HANDS-ON LEARNING ABOARD 1891 NATIONAL LANDMARK SCOW SCHOONER ALMA!

Scow schooner ALMA sailing on San Francisco Bay.

NPS

News Release Date: April 19, 2010

Contact: John Cunnane, 415-561-7049

Back for a fourth season - San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park to take passengers on a three hour San Francisco Bay sailing adventure, spring, summer and fall seasons!

Haul line to raise the sails with National Park Service Rangers as you explore the Bay aboard the historic 60 foot Alma! Take in dazzling views and San Francisco’s riveting history:  Native Americans, Spanish explorers, the Gold Rush, lighthouses, the Barbary Coast, Fisherman’s Wharf, earthquakes, shipbuilding and more! Before highways and bridges, hundreds of scow schooners like Alma plied San Francisco Bay, hauling goods as the “flatbed trucks” of their day. The last of her kind, Alma will transport you to a long ago era on this unique, hands-on, educational sailing program with the National Park Service.

Boarding is at 12:30 for this three-hour sail which departs at 1:00pm from Hyde Street Pier, at Hyde and Jefferson Streets. Programs on May 1, 8, 15, 22, June 5, 11, 19, July 1, 2, 3, 8, 10, 15, 16, 22, 24, 29, 30, 31, August 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 20, 26, 27, Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2, 16, 23, 30, and Nov. 6, 13, 20, 2010. Rates:  $40 adult ($35 adult during May only), $30 senior, $20 child, under six free with adult. For reservations call 415-447-5000. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the sail at the Hyde Street Pier ticket booth (opens at 9:30am). The historic Alma is U.S. Coast Guard certified, can carry 40 passengers maximum, and is wheelchair accessible with assistance.

Rough conditions are possible. Be prepared for cold, wind, spray and bright sun. Life jackets and flotation devices are provided. Bring water (no alcohol permitted), snacks, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, layers of clothing, closed toe “active” footwear (no high heels), camera, binoculars, and a sense of adventure! Trip may be cancelled due to weather, or other safety concerns, at discretion of the captain.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park includes a magnificent fleet of historic ships, Visitor Center, Aquatic Park Historic District, and library. The park offers both regular programs and special events. For more information call 415-447-5000 or visit the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/safr. Images are available at https://www.nps.gov/safr/photosmultimedia/photogallery.htm.