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Designed as a slow, intentional sailing experience, this private session focuses on time on the water, gentle sailing, and space to properly switch off. It blends hands-on sailing moments with relaxed observation, creative food, and regular wildlife encounters along one of Southern California’s most varied coastlines.
Rather than following a rigid route, the sail is shaped by wind, tide, and conditions on the day, creating a calm but engaging experience that feels personal, unrushed, and grounded in the natural rhythm of the ocean.
Your experience begins in Marina del Rey, the largest man-made marina in the world, home to more than 6,500 yachts. After a relaxed welcome and safety briefing, you’ll step aboard a private sailing yacht and head out through the marina channel into open water. From the outset, the pace is deliberately calm, allowing time to settle into the movement of the boat and the feel of the wind.
Once under sail, the route unfolds naturally. You’ll pass the Venice Boardwalk and historic Venice Pier before continuing towards the iconic Santa Monica Pier, with clear views of the solar-powered Ferris wheel from the water. When conditions allow, the sail continues west towards Malibu, where the coastline becomes more rugged and the backdrop shifts to surf breaks, cliffs, and well-known beachfront homes. Wildlife sightings are common, particularly sea lions, dolphins, and seasonal whales.
Throughout the sail, guests can observe or take part as much or as little as they like. There is time to sit quietly, talk, learn about the sailing environment, or simply watch the horizon. Gourmet hors d’oeuvres and drinks are served on board, timed naturally around the sailing rather than as a formal sit-down meal. The overall focus is on slowing down, staying present, and leaving the water feeling reset rather than overstimulated.
The experience operates from Marina del Rey, a sheltered and well-equipped harbour on the west side of Los Angeles. Its protected waters make it an ideal departure point, allowing a smooth transition from dock to open ocean without long periods of motoring.
Once outside the marina, Santa Monica Bay offers varied coastal scenery within a short sailing distance. The area combines urban landmarks, open water, and stretches of more natural coastline, making it possible to experience a broad cross-section of Southern California’s marine environment within a single session.
No prior sailing experience is required. This experience is suitable for first-time sailors, couples, small groups, and anyone looking for a calm, private time on the water rather than a fast-paced activity.
Guests should be comfortable moving around a gently moving vessel. The experience is not recommended for individuals with certain heart conditions. Infants are welcome but must not sit on laps, and appropriate seating arrangements should be discussed in advance.
Guests will receive a confirmation message after booking with a clear, practical packing list. In general, layered clothing is recommended, particularly between November and April when temperatures are cooler and whale sightings are most common.
Footwear is left dockside before boarding. Warm socks are strongly advised for comfort on deck, and gloves are recommended during cooler months to allow safe movement around the yacht while handling rails and lines.
This experience is built around genuine care for how people feel on the water, not just where the boat goes. Sailing decisions are made based on wind, tide, and comfort rather than a fixed itinerary, creating a safer, more responsive experience that adapts naturally to the day.
What sets this sail apart is the combination of professional seamanship and thoughtful food, prepared and served on board by a Captain who is also a trained chef. The result is a private sailing session that feels considered, personal, and quietly memorable, with guests leaving feeling rested, connected, and properly looked after.
This is a fully private charter, meaning only your booking group will be on board. There are no shared spaces with other guests, allowing the time on the water to feel personal, calm, and unrushed.
The private format also allows the sailing pace and route to adapt naturally to your group’s preferences and the conditions on the day, rather than following a fixed schedule.
No sailing experience is required at all. This experience is designed to be accessible to complete beginners as well as those who have sailed before.
Guests are welcome to observe quietly, ask questions, or take a light hands-on role if conditions allow, but participation is always optional.
The session focuses on relaxed coastal sailing rather than speed or technical manoeuvres. The yacht sails through Santa Monica Bay, passing Venice, Santa Monica, and often continuing towards Malibu depending on wind and sea conditions.
Routes are chosen to prioritise comfort, smooth sailing, and time spent under sail rather than motoring.
Sea lions and dolphins are commonly seen throughout the year, often close to the vessel. Whale sightings are more seasonal, with higher chances between November and April.
Wildlife encounters are never forced or chased, and sightings depend on natural conditions, but the area is known for regular marine activity.
Guests are served a plate of gourmet hors d’oeuvres prepared fresh, along with a bottle of rosé wine. Non-alcoholic options such as sparkling lemonade, Italian soda, and water are also available.
Food and drinks are served informally throughout the sail, timed around sailing conditions rather than a fixed dining schedule.
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is strongly recommended. Layers are important, especially during cooler months or later in the day when temperatures can drop on the water.
Shoes are removed before boarding and left dockside, so bringing warm socks is advised. Gloves are recommended between November and April for comfort and grip.
Shoes are not worn on board the yacht and are left in a dockside basket before departure. This is for safety, deck protection, and comfort while moving around the vessel.
Guests should avoid heels or rigid footwear entirely and plan to be barefoot or in socks during the sail.
Infants and children are welcome, but infants must not sit on laps and appropriate seating arrangements should be discussed before booking.
The calm nature of the sail makes it suitable for families, but supervision is required at all times due to the marine environment.
The departure area is near public transport, and strollers and service animals are permitted. However, full wheelchair access is limited due to the nature of the vessel and marina infrastructure.
If you have specific accessibility requirements, it’s important to discuss these in advance to confirm suitability.
About the centre
Dock 55 13701 Fiji Way
Operated by Old Plank Adventures LLC, a partner of adventuro.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £495
