The weather in the Bay is composed of a series of micro systems. Generally the best weather in the bay is found in April - May and September - November. Light winds and warmer water in the fall make sailing down the city front more comfortable. The winter is very moderate with many days in the 60s and 70s. The winds in the winter are gentle and soft. Generally speaking, the following applies:

Sausalito across the bridge to the city front: 50s-60s --Light jacket or enjoy the sail from inside the cabin.

Down the city front: 60s to 70s -wind is behind you now and you can feel the sun.

Across, from pier 39 to Alcaltraz -this is called The Slot for good reason: the wind builds and Cat Ballou really flies. It's not unusual to hit 15 knots. -Temps in the 50s to 60s.

Behind Angel Island and the Tiburon peninsula -Flat calm, and temps in the 90s. Great place to stop for lunch, get some rest and sun.

Under the Richmond Bridge and up San Pablo Bay to: Petaluma, Napa, and Benecia. The wind is almost always abeam so the boat speeds along, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s.

Offshore trips are great, especially if you know what to expect and how to dress. We offer charters along the entire coast of California, from Bodega to San Diego including the Channel Islands and Catalina Island.

Offshore trips north to Drakes and Bodega --60s mostly, although sometimes the wind really kicks up on the way north which can make for chilly sailing.

Offshore south to Half Moon and Monterey -60s, usually the wind is behind us going down and on the nose coming home. The trip across Monterey bay is a reach and is great sailing. Again 15s are not unusual, but this time it is for miles. Because the winds in the evening are usually lower, we like to do a night sail back from Monterey, leaving in the afternoon and planning about 12 hours for the return trip.

Offshore trips to Santa Barbara and beyond. Beyond Point Conception is like a different world. The seas flatten, the wind comes around from the south, and it truly becomes t-shirt weather. The further south the warmer the weather.

Cat Ballou has a maximum angle of heal (tipping on her side) of 5°, where a traditional monohulls are designed to sail up to 30°. This healing angle concerns many new to the sport and can make a great opportunity really scary. You can set your drink on Cat Ballou's outside table sail the whole day and not spill a drop. She is solid and horizontal.

The real difference comes in the acceleration. As Cat Ballou only weighs in at about 1/3 of a comparable monohull, with the same sail area (horsepower), she drives more like a sports car than the family SUV.

Yes, you can Charter one-way between any of our destinations. Additional charges apply, and we would be glad to accommodate you

Bring your cell phone and the 12 vt adapter. We have a standard 12 vt cigarette plug at the nav station.

Let us know where you plan to go and we will provide charts for you free of charge. On overnight charters you are free to take these home as souvenirs of your trip with us.

Yes, we would be glad to help. Our staff will provide you with basic or complete provisioning service. A small service charge is applied and your food and drink will be on the yacht when you arrive. You should also know that one of the finest gourmet grocery stores in Marin is located less than 1/4mile from our dock. We will be glad to arrange transportation to assist with your provisioning.