Welcome Aboard Freda
Join us for a sailing experience like none other
Freda is freshly updated and ready for you. The oldest private yacht on the west coast is now available for private sails on San Francisco Bay – a rare chance to experience history underway.
3 Hour Sailing Charter
Fleet Week Spectator Sail
Perfect for families, celebrations, company outings, or anyone who wants to see the bay the way it was meant to be seen.
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Absolutely. If you’d like to skip the prep and dive straight into the relaxation, we offer a premium catering add-on for $400 that covers your entire group of six. This curated experience features a locally curated charcuterie board of artisanal meats, fine cheeses, fresh seasonal fruits, and savory accompaniments—all perfectly complemented by hand-selected wine pairings from a partner vineyard. We handle all the details, providing the glassware, plates, and silverware. Reach out with special requests, we can accommodate most anything.
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The Captain makes the final call on safety. If we have to cancel due to high winds or heavy rain, we will offer a full refund or a chance to reschedule. We do not cancel for light "passing" sprinkles or overcast skies.
We keep an eye on weather leading up to your trip and will communicate with you early to ensure a cancellation or reschedule can be made well in advance.
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Freda is currently available for charters February - November. Early spring brings light winds, brisk weather and wildlife sightings. The summer months are generally windier and sportier in the afternoons, with calmer conditions in the mornings. Fall offers consistent winds, warm weather, and great sunsets, often the favorite time of year for local sailors.
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Wildlife sightings are guaranteed year round - the SF bay is home to many native and migratory species, including birds and waterfowl, whales, porpoise, harbor seals, and sea lions. Occasionally rarer sightings include Thresher sharks, offshore birds, otters, and mola mola.
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7+ days notice: Full refund.
3–6 days notice: 50% refund or full credit for a future date.
Within 48 hours: Non-refundable.
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Parking is available alongside the Spaulding Marine Center, or on Gate 3 Rd. We board and brief passengers 15 minutes prior to the scheduled trip start - it’s best to arrive early so you are not rushed to park. You can refer to our parking info here.
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Charters are a minimum of 3 hours, and can include routes along the Sausalito waterfront, Richardson Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Tiburon, and the SF waterfront. Trips can be as relaxed or adventurous as you like. Our captain and crew are knowledgeable about the local history, natural environment and marine life, and are avid sailors - as such, charters are meant to be open-ended experiences customized for you. Browse our charter offerings for specialized offerings, including sunset sails, holidays trips, celebrations, and ceremonies.
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Our Coast Guard regulations allow for a maximum of 6 passengers. This includes children of all ages. Every charter includes a professional Captain and a dedicated crew member in addition to your 6 passengers to handle the sailing, safety, and service, so you can sit back and enjoy the view. We welcome sailors of all ages!
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Not at all. Our crew handles everything. If you’re interested in learning, our Captain and crew can show you the ropes or let you take a turn on the helm.
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We recommend "boat-friendly" essentials:
Sunscreen
Sunglasses and hat
Jacket or windbreaker (it’s often 10-15 degrees cooler on the water).
Soft-soled shoes (think sneakers or boat shoes). Please avoid narrow heels as they damage the deck.
Water, snacks, drinks
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Yes, our vessel is equipped with a modest, private “head” (bathroom).
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Absolutely. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages. We provide a cooler with ice and bottled water.
Note: For safety reasons, we ask that you avoid glass bottles when possible and stick to beer, wine, or canned cocktails. Red wine is generally discouraged due to permanent staining on the deck.
faqs
The Beginning
Freda’s story starts in 1885, when she was built in Belvedere, California for racing and recreation. As the oldest registered yacht on the west coast, Freda embodies tradition and elegance.
“I stood entranced for a long time, absorbing her poised loveliness as if she were mine alone to kidnap and sail away toward those dream harbors…..I caressed her overall grace with my eyes and saw at once that her master must also be in love. For there was not a single blemish or compromise anywhere. Her sheer was exactly right, being neither so marked as to suggest a wooden shoe nor so slight as to resemble a flat iron. Obviously what little water came upon her decks would soon slip back to the sea.”
A detailed history of Freda can be found here by Courtney J. Anderson
The Rebuild
In 1996 the Arques School of Wooden Boatbuilding undertook a 15-year rebuild of Freda, reconstructing the hull and restoring the vessel to near original shape. Freda was re-launched from the Spaulding Marine Center in 2014 and remains in the care of the center.
Watch a short video on the Freda restoration process here
Watch Freda’s Good Fortune: A Tale of Restoration by Katie Jewett
Today
The “Friends of Freda” volunteer group diligently maintains and cares for Freda. Come Summer 2026, Freda will be available for small group charters with US Coast Guard certified captains and crew. If you’d like to join us on the water, or get involved in volunteering, reach out!
