There are things I just love to do over and over again.
It wasn’t the first (even not the second) time I sailed at the Bay. Boats were different both times, and both times I loved it with all my heart.
When I saw that Maritime History National Park does the trips on one of their historical boat, I was all in.
I booked a ticket on recreation.gov for Friday trip and then started to count days till the event.
The event had the start time at 12 pm, but we waited till 1 pm. The ticket included an entrance fee to all boats that they have, so this additional hour was very welcome.
The boat was Alma. Alma is a scow schooner built at the end of 19th century at Hunters Point, San Francisco. At first, it carried hay and lumber, and then it was used as a barge. And even for some times transported oyster shells. It was used until 1957 while it was not retired as unprofitable. Until the state bought, it lay at Alviso not fr from San Jose. The restoration started in 1964, and in 1988 it became National Historic Landmark.
The boat has only two crew members from the park staff but to sail the big ship like Alma you need way more hands. I counted more than a dozen volunteers that participated that day in the ride. Additionally, they asked and allowed the public to help. It was fun for kids and adults.
I will not say a word more, simply enjoy photos from the trip. Or scroll down to get all links and information about it.
Links and information
- Visit the official site of San Francisco Maritime National Historic Museum.
- Usually visitor stops only at the pier to check the boats and vessels. However there is an indoor museum not far from the shore. It has really interesting expositions. Here is its location on Google Maps
- Here you can reserve a ticket.
- The tour is about three hours long, the route, they say, could change depending on weather and wind.
- The sailing season starts in June and ends in November
- Do not forget to bring with you layers (especially something that will help you for wind), sunscreen (even if you think there would be a fog), hat (it could be very cold), sunglasses (see sunscreen), snacks and water (you cannot buy food on the boat)