For about six months out of the year, one of the first ferries of the day departing from Vallejo bound for San Francisco is most likely under the guidance of Captain Al Lewis Jr. of Blue & Gold Fleet. Lewis, a former basketball star at St. Mary’s College, has brought his on-court focus and determination onto the water for over two decades.
Captain Al Lewis Jr. at the helm of the Solano on Baylink’s early morning run from Vallejo to San Francisco. Photo by Matt Larson
By Matt Larson
Published: March, 2012
For about six months out of the year, one of the first ferries of the day departing from Vallejo bound for San Francisco is most likely under the guidance of Captain Al Lewis Jr. of Blue & Gold Fleet. Lewis, a former basketball star at St. Mary’s College, has brought his on-court focus and determination onto the water for over two decades.
When he’s not helming the Vallejo route, he’s on the Oakland/Alameda trek. "I like to make sure that I’m able to drive every boat that we have to make sure that my skills stay up to par," Lewis said. "Just in case there’s an emergency and I have to drive a boat I haven’t driven in a while."
Lewis pointed out that not every boat handles the same way; it’s similar to driving a friend or relative’s car for the first time in a long time. Brakes might feel different, turning changes a bit, it takes some getting used to—it’s no different on a ferry, if not more so.
"You can look at our three mono-hull boats: Oski, Old Blue and Gold Bear. They look exactly alike but they all handle differently," said Lewis. The Peralta is his favorite boat to drive, with the Solano coming in at a close second. "The Peralta is very comfortable, handles well, very, very smooth. And on the Solano you have your own restroom, which is really nice."
Over the past 26 years of working for Blue & Gold Fleet, Lewis said that one of the greatest challenges of captaining a ferry has been managing the boat through the fog. "Driving in the fog for an hour straight—people don’t understand. You have guidance, but it’s tough," he said. "You’re in concentration mode for an hour all the way down to the city—and all the way back. Not everybody can do what we do."
Lewis actually uses his college basketball skills to help concentrate and navigate through the low visibility. "I’ve played in front of 25,000 people; I just go into focus mode. You block those people out and you focus," he said. "When I’m in the fog I just focus."
And if his ferry skills are at all comparable to his skills on the court, feel comfort in knowing you’re in good hands. "Of over 100 years I’m in the top 25 of all-time basketball players at St. Mary’s College." Sly Hunter, a fellow ferry captain featured in our very first "Who’s at the Helm?" column a few months ago, was a teammate of Lewis’ at both St. Mary’s and Diablo Valley College.
Lewis also has teammates in his role as captain, but they’re known as deckhands, radars and AIS computers. "It’s a very big responsibility," said Lewis. "For me and for our company, it’s always safety first. It’s all about the passengers."
Safety is probably the number one benefit for a commuter taking the ferry compared to other methods of transportation. "No one’s died on the ferry, it’s very safe." Lewis said. "If someone gets sick, has a seizure, has a heart attack or anything like that, we have all the first-aid gear possible until the ambulance can get there. And we’re all certified in CPR and first aid." Every two years all the deckhands and captains get recertified.
Born in San Francisco and raised in Oakland—just he and his grandmother—Lewis has a strong appreciation for the Bay Area. As ferry captain on the morning route, he always looks forward to the sunrise. "The day after it’s rained, the smog is gone, the skies are clear and the sun rises. A lot of friends are very envious of what I do because they’re stuck in an office all day and here I am cruising with the sunrise coming up in front of me. I’m always taking pictures."
Now living in Natomas with his wife and four children, Lewis looks back on a solid career with Blue & Gold Fleet. "I started when I was 19. Started full-time when I was 22, now I’m 44, turning 45 this month," he said. "I’ve developed a few really good friendships."
Lewis knows who is really to thank for such a rewarding occupation. "I just want the passengers to know that we appreciate them riding the ferry," he said. "We couldn’t do this without them. Without them there is no ferry."
