almasail2009

The scow schooner ALMA with sails set, running with the wind on San Francisco Bay, with the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands in the background.

NPS

News Release Date: April 13, 2009

Contact: John Cunnane, 415-561-7170

Back for a third 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 April 18, 25, May 9, 30, June 6, 13, 27, July 2, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, August 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 27, Sept. 3, 5, 19, 26, Oct. 17, 24, 31, and Nov. 7, 14, 21, 2009. Rates: $35 adult, $30 senior, $20 child, under six free with adult. For reservations call 415-447-5000. Tickets purchased on day of sail at 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, maritime museum, 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.