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With the impending ACWS, Big Boat Series and Americas Cup just on the horizon, it’s time to think about various viewing options. And while most have thought of the shore or boat options there is one that just might have slipped your mind all together. Have you ever gone for a ride in a bonifide Zeppelin?
Airship Ventures offers tours in the only certified passenger carrying airship in North America, the
Airship Eureka. The 246’ long helium filled airship offers rides out of Oakland, Moffett Field , in the summer then San Diego and Long Beach in the winter. We embarked on the 1 hour Oakland excursion recently and had the ride of a lifetime. The staff at Airship Ventures are all professional and courteous, and were in constant contact long before the trip to keep you updated on your trips status and to advise of any possible changes. We met at the Holiday Inn on Hegenberger near the Oakland Airport 1 hour prior to boarding to check in and have a brief safety chat, much like you get on the average airline.
We were then shuttled to the North Airfield at Oakland Airport to meet the “Eureka”. Keeping in mind that this is a lighter than air with nearly 300,000 cubic feet of mass, the ballast is critical, and in this case mostly human weight, must be shifted equally. 1 person off, one person on as the zeppelin hovers inches above the terra firma. Once the dozen new passengers are loaded on and the dozen just finished passengers are off, the doors are secured and its off we go!
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The mass buoyancy of the airship hurls you up rapidly to the cruising altitude of 1,000- 1200 feet in a smooth fashion, there is no sudden lurching or moments of weightlessness you might have experienced in a plane or helicopter. Once you reach the cruising altitude, the stewardess then gives the free to signal (about 90 seconds) you can stand up and move about. Our cruising speed was 30-35 knots and it was super steady. The 35’ cabin is an open affair with seating for 12 plus the 2 seats in the cockpit for the pilot and co pilot. In face the only clased off space is the restroom, which, by the way has a nice big window as well. The folks at Airship Ventures take pride in their ship, and the cabin reflects that, with sparkling clean window around the entire vessel.
The passengers move about the cabin freely, and everyone takes the opportunity to check out the different vantage points, port or starboard through the glass, out the forward starboard or aft port opening windows, through the cockpit with all the instruments or out the aft love seat canopy.
One of the nice things about the zeppelin is it’s quietness. You can actually have a conversation in the cabin with both windows open, and mingle with other patrons and chat with the friendly stewardess!
The Eureka’s twin 200 hp motors can push the craft forward at 78 knots, but the really beauty it the ability to hover in a stationary fashion, which would be very key if your party is interested in observing some high end yachting event, such as the Americas Cup/ Louis Vuitton Challenger Series, some massive wave surfing aka Mavericks, whale watching or just checking out some dramatic coastline in high fashion. Want make a big impression on some big budget clients? A once in a lifetime family tour? A romantic flight with your significant other? A birthday present one will never forget? The list is endless..
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You can book as little as 1 person for a 1 hour, up to a full blown adventure for 12 for a full day, or secure the airship for several days to take your corporate clients, staff members or associates for a memorable rotation. There is even a special “ California Cruisin option, which will provide and 8-10 hour trip from Long Beach to Moffett field or the opposite option.
60 minute Excursion
Oakland International Airport, Oakland California – “San Francisco Experience”
As you head out from Oakland, you will see the Oakland skyline up close. Pass by the giant Port of Oakland cranes. You may also spot the former Presidential yacht, Potomac or the carrier that picked up the Apollo spacecraft, the USS Hornet. Gliding out along the Oakland Bay Bridge towards Treasure Island, take in the construction of the new Bay Bridge due for completion in 2013. And then simply enjoy some of the Bay Area’s most iconic landmarks that surround the San Francisco Bay – The San Francisco Piers, the waterfront towns of Sausalito, and Tiburon, beautiful parks, sailboats in the Bay, downtown San Francisco, well renowned Fisherman’s Wharf and the famous Ghirardelli Square – and to save the best for last …“The Golden Gate Bridge.”
2-Hour Excursion
Moffett Field, California – The “Ultimate San Francisco Bay Experience”
As you head out of Moffett Field, you will travel North towards the Golden Gate Bridge over water or over land or both! Either way, you will experience some beautiful vistas of the South Bay and San Francisco.
Aside from the colorful salt evaporation ponds ringing the South Bay and the structures of NASA Ames Research Center wind tunnels, you can spot the sprawling hi-tech campuses of Silicon Valley companies such as Google, Yahoo, Apple and Microsoft including the white peaks of Shoreline Amphitheatre, golf courses, old quarries, freeways and bridges. The changing weather is what makes every voyage unique. You will head out toward the Pacific and when the wind allows, you can turn around to see the San Francisco Bay with a quick view of the Golden Gate Bridge you have only seen in postcards. If you’re real lucky, the Airship will be flying when the fog is pulling back or threatening to come in. Seeing the fog spill over the coastal ranges to the city is “truly magical.” And if the evening is clear and you are one of the fortunate groups to get a Sunset Charter flight, than we can promise you inspiring evening skies and the thrill of seeing the cities of the bay light up at dusk.
California Crusin’ – The “Tour Grandeur!” – From Moffett Field to Long Beach Or from Long Beach to Moffett Field
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better! This 8 – 10 hour tour takes you across the farms, oceans and spread out land that attests to the fact that California is truly a place to see!
Departing from Moffett Field this “once in a lifetime” experience will help you to rediscover the beauty that California has to offer. Equally as nice and leaving the Long Beach area, is the excursion over the beautiful beaches and over the open waters where it is not uncommon to see pods of whales that have migrated here for warmer waters. “You better book this one “quick” as we only take 6 passengers on this most coveted flight!”
*Please note that all Charter flight guests receive complimentary Champagne, light hors d’oeuvres, a celebratory Champagne toast at the completion of every flight and custom flight Certificates signed by the Pilot in Charge.
All Catering is offered for an additional charge and onboard catering is available for all Charter flights 2 hours and longer.
Remaining slots in Bay Area for 2012 Season
Saturday, August 25 - Moffett Field
45 Minute Tour at 10:00 AM (12 spaces remaining)
45 Minute Tour at 10:50 AM (12 spaces remaining)
45 Minute Tour at 11:40 AM (12 spaces remaining)
90 Minute Tour at 12:30 PM (12 spaces remaining)
Sunday, August 26 - Moffett Field
Two Hour Tour at 10:00 AM (8 spaces remaining)
90 Minute Tour at 12:05 AM (5 spaces remaining)
Saturday, September 1 - Moffett Field
45 Minute Tour at 2:35 PM (9 spaces remaining)
90 Minute Tour at 3:25 PM (4 spaces remaining)
Two Hour Tour 5:00 PM (12 spaces remaining)
Sunday, September 2 - Oakland
One Hour Tour at 2:55 PM (3 spaces remaining)
Monday, September 3 - Moffett Field
45 Minute Tour at 2:35 PM (10 spaces remaining)
90 Minute Tour at 3:25 PM (10 spaces remaining)
Two Hour Tour at 5:00 PM (10 spaces remaining)
Wednesday, September 5 - Moffett Field
45 Minute Tour at 2:35 PM (10 spaces remaining)
90 Minute Tour at 3:25 PM (12 spaces remaining)
Thursday, September 6 - Moffett Field
45 Minute Tour at 2:35 PM (12 spaces remaining)
90 Minute Tour at 3:25 PM (12 spaces remaining)
Two Hour Tour at 5:00 PM (12 spaces remaining)
Friday, September 7 - Oakland
One Hour Tour at 1:50 PM (4 spaces remaining)
One Hour Tour at 2:55 PM (2 spaces remaining)
Saturday, September 8 - Oakland
One Hour Tour at 1:50 PM (12 spaces remaining)
One Hour Tour at 2:55 PM (9 spaces remaining)
Sunday, September 9 - Oakland
One Hour Tour at 1:50 PM (8 spaces remaining)
One Hour Tour at 2:55 PM (10 spaces remaining)
Friday, September 14 - Moffett Field
90 Minute Tour at 2:35 PM (12 spaces remaining)
45 Minute Tour at 4:10 PM (12 spaces remaining)
Two Hour Tour at 5:00 PM (6 spaces remaining)
Saturday, September 15 - Oakland
One Hour Tour at 1:50 PM (3 spaces remaining)
One Hour Tour at 2:55 PM (12 spaces remaining)
Sunday, September 16 - Oakland
One Hour Tour at 1:50 PM (12 spaces remaining)
One Hour Tour at 2:55 PM (10 spaces remaining)
Thursday, September 27 - Moffett Field
45 Minute Tour at 2:35 PM (10 spaces remaining)
90 Minute Tour at 3:25 PM (12 spaces remaining)
Two Hour Tour at 5:00 PM (10 spaces remaining)
Friday, September 28 - Oakland
One Hour Tour at 3:15 PM (12 spaces remaining)
Saturday, September 29 - Oakland
One Hour Tour at 1:05 PM (10 spaces remaining)
Sunday, September 30 - Moffett Field
45 Minute Tour at 2:35 PM (12 spaces remaining)
90 Minute Tour at 3:25 PM (12 spaces remaining)
Two Hour Tour at 5:00 PM (12 spaces remaining)
Wednesday, October 3 - Moffett Field
45 Minute Tour at 2:35 PM (12 spaces remaining)
90 Minute Tour at 3:25 PM (12 spaces remaining)
Thursday, October 4 - Moffett Field
45 Minute Tour at 2:35 PM (12 spaces remaining)
90 Minute Tour at 3:25 PM (12 spaces remaining)
Friday, October 5 - Moffett Field
45 Minute Tour at 2:35 PM (12 spaces remaining)
90 Minute Tour at 3:25 PM (10 spaces remaining)
Two Hour Tour at 5:00 PM (10 spaces remaining)
Saturday, October 6 - Oakland
One Hour Tour at 3:15 PM (8 spaces remaining)
Sunday, October 7 - Oakland
One Hour Tour at 3:15 PM (5 spaces remaining)
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