Both Chris and Captain Toby are first class sailors and super honest guys. Chris was my broker and Captain Toby trained me. These guys are not only extremely competent but they are very trustworthy too. I cannot recommend Sailtime OC highly enough. The best of the best! read more

SailTime Orange County - Beneteau 40.1 - Boating Near Me - Newport Beach, California

I've been working here as a Training and Charter Captain for 3 months. I have sailed my whole life and many thousands of miles. This is hands down the most well-maintained fleet I have ever seen ! When I say something needs service after a Charter or Instruction, it gets repaired often next-day and receives a full wash-down and detail daily or weekly. These boats look brand new even after a few years. Really the best SailTime franchise Owners and absolutely the nicest docks. Newport Beach guests demand a higher level of vessel and service; and SailTime NB delivers !!! I'm so blessed to be involved with these folk. The Owners and the Members treat me with respect and value my skills as a Captain. It is a joy to run these boats. Thank You !!! read more

This is a very good way to sail in a high end yacht at an affordable cost. The management and training Captains are great

Greg of SailTime is my all time favorite instructor! He's knowledgeable. Flexible with your skill set. And patient. Thanks for a fantastic learning experience at Newport Beach! read more

SailTime Orange County - Newport Harbor - Boating Near Me - Newport Beach, California

As a SailTime member and then a boat owner in the program for several years, if you decide to be one of the latter, caveat emptor! As a boat owner the program is not what it promises to be on many levels! Take note! Be careful! read more

Sebastian was so kind, helpful and accommodating with our group of 10. Highly recommend working with him! It made this experience that much more enjoyable. read more

Had an awesome time- our captain was fun but could have been a pinch more seasoned considering he took us into chop and didn't seem to manage it well. We all felt like we were going to throw up. That was a bummer. At least we saw dolphins and seals- sorta worth the awful nausea. Once back in the harbor we were ok. If you are someone who doesn't have sea legs - ask to keep it mellow. There's PLENTY to do and it's so much more chill. We will DEFINITELY be chartering with them again- super fun and nice to deal with. read more

SailTime Orange County - Boating Near Me - Newport Beach, California

My wife and I didn't/don't want to own a boat so we contacted SailTime and joined their program. One simple monthly fee and access to a selection of beautiful mostly new world class sailboats. SailTime provides initial training as part of the membership fee and makes sure you are safe and comfortable with your new boat too. My wife and I kept waiting for "the catch." So far, after 3 months, we've been entirely pleased. No hidden fees. No maintenance cost. No hiring mechanics. You show up, you sail, you return the boat and take what's yours home with you.... tie it up and walk away. Their online scheduling system is fair and we've found plenty of availability, even on weekends and busy days. Chris and Angele, the owners, have been open and fourth coming with events and promos as well. They want to see you enjoy your new passion. Tom, the General Manager is great too. We can't say enough nice things about the people who run the operation and REALLY love the no frills/no hidden fee approach they take. Enjoy!! read more

I've had a very positive experience with Sailtime OC. I've had past history of owning a boat and also belonging to a two other sail clubs in OC as well as renting sailboats from Dana Point to Long Beach. Sailtime was the most consistent, affordable, and stress free of all my experiences. Chris, Tom, and Paige are always kind and available to help, though I've really found the year of Harbor 20 sailing to be problem free. The two boats in excellent condition and very safe for my friends and family, even the nervous ones, for day sails within the harbor. I've taken classes on 30-45' boats and currently race in a regatta series. But it has become my preference to also sail a smaller boat periodically because I can better sense the feel of the wind and water as well as the visual experience moving through the harbor just above the waterline. It's also easier to hone sailing skills, to see the boat respond to minor adjustments to sail trim. The membership fee and one year commitment in my opinion is very fair for the location of the slips, access to clean restrooms, reliable support from the team, and well maintained boats. These aren't the fastest in the harbor but I've not heard of one capsizing in safe wind. The availability of sail dates is easy to see in a google calendar and although it varies by season, reasonably flexible. Overall, it's been a great way to get my sailing fix for a year and at a fraction of the cost of ownership. read more

What can I say? ASK FOR CAPTAIN RICK! The company was great and easy to deal with, but Captain Rick was the star of the show. He was not only our Captain, but our Sail Coordinator (is there such a word?) and personal tour guide. A host of information about the area's history and things to do. All in addition to his Captain duties and helpful instruction about sailing. Oh and I almost forgot ... a photographer too! Thanks for a great sail, Capt'n Rick! read more

Sailtime is a little different to others, as you get to sail a boat that's new or very recent. That means it's likely to be in a better condition with up to date equipment. Basically you get a sort of 'share' of a particular boat rather than renting a variety of different vessels, so you get to know the boat, where everything is, how it handles etc. Our instructors were friendly and knowledgeable (thanks Greg and Alan) and are looking forward to great sailing this year. read more

The lure of the sea. Mysterious, ominous, seductive, always unpredictable. It has, through the ages, promised adventure and rewarded those who have accepted its challenges. The rewards come in many forms. Mastery of the elements, the value of teamwork, respect for the awesome power of nature, and inevitably a mirror into one's very soul--as E.E. Cummings observed, For whatever we lose, it's always ourselves we find at sea. Learning to sail isn't hard. But it takes the three "Ps"--practice, patience and professional instruction. The truth is, if you don't know a luff (leading edge of a sail) from a sheet (rope that controls a sail), you'll soon find yourself "in irons" (stuck motionless at sea). So where to start? One of the best places to learn is at SailTime in Newport Beach. Whether you're a novice or seasoned sailor, you'll get personalized training tailored to your skill level. Best of all, as a SailTime Member, you'll learn to sail on a new, fully equipped sail boat, a beautiful yacht you'll be able to call "your own." SailTime's "ownership" concept is called Fractional Sailing. Somewhat like a timeshare, a boat is "shared" by seven Members and one Owner Member who each are guaranteed, but not restricted to, at least two weekend sail times and five sail times every month. Members are also entitled to unlimited "as-available" use on a 24-hour notice at extra cost. "One of the things that makes our fractional program so unique is its flexibility," says SailTime's Base Manager, Chris Jester. "Thanks to focus group input, which helped shaped our boat sharing system, and the Internet, which gives Members 24/7 access to a boat's reservations schedule, Members can design their own sailing calendar." SailTime's real-time scheduling system offers sailors a wish-list of possibilities. "Members can make instant reservations up to a year in advance, request to swap sail times with other Members, even carry over unused sail times from a past month or borrow time from a month to come," says Jester. "The system also prevents one Member from monopolizing weekends and holidays. And there's flexibility for frequent travelers, too. Members on the road can avail themselves of boats in any of the 30 or so SailTime bases scattered throughout North America and parts of Europe." Another SailTime benefit is its surprising affordability. "SailTime eliminates the barriers and headaches usually found in boat ownership. There are no huge down payments, no insurance expenses or marina fees, and no worries about boat maintenance," explains Jester. "You sail virtually when you want, without the hassle and expense of a charter." SailTime Training is "hands on" and top drawer all the way. "Courses are limited to just two members, so you'll spend plenty of time at the helm," says Roger Philips, SailTime's in-house captain and U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain. "We offer ASA 101, 103, 104, 105 courses, and a "back-up" skipper course--as well as the "tips and tricks" that go above and beyond ASA course material. Almost everyone learns and participates--couples, families, friends." Once you get a little salt in your veins, you'll discover that Newport Harbor is one of the best small recreational harbors in the world. White sand beaches, imposing bluffs, charming coves and sunbathing sea lions all add to the experience. Sailing is also a great way to enjoy the Harbor's many fine restaurants. Or you can shop at the dozens of quaint shops on Balboa Island. If you're fortunate enough to sail during the Christmas holidays, you won't want to miss Newport's famous "Parade of Lights." This "must see" event has been hailed by The New York Times as one of the "Top Ten Holiday Happenings in the Nation." If you have time for a full day of sailing or even a weekend, a coastal cruise down to Dana Point makes an ideal getaway. One of the finest man-made harbors in the world, Dana Point was christened "the only romantic spot in California" by 19-year old Richard Henry Dana, who first landed in Dana Point in 1835. Today, Dana Point Harbor is home to 2,500 boats, with guest slips to accommodate visiting boaters all year round. For novice island hopping, nothing beats the short trip to Catalina. Just 22 miles of the gold coast, Catalina's rugged natural beauty with its majestic peaks and pristine canyons is eye candy for nature lovers. And there's plenty to do once you get there--restaurants, galleries, and a beautiful casino on the water will make you forget you're on an island. If you're in the party mood, you'll want to join the 75 or so SailTime Members for a christening party whenever SailTime launches a new vessel. Of course, for the real blowout, you won't want to miss the Newport-Ensenada race, the world's largest international sailboat race with over 500 boats in 20 classes. The race ends--and the huge bash begins--at Ensenada! read more

My husband and I just finished the "105/106 Learn to Sail Vacation" class and couldn't be more pleased. From the first phone call with Tom in the office, to the absolutely great experience on the water with Captain Rick, we have nothing but positive thoughts. Not only was Captain Rick extremely knowledgeable about sailing, but he shared a lot of history of the area, as well. This was, by far, one of our best ASA experiences, and we feel that we have Captain Rick to thank for that. read more

We recently did our second charter to Catalina Island with Sail Time and both trips were fantastic. Our second trip was on one their beautiful catamarans which was awesome! We had Captain Rick for both our trips and he is amazing. He is very knowledgeable and personal and makes sure that all the guests are well taken care of and will give you the trip you are looking for. Highly recommended! read more

Chris Jester is great to work with and he has a wonderful fleet of boats to choose from. Highly recommended!

What a great deal! Our company, based in Irvine, have been using Sail Time for corporate events over the past year and can not say enough about these guys! The boats are spectacular and the service from the knowledgeable Captain are next to none! We have been renting their boats on Fridays to take clients out for a four hour tour of the harbor with refreshments and our clients really enjoy the time on the boat and the intimate surrounding....we go with six folks and just have a relaxing time! I would highly recommend this for fun or for corporate events you won't be disappointed! Make sure to request Captain Randy he is awesome and a joy to be around !!!!!! read more

This is a tremendous value! The boats are beautifully maintained. It is the opportunity to sail a first class boat at a fraction of the cost of ownership. read more

Our experience with Sailtime has been unforgettable. I booked our ASA101 and 103 into a single trip for my husband and I. From the research into options through to certification, this school was amazing. They were so gracious, responsive, genuine, and well worth every penny. Chris and his wife are very kind and leave you feeling like family. David taught us to sail and was unbelievably good at what he does...professional, friendly, knowledgeable, accommodating, patient, and explained things in a way that kept it simple and easy to absorb. We will definitely stick with this school for our future travels and certifications! read more