View from the Helm: A Bounty of Dreams

He was just a tot the first time he laid eyes on her. She was on display at the Hyde Street Pier. As always, there was much to see and do at the pier...

By Ed & Pam McGrath
Published: January, 2006

He was just a tot the first time he laid eyes on her. She was on display at the Hyde Street Pier. As always, there was much to see and do at the pier. But, he spent an inordinate amount of time assessing this little boat; taking in all of the enchantment and the history of her. Images whirled in his mind: adventure, danger, heroism, intrigue, mystery, mutiny! This was a replica of the Bounty’s lifeboat. The men involved in the story of Mutiny on The Bounty, who set this lifeboat adrift, were benevolent pirates in his mind, heroes all, who took incredible and enviable journeys. He was sure that he had a calling to be a pirate when he grew up. He could hear himself saying So long, Captain Bly… arrgh!

Decades later, as a responsible adult, partaking in no pirate–y activities, he once again came across the boat. Sadly, it was no longer being cared for, and was in quite a state of disrepair. It gave him great pleasure to help rescue the vessel and watch her become restored to her original glory. He was even able to skipper it for a few short adventures on the Bay. Now, alas, she has once again left his life, but will, no doubt, reappear at some point in time. Looking back at the years between his first introduction and the rediscovery of the Bounty vessel, he had indeed indulged his love of boats and boating in many different ways, working and playing on boats of all sizes.

This is Ed’s story. He now spends all of his days, as owner of a yacht brokerage. Sometimes still, it is hard to tell whether it’s work or play, because we (Ed and Pam) both love this craft and vocation so much. It is our great pleasure to help others fulfill their boat-related dreams. Our advice: Whether you want to row, kayak, sail or motor, don’t miss out on all of the pleasures that our fantastic Bay Area water venues have to offer. Next time you cross one of our numerous bridges, notice all the boats in the waters below. Those captains, admirals, skippers, pilots and crew members all had dreams that landed them there.

Do you have a dream? The boating life has so much to offer. There are a wide variety of boating activities, training and social events around the San Francisco Bay. Some are organized clubs and some are more casual groups. The Island Yacht Club in Alameda, for example, offers an annual women’s sailing seminar. Women Aboard is another organization dedicated to empowering and educating women in boating, and a great way for women to network with one another. Hyde Street Pier, part of San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park at the west end of Fisherman’s Wharf, offers a bounty of programs, tours, activities, classes and exhibits.

Yacht Clubs, filled with men, women and families, are active all year ‘round. They continue their educational, outreach and social activities non-stop. You will find a very diverse range of ambiance in Yacht Clubs around the Bay and Delta. We happen to take pleasure in more casual atmosphere, while others enjoy a more formal style and setting. Whatever your tastes, there is something for everyone. We truly believe there is a dream waiting to come true for all of you.

Welcome Aboard!

After Ed decided that a pirate’s life was not for him, he indulged his love for boating by becoming a yacht broker. He has been selling boats in the Bay Area for over 12 years. He is proud to be born and raised in the Bay Area, and his family has been working on the Bay since 1865. He started McGrath Pacific Yacht Sales 3 years ago with his wife, Pam.

Pam grew up in the Midwest where she enjoyed water skiing and power boating activities during the summers on the lakes. With a background in business management, she joined Ed 3-years ago in the boat business. Together, they opened McGrath Pacific Yacht Sales. Being at the helm of their 36’ trawler is one of Pam’s favorite activities.