Sailing California's Historic Coastline

Planning a visit to California's Los Angeles? After you see Disneyland and the incomparable Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown L.A. , home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, head to sea with an American original and get a glimpse of the U.S.A.'s scenic natural wonders, in the lap of luxury. 

For an original and unique American experience, head to sea with Sail Channel Islands and Captain Dan Ryder, a former Navy Commander, licensed sailing instructor (with many A-list Hollywood stars as pupils!), as well as a helluva story teller, for a few hours or a few days aboard Sancerre, his luxury 46 foot Jeanneau Sun Odyssey yacht. See Yacht Charter for details.

Set up a soft-adventure tour around the historic and evolutionarily isolated Channel Islands. See elephant seals, dolphins, and a whale or two.

Or book an economy charter on his seasoned Catalina 36 that can run from 2 hours to several days.

Sail Channel Islands also provides private sailing lessons in an American Sailing Association (ASA) school that can take you from a novice sailor to a competent skipper at your own pace.

Other sailing services include weddings and funerals at sea. 

The National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy are returning Southern California's Channel Islands to a condition not much different from the days when the last Native Americans paddled to them in open canoes by reintroducing Bald Eagles, nurturing native foxes and sheltering endangered Brown Pelicans. You'll have a chance to see some American originals, not to mention have a glass of fine wine with one!


In addition to being a genuine American hero, Captain Dan Ryder is a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captain with 40 years of sailing experience.

He's sailed the East Coast, the West Coast, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean as well as numerous lakes in the Midwest and has spent the last 15 years sailing the Pacific coast. He can tell you about it over a glass or two of Zaca Mesa wines.

As if the scenery wasn't enough, aboard Sancerre, you'll find a lovely selection of Zaca Mesa's exceptional vintages. Syrah to accompany your hearty dinners and some Chardonnay and Viognier that they will break out if you've chosen to spend a lazy afternoon at anchor. While you're in the area, consider driving to Zaca Mesa's estate in the Santa Ynez mountains to  sample their other Rhone-style wines.

Whatever your inclination, this custom luxury yacht and its amiable skipper are at your command. Cruise up the California coast and dock in downtown Santa Barbara, a California gem. You can spend the day at the beach or shopping on State Street’s fabulous treelined arcades, just steps away. Have dinner at one of Santa Barbara's fine restaurants or have an old fashioned American barbecue right on board. Return to Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, where Sancerre is docked, at a leisurely pace the next day or extend your trip and spend a night at historic Pelican anchorage at Santa Cruz Island.

Each of the extended cruises is custom-planned. Pick your route, your anchorages, your menu and your vintages. Choose anything from San Diego to San Francisco. For the ultimate in California sailing, trust Captain Dan for a memorable adventure.