I've been on the Stars and Stripes a few times and it's always so fun. Bee and Lynn are both very knowledgeable and it's really fun how they get everyone involved with helping out (only if you want to!). I would definitely recommend this for anyone visiting San Diego, or even if you live here, to see San Diego from a different point of view :)More
Loads of fun on the 1992 Americas cup boat. Active participation with rigging and sailing this beautiful sail boat. The massive sail is impressive. The crew is great and goes the distance to make sure everyone has a good time.
Thanks for your comments and happy to hear you had fun aboard Stars & Stripes.
I am a long time sailor of small boats so when I get a chance to go out on a classic big boat I jump. This boat was involved in the '92 America's cup. It's a racing machine and yet the ride on the water was smooth as glass.San Diego weather is perfect for sailing most days, 10 to 15knts of wind, sunshine. If you go in the summer, you can bring a wind breaker but you won't need it. Definitely bring a hat with a chin strap as it's easy to lose it if you aren't paying attention.
They "let" you crank the winches, which most people get tired of after one or two times, but if you want you can winch all day long. As there are three stations each with two positions so 6 people could if they wanted to crank away for every tack, although in general 2 is enough people power to adjust the sails. Everyone gets a chance at driving, they watch the time carefully so everyone gets a nice long turn. The skipper is right there alongside you, so no experience driving is necessary.
All in all, one of the best things to do in San Diego. I for sure will go out again!
And yes, get there early for the video and lecture on the history of the America's cup.
What a wonderful and complete review of our America's Cup experience. We appreciate you taking the time and look forward to having you back on board Stars & Stripes in the near future.
I had a sail boat many years ago. A San Juan 24’ named Sun Shine Express. How I loved to sail. I had to sell her and many years later I bought a smaller sail boat. Fun but not as exciting. To the point, we were in San Diego this week and I made a reservation via email. Booked it for my husband and myself. This is my just another boat. It competed in the America Cup. It was amazing. The wind, sun and the large scale of mast, winches, sheets, I could go on. Please take the time to look at on line. It is a dream for me hat came true. If you only do it once - take the time and live the experience. They also do private sails.
Thanks for taking the time to provide an excellent review of our America's Cup experience. We enjoyed having you on board Stars & Stripes.
Just stepping on the boat was amazing, being able to raise the mainsail, trim the headsail and drive the yacht was a bucket list leader for me. Awesome crew, great views and pretty good speed for a big boat. Daughter had a great time. Loved watching the Americas Cup with these boats, Stars & Stripes was my favorite and still is. Great job USA-11. Must do when in San Diego!
Thanks for the comprehensive review of sailing aboard Stars & Stripe on San Diego Bay and good to know your daughter also had fun.
This is a great way to see San Diego's Big Bay and have fun doing it. Don't worry that you are going to get thrashed around and seasick unless it is a super, super, SUPER windy day and there are huge white caps all over the bay. Even then this boat is so well designed and smooth I doubt even then you would get sick. But then that could be fun too ;-) With that being said you do not want to go out on a dead calm day either because you will miss the whole fun of sailing with the sails up.
The regular large boat bay cruises I have been on are fun but I think this one is the BEST.
They tack back and forth across the bay so you REALLY get to see much more of the bay then if you just past by something once which is what happens on the bay cruises.
In addition you will get a chance to steer the boat and take a turn at the cranks for bringing the sails up and tacking so you get to experience a bit of what is was like to race this boat.
The crew is super nice and the 3 hours seems to go by way too fast.
So if you are from out of town or even a local I highly recommend this trip.
And as long as you are down on Shelter Island there are several restaurants that have great views after your sail like the Bali Hai or Coastterra or if it is a nice day reserve an outside table at the Kona Kai's Vessel's restaurant and get a nice view of your boat and the Kona Kai marina while you dine. And don't forget to save time to walk beautiful Shelter Island.
Tip- Make sure to get there early to watch the video presentation that takes place 30 minutes BEFORE the sail. Even if you think you know everything about sailing and the America's Cup it is very interesting and makes the sail that much more fun.
Also the crew is 90% volunteer so if you enjoyed your sail I am sure they would appreciate a tip which you can drop in the jar after the sail which is located in the office
And no need for a cell phone or camera that you could lose overboard because they will take all the pictures and send them to your email address for no extra charge!
Thanks for taking the time to give such a complete review of our venue. It's people like you that give us great pleasure in providing the best possible America's Cup experience.
