Since 1980
Forty-five years on the same stretch of water.
Rendezvous Charters started with a 78-foot brigantine and a conviction that San Francisco Bay is best understood from the middle of it.
We began in 1980 with the 78-foot brigantine Rendezvous, the boat this company still takes its name from, and the ship still drawn in our mark. Since then the fleet has changed shape more than once, and what has stayed constant is the pier, the water, and the people who run it.
Today we operate 16 boats out of Pier 40 in South Beach Harbor: seven Andrews 21s, three J/80s, two J/105s, a Catalina 30, a Beneteau 37, a J/109, and the Santa Cruz 50 Yukon Jack, which won the San Francisco to Tahiti race in 1995 and remains the fastest thing we will put twenty people on.
Every one of those boats is ours. We do not broker other people's yachts, and we do not sell you a hull we have not personally maintained. It is a smaller operation than it once was, and a considerably better one.
Rendezvous Charters is a Spinnaker Sailing company. Spinnaker runs the ASA-certified sailing school, the club and the timeshare program on the same dock; we run the charters, the corporate work and the events. If you arrive as a guest and leave wanting to learn to sail properly, the school is fifty feet away.
Safety
The unglamorous part we take seriously.
U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains
Every charter, without exception. Our captains know this Bay’s tides, currents and afternoon wind because they sail it every day.
Fully equipped, fully insured
Each vessel carries all USCG-required safety equipment, and we hold comprehensive commercial marine insurance, a requirement for operating out of local ports and marinas.
We will call it off
San Francisco sails through most weather, and wind is the point rather than the problem. If conditions are genuinely unsafe, the captain makes the call and we reschedule you.
Questions
The things everyone asks.
How many people can you take?
Up to 20 on Yukon Jack, our largest boat. For a group event across several boats we will comfortably run 44, which is how the team regattas work. Larger than that, call us and we will talk it through.
What does the rate include?
Captain, boat and fuel. There is no docking or passenger fee at South Beach Harbor. Crew gratuity is separate, and Yukon Jack adds a $100 catering and cleaning fee.
Can we bring our own food and drink?
Yes, and our crew will serve it for you. No red wine or hard liquor, please. Wine carries a $25 corking fee. We can also cater the whole thing.
How far in advance should we book?
Four to six weeks for a normal weekend. Considerably earlier for Fleet Week, the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. Those sell out every year.
Do we need any sailing experience?
None. Every charter is run by a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain. If you want to take the helm you will be taught and encouraged; if you would rather sit in the sun, that is equally fine.
What should we wear?
Layers, and more of them than you think. Soft-soled shoes, deck shoes or trainers. The Bay is reliably colder and windier than the city, especially in the afternoon.
What happens if the weather is bad?
San Francisco sails through most of it, and wind is a feature rather than a problem. If conditions are genuinely unsafe the captain will call it and we will reschedule you.
Where do we meet?
Pier 40, South Beach Harbor, south of the Bay Bridge on the Embarcadero, next to Oracle Park. Not Pier 39. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
Film
What it sounds like out there
No commentary, no music.
Plan your charter
Let’s get your group on the water.
Tell us the date, the headcount and the mood. You will have a tailored quote back within one business day.
or call 415-543-7333 reply within one business day