Sponsored by Flagship Cruises
The Patriot
San Diego Bay will never be the same now that the ultimate aquatic machine is tearing through its waters. The 70-foot Patriot with its two 1400-horsepower engines delivers a turbocharged, unforgettable wet-and-wild ride. During the 30-minute ride, up to 139 passengers enjoy the rush of the wind, refreshing ocean spray and blasting music as the revved-up Patriot navigates San Diego Bay, zooming past the USS Midway, along the city skyline and under the Coronado Bridge. This water coaster truly punches up the adrenaline level, as it can perform 360-degree turns and spin on a dime.
To honor the 100th anniversary of locally-owned Flagship Cruises, The Patriot was custom built to provide the city of San Diego with a new thrilling way to tour the bay. Flagship Cruises & Events owner Art Engel wanted a name and color scheme that would honor San Diego’s military heritage, hence the striking red-white-and-blue flag design and the “patriotic” name.
“The sleek jet boat was made in New Jersey and had to be transported across the U.S.,” explains Tim Mutrie, VP of Marketing for Flagship Cruises & Events. “It was like bringing the space shuttle across the country—a big ordeal since it’s so big,” he adds. Once given the thumbs up by the coast guard and Port Authority, the Patriot’s wild ride launched over Memorial Day 2014.
Despite being able to travel at 50 mph across the bay, The Patriot’s low-wake engines do not create a giant wave or disturb other vessels enjoying the scenery. Most of the big splash acrobatics are performed south of the Coronado Bay where there is little traffic so passengers can really experience the power of this craft. The friendly crew will hand out ponchos and Ziplocs or store any valuables because the bottom line is this: YOU WILL GET WET.
The Patriot runs seven days a week during summer season from Memorial Day until mid-September. For the rest of the year, weather depending, you can jump on the jet boat during the weekends. The Patriot is also a fantastic whale watching perch as the waters off San Diego are home to migrating gray whales, humpback, minkes, blue whales, sea lions, dolphins and more throughout the year. Naturalists from Scripps Birch Aquarium narrate the whale adventures that run from late October to mid-April. Private parties and corporate events can be booked on the Patriot as well.
But for those interested zipping across the bay at full throttle with the music cranked and spinning 360s on a floating mega machine, The Patriot’s is the ticket for heart-thumping family fun.
TICKETS: Adult: $27.00; Child: (4-12) $22.00
Age & Height Requirement: Children must be at least 4 years old and 40″ (100 cm) or taller. An adult must accompany children aged 4 through 12.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
- Riders of the Patriot will be exposed to forces, speeds and other intense features that may cause distress or injury to persons with pre-existing health conditions.
- Only guests in good health should ride the Patriot.
DO NOT RIDE IF YOU ARE:
Pregnant
Have high blood pressure
Prone to motion sickness
Have heart, neck or back problems
Have had recent surgery
Have any medical condition that might be aggravated by the forces of the Patriot.
INFO: Flagshipe Cruises & Events
990 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA
800.442.7847; www.flagshipsd.com
