If you're going to sail in San Francisco Bay, there are many things to consider before just heading down to the San Francisco Marina, Sausalito docks, or Tiburon harbor and setting out. Obviously there are different concerns if you have to rent a sailboat as opposed to owning your own, but either way there are always some very basic steps you should take before even thinking about heading out into the bay.

#1: Always check the weather reports ahead of time. The waters in the Bay can be very choppy, and if there are high seas or high wind, you're better off finding one of the many other great activities that the City by the Bay has to offer. Inexperienced or new sailors should avoid tempting fate if the weather conditions or forecast is questionable. If the weather is crystal clear, then go for it!

#2: Before sailing in the San Francisco Bay, always check to see if there is a race or other major event going on. This might be something you're interested in if you're an experienced sailor, and if you're a relative novice it will help you to avoid the times when the Bay is packed or there's a race going on. Typically, the San Francisco Bay experiences the least amount of boat traffic on Tuesday & Wednesdays, with activity picking up considerably as the weekend approaches.

#3: Have a map of the local waters. Every area has different currents, different tides, and different low and high traffic areas. It's always good to have some of this information, and if possible, to have an experienced guide or mentor who is familiar with the local waters and scenarios.

These are just three of the steps that should be taken before any adventure sailing into San Francisco Bay. However, this doesn't mean that you should shy away from going out onto the water. There's a reason that San Francisco Bay is a popular area for sailing, and that reason is that it is a beautiful area that offers great natural beauty as well as a large open area from which to sail and enjoy the beautiful days.

This also means that parts of the Bay can be crowded from time to time, so always be aware of other sailing vessels, as well as the non sailing vessels that could also get in the way, or be too big to easily notice smaller boats around them. Sailing in San Francisco Bay can be a wonderful experience, and there are many paid services and guides (primarily based out of Sausalito, San Francisco, and the East Bay shore) that allow you and your family to enjoy the full experience without any of the worry.

Consider all your options and choose the one that works best for your situation. With a little forethought and preparation, sailing in San Francisco Bay can be a fantastic time, the kind that the best memories are made of.