Join us for a multi-day sail in the coastal waters of Northern California. With the guidance of our professional crew, you will learn the traditional art of tall ship sailing, participating in a daily watch schedule to assist with ship-board operation of  the vessel as we make our way out into the Pacific Ocean.  During the voyage, you will connect with the ocean environment, viewing marine wildlife and and becoming a community scientist as you explore basic oceanography.  A great experience for those who love the ocean and would like to learn more about tall ship sailing and marine sciences.

Adult and Family Voyage dates

  • June 11-13, 2026  3-day Drakes Bay Voyage  $1,250/pp
  • June 19-20, 2026  Overnight in San Francisco Bay $375/pp or $700/couple
  • August 8-9, 2026  Overnight in San Francisco Bay  $375/pp or $700/couple
  • August 25-29, 2026  5-day Gulf of the Farallones Voyage $1,995/pp

For adults and youth ages 13-17 if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Fee includes sailing and sleeping aboard brigantine Matthew Turner, safety gear, seamanship training and all meals.

How to sign up:

  1. View FAQs and forms
  2. Register
  3. Pay deposit
Register for a Voyage
View FAQs and Forms

Learn to Sail a Tall ship: The first few days of your voyage includes training in emergency protocol, line handling, sail setting, navigation, steering and climbing aloft.  During your voyage you become part of the crew, participating in watch rotations where you will be assigned specific tasks to maintain the safety of the vessel. Our professional crew are there to supervise and guide your experience as you gain confidence in your seamanship. NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NECESSARY, WE WILL TEACH YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Highlights:

  • Gain confidence on a challenging adventure
  • Learn tall ship sailing skills:  climbing aloft, line handling and coiling, knots, teamwork on deck
  • Study marine science:  observe marine wildlife in the Gulf of the Farallones

Sample itinerary:

  • Board the ship at the Bay Model Visitor Center unless otherwise noted
  • Voyage to anchorages such as Drakes Bay, Half Moon Bay, and Capitola
  • Sail around the Farallon Islands and along the coastline
  • Stargaze at night while anchored off shore

Looking for a shorter experience?  Try a San Francisco Bay overnight.  Imagine yourself on board a traditional tall ship, anchored in calm waters after a sunset sail on San Francisco Bay, enjoying the idyllic scenery and a hearty meal with fellow passengers. You can listen to after dinner stories from the captain and crew about the life of a professional tall ship sailor aboard a working ship, practice knot tying or just relax with a good book. Enjoy stargazing at night before falling asleep to the gentle rocking and soothing sounds of a ship at anchor.  Read more about SF Bay Overnights