Sailing San Diego
One of the finest sailing venues in the world. JADA has been sailing it for 88 years.
San Diego Bay
San Diego Bay is one of the premier sailing venues on the Pacific Coast. A protected natural harbor stretching roughly 22 miles, bounded by the Coronado Peninsula to the west and downtown San Diego to the east, the bay offers reliable afternoon sea breezes, clear visibility, and consistent sailing conditions that have made it a destination for sailors and racing fleets for more than a century.
The bay is accessible year-round. Winters are mild. Summers bring steady northwest afternoon breezes. The sea breeze typically picks up in the afternoon and lightens toward evening — making late afternoon sails ideal. Harbor Island, where JADA is berthed, sits near the northern entrance to the bay with immediate access to open water.
What You See From the Bay
Aircraft Carriers
Naval Station San Diego is home to several aircraft carriers. Sailing past a Nimitz-class carrier at close range is a scale experience you don't forget.
Coronado Bridge
The Bay Bridge spans the harbor at 2.1 miles long, 200 feet above water — framing the skyline from the south end of the bay.
Downtown Skyline
San Diego's clean skyline is visible the full length of the eastern bay. At sunset, the buildings hold the warm light longer than anywhere on land.
Point Loma
The Pacific entrance. JADA can sail past Point Loma into the open ocean on longer charters. The lighthouse has been active since 1855.
Rady Shell at Embarcadero Marina
The outdoor amphitheater faces the bay. JADA's concert night charters anchor nearby for the best listening position on the water.
Harbor Island
JADA's home berth — a peninsula north of the main ship channel, with a clean approach to open water and the Sheraton marina dock.
Wildlife on the Bay
San Diego Bay is rich with wildlife. Bottlenose dolphins are common in the harbor and frequently approach sailing vessels. Brown pelicans, sea lions, and harbor seals are regular sightings. California gray whales pass close to Point Loma on their migration from December through April.
JADA on San Diego Bay
JADA has been sailing San Diego Bay since her return from Honolulu in 1996. Her captains know these waters as well as anyone — the tidal patterns, the wind shifts, the wildlife spots, the landmarks. On a charter, they share that knowledge freely.
As a 65-foot sailing schooner, JADA is one of the larger sailing vessels on the bay. From her teak deck, the views are panoramic in every direction. There is no other way to experience the bay quite like this.
Charter Options from Harbor Island
JADA departs from Harbor Island at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, 1380 Harbor Island Drive. Charter options include sunset sails (2.5 hours, Thursday–Sunday), full-day private charters, concert night charters to Rady Shell anchorage, and memorial services at sea.
Sail San Diego Bay Aboard JADA
Private charters year-round. Up to 28 guests. Harbor Island departure.
Check Availability