Sail Channel Islands

Business Details

Luxury Yacht Charters & Sailing Lessons in the Santa Barbara Channel

Sail Channel Islands has been providing premium maritime experiences in Southern California for over a decade. Founded by Capt. Dan, a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain with 40 years of sailing expertise, our company specializes in luxury yacht charters, economy sail charters, and comprehensive sailing instruction. Our fleet includes the Jeanneau 45.2 Sancerre, a fully equipped luxury yacht accommodating up to six passengers, and Wiley, a veteran Catalina 36 ideal for personalized charters and lessons. We offer tailored sailing education through American Sailing Association-certified courses, from beginner basics to advanced coastal cruising.

Our unique ceremonies at seaweddings and memorialscombine nautical tradition with personal significance. With a focus on safety, education, and exceptional service, we cater to adventurers seeking to explore the Channel Islands' pristine waters, wildlife, and anchorages. Our crew, including gourmet chef and Bosun Dennis, prioritizes hands-on learning, unforgettable experiences, and family-style dining. Whether you're seeking a half-day sail or a multi-day voyage, our services emphasize personalized itineraries, environmental stewardship, and deep local knowledge of the Santa Barbara Channel's unique ecosystems.

Services

Luxury Yacht Charter Economy Sail Charter Sailing Lessons Wedding Ceremonies Memorial Services Kayaking Tours Snorkeling Excursions Gourmet Dining Navigation Training Wildlife Observation

Highlights and features

40+ years of combined sailing expertise from Capt. Dan and Bosun Dennis
Hands-on ASA-certified instruction tailored to individual skill levels
Gourmet meals prepared by professional yachting chef during charters
Family-style dining and personalized itineraries for unique experiences
Safety-focused approach with USCG-licensed captains and modern vessels

Associations and certifications

American Sailing Association

What people say

Experienced instructors Breathtaking scenery Personalized attention Gourmet meals included Memorable ceremonies

Website

Update Listing

Services

Luxury Yacht Charter

Experience premium sailing aboard Sancerre, a Jeanneau 45.2 featuring three staterooms, gourmet dining, and kayaking equipment. Ideal for 6 passengers seeking multi-day voyages or day cruises through the Channel Islands' pristine waters. Includes professional crew, meals, and personalized itineraries.

Economy Sail Charter

Affordable sailing adventures on Wiley, a Catalina 36 accommodating up to four passengers. Options include hourly charters ($195-$225) or all-day trips ($1,250-$1,438) with lunch. Perfect for beginners or budget-conscious explorers seeking coastal sailing experiences.

Sailing Lessons

American Sailing Association-certified instruction from basic maneuvers to advanced coastal cruising. Private lessons ($580-$678/day) include hands-on training on a Catalina 36. Courses prepare students for bareboat charters worldwide, with customized curricula for all skill levels.

Wedding Ceremonies

Unique nautical weddings officed by Capt. Dan, available aboard Sancerre or at California coastal locations. Includes gourmet catering options and customizable ceremonies. Combines sailing tradition with personalized vows for intimate oceanfront celebrations.

Memorial Services

Dignified funeral ceremonies at sea conducted by Chaplain Dan. Services include vessel transportation, officiating, and personalized arrangements. Provides closure through oceanic tributes while adhering to maritime regulations and environmental standards.

People

Capt. Dan

Owner & Captain

With 40 years of sailing experience and a decade navigating California waters, Capt. Dan is a USCG-licensed captain and ASA-certified instructor. He specializes in personalized sailing education and maritime ceremonies, combining technical expertise with storytelling.

Dennis

Bosun & Chef

Known as Cookie, Dennis brings 18 years of yachting experience as both skipper and gourmet chef. He prepares family-style meals during charters and ensures vessel operations meet safety standards while delivering exceptional hospitality.

Questions

What charter options are available?

We offer luxury yacht charters on Sancerre (up to 6 passengers) and economy charters on Wiley (up to 4 passengers), with options ranging from 4-hour sails to 5-day voyages.

Do you provide sailing instruction for beginners?

Yes, our ASA-certified courses start with basic maneuvers and progress to advanced coastal cruising, with private lessons tailored to your experience level and goals.

Can we have a wedding on the water?

Absolutely! We perform maritime weddings aboard Sancerre or at California coastal locations, including gourmet catering and customized ceremonies for intimate celebrations.

What safety measures are in place?

All charters include USCG-licensed captains, life jackets, and safety briefings. Children under 10 require prior approval, and we maintain modern safety equipment on both vessels.

How do payments and deposits work?

A 50% deposit is required for reservations. We accept major credit cards and offer flexible payment plans. Full payment is due before charter commencement.

What areas do you explore?

We sail the Channel Islands National Park (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, Santa Barbara) and nearby mainland anchorages like Channel Islands Harbor and Gaviota.

Reviews (4)

Write a Review

Jeremy E.

Dec 31, 2023 Report

This was an incredible and unforgettable experience! Captain Dan was great! He is a very experienced sailor who taught us a lot and shared many interesting stories. He let us take turns steering the boat :) He guided us to some amazing views around Anacapa island and stopped to prepare us a delicious lunch!

Summer D.

Jul 12, 2023 Report

I've been wanting to learn how to sail for a year now and I finally got around to it! I'm so grateful that Captain Dan is my sailing instructor, he is amazing! He also allows a second person to come to the lessons and I am bringing different friends with me along the way. We are all so excited to start this new journey and opportunity of sailing The boat we are on is fantastic and Captain Dan is patient, extremely knowledgeable and so much fun!

Robert P.

Jun 16, 2023 Report

I consider myself richly blessed to have found Sail Channel Islands and Captain Dan Ryder's ASA Certified Sailing School. Your typical sailing student, I am not. It's a pleasure to watch a school of 12-year-olds learning to sail their dinghys in the harbor. I'm more than five time their age, too heavy, weak, and sick to learn to sail. But not at Sail Channel Islands. Captain Dan allowed me the time needed to regain lost ground on the health and fitness side of the sailing equation while slowly honing sailing skills that a youngster would have picked up instantly; I know, he trained two of my adult children to be excellent crew members right along with my lessons.

Captain Dan has been a fighter pilot, a teacher, grant writer, sailor, and business owner. His unassailable integrity guides every aspect of the business. I'm very happy to have begun my sailing life under his tutelage and look forward to future adventures in the future.

Jared F.

Feb 24, 2023 Report

Excellent experience taking lessons with Captain Dan. He was thorough, patient, but no nonsense and fully practical. Online scheduling was quick and convenient and simple. His boats are well maintained and a pleasure to be on. I absolutely recommend Sail Channel Islands as the best of the best for lessons or charter cruising. The islands are one of a kind place and this is the expert you will want to take you there.