Boat and Breakfast in San Francisco

Although every bed and breakfast has some element that makes it unique, most share at least one thing in common: they're securely built on solid land.

Jack and Gayle Carpentier, owners of the MV Athena, are among a group of innkeepers who have taken even that one constant away. The MV Athena is a 53-foot motor yacht, available for rental by the day, week or month -- a boat and breakfast.

Jack and Gayle like to make each stay unique. Although their boat includes three cabins, they accept reservations for only one set of guests at a time. They also handle many special requests.

"One couple (who had dated in SF during high school and were returning for their 25th anniversary) wanted me to track down a hole in a wall sandwich shop that made a special sandwich they used to eat," Gayle said. "I found it and had it onboard when we took them out for their 'snooze and cruise.'

"Another couple, who were wondering if their engagement was still a good idea, was treated by her mother to a 'snooze and cruise.' In addition, she asked for -- and we arranged for -- a string quartet to be playing on the dock when they arrived, a full boiled lobster dinner onboard with serving staff, with cherries jubilee for dessert."

Gayle answered a few questions about the unique nature of running a boat and breakfast.

When did you first consider becoming innkeepers?

We actually stumbled into the B&B world. We purchased the Athena in 1991 with plans of taking it up into the Napa/Sonoma wine country for custom charter cruises (like the barge trips in France -- Jack used to take groups over to France for the cruises and fell in love with the style of slow travel combined with great food and wine).

When the market for such elaborate tours was slow to develop, we looked for other ways to put Athena on a paying basis. She is berthed right at the edge of San Francisco Bay, at the Pier 39 Marina, with a view no hotel in the city can equal. So, when a (now out of business) firm asked if we wanted to use her as a "floating B&B" we said, "Sure, why not?"

What made you want to become innkeepers?

At first it was just a financial decision, but after meeting only a few of our very happy guests the picture changed. We now have eight books full of quotes from folks who tell us we've offered them a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That's a great thing -- and one that keeps you going when the days get difficult.

How long did you debate whether to become innkeepers?

Not long. We went into it rather blindly and learned as we went along.

What were some of the factors you considered, pro and con?

I suppose we were most worried about the wear and tear on Athena and if the guests would have a tough time learning the slightly different systems (toilets, lights, etc. work a bit differently than on land). On the up side, we like the idea of sharing such a lovely boat and great location with folks.

Please describe some of Athena's unique features.

I don't know of any hotel, B&B or rental in San Francisco that sits yards from San Francisco Bay. From our upper deck, you view the Coit Tower part of the San Francisco Skyline and can get a full 360-degree view that includes the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Alcatraz, San Rafael and Bay Bridges.

Unlike a lot of B&Bs, our guests get a lot of privacy. Even though we have three cabins (two with oval queen-sized beds and one with a double bed), once guests reserve Athena, they are the only folks onboard.

We also are the only floating B&B I know of that offers guests an optional cruise. We call this a "snooze and cruise" package. Guests let us know what time they'd like to start their tour and about 45 minutes prior, Jack (who is also a licensed Coast Guard Captain -- how's that for a snazzy quasi-retirement job?) and a crew member (usually me!) come on board and meet with the guests. They pick the route and (weather permitting) we head out.

It's like booking a luxury suite and taking it out on the Bay with you. Full-sized lounge chairs, a full galley, refrigerator, freezer, ice maker, CD player and sound system -- what more could you want for a private Bay tour?

What do you remember most about your first month as innkeepers?

That's easy -- the questions from guests and the staff who handled check-ins and maintenance. We thought we had it all planned out, but it never occured to us to write up "what to do when you find a sea lion sunning itself by the door of Athena" instructions. (This doesn't happen often, but if it does, you need to keep your distance and make a lot of noise to urge it back into the water. It always works, but can take a few minutes as sea lions can be stubborn!)

Is being innkeepers tougher or easier than you expected?

Both. Getting up at 2 in the morning to handle a cranky marine toilet is lousy, but hearing from joyous guests make up for tough spots.