SAIL ON A CLASSIC GAFF-SLOOP
Come sail with us on Polaris, the flagship of our historic wooden boat fleet. 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. She has the feel of a classic wooden boat, but also 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.
Trips will be offered at 1 pm every other Saturday through October, weather permitting. Polaris 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.
Passengers should wear boat shoes or other shoes with good grip and non-scuffing soles. A warm jacket and sunscreen also are recommended, and snacks are always welcome.
Polaris can accommodate six passengers in addition to her crew. For reservations, contact Mark Welther at the Spaulding Center.
There is no charge for sails on Polaris. Donations are always welcome and appreciated.
WHEN: Public cruises recommence in April, 2008
WHERE: SWBC dock
CONTACT: Mark Welther, 415-332-3179 or
Note on photos: Click on photos to view larger versions, then mouse over photo to use navigation icons.
Polaris was donated to SWBC by owners David and Corrinne Bressler.
