Have you ever dreamed of sailing in the Bay – current home of the America’s Cup? A few years ago, I gazed out into the Bay and was filled with wonder by the dozens of sailboats gliding across the water. Even though I had no sailing experience, I was determined to figure out how to get myself out there without spending a small fortune.
Fast forward to meetup.com. If you haven’t heard of it, check it out. I could talk forever about all of the offerings you can find there. Bottom line is that you can search for activities/topics/hobbies that you like, and in return you’ll be provided with a list of groups in the area that share the same interest.
In my quest to sail, I came across the “SailingSF” group, AKA, “Sailing SF: Sailing, Hiking, Potluck, Beach Fun.” The group was organized by a passionate sailor, Jake, who had shares in two different sailboats in Sausalito and Pier 39 San Francisco. For about $35, he would take a group of about 7 of us sailing for the day. We would sail in the morning, dock and stop by a pier-side bar in Tiburon for a drink, mosey on over to Angel Island for a picnic lunch and short hike, and then a nice sail home.
I have gone sailing on the Bay several times now, and it’s always a wonderful experience with fun people — like a week’s vacation crammed into a day. Jake is still offering sailing outings, but the price has increased (and rightfully so). He’s also expanded his group to include limo trip offerings to Napa and Sonoma for wine tasting.
To learn more about this meetup group: http://www.meetup.com/SailingSF/
Marin on the cheap 
Hi Peggy,
Loved your post about SailingSF. I hadn’t heard about this organization and think my family would love to try it out and take a trip to Angel Island. What are the best months to go sailing – when is the bay the calmest?
Thanks! Ann
cs5711
Hi Ann,
One year there were many days throughout the year that were good to sail. Last year, the winter months were cold and dreary. Jake could best advise you on when to go. You could schedule a charter with him. Thanks for commenting! P
Thanks for the new discovery on how to explore sailing on the bay inexpensively. I have always thought the best value for a 2 hour sailing outing on San Francisco Bay was offered by Adventure Cat ( http://www.adventurecat.com ) operating out of Pier 39. ($35 day. I see that they now charge $50 for the sunset cruise). We use to do an annual family event celebrating life! We even had arranged to have them pick additional party members up in Tiburon. It’s a blast!
The photo looks like an old sailing vessel. For sailing buffs, the Spaulding Wooden Boat Center might be an interesting visit (www.spauldingcenter.org). Not sure if/when they have open houses, but they restore old wooden boats to their early majestic condition.
For a guy who use to sell group dining events on SF Bay (Hornblower 20 years ago), your discovery is joy! Now, if I can can only remember that PORT is not a wine and STARBOARD is not a candy bar. Brian cs5711
I had some out of town guests visiting and convinced them that a sailboat was the best way to see the Bay Area. We sailed out around angel island, under the gg bridge, and back to the marina. The boat was great with plenty of space. First class all the way. Good job on this post, brought back good memories.
I recently discovered “Meet-ups”. Although I have not participated in one yet, they sound like a great way to do Social Media by making connections face-to-face for real world adventures. I like your description of your sailing trip as “like a week’s vacation crammed into a day” -those are the best kind of experiences! cs5711
I spent my High School years and then young adult life living in Mill Valley. I had a friend with a good size boat. However every time I went out on it I got sea sick. Between the fumes of the gas and the motion of the waves I always ended up feeling green with nausia.
Thank you for the sharing meetup.com. This allows me to research some outings during next summer when the weather clears up. I enjoy trying new things and this web site will allow me to paruse my choices out there.
Elisa Semmons
CS57.11