Worth every dime! I grew up in the Bay Area and have been on a few sailboat charters but sailing with Captain Memo on the Basic Instinct was by far the best experience I've had. We had 5 people (maximum is 6) and the Basic Instinct had plenty of room to accommodate all of us! The cabin below has plenty of seating, a mini-fridge, sink, and bathroom, and storage for more snacks and drinks. Captain Memo does provide bottled water sparkling/flat, hot water for tea/coffee, chips, crackers, chopped fruit, and more. We got really lucky with the weather which I think made a big impact on the experience given how cold it can get on the Bay water. We left the marina around 1030am on a Saturday and got to see dolphins, sea lions, and plenty of Bay birds. Definitely bring wear layers and if you like to ride up where the action is be prepared to get a little wet! Oh, and if you are wearing a hat highly recommend just take it off when riding up on deck unless it ties tightly. The wind changes frequently based on the boat's direction, and a gust can easily pull your strap back hat off. We lost one hat on the day! Captian Memo was great! He has a lot of knowledge of the area and sailing. He was a great captain and a lot of fun to sail with! would 10/10 recommend and def plan to sail with him again! read more

Wow! What can I say?The natural beauty of the Bay and bridges was incredible enough, but our captain made the trip truly memorable with his calm demeanor and knowledge of sailing the area. Having lived there all his life, he shared a great deal of history and had many amusing stories. I was a little nervous prior to the sail as my experience sailing before had been with competitive brothers prepping for the Mackinac race in Michigan- lots of yelling and barking of orders and a bit of leaning over the edge due to sea- sickness! Memo checked in with all of us at the onset to make sure we would all be comfortable and safe and reminded us that the boat "can't tip over" because it has the weight of a car on the bottom of the keel! Because we had some flexibility in scheduling, Memo even served as weatherman advising us as to which day looked to be the best. It was also very nice that we were given the option of bringing our own lunch and drinks vs an 'add on" service. Best of all, he even threw in some sailing basics and gave each of us time at the tiller if desired! It was the best adventure trip I've had visiting in the area for the past 5 years. My husband and I are now planning on taking sailing lessons! Thanks, Memo! read more

This week I fulfilled a Bucket List experience that had been 40 years in the making by having a wonderful sail on the legendary San Francisco Bay waters with Captain Memo. Prior to my sail, I contacted a handful of sailing charters in Sausalito and San Francisco and the main reason I selected Sailing With Memo was his excellent attitude and approach to setting up my journey. Each step of the way was taken care of in a non-complicated and positive manner. Once on the water, Captain Memo really shined with his expert handling of his boat and helping us on board understand the key components of what it takes to get the boat gliding along powered by the infamous breezes of SF Bay. He maintains his boat in pristine shape and knew every inch of rope and sail to make the adventure exhilarating yet safe! Hard to beat the feeling of fresh sea air in your lungs and pure wind power to take you out under the Golden Gate Bridge and to many points in The Bay! One of the greatest pleasures in life is to meet someone who clearly loves what they do for a living and their passion in sharing it with you. Captain Memo completely filled that aspect in my first ocean sailing experience. I would no hesitation on chartering his boat again. read more

Nothing like sailing with a professional race car driver, sailboat racer, and indeed everything racer. Memo was wonderful! We spent the day sailing with Memo on his 35' George Eliot out of Sausalito and around the S.F. bay, including under the Golden Gate bridge (amazing) and around the edges of Angel Island, mingling with dolphins in the bay (!), seals and the U.S. Coastguard alert of floating logs then weaving our way through the 'anchor outs' serenaded by Memo's stories of growing up as a local with much family history in the area. It was a perfect and gentle winter day. He coached me on the tiller and the subtle nuances of carbon versus dacron sails and of getting the right shape of the wind in the sail to make a wing for the smoothest most articulate (fast) movement. Memo is a pro, an expert, is completely safe, holds the spirit and spice of a racer's mind but is totally relaxed, enjoyable, peacful and fun. We want to return again, maybe on a summer day with a vigorous wind for a different version of a sailing experience. We need more of this in our life. Such a refreshing way shift the grind and one's perspective. Thank you Captain Memo. We will see you again soon! read more

Our day of sailing around San Francisco Bay in Memo's boat was easily the best and most memorable day of what was already a great vacation in California. My wife Barbara and I are Lake Michigan sailors (in a slightly smaller and considerably slower boat, so it was great to sail in the fast and beautiful Basic Instinct, which Memo handles with great confidence and expertise. We have relatives in the Bay Area and have been there many times, but you don't really appreciate the beauty, complexity and size of the bay until you've seen it from the water in a fast, agile sailboat. This should be the first stop for anyone who wants to understand the history and geography of San Francisco Bay. A visit to Chinatown or dinner at Fisherman's Wharf can come later. On top of all this, Memo himself is a great host, a relaxed and charming guy who is also a racing hero of ours in addition to being a life-long sailor with a deep knowledge of California waters. Also, he brings great food, drinks and snacks on board! One of the best days ever. Peter and Barbara Egan Stoughton, Wisconsin read more

Had a fantastic sail on the beautiful San Francisco Bay with Sailing Memo Boat Charters. The boat - clean, well maintained, decent space down-below to move around and relax; and according to the captain, a unique "racer-cruiser", i.e. built for speed AND comfort! Comfortably fit 6 of us. The captain - funny, personable, knowledgeable, and full of stories (about the Bay, growing up in/around Sausalito, and his racing career - did I mention he's a professional race car driver?!). He provided some snacks, fruit, drinks, and extra jackets (warning - it does get very cold on the Bay, even/especially during the summer! You can thank KarltheFog for that! So bring some warm clothes). Unfortunately didn't get to see a whale this time, but did see some sea porpoises, seals, birds and perhaps some sharks (I'm sure they were down in the water, somewhere)! Would absolutely recommend Sailing Memo if you are looking for a great afternoon, on the water. read more

I had such a wonderful time spending an afternoon sailing in the San Francisco bay together with Memo, who is a really great captain and guide. We boarded the "Basic Instinct" in Sausalito and sailed under the Golden Gate bridge and around Alcatraz, while Memo told us interesting things about the area and teached us the basics of sailing, two things he knows really very well as he is born and raised in Sasalito and also an experienced sailor. He is such great company and I really recommend spending an afternoon on the bay with him and his racing sailing boat. The whole experience was really a once-in-a-lifetime one!! I mean, to get to sail under the Golden Gate bridge among pelicans and seals and in beautiful sunshine!! I think we ended up taking over a hundred images during those few hours. And best of all, right when we passed under the Golden Gate, we even spotted a whale!! - Marcus read more

Incredible vacation activity around San Francisco!! Captain memo made everything so smooth. He told us exactly what to say to the marina gate attendant, and met us in the parking lot, and guided us to the boat. From our experience this can be as easy going or adventurous as you'd like. We opted for a true sailing adventure with the ship heeling over and cutting through the waves. We were able to pull lines and run the tiller as much or as little as we wanted. Captain Memo even records periodically using a GoPro and GIVES YOU THE SIM CARD!! This was awesome! This may depend on the type of sail purchased so ask ahead. There were a variety of chips and bars, grapes, bananas, and beverages to choose from. He had coats available too but being from Phoenix we were already bundled up as the 60's are pretty chilly to us. Would recommend this adventure to everyone!! read more

Yesterday, I had a once in a lifetime experience!! I am visiting CA from Detroit, and spent the afternoon with family and friends on Basic Instinct. Captain Memo made the trip just magical. I felt safe at all times ( had never been on a sailboat), and our captain encouraged all of us to take a turn at the tiller. I learned a lot about the San Francisco landmarks, and took many dozen amazing photographs of the cityscape, Alcatraz ( very close), and the bridges. It was a huge thrill to sail under the bridge. Our captain was very informed, charming, and gracious. Cannot imagine a captain who knows more about the area and sailing. The boat is beautiful, and in impeccable condition. This time with Captain Memo on Basic Instinct was the highlight of my vacation! When I visit next year, doing this will be at the top of my list. read more

I booked a sail with Memo as a gift for my husband's birthday and it was the absolute perfect day. Memo was very accommodating while working through planning and scheduling with me, was clear in our communications coming to up the trip and once aboard, the ultimate tour guide for an adventure we will never forget. Memo is a true sailing expert - and has a lot of fun racing stories to share! The boat is beautiful and with Memo at the helm, we were in great hands. Memo gifted us with an SD card with video footage of our time on the boat that he captured- how cool is that?! I can't say enough about how great this experience was. My husband and our friend were thrilled, and it was made possible by this incredible company. If you're ever in the Bay Area- you NEED to cruise with Memo. You won't regret a second. read more

What an amazing day on San Francisco Bay with awesome people! Captain Memo is a friendly, accomplished, knowledgeable sailor with an entire lifetime of experience on the bay. We were lucky enough to have his mom, Mary Gidley, along with her long history of sailing and San Francisco to share, as well. (Read her recently released book, Point to Point: The meanderings and musings of my life, to learn about her amazing life!). Memo gave us a close up of the Golden Gate Bridge, Ghiardelli Square, Alcatraz and Angel Island. His gorgeous boat, Basic Instinct, was super comfortable for both the avid sailors and landlubbers in our group. Our son even got to steer the boat with Memo's guidance! There's no better way to see San Francisco and all the bay towns from the water! read more

I spent Father's Day sailing the Bay with Memo, my daughter, & my son & his girlfriend. It was a perfect day! The boat is fast, and a dream to sail. My first time under the Golden Gate Bridge could not have been done better. Memo is a wonderful host, with huge skill, experience, and fascinating Sausalito and Bay Area insights, historical, as well as current. An all around nice guy too. We did a nice close beat under the golden gate, back around Alcatraz, Belvedere (island), and back to Sausalito. Three great hours. The kids (12, 17, 18) loved it too, and I have friends that are dying to do a double date with myself and girlfriend. We will do this again, and soon I hope. Highly recommended. Cheers! Andrew read more

Me and my friends rented the Basic Instinct for my birthday and the whole experience was just awesome!! Memo is super sweet and helpful. He makes sure you have everything for a great sail. The boat was clean and and fully loaded with everything you'd need for a good time. Additionally, Memo offered free GoPro footage to record the boat experience while me and my friends were busy popping champagnes. Most of us did not have prior sailing experience but Memo made sure we have a light sail so that everyone is comfortable. Lastly, I personally felt that the pricing was very fair, infact on the pocket friendly side and Basic Instinct is a great boat to spend hours on. Thank you Memo! read more

Our sail with Memo was wonderful. I have been a sailor for many years but haven't been out in a very long time. It was great to sail down " memory lane" and exchange sailing stories with Memo, who is a very competent, experienced sailor. My five companions had never sailed and were just thrilled with the experience. The weather couldn't have been better - blue sky and moderate wind to give my friends a true experience. Many of us have stressful things in our everyday life but every care falls away out on the water. Memo is well organized and has anticipated every need. I highly recommend this experience. It is the BEST way to see the bay and surrounding cities. THANK YOU MEMO. read more

Incredible time. Not only is Memo a great Captain, but he also knows a ton about the history of both Marin County and San Francisco and will point out fun landmarks and share some history with those interested in it. I also have to say that on a sailboat that can carry the speed that his can you don't expect to be comfortable, but I was incredibly comfortable the whole time. I've actually got a current back injury and was still comfortable the whole time. He put a lot of thought into making the experience as enjoyable for folks as possible. He also knows some great "hidden" beaches to drop anchor by, if that's your thing. If you get a nice hot day I'd go for it. 6 stars read more

Thank you Captain Memo for the unforgettable experience! Memo took me, my mom, and my sister out on the 4 hour sunset private charter. This was a birthday gift to our mom and she really loved (we all did of course). Having the boat occupied with our private party and wonderful captain really is the way to go. We saw dolphins, interesting/historical points of interest, and also really grew to admire the boat, Basic Instinct. Memo even gave us an SD card with video clips of the outing so we can revisit this special memory. This experience was such a joy. Memo is very clearly yet humbly a master sailor and the Basic Instinct is truly special. 10 out of 10 would recommend. read more

This was one of the best experiences that I've had! A group of friends went for my birthday and we had a blast. We brought wine, cheese, and crackers on the boat but Memo had other snacks provided as well. He also had heaters and blankets since we went on a day in November. We did a three hour tour by the golden gate over to the city and around Alcatraz and it was perfect, I would have loved to keep going. Memo was very patient with all of us because we had never sailed before, and we all learned so much about the city and sailing. This is great for a day of adventure or a relaxing scenic drive, I highly recommend! read more

On a Saturday in early September. i had the great experience to be part of a day sail on the SF BAY. The owner / operator Captain Memo could not of been more helpful, knowledgeable and gracious..... The actual experience of sailing on the bay was exhilirating. Memo pointed out many geographical and historical points of interest. We even had the good luck of getting within yards from sun bathing seals and there pups !!!!! He supplied quality drinks and munchies. I would recommend this cruise adventure to anybody ..young or old..... Memo has passion on what he does and it shows.. .....Anthony read more

Decided to take my partner on a sailing trip for as a surprise for her birthday in Ocotber and took along a few of our friends. I must say that everyone who came had such a great time! The boat "Basic Instinct" was a comfortable good size for a group of six people. Our captain, Capt Memo is the coolest! He is so easy and so accommodating with our needs. Boat is supplied with everything we need and even had stuff we didn't think we needed. To sum it up, it was such a great experience with Capt Memo. I would recommend him with two thumbs up to anyone who would want something different to do read more