LA Sailing Charter

My boyfriend booked the sunset cruise for my birthday last month. I had gone sailing once before and it was terrifying. My opinion on sailing changed with Captain Joe. He was so calm and pleasant, and we always felt confident that he knew what he was doing. We fully enjoyed our time on the water, and Joe pointed out interesting things along the way. We will definitely book a longer trip with him soon!

Some days, you just feel like the world is your oyster. This past Saturday was one of those days for me. I’ve made an awesome new friend, and to celebrate her birthday, she chartered Captain Joe’s boat, a brand new 47-​foot Beneteau, called «Medium Pimpin’» to celebrate. We had just the best time ever. Ever!
For those of you who aren’t familiar with sailing, taking a chartered boat is how the celebrities do it… you know, those pictures you see of Jay Z and Beyonce hanging out on a boat in France drinking wine and looking fabulous? Well, they are on a chartered boat… otherwise, if they tried to sail it themselves, Jay Z would be all dirty from checking the engine below, and Beyonce would be climbing the mast, untangling lines. Can you picture that? Heck no!
We all met on Saturday at the California Yacht Club and made our way down to Captain Joe’s boat. All of the guests brought food and wine, so we had a feast while we slathered on sunscreen and took in the rays. There were ten of us in the group, and we were able to all fit comfortably in the cockpit and talk without yelling (like at a bar — I hate that!) We then motored out of Marina del Rey and headed north to Malibu, turned off the engine and hoisted the sails.
So, for those of you who haven’t done much sailing, there is literally nothing like looking at the coastline from the water. There were about a million people on the beach that day, but just ten of us on the boat… its a special experience and makes you feel lucky — like you are winning in life! Sailing is also so cool because the boat is powered by the wind — there isn’t a big motor making a bunch of noise and fumes. I think its one of the best ways to experience nature. And, if you think about it, the best things come from nature — wine, diamonds, and sailing!
We made our way to Malibu — the sun shining, the wind blowing, everyone getting super relaxed and happy. An hour or so after leaving Marina del Rey, we arrived at Topanga Beach. Captain Joe dropped the anchor so we could go swimming. Some of our party didn’t want to do it… but most of us did. No pressure from Joe, he is happy to let everyone just do what they are comfortable with. I jumped in — it was such a hot day, but the water was freezing! It felt so good — there is something about jumping into the ocean that makes me feel like a giddy five year old. It feels great to be bouncing around in the waves.
After swimming, we got back in the boat and headed back to Marina del Rey. A few of us sunbathed on the bow on the way back. The rest of us chatted away, all feeling so good. I think I might be a copycat and do this for my birthday. Captain Joe is an amazing captain — he operates a 47 foot sailboat solo and makes it look easy.
This is a great thing to do with any group — friends, family or co-​workers. Taking people out of their element is a great way to relax, have fun and make great memories. Thank you friends — and thank you, Captain Joe!

Joe was a vision as he walked to greet my group of friends and I. If you were to cast a Captain for the girls’ day we’d planned, you wouldn’t have found a better suit. Joe showed us around the boat, directed us to the loo, and made sure to point out the sign hanging on the cabin wall that reads, «What happens on the boat stays on the boat.» He was a real charmer; full of random and interesting information. He also calmly helped a few of us that would have greatly benefited from Dramamine before we departed. Overall, the day and the service gets five stars from me! We will absolutely plan another outing with Joe!