Sailing the Bay on the Hawaiian Chieftain
Written: Nov 27 '00 (Updated Nov 28 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great way to see the bay's sights!
Cons: On some days it will be chilly
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| webguy's Full Review: San Francisco Bay |
Are you looking for a new experience while in San Francisco? Both visitors and locals to the Bay Area should get their feet wet on an exciting sailing tour aboard the Hawaiian Chieftain. Recently, I took a few friends aboard for a spectacular half-day ocean view of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the surrounding islands and coastlines. It’s a cruise we’ll never forget!
The Hawaiian Chieftain is a replica of an 18-Century sailing vessel, reminiscent of the Spanish galleons during their age of exploration. It’s quite an attractive ship, and when you’re carried along by a brisk wind, the sea alive beneath, you’ll discover that sense of adventure often missed today.
Our trip began with a call to Hawaiian Chieftain’s booking, who navigated me through their various tour options. They offer morning, brunch and sunset sails, with prices starting from $35 adult/$15 children for the Sunset Cruise, up to $50 for the Brunch and Jazz cruise. I chose the morning cruise at $45, which includes a sail from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as well as a great buffet lunch.
That morning, we excitedly met the ship and crew in Sausalito, located just north of San Francisco, and set off on our trip. As the sun rose over the bay, fog clung to the hills and the sea, as if hoping to fight off the sun’s rays. Most of us were prepared for this morning chill, dressed in pants and windbreakers, yet yearning to see the sun shortly. As the ship left the harbor towards Angel Island, the sun burst through the clouds, greeting us with warm rays glittering off the sea.
Soon the wind got lively, and the crew asked us if we wanted to hoist the sails. Of course! After some quick instruction on technique and safety, we were assigned various stations around the ship to experience first-hand the rigors of old sea travel. Some tended sails, while others gripped the teak and brass ship’s wheel for a turn or two! The cruise didn’t require our labors, as there’s always enough crew to do the work, but it made our experience all that richer.
With the sails fully trimmed, aloft in a strong breeze, we sailed for a couple hours near Angel Island, the City, and the Gold Gate bridge. With no urban obstacles to hinder our views, it was simply stunning to look over San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge from this noble craft. Our nautical excursion created quite an appetite, and we were soon rewarded with an excellent buffet to enjoy as the ship skimmed the sea towards home.
All my guests had an excellent time! If you enjoy a little adventure and a new perspective on San Francisco’s sights, I’d highly recommend a tour aboard the Hawaiian Chieftain!
For more information on tours aboard the Hawaiian Chieftain, call 415.331.3214, or visit www.HawaiianChieftain.com.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
webguy
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Member: Kurt S.
Location: California coast
Reviews written: 37
Trusted by: 48 members
About Me:
I'm an avid kayaker, biker and hiker.
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