dimension to our sailing adventures. This past week we had marriage proposals, ash scatterings, birthday celebrations, and tourists from Holland, Germany, and Canada. Seems like everyone wants to experience the thrill of sailing on SF Bay.

 


 

INDEPENDENCE DAY

July 4, 2011

 

Happy 4th of July! What a spectacular week we’ve had—warm temps, great winds, fantastic sailing on SF Bay. Both boats were busy all week. Seems like everybody’s getting the sailing bug. Lots of people using their sailing gift certificates now that the great weather is here. Both sailboats are going out to watch the fireworks tonight, and tomorrow we’ll be sailing Hasty Heart in the ocean on a coastal cruise. Happy Birthday to our nation! Have a safe and joyous celebration.

 


 

ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE

June 27, 2011

 

It was another week of amazing sailing weather on SF Bay. A little morning fog for ambience, then warm and sunny afternoons and plenty of wind to make it fun. Had a great time sailing with a bachelor party celebrating the first in their group to get married. Some real adventurers! They took the helm and steered us out the gate for a wild time on Wild Streak. Hasty Heart made a fun journey to the Farallones on Saturday with a local meet-up group. Looks like we might have a few showers coming up mid-week then a nice warming trend starting on Thursday and more beautiful weather for the 4th of July weekend. We will be out there celebrating. If you’d like to be on the water for the fireworks, give us a call.

 


 

SUMMER SOLSTICE

June 20, 2011

 

Tomorrow is the first day of summer and both the weather and the sailing have been spectacular. These superb conditions are expected to continue so if you’ve ever thought about a sailing charter on San Francisco Bay, now is the time. It’s been a busy, busy week. Father’s Day weekend saw both boats working overtime with both out-of-town visitors and local families celebrating their wonderful fathers. We couldn’t have asked for more perfect conditions—blue sky, warm temps, great winds. Did you catch a glimpse of the Oracle boats out there practicing? What amazing racing machines! Took Hasty Heart out the gate with a group of international executives. Everybody got a turn at the helm; the winds were fantastic; obtained incredible sailing speeds. Hope to take you out there soon.

 


 

SEE THE NEW AMERICA’S CUP RACING BOATS ON THE BAY THIS WEEK!

June 13, 2011

 

Starting today at 1:00 PM, the Oracle Racing Team will be testing the new AC45 Catamarans on San Francisco Bay. This amazing fixed-wing catamaran reaches speeds of up to 35 mph. You can see these boats from the water on one of our luxury yachts as they fly by during these racing trials. Both Wild Streak and Hasty Heart are available for private charter to watch this spectacular event. Be among the first and the few to see these state-of-the-art new racing machines in action and up close.

 


 

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY

June 6, 2011

 

It was hard to miss the rains this week, but between the showers we had some very mellow sailing. Even the ocean was calm. Wild Streak found nothing but smooth sailing out the gate. And the Texas couple who sailed on Hasty Heart were quite happy with the more moderate temperatures of San Francisco and the Bay. Throughout the week we enjoyed sailing under billowy white clouds that looked like marshmallows in the patches of blue sky and turned to beautiful shades of pink and red at sunset. Not many other boats out so it felt like the displays were just for us. It looks like the coming week will usher in clearing skies and warmer temperatures—just in time for a summer of fantastic sailing charters on San Francisco Bay.

 

See you soon,

Captain Chuck

 


 

SAILING WEATHER

May 30, 2011

 

No doldrums this week. We’ve had some amazing late spring sailing weather. Celebrated a fifteenth wedding anniversary aboard Wild Streak with champagne and sushi and fun for all. Passengers aboard Hasty Heart enjoyed another spectacular evening potluck sail. And Memorial Day weekend was filled with back-to-back tours. In addition to many locals, we had guests from New York, New Orleans, and Dublin. Overall, conditions made it a great week of sailing charters on SF Bay. Looking forward to continued great weather and happy passengers.

 


 

ARE THOSE WEDDING BELLS I HEAR?

May 22, 2011

 

Our romantic theme continued this week with more marriage proposals onboard Wild Streak. I was so inspired, I took a bouquet of roses home to my wife. We had some beautiful weather, moderate winds, clear skies interrupted with occasional cloud formations that added spectacular red highlights to the sunsets. Hasty Heart ended the week with a fun-filled evening potluck, enjoying the same great weather and breathtaking ambiance. It’s the perfect time of year for sailing; the days are long allowing the choice of morning, afternoon, or evening sailing charters.

 

Wishing you fair winds and following seas,

Captain Chuck

 


 

It’s Spring!

May 16, 2011

 

Spring has sprung and romance is in the air! This past week was one of marriage proposals onboard and honeymooners sailing in the lush beauty of San Francisco Bay. What a spectacular way to celebrate the beginning of a life together. From sparkling days to lavish sunsets, mild breezes to the excitement of brisk winds, we had it all this week and our romantic couples toasted to their futures in style. Add to that a group of six rugged commercial fishermen from Alaska, enjoying a bachelor party aboard Hasty Heart, and the theme is complete. This group took their charter outside the Gate for a thrilling sail in the bigger waves. With all their boating experience, these fishermen had never been sailing before and they found it to be a new and exciting adventure.

 

Till next time,

Captain Chuck

 


GREAT SUNSET TOUR

May 9, 2011

 

It was my honor this past week to take out a group of five highly stressed ER physicians and watch them unwind while enjoying the beautiful ambiance and serenity of sailing on San Francisco Bay. We sailed out under the Golden Gate Bridge, watched the sun set, then turned and sailed back up the San Francisco waterfront as dusk turned to dark, taking in the magic of the bridge and city lights sparkling on the water. By the time we returned to dock everyone was smiling and relaxed. I know they had a good time because the very next day one of the group called to schedule another sailing charter.

 


 

OPENING DAY ON THE BAY

April 30, 2011

 

Tomorrow is Opening Day on the Bay—an annual celebration marking the start of the San Francisco Bay sailing season.

 

The wind has really been working for us this week. Couldn’t ask for a better combination of sun and breeze. Both boats have been busy with corporate team building charters as well as romantic sailing for two. The bay is really coming to life. We even saw a seal catching a salmon yesterday, just off of Angel Island. And birds everywhere—a very welcome sight.

 

As you undoubtedly already know, the America’s Cup races are coming to San Francisco Bay. The gearing up begins this year. We will keep you posted on events and activities as the information becomes available.

 

That’s all for now. Until next time, happy sailing!