Bodies of water are frequent metaphors in poetry, due to their unfathomable depths, unknowable sprawl, and unattainable porpoises. Set sail into the enigma with today's Groupon: for $28, you get a two-hour sailing cruise with the San Francisco Sailing Company (a $55 value). All cruises embark from Pier 39. You may purchase multiple Groupons to enjoy the voyage again and again, or host a private party with at least 25 of your friends. Though each Groupon is good for a year, there are blackout dates, which are listed in the fine print above. Choose from a champagne brunch cruise on a Saturday or Sunday morning, or a city lights cruise on a Friday or Saturday night.

The brunch cruise departs from Pier 39 at 10 a.m. and sails toward the Golden Gate Bridge, where it will pause for an 11 a.m. champagne toast. Enjoy numerous San Francisco landmarks as they float by, dappled in morning light, including Alcatraz, Angel Island, and more. During your journey, enjoy two complimentary mimosas or glasses of champagne. Smooth sailing and the early hour provide a serene experience for both boaters and boat.

The night cruises depart at 8:30 p.m., after dinner but before the full flush of nightlife overtakes the land. The boat heads down the city front past the historic piers and Embarcadero, allowing all seafarers to see the lights of the financial district, the glowing Ferry Building from the dark waters, and the occasional reverse mermaid. A toast occurs beneath the Bay Bridge before the cruise continues on to McCovey Cove and AT&T Park. Party pilgrims then return to the docks, mere blocks away from a multitude of teeming nightlives. All sailors are subsequently guest-listed at the nearby Supperclub, the cocktail cherry on top of a lovely evening.

Each small-capacity boat enables cruise-goers to experience the sights without the pressing din of a crowded ship or the awkwardness of an elevator tour. The main sailboat of the sailing company, the Privateer, is a small vessel, Coast Guard–inspected for safety with a capacity of 28 passengers. On especially busy days, three additional boats are deployed, which accommodate six people each. The crew has decades of combined experience, including Captain Erik Ostrander, a U.S. Merchant Marine officer with a cranium chock-full of sailing and seamanship. Either sailing cruise includes two complimentary drinks; more are available for $1 apiece and include champagne, mimosas, beer, wine, soda, or bottled water. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or just out to provide fodder for Moby Dick fantasies, a two-hour sailing cruise with the San Francisco Sailing Company will ensure an enjoyable morning or evening on the local waters.

Your Groupon ID number must be provided at the time of booking.

Reviews

Yelpers award San Francisco Sailing Company 4.5 stars:

• The Privateer is a beautiful boat, rigged so as few or many people as you want can be involved in the sailing. The captain was engaging and worked in some basic sailing instruction. Everybody who was interested got a chance to sail or handle lines, but the captain and mate let us just hang out too. – Denis L.
• Two routes are taken when sailing around the bay that soothes the wild and adventurous type as well as the cool and calm... not to mention sailing is great for all ages and land dwellers. – Maria A.