Discover Sailing at Sunset
marina del Rey, California

Every Wednesday evening, a small group of up to six guests boards Meant to Be — a Privilege 39 catamaran that has circumnavigated the globe twice — and sails out of Marina del Rey into the golden hour on Santa Monica Bay. No sailing experience needed. No nautical knowledge required.
Just show up, take a seat in the cockpit, and let the Pacific do the rest.

The Experience

There's a moment after you leave the marina.

The dock noise fades. The sail fills with the evening breeze. The whole of Santa Monica Bay opens up in front of you — Malibu to the north, Palos Verdes to the south, the city skyline glowing behind the Santa Monica Mountains. People stop mid-sentence and go quiet. That's what we're here for.

Paddle Method founder Tim Sanford is aboard as your host — the person who knows this bay at every hour, in every season. A USCG-licensed captain handles the boat. You handle nothing except deciding when to open the bottle.

The Details

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  • Duration: 2 to 3 hours
  • Departures: Every Wednesday evening, Marina del Rey
  • Departure time: Shifts seasonally — call to confirm current time: (310) 770-7291
  • Capacity: Maximum 6 guests — kept small intentionally
  • Minimum to launch: 4 guests
  • Vessel: Meant to Be — Privilege 39 catamaran, 39ft, 21ft beam
  • Captain: USCG-licensed, 20,000+ nautical miles
  • Host: Tim Sanford, Paddle Method founder
  • Includes: Cold drinks, all USCG safety gear, full briefing
  • BYOB: Welcome for celebrations
  • Experience required: None

Ready to get on the water?
Call to Book - 310-770-7291

Pricing

Three hours. Pick your way aboard

Every departure includes a USCG-licensed captain, Tim Sanford hosting, cold drinks, and all safety gear. Minimum 4 guests to launch.

Individual Spot
$250
per person

3-hour sunset sail
Up to 6 guests total aboard
USCG-licensed captain
Tim Sanford hosting
Cold drinks included
All safety gear

Reserve a spot
Most popular
Couple
$450
for two

3-hour sunset sail for 2
Best Seats in the house
USCG-licensed captain
Tim Sanford hosting
Cold drinks included
Perfect for anniversaries &
date nights

Book for two
Private Charter
$1,200
Full Boat - up to 6 guests

Entire boat is yours
3 hours, your schedule
USCG-licensed captain
Tim Sanford hosting
BYOB Welcome
Birthdays, proposals,
corporate

Call to book
Guaranteed Departure regardless of headcount

Minimum to launch: 4 guests. Wednesday sails depart weekly — book early, spots are limited.
We recommend booking at least one week in advance.

The Vessel

Not just a charter boat. A world sailor.

Man standing on a sailboat during sunset, enjoying the ocean view.

Most sunset cruise operators in Marina del Rey put you on a motor yacht or a production catamaran designed for day charters. This is different.

Meant to Be is a Privilege 39 — a classic French-built catamaran renowned for its seaworthiness, charm, and capability as a genuine world cruiser. This is not a charter boat that stays within sight of the marina. It has circumnavigated the globe twice and crossed multiple oceans.

The spacious cockpit has a large outdoor table and bench seating — comfortable for the full group. The forward netting is perfect for watching the bow wave and spotting dolphins. Inside the main salon, hand-crafted interior woodwork and cozy seating create a warmth you don't find on production charter boats. The hard sun roof keeps the afternoon glare off while you settle in for the sail out.

Privilege was founded in 1985 by Philippe Jeantot — winner of the first BOC singlehanded round-the-world race and creator of the Vendée Globe Challenge. The boats were built to bluewater standards from day one.

39ft
length
21ft
Beam
2x
Circumnavigations
6
Max guests

Your Host & Captain

Two decades on the water. Both of them.
Ocean sailing with a woman enjoying the sea breeze on a boat.

Two decades on the water. Both of them.

Tim Sanford — Host & Guide

  • Paddle Method founder · Teaching and guiding on Santa Monica Bay since 2010
  • Completed the ARC Transatlantic Rally (2,700 miles offshore, Canary Islands to the Caribbean)
  • ASA certified: sloop, cutter, catamaran, and trimaran
  • US Coast Guard Auxiliary · Flotilla 12-4
  • Winner, 100-Mile Paddle Race (overall)

Captain — USCG-Licensed Professional

  • 20,000+ nautical miles · Southern California sailing instructor
  • Grew up on the water in Southern California

Is This for You?

This sail is for you if
You've always wanted to try sailing but didn't want to feel like a student — you just want to experience it
You want a genuinely different date night in LA. Not dinner and a movie. Actual magic.
You're celebrating something — a birthday, an anniversary, a proposal, or just a Tuesday that deserves better
You've lived in LA for years and somehow never actually been on the water, only next to it
You want a private charter for 6 that's intimate and personal — not a booze cruise with strangers

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you want to know

More Ways to Sail

The Wednesday evening sail is the anchor. But there's more.

Explore all SUP & Sail experiences →
Ready to Sail?
Call Tim: 310-770-7291
Book Your Sunset Sail

Planning something bigger? Email us about half-days, overnights & international trips