500th review. For our team outing we picked Ruby Sailing for a two hour adventure out to the SF Bay. Getting a hold of Captain Josh was very easy over the phone as he promptly answered all my questions and gave me several slots available for booking. I called him a few times to go over logistics and he was able to get a confirmation quickly once we settled on a day. The Ruby will hold about 28 passengers and we had a little under 20 people which allowed plenty of room to walk around the boat. The captain is a laid back guy and did not have a problem waiting for us while we made our way down to the dock from lunch. Ruby Sail is docked immediately behind The Ramp. Typically they ask for about 15 minutes to get everyone boarded to avoid any departure delays. He had one crew member helping out on the boat. On board you'll find a bartender serving beer, wine, and soft drinks. They were well stocked up with a great selection of drinks to go around which we enjoyed very much. Since we already ate at The Ramp, we didn't opt for the catering option. Otherwise they can provide food for your event as well. You'll get soaked depending on the side that you sit on the boat. I highly recommend that you wear shoes with good traction so you don't slip. I ended up losing my hat as it was so windy in the SF Bay but Captain Josh had a replacement on hand for me as this happens a lot apparently. So if you do happen to bring a hat, keep it snug on your head or it'll end up somewhere in the SF Bay like mine. We ended up with a ton of great pictures of Alcatraz, Bay Bridge, and the SF skyline. I'll totally go sailing again on the Ruby real soon. read more

Ruby sailing is one of the best sailing experiences that I have had. Josh and crew make the whole experience memorable for a lifetime so I can't wait to do it again! read more

Ruby Sailing Yacht - Boating Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I went to write my review and saw that the "First to Review" Ruby's was someone called Travis W. I was disappointed to discover that this was NOT me, and that I'd have to re-write the review I never wrote in the first place. (Mental note: Do more Yelping while asleep/blackout drunk/hypnotized.) Anyhow, the boat is a schooner or a sloop or a galleon or something. I don't know--something with a sail on it. Captain Josh is a salty old tar who will regale your women with dirty jokes and keep the party hyphy with his hip-hop mixtapes not quite "bumping" out of his mini boom box. Think Beatnuts and Leaders of the New School, and then wonder how the hell Capt. Josh got his hands on these tapes. His "first mate" Elizabeth (the nature of their relationship is a little murky, and she would not divulge details when pressed) is a quirky bat who is more than ready to show you how to dance on the floor of a boat that is tilted at 45 degrees. Her duties seem to consist of slangin' the booze and warning you not to walk backwards down the ladder into the cabin. They're a hell of a team, completely laid back and fun to party with. The boat was rented for my friends thirtieth birthday, and when her imitation Captain's hat flew into the water, irretrievably lost, Captain Josh had a spare to immediately console the distraught birthday girl. (You must've misread; I said it was a THIRTIETH b-day party, not third.) Well played Josh, the crankypants were about to come out. You can rent the boat in two or three hour increments, which is just about the perfect amount of time to get a good drunk started and give your face a sufficient wind-thrashing. Fair warning: you can get pretty wet if you're not aware. Stay on your toes if you care about staying dry. Dudes: You might have to pee sitting down when the boat is hauling ass and the water is choppy. It's incredibly emasculating, and makes you feel like your dear old dad getting up in the middle of the night and not wanting to turn to bathroom light on. Also, Captain Josh totally did a solid and agreed to donate his services to my sister's boyfriend's charity auction. 5 stars fo sho. Ahoy, mateys! read more

Ruby Sailing Yacht - Capt.Josh - Boating Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I really don't want people to know about Ruby Sails, but it deserves the credit. While I'm sure Ruby Sails can accommodate the stiff, corporate crowd just fine -- they graciously welcomed our whack-pack group and easily morphed into our friends for the day. Worth every penny. read more

So for birthdays we usually do dinner altogether and usually spend anywhere from 50-75 dollars per person. For my husbands 30th birthday I wanted to do something different...and sailing seemed like the best idea! This was $50/person, Josh the captain of the sail was absolutely accommodating and best way to reach him is by phone! Drinks, beer and wine, are five dollars a glass and the sandwiches that are included in the $50 were delicious! Let them know if you need a vegetarian Sammie ahead of time! The sail was for 2.5 hours and it was just a great time. The eight other people who were with us were also a celebrating a birthday and everyone was enjoying themselves. I highly recommend them and really believe that sailing is a great way to celebrate an occasion! read more

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Do you have an extra $35? If so I can tell you how to spend it and have the best time. Just get yourself down to the Ruby (next to the Ramp) and Josh and his crew will take you out for a 2 1/2 hour sail on the bay, provide you with lunch and drink and a very memorable day! I have been on this boat so many times and each time I bring new guests and each and every one of them walk away smiling. (ok so a few have thrown up but that wasn't my fault!) Yesterday the weather was perfect. The sun was out the wind was strong, the boat was leaning and guests were having fun. The next time you have an event book the Ruby or better yet forgo the typical tourist spots with your out of town guests and show them a view of the city from the bay. Just be sure to call ahead and bring cash to pay as your board. No doubt if you have special requests Josh will do his best to accomidate you as long as it is legal. read more

Ruby Sailing Yacht - Sails Away! - Boating Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Great little 63 foot boat hidden behind a bunch of fences and "do not trespass" signs on Terry Francois Street. We came here for a team outing celebrating our company's 10th anniversary. I was so stressed out at not being late ... but we ended up just hanging out with the boat docked for an hour and a half. Finally around 11:30 we ventured into the fog, which appeared to be burning off and staying close to the shore, motor boated over a bit past pier 44. It was a gorgeous day and we got great views of the SF skyline, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, Treasure Island .... we even caught about 2 swells. It's not really sailing when you don't hoist the sails, but it was a fun trip nonetheless. read more

When your good friend is sailing away on a new adventure to New York, and you want to wish her a bon voyage, what better way to do so then on an actual sail boat around the city that she enjoyed for almost 5 years. Captain Josh made for a fine day on the open seas, and with some pretty intense wind through the bay, it made for quite an adventure. At one point I thought I'd fall off the boat around Angel Island, but when Mrs. Captain was sitting on the lower end of the boat, inches from the water, not scared....i got my confidence back and just enjoyed the ride. Ruby is a sweet ride. Its even a better ride when you know everyone on the boat. Its even a BETTER ride with a few beers in you, a belly full of sandwich, and the smell of open water in your nostrils. I know this much....2 hours is enough for me. I will never be a lifer...but a few hours got me going. read more

Turning 30/40/50/60? Come aboard the Ruby, but please dear god, do NOT be late. Even on your own birthday, you too can potentially be left behind and you too can be given serious attitude by the Captain that can just about ruin your special day. -TIPS- * They sell alcohol onboard, but you can't BYOB. If someone brings Jager as a birthday present, I would advocate for discretion. * You can bring your own food and they can serve it. They can also have food catered for you and you can pay for it. * You can rent out the whole boat if you can fill the 40-seat capacity. Otherwise, you sail with strangers, which is not a bad thing. Except when you and your friends get hammered and put on quite the show in front of a family of four with two tween kids. Oops. * BYOD (Bring Your Own Dramamine). * Do NOT wear a dress or spiky stilettos on the sail. * Do bring an extra layer or two. * Prepare to have your hair whipped around. * Oh and secure belongings on your person, or better yet stow them below deck. A party guest's jacket went overboard and the Captain made a half-assed attempt to turn around and fetch it. No, it was not recovered. And neither was the cell phone that was in it. * Tell each guest to bring $35 in cash to get onboard. * Read more about it at www.rubysailing.com. Oh and one more thing: DON'T BE LATE! Other than that, enjoy enjoy enjoy. read more

If I had only one day to spend in San Francisco I would highly recommend an outing on the Ruby Charters. "She" is a 64' double-hulled steel yacht built by Captain Josh Pryor and sailing the bay for thirty years. Conveniently located near public transportation (both the 22 Fillmore and the Metro T line will drop you at Mariposa Street.) Her berth is tucked behind The Ramp Restaurant where you can have brunch before you embark or have drinks and listen to salsa upon your return. If the weather's nice or it's baseball season or the Fourth of July or Kaboom book your spot well in advance. For $40 one can go out individually during a public sail on a seaworthy vessel and take in sights along the waterfront, under the Bay Bridge, get up close with Alcatraz and soak up some rays in Sausalito. Captain Josh has a great music collection and is an amazing storyteller. The price of admission includes lunch, unforgettable views and sea fresh air. Beer and wine are available for purchase and are reasonably priced. Private parties for birthdays, weddings as well as memorial services are just three examples of the types of events that take place aboard the Ruby and can accommodate thirty passengers. You are in good hands and the staff is great. Like I said, if I only had one day to spend in San Francisco, I would highly recommend a Ruby adventure. Money very well spent!!! read more

I spent one of my most favorite birthdays on board the Ruby. She was plenty wide to hold me and my bestest of friends as we drank in the sites and tastes (Anchor Steam tastes good!) of the City. We left from The Ramp and headed out toward the Ball Park. Captain Josh, a confident skipper, dropped the sails and killed the motor and set us sailing. From there it was a great day filled with hardy laughs and bad pirate jokes. Sailing on the Ruby is a great way to see the city and the beauty of the Bay. read more

I booked the Ruby for my 25th birthday extravaganza and Captain Josh was extremely helpful and attentive to my needs. There were about 21 of my closest friends aboard the ship and we had a fantastic time. The boat is quite large and we all fit comfortably with room to spare. I brought a few beverages on the boat: boxed wine and 4 magnum champagne bottles. There is a corkage fee of $25 for each bottle BUT boxed wine and magnum bottles = 2 bottles. I had a memorable birthday bash and would recommend this to anyone! :) read more

Ruby Sailing Yacht - the Captain and I - Boating Near Me - San Francisco, California

Berthed behind the outdoor patio of the Ramp restaurant (foot of Mariposa, east of 3rd). Gangway is down just behind (stage left) of the bandstand. Ruby is fine girl. 60' steel hulled Sloop designed, and a greater part built by Capt. Josh himself. Certified Capt. on the Bay. Won't find a more experienced sailing charter! Your safety, and enjoyment are assured. Very stable and smooth, she'll drag a rail just fine too! Hang on. Just get on board and enjoy. Perfect escape on a weekday if you can pull that off. Looking towards shore at all of the working folks bustling around whilst you just cruise along....................thats the Best! And weekends of course she is available. Often 3 cruises a day weather permitting. Plan aprox. 3hr. cruise time. (sound familiar?) Sandwiches, Beer & Wine available from the galley for a nominal fee. You can bring your own spread if you prefer, just share. 8-) Blue Angels for Fleet Week (Book EARLY), KaBoom Fireworks show (Book EARLY), Memorial Services can also be performed. I think Weddings too. Capt. Josh is a true SF character. What do you want to know? He knows it. Ahoy Josh!! (Yes. Excellent Tip: Don't Be Late!!) read more

I was trying to decide what to do for my birthday that was different from the typical bar and drinks. We booked Ruby for two hours in early November between 5-7 (the perfect time to see the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge and return when it gets dark to see the city lights and the Bay Bridge lights). It was an amazing experience. They have a toilet in the cabin and serve beer/wine during your trip. We got back in time to dance some salsa at the Ramp. It is an amazing experience and Captain Josh had some awesome tunes. I recommend booking the two hour tour during sunset hours, just make sure to wear layers. read more

Ruby Sailing Yacht - Boating Near Me - San Francisco, California

Our department did a team off-site with Ruby Sails. There was 7 of us and 3 crew members. It was a lot of fun and such a nice day to sail. We ended up bringing our own food and set it up on the boat. The bartender Mark, was very helpful with setting things up and keeping our glasses full. Definitely recommend wearing a snug hat and non slip shoes on the boat. If you've never sailed this is a fun thing to do. Josh the captain was very good at giving me all the details and made it so easy to set up! read more

BEST PARTY IDEA EVER! I wanted to do something different for my Bachelorette Party. My awesome friend who works at The Ramp suggested trying a sail cruise around the Bay on The Ruby. The sail boat itself is clean, spacious(looked smaller in pics but with about 15 to 20 girls we were very comfortable), very maintained, crew is amazing and helpful, reasonable priced drinks ($4 starting price), Cap. Josh lets you play your music, and was SO SO SO MUCH FUN! As a SF native I was lucky enough to book the boat during the Americas Cup Race, got to spend a little time in The Cove during the Giants game, and parade around on this beautiful boat all around the sights and landmarks in my hometown. Its really a must see from the water on this sail boat. We all though we were going to be cold too. It was windy but in heels and a super short dress (mind that it was my bach party) I was totally comfortable. At 60 to 65 degrees outside, a nice layering coat is perfect. They do offer extra jackets on hand if you don't have one. After, The Ramp is a nice way to end you day or to start more fun too. : ) A HUNDRED TIMES, I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS SAILING BOAT FOR ANY OCCASION! Super fun and great views and times that anybody can appreciate. Do it again in a heat beat. THANK YOU Captain Josh, Terry and Mark for making my Bach Party wonderful and unforgettable! Cheers sailors! read more

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Really, really fantastic experience for a super reasonable price. Captain Josh is super friendly and laid-back as well. Every one of my friends on board had a complete blast. The atmosphere was chill, but the ride was exciting and fun because of the occasional rocky wave. I wanted to host a sailing excursion out into the SF Bay for my birthday, and also catch a bit of the Red Bull flugtag happening that Saturday. Captain Josh made sure to take us out to McCovey Bay to watch the festivities, then take us further out to the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz, then back for the flugtag. We saw seals and dolphins out in the water as well. Perfect day for a perfect sail. Before finding Ruby Sailing, I researched a ton of places that were really expensive and overpriced. But with Ruby, their hourly rates are much more reasonable. You can find more info on their website. Beer and wine downstairs, served up by Mark for $4 (didn't give a discount to the birthday girl, but that's OK :) We had such a blast we all ended up tipping the Captain generously after the ride. I'll definitely be calling up Ruby Sailing again! Thanks Captain! read more

Ruby Sailing Yacht - Boating Near Me - San Francisco, California

Captain Josh is the man and there's nothing else like the Ruby in SF (or The Ramp, for that matter). Great for locals or visitors, small groups or large. read more

Great looking boat! A dream getaway transport for anyone tired of working city life. But if you are serious about building boats instead of buying or even renting one, you may consider checking out my site at www.howtomakeboat.com read more

I have booked with a few friends Ruby sailing every year for the last 5 yrs to celebrate my Birthday, and this year is no different. It is the highlite of the whole year for me, the best day of the year, can't wait for Labor Day when i always book with Capt Josh... but don't go, i want it all to myself.... leigh M. Napa Valley read more

Head over to the Ramp real early, have a drink or two, and then enjoy the ride. The Ruby is way bigger than it looks at first glance, and the crew are very accommodating and polite! read more

My first sailing adventure on the Bay and it was worth every dime. The Captain and his crew remind me of a bunch of laid back hippies that are truly connected to the Sea. They were safe, professional and extremely friendly. Captain Josh kept in constant contact with me regarding the weather etc. if you are looking for a great sailboat and crew, CHOOSE Ruby Sailing! Thanks guys! read more

I spent my 30th birthday on the ruby and it was one of the most memorable and amazing days I have had in SF. Josh, the captain, and Elizabeth, the first mate were awesome. Plenty of beer and good food as well. I cant wait to do this again! PERFECT day. read more

The Ruby sailed me into my 30s this year with quite the bang! 24 of us headed out on the bay this last saturday and it was one seriously magic birthday. The crew was all so much fun and was really great at keeping everyone happy. We did a 3-hr. bay cruise and honestly I wished we had done more. Everyone won't stop talking about what a great idea it was!!!! We will definitely be heading out on more adventures with these guys in the near future. read more

Captain Josh and crew are awesome! We had our wedding aboard the Ruby and it was perfect. Very relaxed and unique. Everyone loved being out on the Bay with the great views and fresh air. 28 passenger max was just the right size for us, with other charters being too big or too small. The pricing for the Ruby is very fair as well. The Captain was an excellent officiant and very easy to communicate with prior to the Big Day. I've also been sailing on the Ruby for birthday parties and more casual events... each time unique depending on the skies and sea, and super fun. read more

I took my entire staff on a trip this summer and it was a blast. Capt Josh healed the boat over to the edge which someone said was a bit unnecessary (a fellow sailor of mine) but I understand the point that this ride is entertainment as well as just a sail. Rock on Capt. Josh read more

Everyone knows boats are usually found in water, which would explain why my friends were very confused when I told them to meet me at 7th & Folsom for a day of sailing. It must have been the after effects of the previous night's pub crawl b/c I can't possibly be that dumb. So while they were navigating SOMA I was begging Capt. Josh to wait...and wait he did God bless him. From what I've read this is quite the exception b/c I was sweating bullets as he revved up the engine that my friends were going to remain landlubbers thanks to my retardation. Finally we were all aboard. In addition to the fresh sea air, my friend Jillian became overjoyed with the shark sighting stories of Capt. Josh. Elizabeth was lovely and joined our conversation. When I jokingly told Elizabeth that my friend wanted to replace her as Capt. Josh's First Mate in Life, she clarified, "He's JUST my boss," and that he was available on and off the boat. After shooting the breeze I decided to leave the shark-talking lovebirds alone and to go down with Elizabeth to get some water, at which point the Captain smoothly segued with "I like to go down, too...on the first date." Despite such lovely offers, my friend decided to remain chaste with the off-colored Captain. Brings new meaning to the question: If you were stranded on an island, who would you want with you? I don't know if I'd pick Capt. Josh, but that could still be the booze talking. read more

went out on the ruby with 20 friends the afternoon of the 4th and had a most excellent time. josh (captain) and elizabeth (first mate) are really fun and they made it a great day. just don't forget to bring layers of clothing, a waterproof shell/jacket, sunscreen and plenty of $$ for the cash bar. read more

this is a MUST-DO on a gorgeous summer day, a great way to take the views in and all that fresh air! dress very warm, it sure gets chilly out there. we went straight from the trip to salsa dancing at The Ramp, which made it an even more perfect evening for us! read more

capt josh and his skipper were great. good boat and good time. yay. thanks guys.

There is no better way to see the bay or the sky line of San Francisco than from Josh's boat. This is a gem of a find for us and we go sailing at least 5-6 times per year. We do not go anywhere else but to the Ruby because we know that we are in for an amazing time. Thanks Josh. read more

Group event turned awesome: so I have to admit I was very apprehensive about setting sail on the bay due to getting quite seasick on the HornBlower. The team wanted to do something different so I thought - fine, why not? After doing tons of research on which boat we should set sail on, I landed on Ruby Sailing and called for availability and price. Captain Josh was amazing in follow through, explaining how everything would work and basically solidifying the fact we were going to have a great time: drinks on board, music playing, and wind in the sails. It does get a bit rough closer to Angel Island but we lucked out on spectacular views of the city skyline, both bridges, and Alcatraz today due to the clear skies (which is a rarity in SF). All in all, we had a great time and would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to enjoy an adventure on the bay. I will say this- ask where you should sit on the deck to avoid getting soaked, which unfortunately happened to me. read more

The Captain and his crew are fantastic. Laid back and fun. My husband swore he wasn't getting back on a boat after we went whale watching in Boston in a storm ( long story) but he loved our little excursion on the Bay. It was easy to reserve, a decent price and you got everything promised including a long, beautiful relaxed sail. The boat has been sailing quite awhile and the crew know what they're doing but more importantly the kind of experience they want to offer. They set the tone of chill relaxed fun and don't get too worked up over much. They want everyone to have a good time. We will go back as they make it very easy to get out on the water with no fuss and that's a huge bonus in living in San Francisco. We've actually been out on a lot of different boats but this one is the only one we will go back to ( not counting ferrys). Combine a sail with brunch at the Ramp and you've got a great day! read more