04 —The Sterling Sails Journal

Sailing tips & tales from the bay.

Name: Sterling Sails
Address: San Diego, CA, US
Telephone: (858) 999-9895
Price range: $$$

Proposals, wildlife, seasonal guides and the little secrets of San Diego Bay — written from the helm by Captain Liz.

Latest · Guides

October 30, 202613 min read

Family Boat Activities on San Diego Bay

Family boat activities on San Diego Bay by age, from wildlife spotting to Sail & Swim, with safety rules, packing tips and private charter prices.

Read the story

Friends posing together aboard the Mojave

Guides

October 28, 202615 min

Boat Photo Ideas for Couples, Friends and Families

Boat photo ideas for sunset, poses, outfits and composition, plus how to plan engagement photos on a private yacht on San Diego Bay.

Guides

October 26, 202613 min

Boat Picnic Ideas: What to Pack for a Day on the Water

Easy boat picnic ideas, food safety rules, a packing list and champagne tips for a relaxed day on the water, from a San Diego Bay charter captain.

Guests share spritzes aboard a themed yacht party

Guides

October 23, 202612 min

Yacht Party Themes: 12 Ideas for a Small Private Charter

Yacht party themes that work on a small private charter: sunset glam, yacht rock, bachelorette and more, plus marine-safe decorating tips from a San Diego captain.

Sea lion resting on a San Diego channel marker

Guides

October 21, 202611 min

Sea Lions in San Diego: Where to See Them, by Land or by Boat

Where to see California sea lions in San Diego, when to go, how to tell them from seals, and how a private bay and Point Loma sail fits in.

Guest applying sunscreen aboard a sailboat

Guides

October 19, 202613 min

Sunscreen for Boating: What to Pack for a Day on the Water

How to choose and apply sunscreen for boating: SPF, water resistance, mineral formulas, reapplying, and what to pack for a San Diego Bay sail.

Guides

October 14, 20268 min

San Diego Marine Layer: Will It Clear by 2 PM for Your Sail?

Learn when San Diego’s marine layer may clear, how May Gray and June Gloom affect beach and sailing plans, and which forecasts, buoys, and webcams to check.

Mojave sailing across San Diego Bay at sunset

Guides

October 12, 202611 min

8 San Diego Sunset Spots, Plus a Private Sail With No Parking Stress

Compare eight San Diego sunset viewpoints by light, access, parking, and curfews, then skip the lot and watch the sky change from a private sail.

Captain discreetly holds position during yacht proposal

Guides

October 10, 202614 min

Yacht Proposal Ideas With the Captain in on the Surprise

Find yacht proposal ideas for your partner, from sunset bow moments to stargazing, plus a captain's advice on timing, safety, and planning.

Couple watching the sunset at Sunset Cliffs

Guides

October 7, 20269 min

10 San Diego Date Ideas That Time Sunsets, Tides, and Explorer Passes

Ten San Diego date ideas for any mood or budget. Includes sunset and tide timing, Balboa Park Explorer Pass advice, and a captain's private sail tip.

Private group sailing San Diego Bay aboard Mojave

Guides

October 5, 202614 min

San Diego Small Group Activities: Charters for 6, USCG Captain Tips

Find bookable small group activities in San Diego: coastal trips, food tours, and private charters for up to 6 with USCG captain tips.

Six guests boarding the private Mojave charter

Guides

October 3, 20269 min

Keep Your Mojave Charter Private: Six Guest Limit in San Diego

Learn how Mojave's six guest charter limit affects booking, waivers, on deck rules, and day of plans for private San Diego sails.

Family sailing aboard Mojave on San Diego Bay

Guides

September 30, 202617 min

San Diego Families: Age and Neighborhood Day Plans, Plus Local Sailing

Find family activities in San Diego matched by age and neighborhood, with pass tips and a local parent's pick for a private sailing day.

Bachelorette group sailing San Diego Bay

Guides

September 29, 202615 min

Private Sailing Charters for San Diego Bachelorette Groups of Six

Build a San Diego bachelorette weekend around a private sailing charter, beach afternoons, and Gaslamp rooftop nights. Book 2 to 4 weeks ahead.

Gray whale surfacing off San Diego coast

Guides

September 26, 202613 min

Local San Diego Water Activities: Gray Whales Nov–Feb, Charters $600+

Local guide to San Diego water activities: choose by group, season, and budget; check safety and book private charters from $600.

Couple celebrating proposal on San Diego Bay

Guides

September 24, 202611 min

Beat Permit Hassles: San Diego Proposal Ideas and $600 Private Sails

Plan a permit-aware San Diego proposal with micro-location scouting, photographer timing, and private sail charters starting at $600 for a private sunset.

Champagne glasses arranged on private charter deck

Guides

September 21, 202610 min

One Bottle per 5 Guests: Champagne Aboard a Private Charter

How much champagne to bring for a private charter, plus chilling and serving tips on deck, safety, nonalcoholic options, and a captain's checklist.

Woman transitioning yacht outfit on deck

Guides

September 19, 202611 min

Private Yacht Outfits: Pack One Swap to Go From Swim to Dinner

Captain Liz's private yacht wardrobe advice: pack one dressier swap, choose quick-dry fabrics and non-marking shoes, and layer for sun, spray, and evening.

Guides

September 18, 202611 min

Avoid Overpaying: Tip 15% on U.S. Yacht Charters, Hand to the Captain

Tip 10–20% of the base charter fee and use 15% as a U.S. default. Calculate on the base fee only, then hand cash to the captain on the last night.

Guides

September 16, 202617 min

San Diego Ash Scattering: VS-9 Permits, 500 Yards, and Costs

Learn San Diego rules for scattering ashes, when the VS-9 and EPA reports apply, the 500 yards requirement, costs, and local charter options.

Guides

September 15, 202614 min

Captain Tips for Biodegradable Urns on Private Sea Burials

Get captain backed, ceremony focused guidance on choosing biodegradable urns for private sea burials, plus handling tips, the 3 nautical mile rule, and...

Guides

September 14, 202610 min

Private San Diego Evening Cruises: Capped at Six, Timed to Sunset

Private San Diego evening cruises capped at six guests with a USCG certified captain. 2 hour sunset sails start at $600. Seasonal timing, packing, and...

A couple kissing on the bow at sunset during a proposal cruise on San Diego Bay

Romance

February 3, 20267 min

How to Plan the Perfect Sunset Proposal Cruise in San Diego

Dreaming of a Valentine's proposal on the water? Here is how to plan a private sunset engagement cruise on San Diego Bay aboard the Mojave, from champagne to the perfect yes.

A soft pastel sunset over calm San Diego Bay in the off-season

Guides

January 24, 20267 min

Off-Season Sailing Guide for First-Timers in San Diego

Think winter is the wrong time to sail San Diego? Think again. Our off-season guide covers what to wear, what to expect, and why the quiet months are perfect for first-timers.

A couple embracing on deck with San Diego city lights across the water on a winter sail

Romance

January 12, 20266 min

Romantic Winter Date Ideas in San Diego: Private Sails and Coastal Dining

Cozier than summer and quieter than spring, a San Diego winter is made for romance. Here is how to pair a private sunset sail with a waterfront dinner for an unforgettable date.

The Mojave under full sail on San Diego Bay, ready for a new season

Behind the Scenes

December 27, 20256 min

Behind the Scenes: Getting the Mojave Ready for a New Year of Sailing

Every December, between charters, Captain Liz gives the Mojave a season of care. Go behind the scenes on how a classic 1993 Catalina is readied for another year on San Diego Bay.

Friends toasting champagne at sunset on a holiday charter on San Diego Bay

Seasonal

December 4, 20256 min

Top 5 Reasons to Book a Private Charter This Holiday Season in San Diego

From mild December weather to holiday lights on the water, here are the top five reasons a private San Diego sailing charter is the season's best gift, to your guests or yourself.

Wildlife

November 13, 20257 min

Why Private Charters in San Diego Are a Wildlife Lover's Dream

Sea lions, dolphins, pelicans, and migrating gray whales all call San Diego's waters home. Here is why a private sailing charter is the best way to meet them, quietly and up close.

Friends lounging on the foredeck of the Mojave under sail

Stop reading, start sailing

Trade the screen for the sea breeze.

Every story here is better lived than read. Book a private charter and write your own.

Reserve Your Charter (858) 999-9895