Yacht America — Local services in San Diego

2019 4th of July - this special event was an excellent experience. Yacht America is a replica of a ship built in 1851.

The weather couldn't be more perfect July 4th. Light winds, very calm bay. Ship comfortably supported 75 people on deck. Was a last minute booking, one day before.

Captain and Crew, especially the girl managing reservations, who also doubles as the cook and I believe first mate, was very friendly, service oriented, patient and consistently respectful, even went having to deal with those who've never been on a sailboat.

We boarded at about 5:45 p.m., got some basics about house rules, basically knowing when to sit and stand, listen to the captain. All delivered in a very easygoing, casual manner.

once we started cruising out on the bay, we were free to move around the deck, order drinks, and had appetizers of cheese, rolled ham and crackers and .

I got a chance to help crank up the main sail, tough work lol. continued to cruise around the bay, giving an excellent up close view of a aircraft carrier museum. View of the bay was awesome, especially as the sun set, got many cool pictures.

Dinner was served shortly there after, the two women cooks worked so hard, was able to visit the downstairs sleeping areas, lounge, and galley. Hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, salad, chips and sweet corn. All excellent. The boarding pass avails one free drink, water available at no charge.

Captain shared very interesting history of this replica ship, we then were able to loiter about 1,000 ft from one of six fireworks barges. Absolutely amazing views, fireworks were awesome, just being on the bay and listening to the ships blow their horns, definitely a worthwhile one time experience, or more if you can afford it. $150 per person, a little steep, but the staff really made the trip enjoyable, treating every customer with consistent friendly courtesy and respect.

When I do it again?...

Beautiful vessel! I didn't sail on it, but on one of my whale watch outings aboard another vessel, the captain of America and ours worked together to track two separate whales that merged. It was fun to watch America tacking towards us and make a close pass as our two whales joined forces and well all thrilled at the close encounter as both large vessels and a couple of smaller ones observed sailing and whale watching etiquette to assure the best views for everyone.

As for booking a cruise on America, I called and inquired but was confused about their policies. I may have misunderstood, but I believe I was told I could not make a reservation, but could show up and see if there were space. I took that to mean they give priority to chartering groups and then allow for people to walk on as stand by passengers. Don't take my word on that;...

Excellent day on the water. The captain and crew are knowledgeable and shared a lot of information about the landmarks, history, and types of whales.

Plenty of room on the boat, and we felt 100% safe with the cleaning measures and covid protocols. We came back to port between two subarines...an outgoing and an incoming...What a great...