Terry MacRaeChairman & CEOTerry and a business partner acquired Hornblower Coach Tours in 1980. At the time, the two-yacht company was based in Berkeley, California and its assets included a 75-passenger catamaran called the M/V Admiral Hornblower. Hornblower’s early efforts focused on private group charters but the company also committed to future growth by signing a long-term facility lease in the Berkeley Marina.
In 1984, Hornblower moved its headquarters across the bay to San Francisco. Four years later, the company added new harbor tours and whale watching adventures in San Diego. Terry became the sole owner of Hornblower Yachts, Inc. in 1992 and he renamed the company as Hornblower Cruises & Events to more accurately reflect the variety of products and services offered. He also continued enhancing the charter and dining cruises available to Hornblower guests.
As Terry and his team grew the business, several highlights distinguished Hornblower Cruises & Events from its competition. The company added a number of noteworthy yachts to its fleet, including the elegant M/V Wild Goose in 1995. Actor John Wayne used the restored 1942 minesweeper as his private getaway for years and Hornblower Cruises & Events continues to operate the historic yacht in Newport Beach.
The San Francisco Business Times named Alcatraz Cruises a Green Business of the Year in 2008, one year after bestowing Most Admired CEO of the Year honors on Hornblower Cruises & Events’ Founder and CEO Terry MacRae.
