Frequently Asked Questions
Q: There are many great-looking boats on the bay, what’s different about yours?
A: Our yachts were designed and built for the ocean. They cruise beautifully on the Bay. The California Spirit is spacious, holding up to 130 guests, but she’s also inviting and comfortable for smaller groups of 20 offering three lovely interior salons and three exterior decks with upholstered comfortable seating. Yacht Lady provides a living room atmosphere with utmost privacy and open air decks to stimulate new ideas. Yacht Lady and California Spirit are the classiest vessels on the bay for charter yet quite affordable.
Q: What kinds of cruises do you specialize in?
A: YCI hosts business-on-the-bay events for corporations, small business owners and entrepreneurs who understand the value of holding their meetings in a dramatic yet affordable setting. Our floating hospitality suites showcase San Francisco’s special charms at a rate comparable to a more predictable hotel venue. We can plan every detail of your event including transportation or allow you to create your own as we focus on finding great views of San Francisco.
Q: What if I need to pull an event together quickly and still have it be a phenomenal experience for my guests, can you deliver?
A: Give us 24-48 hours and we will help you pull together an event that feels like it was weeks in the making. We can create a gourmet menu or set you up with a casual sandwich buffet. We are not afraid of pressure and performing impeccably under it. We always provide “Diamond Service”.
Q: Why would I would be interested in chartering with you versus owning a boat?
A: If you love the waters of the bay and want to spend time on them without the expense and responsibility of boat ownership-this is an ideal solution. Our select VIP clients have first rights to choose which special events on the bay they want to reserve and on which vessel. We will keep your choices on file so it is easy to come aboard without the hassle of detailing all your wishes. We offer discounted pricing to frequent cruisers. They will have my personal phone number so if they need to wow an unexpected out-of-town guest, or host an affordable company awards ceremony – they can.
Q: I know I want to book a charter with you, who do I call?
A: Call Marti McMahon-Diamond at 650.737.8093 or 415.225.8888 or Keith our General Manager at 415.613.3089. One of us is always available and happy to hear from you.
Q: What is the attire?
A: From shorts, jeans to Black Tie, Cocktail and long gowns – we see it all and everything works. We suggest “nautical chic”, noted on many invites so guests get excited about turning up in blazers, sweaters in blue, white or red. Always suggest layers as we have ample interior and exterior space to take in the ever changing views.
Q: Do you prefer a party boat or a yacht?
A: We remain very competitive and do our best to accommodate all budgets offering the premier yachts on San Francisco Bay. Or, we will recommend other owner operated vessels who can get you on the Bay – an experience that is a must and not to be missed.
Q: I worry about my guests getting motion sickness, is this a concern?
A: Unlike the current crop of copy-cat yachts, our vessels are real, unique yachts with extensive amenities and ocean-going capabilities. Your guests will appreciate the comfortable ride only our yachts will provide – much smoother than lighter converted houseboats or crew boats. The Monte Fino built Yacht Lady is equipped with microprocessor controlled roll stabilization (MCRS) system not available in any other vessel on San Francisco Bay, and The California Spirit is a Westport shipyard hull who builds mega yachts for offshore cruising.
Q: What if it rains?
A: The best experience is to charter a boat that has both exterior space and ample interior space. Guests are delighted to feel the air and enjoy the views without always looking through plastic or glass windows. We are proud to offer the best of all worlds. Our boats are extremely cozy, warm and lovely offering ample interior space in three dramatic salons and three exterior areas for your viewing pleasure.
I’ve learned from the years of cruising on the Bay that the rain is not continuous. When viewed from the water, the city glistens like it has just been given a bath.