About Us
Why Partners Join our Network
Giving and Fundraising are a Breeze
Standardized giving packages and pre-developed communication materials make the whole process easy and more efficient.
Increase Impact & Effectiveness
Working together as a network increases impact and effectiveness - more of each donation goes directly to vital programs and services and more of your time can be focused on day-to-day operations.
Increase Visibility
Building new connections across sectors increases visibility for all network partners - nonprofit causes gain exposure to new potential donors in the sailing community and charter companies connect with new clients.
Who we Are
We Know Sailing. We know Nonprofits. And we love getting people out on the water.
We joined forces in 2026 to unite our passion for sailing with our commitment to making a difference – Kirk with his decades of experience operating a Charter business on the San Francisco Bay and Shelley with her decades of experience as a Nonprofit CEO and Strategy Consultant. What makes Sailing for a Cause special is our our shared passion at this unique intersection – connecting small, locally-owned charter businesses with local nonprofits.
Kirk Miller, aka Captain Kirk
Captain Kirk Miller has been sailing all his life, including operating his charter business for the past 24 years. He has cruised with his family in Mexico, Greece, and the Caribbean and sailed across the Pacific. Kirk has a masters degree in Civil Engineering from Stanford and worked 20 years in the energy efficiency and renewable energy business in the US and overseas. Fortunate with health, family and education, Kirk tries to live his life with gratitude. A Big Brother for many years and a long time supporter of many nonprofits –Sailing for a Cause is a result of many years of mixing sailing with support for important nonprofit causes.
Shelley Hamilton
Shelley has over three decades of professional experience in the nonprofit sector throughout the US and across many different issue areas. Shelley’s leadership experience as a former CEO, marketing and fundraising director and strategic consultant has successfully guided individual nonprofits and large coalition networks from talk to action to impact. Shelley has been sailing the coast of California since she was in Jr. High. From competitive collegiate sailing to teaching basic keel boat classes and from cruising the Sea of Cortez to crossing the Bay of Biscay, Shelley is passionate about sharing her love of sailing with others. (Click HERE to read more)
Here are a handful of the nonprofits supported by our Charter Partners
- Youth Sailing: Sailing Education Adventures, Inverness Yacht Club, Bluewater Foundation, Spaulding Wooden Boat Center
- Ocean/Bay Conservation: Marine Mammal Center, SF Bay Keepers, Richardson Bay Audubon Center, Surfrider, Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association
- Community Organizations: Bay Area Discovery Museum, Performing Stars Youth Enrichment, Slide Ranch, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area, Marin Humane Society, Various school foundations, Zane Templin (youth mental health services)
Meet our Charter Partners
Captain Kirk's San Francisco Sailing
Captain Kirk’s San Francisco Sailing has been offering sailing charters from Sausalito for over 24 years. Custom, interactive experiences that capture the beauty and thrill of San Francisco Bay – sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy city front views, round Alcatraz, and enjoy a cool Pacific breeze filling the sails while you share a truly unique experience with your family and friends. Groups from 2 – 20 people on boats ranging from 36 to 50 feet.
Contact Information: info@sfbaysail.com or call/text (650) 930-0740
Bay Lights Charters - Tall Ship Sailing on San Francisco Bay
We live our mission on every charter – “We do what we LOVE, with people we LOVE, for people who LOVE what we do!” Come join us as you step aboard Gas Light, a 72-foot scow schooner that blends historic character with modern comfort. Designed after traditional Bay vessels, her broad decks and smooth ride create an effortlessly modern and elegant sailing experience. Help raise her traditional gaff rigged sails, or sip a cocktail, and enjoy a refined, one-of-a-kind way to experience San Francisco Bay. Private and ticketed sails available for groups up to 49 guests.
Contact Information: Sales@BayLightsCharters.com or call/text 415-405-5279
Wylie Charters
Designed and built right here in the San Francisco, the 65 ft Derek M. Baylis is modern, sleek, fast and comfortable on the water. Join us for a day of adventure, a birthday celebration, a corporate retreat, or a scientific excursion. A one of a kind build, the vessel is not just for recreation but us also used by marine scientists for research including mapping the faults on the bay floor, shark cage diving, and science education. Serving as a 21st century marine science/pleasure boat, our focus is to create a quiet revolution in ocean education, research, recreation, & conservation. Available to host your private or ticketed group up to 34 guests.
Contact Information: sail@wyliecharters.com or text to 415.580.0335.