February 28, 2020. Palo Alto, California
Sitting at the breakfast table in my brother Bill’s house, my iPhone pinged continuously with new emails. All the subject lines were similar: “Wedding Postponement – 7.11.2020,” “Wedding Date Cancellation, April 18, 2020” or “May 6-9, 2020 – Corporate Event Canceled.” The photography business I started 30+ years ago was grinding to a halt.
In less time than it took to mop up my eggs with a piece of toast, nearly one-third of my event photography bookings for the year were canceled due to this new virus they were calling COVID-19. By the end of March 2020, our business had lost 96% of its contracts and revenue. We were in trouble. It was time to pivot.
Armed with a sailboat and captain’s license and the country’s need for clean, fresh air, Sail Riviera was born.
Victoria and I had a simple, clear vision for the sailing tour experience we believed San Diego needed. We envisioned a small, luxurious, private sailing yacht catering to guests looking for 5-star service without the snobby or uptight atmosphere often associated with luxury. Our goal was to provide a Captain and Crew with down-to-earth attitudes who could deliver the perfect blend of a well-appointed vessel, exciting sailing, and a curated menu tailored to our guests’ specific needs.
As we move into our 5th year, we are thrilled and proud to have made so many people ridiculously happy while sailing on Riviera!
We have thoroughly enjoyed hosting every one of our guests. From couples celebrating their anniversaries while watching the sunset to families visiting San Diego for the first time, some of whom had never seen the Pacific Ocean, each experience has been memorable. How could we forget the Russian oligarch who requested two pounds of prosciutto, caviar, and Chicken McNuggets? And, of course, the surprise proposals! So far, we’re batting a thousand with a resounding “YES!”
In 2020, we dreamed of offering more than just a sailing tour; we saw Sail Riviera as a bucket-list adventure where every detail is carefully considered. Our mission is to make our guests feel like they own the yacht, giving them an extraordinary escape from everyday life.
As we conclude another fantastic year, I thank all the yachting professionals who helped bring Sail Riviera to life. Together, this village of craftsmen, technicians, and artisans has made our beautiful yacht one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in San Diego!
I also want to thank Capt. Jim Manos, Owner and Operator of Romancing the Wind. With Covid’s stranglehold on the event industry in 2020, I was literally unemployed, and Jim allowed me to crew on his 60-foot ketch that summer as RTW toured San Diego Bay. I learned plenty and met fabulous people!
And let’s not forget a big shout-out to my crew: Carolyn, Deborah, Josh, and Captain Dan Sullivan. They are a true pleasure to work with and consistently deliver outstanding service every time Riviera leaves the dock.
Here’s to 2025! May all your winds be fair and all your seas be following.
Paul & Victoria