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FOREWORD BY THOMAS C. ESCHER

s a child in the late 1950s, I have vivid memories after sixty years. These are the people who make the San BELOW, left to right: Red and
of buying live crabs (for about 25 cents each) Francisco waterfront so unique, and such a special place White Fleet founder, Tom Crowley,
Afrom the boats at Fisherman’s Wharf with to work and to visit. Just as the bedrock of the Red and stands proudly aboard one of his
my parents and my grandfather, Tom Crowley, who all White Fleet lies with the tenacity, sincerity, and hard earliest gas-powered boats, the
Crowley. • Over a century later,
seemed to personally know the fishermen. Then, we work of its founder, my grandfather Tom Crowley, the Tom Crowley’s grandson and current
would drive past the tour boats of Harbor Tours before company’s continued success over the ensuing decades owner of the Red and White, Tom
returning home. Those live crabs, fishermen, and the is due in no small part to the dedication of the diverse Escher, stands atop the new Enhydra.
maritime business of Harbor Tours have always held a and capable people of the maritime industry. • A stamp design made by a guest
special significance for me, and this enduring interest in The purpose of this book is to preserve the history featuring a Red and White Fleet boat.
the culture and commerce of the waterfront has helped of those mariners and employees who helped create the OPPOSITE: A Red and White boat
shape my life and career. special story of the Red and White Fleet. The pictures, sails under the Golden Gate Bridge
At thirteen, my first job was a sweeper involved with tales, and memories shared here are a salute to those that on one of its sightseeing tours.
the maritime industry. My memories of the mariners— have created so many special moments for our guests
captains, deckhands, engineers, ticket sellers, fishermen— over the years, and who continue to innovate and push
is something that continues to hold my attention even the Red and White Fleet into an even brighter future.

6 • Red and White Fleet