Exploring California: Living On A Sailboat

California is a great place to rent a boat, with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. There are plenty of daily boat rental options to choose from, including sailboats, motorboats, catamarans, and party boats. If you plan to operate a sailboat yourself, there are no age restrictions for sailboats under 30 feet long in California. However, it is important to familiarize yourself with basic sailing concepts, sailing terminology, and safety equipment. Life jackets are the most important piece of safety equipment, and California law requires that all children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket at all times while on a moving vessel. Additionally, all boats 16 feet or more in length must carry one wearable life jacket for each person on board and a throwable device.

Yacht B&Bs in Long Beach, Sausalito and Sacramento

If you're looking for a unique place to stay in California, why not try a yacht B&B? Here are some great options in Long Beach, Sausalito, and Sacramento:

Long Beach

Long Beach's Dockside Boat and Bed offers a unique bed and breakfast experience on private, dockside yachts. Located in the beautiful Rainbow Harbor, you'll be just steps away from dining and entertainment options. With excellent reviews for its service, comfort, and location, Dockside Boat and Bed is the perfect choice for a relaxing and memorable getaway.

Sausalito

Sausalito, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, offers a charming floating guest cottage experience. This houseboat accommodation can comfortably host small gatherings and features a complete kitchen, making it ideal for couples, two couples, or families with older children. Enjoy the very best of the Sausalito houseboat lifestyle in this unforgettable natural setting.

Sacramento

Sacramento has several bed and breakfast inns located in the downtown/Midtown core of the city. These B&Bs offer unique rooms and accommodations, making you feel right at home. As America's Farm-to-Fork Capital, you can expect fresh and delicious breakfast options to start your day. While I didn't find any yacht B&Bs in Sacramento, these downtown options provide a comfortable and convenient stay.

Sailing laws and safety

California has a range of laws and safety requirements for sailing and boating. These laws are based on the California Harbors and Navigation Code, Vehicle Code, Penal Code, and California Code of Regulations. Here is a summary of the key points to ensure a safe and legal sailing experience in California:

Age and Operator Requirements:

• California law requires individuals to be 16 years of age or older and possess a California Boater Card to operate a motorized vessel with a motor of 15 horsepower or more.
• Persons aged 12 to 15 may operate such vessels if supervised by an adult (18+) with a California Boater Card.
• By 2025, all boaters, regardless of age, will be required to possess a valid California Boater Card.
• There is no age restriction for operating a sailboat under 30 feet long (with wind as the main source of propulsion) or a dinghy used between moored vessels or the shore.

Life Jacket Requirements:

• Life jackets are essential for safety. It is recommended that all boaters always wear a life jacket, regardless of swimming or boating ability.
• California law mandates that children under 13 years of age must wear a life jacket at all times while on a moving vessel, with certain exceptions: when wearing a harness on a sailboat, when in an enclosed cabin, or during emergency rescue.
• Boats 16 feet or longer must carry a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket (Type I, II, III, or V) for each passenger and a throwable Type IV device.
• Boats under 16 feet, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, must carry the above equipment except for the throwable device.
• Personal watercraft operators and passengers, as well as anyone being towed, must wear a US Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III, or V life jacket.
• All passengers 12 years of age and younger on a vessel 26 feet or less must wear a life jacket while the vessel is underway.

Boat Registration:

• All boats must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), except for specific exemptions.
• Upon registration, the DMV will issue registration stickers, a Certificate of Number, and a Certificate of Ownership.
• Exemptions from registration include vessels 8 feet or less propelled by sail, US Coast Guard-documented vessels, vessels registered in another state or country, manually propelled vessels (canoes, kayaks), certain public agency vessels, and lifeboats used solely for rescue.

Boating Under the Influence (BUI):

• Operating a vessel or towed device (water skis, wakeboard, etc.) while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in California.
• The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for 21 years of age or older is 0.08 or higher, and for under 21 years of age, it is 0.01 or higher.
• Penalties for BUI include fines of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail for individuals 21 or older, and a fine of up to $250 and participation in an alcohol education program for minors.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Requirements:

• PWCs must follow the same rules as other motorized vessels, including registration and carrying a B-1 Class Fire Extinguisher.
• Life jackets must be worn by all PWC passengers and operators.
• PWCs used for towing must have sufficient seating capacity for the operator, observer, and towed individual.
• PWC operators are required to have a kill switch with a lanyard or a self-circling device, with the lanyard fastened to the operator, clothing, or PFD.
• Wake jumping is prohibited within 100 feet of another vessel's stern.
• PWCs must operate at slow-no-wake speeds (maximum 5 mph) in certain zones, such as within 200 feet of surfers, divers, docks, swimmers, and shorelines.

Boating Fines:

• California has strict fines for boating law violations. Failure to carry life jackets for children under 13 can result in fines of over $250.
• Boating under the influence can lead to fines upwards of $1,000.
• Not possessing a California Boater Card can result in fines over $500.
• Failure to report a boat accident or hit-and-run incidents can incur fines of over $1,000 and $10,000, respectively.

These are the key laws and safety guidelines for sailing and boating in California. It is important to stay informed and comply with all regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

Sailboat rental costs

The cost of renting a sailboat in California varies depending on the boat's size, location, rental duration, and additional amenities. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you understand the pricing:

Hourly Rentals:

The hourly rental rates for sailboats in California can range from $135 to over $1000 per hour. For instance, Getmyboat offers sailboat rentals starting at $135 per hour. The price varies based on the boat's size, style, and additional amenities.

Half-Day and Full-Day Rentals:

Renting a sailboat for a half-day or full day will typically cost between $200 and $1200. Boatsetter offers half-day rentals starting at $200, while full-day rentals can range from $200 to over $1,000.

Weekly Rentals:

If you're planning an extended sailing vacation, weekly sailboat rentals in California are also available. The average price for a weekly rental is $31,859, according to Sailo.

Yacht Rentals:

Yacht rentals are a more luxurious option, with daily rates ranging from $750 to $1,500, including the captain's fee. However, additional charges for fuel and other extras may apply.

Group Size:

The number of people a sailboat can accommodate will influence the rental cost. Boatsetter, for example, allows a maximum of 10-12 people on their rentals.

Captain Services:

Most sailboat rental platforms give you the option to choose between a bareboat charter, where you drive the boat yourself, or selecting a USCG-licensed captain. This choice will impact the overall cost of your rental.

Location:

Rental prices can also vary depending on the location. For example, electric boat rentals in California harbors are generally more budget-friendly, while luxury yachts in popular destinations like Marina Del Rey or San Diego will be more expensive.

Peak Seasons and Holidays:

Renting a sailboat during peak seasons or holidays like the 4th of July will usually incur higher costs. However, you can split the cost with a larger group to make it more affordable.

In conclusion, the cost of renting a sailboat in California depends on various factors, including the boat's size, style, location, rental duration, and additional amenities or services. By considering your budget and preferences, you can find the perfect sailboat rental to suit your needs and create unforgettable memories on the water.

Best sailing destinations

California is a great destination for sailing, with its year-round sunshine, stunning scenery, and abundance of coastal cities and towns to explore. Here are some of the best sailing destinations in the Golden State:

San Francisco Bay

Sailing in San Francisco Bay offers the opportunity to take in iconic sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Starting from South Beach Harbor, you can sail past the San Francisco city front and then on to historic Alcatraz Island, home to an abandoned prison and the oldest operating lighthouse in California. From there, you can stop at Angel Island for a bite to eat before finishing your sail in Sausalito, with breathtaking views of Mt Tamalpais.

Long Beach to Catalina Island

This offshore island is a great destination for a day trip, offering the chance to enjoy the peaceful island and the beautiful Pacific waters. While Catalina Island is typically crowded during the summer months, it is quieter in the winter, and you can often find temporary moorings available. Just be sure to check the forecast for winds and storms before setting out, as protection from Point Conception and the Channel Islands may not always be reliable.

Newport Beach

Newport Beach is a great destination for novice sailors, as it is a "no wake" and "no discharge" harbor. There are plenty of public docking spaces available, and onshore, you'll find fine dining and casual restaurants. The upper part of the bay is an ecological preserve, dedicated to nature and encompassing one of the largest coastal wetlands areas in the state.

Lake Tahoe

Located in northern California and southern Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a vast and pristine body of water surrounded by great mountain ranges. The lake offers excellent sailing conditions, with constant breezes and little surf. There is only one marina on the lake, the Emerald Bay Marina. Lake Tahoe is also a great destination for skiing, hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities.

Los Angeles/Marina del Rey

A sailboat charter in Los Angeles is a great way to explore the coastline up to Malibu and enjoy stunning views of the City of Angels. You might even spot whales in Santa Monica Bay! From Los Angeles, you can also easily access the Channel Islands, known as the Galapagos of America.

Sailboat insurance

While boat insurance is not a legal requirement in California, it is highly recommended that you take out a policy to protect against common dangers to your vessel. Boat insurance in California can protect against fires, earthquakes, freezing and ice damage, rock damage, and more.

Most policies include liability coverage, which includes protection for your passengers and liability for water sports activities. They also cover damage to furniture, the hull, sails, and machinery. It is important to note that navigation may be restricted to a certain area of California, so you should ensure your navigation needs are met by your policy if you are planning an extended trip. You can also add Mexico or Canada navigation to your boat policy.

Some other things to consider when taking out a boat insurance policy in California are:

• Ice and freezing damage, especially in Northern California. Check that your policy covers this peril, as damage may be excluded if your vessel is not properly winterized.
• Tsunamis. Most policies will cover damage resulting from a tsunami, but it is important to check.
• If your boat is laid-up for the winter months, you may be able to receive a credit on your policy. The longer the layup, the greater the credit.
• If your sailboat has a carbon fiber mast, a separate deductible may be required, as carbon fiber masts usually need to be completely replaced in the event of an accident.
• If you plan to go waterskiing, check that waterskiing is not excluded from your coverage.

When determining the cost of boat insurance in California, several factors are taken into account, including your age, the make, model, and year of the boat, your boating experience, and your claims history.

Frequently asked questions