Fantastic experience! I had done sailing couple of times in smaller boats. But this was exhilarating. You get ample chance to work on "grinders" when sails have to unfurled and / or adjusted. Crew is very friendly and humors all naive sailing related questions without snickering. We were also lucky with co operating weather - high tide co in coding with same wind direction. Main attraction was the fact that it was a racing boat. I was skeptical about how much of "racing" experience I was going to get. As we got on the boat, instructions were given. When they say "boat will tilt 30°", they mean it! And thanks to colleague's app, we could verify that speed while going against the wind was around 5 miles/hr but along with the wind while coming back was almost 14 miles / hour. That was mind boggling! Will definitely do the excursion again. read more

Thank you John, Will n Pete for an AMAZING time onboard USA 76 sailing the Bay. These guys are down to earth, fun and encourage your participation while sailing. Not set route...it's where ever the winds take us. Headed out of Pier 31 to the East side of Alcatraz Island, out towards the Golden Gate Bridge...we even went outside the gate and back around. Be sure to have your cameras ready for photo opportunities because you wont see these sights from land. Not only do you get to sail on an America Cup's vessel USA 76, you have opportunity to take the helm and steer the vessel n set the sails throughout the trip. Besides the scenery and being on the water, passenger participation is what really makes this adventure fun. Weather was perfect...little overcast, got some rain and the sun popping through the clouds ever so often. If you didnt bring a heavy enough jacket, they will provide. Dont be afraid of getting motion sickness...it's all good. Special shout-out to my friend Bernadette for booking this excursion. She is one of the Concierges at the Argonaut Hotel. read more

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Do Not Buy Ticket Early I was in San Francisco the weekend of Sept. 13-15th and booked a ride on the America's Cup boat 76 through ACSailing. It was to be one of the highlights of my trip, I am a big fan of the America's Cup. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. I woke up that morning to a "small craft advisory" and only 9 people booked for the ride (8 is the minimum). This gave me concern but the company sent nothing out to cancel the ride. Upon arrival our numbers grew to 13, but when we reached the boat the captain informed us that "due to the weather" we would only be using the jib, no mainsail. This initially seemed reasonable but after we got out onto the water it was clear that the weather had nothing to do with not using the mainsail-that decision was more likely due to the fact the captain only had 2 crew members instead of the normal 4 and neither crew member was very experienced. While we were sailing this 90 ft. boat with just a jib, a large sailing regatta was occuring with boats much smaller but all with both a full main (not reefed) and jib, even flying a spinnaker downwind under the same "small craft advisory". To make matters worse, I reached out to the company the next day and never received any type of response, my email was ignored. While I am sure that this experience for many is exhilarating, that would most likely include the use of the mainsail. My suggestion is to hold off on booking this ride until you are sure of the weather and likely guest count. Maybe this way you can get a full crew and the full experience, but understand the company is not going to respond to any concerns you may have...my guess is they don't count on repeat customers! read more

What an incredible experience! When I first learned about the day sailing opportunity on a racing boat that was used in the America's Cup, I thought that was so cool. Then Captain John said no one has gotten seasick on the boat. Hesitant at first, but I was game and willing to risk it to get on that multimillion dollar boat. I even recruited two friends to go with me! We started our day dining at Pier 39 nearby and checked in at the gate at the designated time. We were directed to the boat that was going to be our home for the next couple of hours and a half. We boarded and had to definitely watch where we were stepping. Bags were stored, extra jackets were distributed and everyone took a seat for an intro, instructions and what to expect. The rest of the crew got us out on the water and we were moving. No turning back now! You have an opportunity to actually work to get the boat moving with hoisting up the sail, changing direction, steering and taking the sail down. Or you can chill and hold on as the boat tilts. You go all around the bay, depending on where the winds take you, around Alcatraz and underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. It is truly an amazing feeling being on the bay, the wind in your hair, seeing the gorgeous city from a different perspective and being in great hands with John and the crew. And he was right, I didn't get sick. If you want to do this, let me know if you have questions! I'd love to go again and again and again! read more

ACsailingSF - Boating Near Me - San Francisco, California

I had the great pleasure of sailing on USA 76 two weekends in a row and it was an amazing experience each time. Captain Pete, Chris, Aaron, and Will were a great crew and obviously take great pleasure their work. We did the America's Cup Experience and it was thrilling! As the crew noted, it'll spoil you for any other sailboat - USA 76 was an F1 car in its day, but has been "toned down" to mere supercar status. You've got a fantastic racer at the helm and are zipping around the bay at full throttle. Bring layers, minimize bags, and if you're going to park in the Pier 39 garage, get a reservation online, the per-hour rate is exorbitant! read more

A truly wonderful experience! The crew was attentive and professional. It was a big job to make this lovely lady go, and a four man crew did the work that is ordinarily (while racing) handled by seventeen. Kudos to all. read more

So you're looking for a perfect outing for friends, family, a date, or a business outing? Go sailing on the San francisco bay in the USA 76. This amazing vessel is the most recently retired, and available yacht to enjoy sailing that had America's Cup contention not long ago. This is an amazing day out on the water, made even more special with the practice of the Blue Angels on the day we went out. The crew is friendly and knowledgeable, they knew every boat that was out on the water and gave thoughtful and insightful commentary when you approached them. They give you the opportunity to crank the wenches, steer the carbon fiber wheel (it's really responsive!), and ask questions whenever you have them. Plus, they don't act like jungle cruise leaders at theme parks, they let the majesty and beauty of the Bay speak for itself. A truly enjoyable experience in the San Francisco Bay was had by all on board! read more

What a nice group of people. Everyone got a chance to drive, and help as much as they wanted during the 3 hour sail. It was such a cool thing to finally be on the boat that everyone is staring at. Incredibly responsive at the helm, it was a unique opportunity to sail on the USA 76. Thanks John and crew for a great day out there! We sailed out of Pt. Richmond. read more

ACsailingSF - Getting her ready to sail. - Boating Near Me - San Francisco, California

Fantastic tourist event. Much better than a passive walk through tour through the WW2 subs or the motored cruises to the bridge and back. If you have gone sailing before this experience is unique. Boat travels at 10+ knots, 2-3x of the catalinas you can rent. You can see the boat overtake the other pleasure boats in the water. Both the angle of attack into the wind and smoothness are something you can't experience except on this custom designed race boat. They have a faster tomcat which is 2x the speed of the ac76. If you watched the America's cup this is a must try. Wonderful crew. Captain Jeanette is very knowledgeable and will guide you through all the steps. Very patient. Firm and stunningly beautiful!!! read more

This guys offer a unique and fun ride on the Bay. Come check them out. It is reasonably priced for what you get. read more

ACsailingSF - This is a great ride on the SF Bay. - Boating Near Me - San Francisco, California

ACsailingSF was amazing! I booked this for an anniversary activity because my partner LOVES watching competitive racing. He was so excited to be involved in the sailing process from using the grinders to raise and lower the sails, tacking, and he even got to steer. The crew were so friendly and passionate about sailing. I would recommend this experience to anyone who is even slightly interested in sailing! read more

This sail was amazing... They do encourage participation and that was a lot of work but it wasn't 'required' and it was in spurts. Fun if you want some experience of it. The speed was amazing on USA 76 and would love to go again. Of note- please don't bring young children and if you have physical limitations, I would use caution depending on how limited. This boat has rails on the side to hold on to but the angle and switching sides without anything to hold onto in the middle can be challenging... Don't expect seats and a leisurely floating, this is active and exhilarating read more

So I sailed when I was young, and grew up near water.... so it is in my blood. I haven't sailed for years, but truly enjoyed the last 2 America's Cup, and my wife surprised me by finding this experience. It was listed on AirBNB, and pretty straight forward. THIS IS NOT YOUR DINNER CRUISE. Nor is this a catamaran with sparkling wine. This is a racing boat, and you are paying for the privilege to either see how an America's Cup yacht races, or you actually get to help grind the sails up and down, or for tacking. It was the most fun I've had in years, and it was a truly special adventure. I am fairly confident this is something I will return to, a few times a year. I believe they do normal day cruises, but we joined a race night, and luckily it was part of the South Beach Yacht club, so we were tucked in, behind the Bay Bridge, and the course was basically between Alameda and AT&T ballpark. It was truly one of the nicest days this year, or in recent memory. Slight breeze, hitting 12-15 knots, 70 degrees. I cannot imagine something more glorious. Thank you wifey, but THANK YOU CREW... you were all so friendly and fun, competent, and professional. Can't wait to see you again, and see what rough seas are like! LOL Thanks again and hooray for the best single day experience in all of the San Francisco Bay Area!!! read more

This was an unbelievable experience and such a great memories maker for myself and my family! The crew were amazing, helpful and attentive to all guests, including our 8 yo and 10 yo. And the experience, itself, was so unexpected and wonderful! If ever looking for an adventure, AC Sailing in San Francisco is a definite one to have! read more

THIS is how you need to experience sailing on the Bay. Sailing was one of the reasons I moved here and being able to go out on the USA 76 was an excellent experience. I highly recommend chartering for a great group experience or buying a ticketed sail if you don't have a group. There is no way I can ever describe this sail but here are a few photos: https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/107367325985569175494/albums/5713676508572647217 peace, love, and good booze ~ chase read more

We did a private charter on USA-76 with some friends yesterday and all I can say is "WOOF!". Jon, Jeanette & Mario were excellent and we had the added treat of having Rodney Daniel on board helping out. Rodney was grinder (tough job) on USA-76 in the 2003 Challenge of the America's Cup. USA-76 was the only boat to win 2 races off the eventual AC winner, Alinghi. (Boo hiss). Great day! Sailing one of of the fastest boats in the world with one of the best sailors in the world! Photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3635115888234.2145256.1584324665&type=3&l=7693fe9728 read more

Had the most amazing experience! The crew was friendly, helpful, and made you feel safe. You get to be hands with the crew helping set the sails and steer the boat. Spending the afternoon on this boat sailing the bay and going under the golden gate was fantastic. You got speed, amazing views, and, a great staff. Def would do this again! read more

Great experience!! The captain was super cool but also very skilled. Everyone was asked to collaborate, which made the overall trip even better! I could not recommend a better trip in the bay. Loved it!!! read more

I was visiting from LA and my grandma brought me here. She had been previously but it was my first time. Absolutely amazing crew and a whole ton of fun. A once in a lifetime experience and I highly recommend you book a trip. The crew was amazing and next time I am up here, I will bring others to enjoy the experience again read more

This experience is a memory of a lifetime! It was a spectacular sail with views of the bay that are breathtaking, and in an America's Cup boat! Brad, Jon and the rest of the crew are so knowledgeable it makes for a very smooth sail. We did feel like the most important boat on the Bay! read more

Friendly staff, very accommodating. Great time on the Bay. Planning on next year's Fleet Week already.

Once again, great experience. I went last year and as soon as I booked my flight to SF, I looked into getting another trip with this crew. They are dedicated to their job and appear to enjoy what they do. This pride is what makes me love sailing with them. It's thrilling and informative. I learned how to set sail, how to steer, and about different wind patterns. Each trip leaves me with another fact that fascinates me. At first, I was worried about the amount of people on the boat as I was concerned it may be overpacked. However, it never caused an issue for me. I know some people may not enjoy that so if you want a more private tour, you need to spend more money in another location. But I highly recommend these men! They will make sure each person on the boat gets a chance to raise the sails and steer. It's a wonderful hands on experience that may leave you a bit tired, but you are a crew member for those two hours. My arms ached but it felt like an achievement after I finished. Depending on the weather, the trip can either be calm or more bumpy. My first trip was very calm and I was able to sit the whole time. This year, the wind was stronger and the waves were bigger. I do not recommend taking this trip if you have back or leg problems. You will have to move from one side of the boat to the next when the boat changes course, but do not worry because the crew members watch out for you and will help you cross when needed. All instructions are clear and easy to follow. They give you enough notice before you must do something and not once was I treated like an idiot. It is truly an amazing learning experience. Each time I leave, I have a huge smile on my face and a yearning to buy a sail boat. They also have merchandise to buy on deck and an online website for more items. I highly recommend bringing cash to pick up a long sleeve shirt or cap. Also to provide a decent tip for these hard working men! Amazing trip and the best sailing team in all of San Francisco! read more

ACsailingSF - Boating Near Me - San Francisco, California

Easy to sign up and easy to enroll. sailing with professionals who were super friendly and knowledgable was great. I liked the race day because it added the thrill of a race to the sailing but I suspect day sail is also fun. The crew were amazing and let us participate as much or as little as we wanted, I have lived in the area for over 20 years and have sailed with friends etc few times and it's always fun but sailing the AC was another level altogether. Great day outing or regular hobby. read more

You should do this! Stop reading the reviews and just log on to the site and book your time. It's sooo worth it. We went out yesterday which was arguably one of the best days for sailing on the bay. I would go back on the USA 76 if it were sleeting sideways it's such a safe and impressive experience. As it happened we had owner, Brad Webb an amazingly charming and handsome, I mean skilled and seasoned America's Cup champion, along for the ride. At captain was the equally charming and skilled Jon Buser and the coolest and most chill crew of Jeanette and Josh. We had a group of 20 (max for the boat) and all who were interested had a turn at the helm and grinding. Seriously, when is the last time you can say you hoisted a sail on a former official professional racing yacht. Uh, never.... This yacht was in 2 America's Cup races and currently the ONLY former America's Cup yacht in the world you can take for a spin. Likely it will be the last as the current class of boats are the catamarans which require so much safety gear, it will be impossible to have them certified to carry passengers. You can sit back and enjoy the ride or participate if you like. Either way you have your holiday photo, bucket list entry, big birthday treat, facebook photo or new online dating profile photo waiting for you and it's worth the price. (though the price is less that dinner and good wine at any 3 star SF restaurant easy.) Have a great time! read more

Awesome time a couple weeks back, sailing on USA 76. Friendly, helpful crew, and a damn fine boat. Super happy to have made it outside the Golden Gate, and loved the feel of the speed and handling of the boat. Got to helm, got to grind, and it really added to the experience. A great time, and I intend to repeat! read more

Wow! This was one of the best activities we've ever done on our travels! The boat is spectacular, immaculate kept, and majestic, and sailing on the bay is just amazing. The view, the glorious sunshine, the open water, and this ridiculously tall sail that the crew expertly maneuvered to get us under the Golden Gate bridge. What a rush! My husband is more adventurous than I am, so he got to steer for awhile while I was content to just sit back and bask in the sites. The crew was so attentive and helpful, and quickly sized everyone up so that those who wanted to really participate a lot could do so, and those who wanted to just enjoy the ride could do so.The fact that you're on an actual Americas Cup boat is such a thrill, and we'd have stayed out all day if we could have. This was, dollar for dollar, one of the best values ever, and we enjoyed it immensely! Thanks for a great morning! read more

We had such a wonderful experience on the boat! The crew-members were all great (experts, fun, helpful, thoughtful, educational). The boat itself is fascinating. And it was so fun and beautiful to be out on the water and in the Bay, providing a great perspective on the area. We would definitely do this again! read more

A fantastic experience run by highly skilled sailors. They're friendly and will get you involved in sailing, even if you've never sailed before. I've been out on both USA 76 and Tomcat. Great experience! There's nothing like sailing on the SF Bay! read more

Exhilarating day on the bay. Crew and captain were phenomal--competent, kind and patient. Top notch experience. Would recommend without reservation. As a passenger, you have an opportunity to learn and participate, as well steer (super fun!) Footwork is tricky (lots of ropes and things everywhere, and tight quarters. We had 14 ppl plus the 4 crew/captain so there were times when you had to squeeze in. The boat is fast, responsive and just gorgeous. read more

Great experience. Went on a race day. Especially nice on a sunny day. A good way to learn a lot about sailing.

It's the sea going equivalent of riding in a Formula One car, and there's a fair chance they'll let you handle the wheel for a spell. The four member crew was friendly, courteous, and patient. We got a history of the yacht as well as a walk through of the mechanics. And did I mention the cruise? Swift and secure, with that beautiful San Francisco panorama in the background. An unbelievable experience, can't recommend it enough. read more

I had a great time sailing with the crew of ACsailing onboard USA 76. The professional and friendly staff are amazing. Thanks for the experience and memories. read more

Such a fabulous time sailing with these guys! You definitely get involved and they did a great job teaching us about the basics of sailing. I am prone to motion sickness and it wasn't an issue at all- and it was a beautiful day sailing under the golden gate bridge. They're also equipped with jackets etc and were really accommodating to a few of us running a few minutes late. Totally worth it and would definitely go again! read more

I had the pleasure of chartering this amazing vessel for the day and, as expected, had an amazing time. When you are on this boat, you rule the Bay. Even with large gusts of winds, harsh currents, and choppy water, the ride is so incredibly smooth. We were a group of about eight (+ their crew) and were all able to participate as much (or as little) as we wanted. The crew were fantastic and I'm looking forward to getting our company to charter it the next time around! By the way, there is a reason why this costs more per person than AdventureCat, the Blue & Gold Fleet, and all of the other guys...there is no other boat (and crew) like it on the Bay. You get what you pay for! read more

I just went out on a charter on AC76 to watch the blue angels and fleet week activities. Jon and his crew did a tremendous job navigating around all the boats as we took advantage of a strong wind - flying across the bay...taking in the sites and sounds and sunshine. There is a reason for the high ratings on this company. I have sailed several times on the AC 76 and each time is such fun. read more

This is an America's Cup 3 hour adventure sail in San Francisco Bay aboard USA 76, a distinctive, sleek, black boat used in the 2003 races. Brad Webb, bowman on Larry Ellison's Oracle America's Cup team, owns the boat and was our Captain for the day. We guests were able to participate, taking turns manning the helm and grinders. This boat is very fast, even in light winds we "sailed" across the Bay, under the Golden Gate Bridge, and back again! 'Lot's of fun to get a taste of the AC on the coolest boat on the Bay! read more

We had a wonderful time on board! It's fun because you get to participate into the sailing experience (if you want to). The crew members are great, full of energy, reassuring, and educational. The boat is gorgeous and you get beautiful views of the Bay and the city from there. read more

My cousin sails in Ireland so when he came to visit I thought this would be a novelty as the Americas Cup was going on. Whata Rush! Brads crew are top of the notch. As scared as I. Was, they made everyone feel at ease. I thought I reviewed this when we participated, but did not see it. I have more family coming over and will see if they are up to this! read more

What a wonderful day! The crew made us feel comfortable and useful and welcome! It was a perfect day for my family and me to have a unique and thrilling experience. We will never forget it. We would love to do it again! read more

Great way to se the bay and bridge and Alcatraz. Real experience heading into a brisk morning breeze. The boat picks up really well into the breeze and is a powerful boat into the wind. Crew were helpful and generous, offering the opportunity to helm was impossible to refuse! Would definitely do it again! read more