Sail on a Classic San Francisco Bay Wooden Boat

Kids love Polaris
Kids love Polaris [click for larger photo]

Come sail with us on one of our classic wooden boats. Cruises are offered to nonprofit groups serving youths and seniors as well as to private parties interested in arranging a memorable sail for a special occasion or teambuilding excursion. Interested groups should contact SWBC to determine availability of crew for desired cruise dates.

We currently offer sails on two classic wooden boats, both built in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Polaris – 1906 Gaff Sloop

Polaris is a restored 34-foot gaff rigged “pumpkinseed” sloop built on San Francisco Bay in 1906. She is carvel built—fir planks butted edge to edge on oak ribs—and has spruce spars and mast.

Polaris in 2007 regatta
Polaris in 2007 regatta [click for larger photo]

Polaris has the feel of a classic wooden boat, but has been outfitted with modern safety equipment and conveniences, including a new Yanmar diesel engine, marine head, automatic bilge pump and a gimbaled teak table in the saloon.


Pegasus – 1962 Spaulding 33

Pegasus in 2009
Pegasus in 2009 [click for larger photo]

The Spaulding 33, of which Pegasus is a great example, was designed by Myron Spaulding to be easy to construct, a great family boat and fast on the water. Spaulding 33's have spacious cruising accommodations including 6 foot 2 inch headroom, 6 bunks, enclosed head, hanging locker, galley with stove, ice-box and sink.

Pegasus was built in 1962 in San Francisco by Michael Schnapp; one of thirteen built.


Polaris or Pegasus will depart from and return to the SWBC dock and sail for two to three hours in Richardson's Bay. Depending on the discretion of the skipper and the wishes of the passengers, the cruise may also go in the areas of Angel Island, Raccoon Straits or the Golden Gate Bridge. The crew consists of a Coast Guard licensed skipper and trained and qualified crew members.

A guest gets a turn at the helm of Polaris
A guest gets a turn at the helm of Polaris [click for larger photo]

What to Wear and Bring

Both Polaris and Pegasus can accommodate six passengers in addition to crew. For reservations, contact Andrea Rey at the Spaulding Center.


WHO: Nonprofit groups serving primarily youths and seniors
WHEN: Spring to fall, weather permitting
WHERE: SWBC dock [MAP]
CONTACT: Andrea, 415-332-3179 or

A beam reach on Polaris
A beam reach on Polaris [click for larger photo]

Heading back to the dock in Sausalito
Heading back to the dock in Sausalito [click for larger photo]

Polaris was donated to SWBC by owners David and Corrinne Bressler in December 2006. Pegasus was donated to SWBC by Ruth Schnapp in 2008.

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