Welcome to ...                                                           

            Charters

Close Reach Charters offers affordable Ashes-at-Sea memorial services, facilitating respectful and memorable dispersal of cremated remains (cremains) on the spectacular setting of San Francisco Bay and near coastal waters outside the Golden Gate. Upon arrival at a designated location, the captain will bring the vessel to a stop and supervise the scattering of ashes or placement of cremains at sea. The captain may recite the "Nautical Commitment to the Deep" or other readings requested by the family. Flowers and other mementos may also be dispensed, however, they must be biodegradable to conform to California and U.S. Government regulations. The vessel will circle the dispersal site as family members pay their final respects. Two types of ash dispersal are offered. Traditional ash scattering involves pouring the cremains from the urn onto the sea where it disperses immediately and descends to the sea bed. Alternately, the cremains can be placed into a bio-degradable urn which is placed in the water to descend to the sea bed. We can provide bio-degradable urns for an additional charge.

The captain and crew are always mindful of family needs for services in a private, refined, dignified and reflective manner. We are also governed by and abide by strict environmental protection laws in the country, and are in full compliance with all applicable regulations. The required governmental reporting is included as part of our services at no additional cost.

A commemorative Certificate of Disposition, in a variety styles and signed by the Captain, will be sent to you indicating the date and exact location (Latitude & Longitude) of scattering. 

A gratuity for the captain and crew is optional but not expected.

For those with close ties to the sea, dispersal of cremains may offer a fitting final resting place and, as such, give comfort to surviving family and friends. In the words of President John F. Kennedy, in a speech delivered in 1962: "...we all came from the sea. And it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have, in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch it we are going back from whence we came."

Attended Memorials: Two-Hour trip, Six passengers *, $595 incl. refreshments

We can accommodate up to six passengers * on our Ranger 33 Sailboat. We will soon have a larger powerboat available which can accommodate larger groups. Family and guests accompany the ashes aboard the vessel to the dispersal site and may conduct a short memorial for the deceased, and assist in scattering, if desired. Time from departure to return to the dock usually lasts about two hours, including the memorial ceremony. Arrangements for longer trips can be accommodated at an hourly rate.

Unattended Memorials: $175

The captain and crew will conduct the ash scattering privately in a dignified and respectful manner. Ashes can be sent via registered mail thru the U.S. Postal Service. We will perform the scattering shortly after receipt and can accommodate specific dates as weather permits. A commemorative Certificate of Disposition will be provided by mail. For mailing instructions and the Authorization Form, click here.

View from Ashore:  $300

Some people are not comfortable on the water. On San Francisco Bay, Angel Island affords an opportunity to view cremains dispersal from shore based locations approximately 500 yards from the dispersal site. The island is a short ferry ride from several city locations. Prices start at the unattended memorial rate. This option also allows a combination of attended and view-from-ashore services.

Re-visit Dispersal Site: Two-Hour trip, Six passengers *, $495 incl. refreshments

The exact location of the original ash dispersal site can be visited on dates of interest by providing the captain with the proper coordinates.

Pet Cremains Dispersal:

Cremation of pets has become more prevalent lately. We offer the same services for dispersal of pet cremains for a nominal fee if performed in conjunction with human cremains dispersment.

Additional Service:

Bio-degradable Urns ranging in price from $100 to $250

Flower arrangements - prices vary

Rose Petals - $45

Additional Certificates - $10

* Our Ranger 33 "Sorte" has accommodated up to eleven recreational passengers. However, we are limited to carrying six passengers for hire. Groups more than four need to be comfortable moving about the boat and having some of their party sit on the deck or below. This requires mobility and willingness to get a little spray. If you are not okay with this, parties should be limited to four.

Details for Shipping Cremains

Captain Craig Walker

22525 High Sierra View

Colfax, CA 95713

Close Reach Charters assumes no responsibility for shipments made by the customer.

Certificates of Disposition: Type One, Type Two

Ranger 33 "Sorte"

Captain Craig Walker, U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Master, CA State Cemetery and Funeral Bureau CRD Licensed

Close Reach

Phone: (530) 320-5611

cw4sail@foothill.net