JADA under sail JADA at the dock JADA deck detail JADA on the water JADA profile at sunset JADA hero view JADA at golden hour JADA sailing detail JADA on calm water JADA evening light

For Ranch & Coast readers discovering San Diego's private classic yacht

JADA

A 1938 classic yacht for private celebrations, client entertaining, and unforgettable evenings on the bay.

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June 5, 2026 · Harbor Island

JADA's 88th Birthday Sail

She was built in 1938. She has raced the Pacific five times. She has earned a birthday worth sailing for. On June 5, JADA turns 88 — and you are invited.

Champagne, oysters, and 28 people who know the difference between a boat and a legend. $125 per person. Only 26 spots remain.

Reserve Your Spot — $125
🥂
What's included
  • ✓ Full private sail — Harbor Island to open bay
  • ✓ Champagne toast at departure
  • ✓ Fresh oyster service aboard
  • ✓ Live music on deck
  • ✓ Captain and crew
  • ✓ JADA to yourself — 28 guests max
2 tickets sold · 26 remaining · June 5 only
Rady Shell by Water

The concert begins before the first note.

For select Rady Shell evenings, JADA turns a concert into a private San Diego night: Harbor Island departure, skyline light, champagne, open water, and the music carrying across the bay.

Jun 9 · Rady Shell

Paul Simon

A rare evening on the bay for one of the season's most recognizable voices. Board JADA, settle in, and hear the Shell from the water.

See Paul Simon Details
Full Season

James Taylor · Bob Dylan · Kool & the Gang · More

Choose the night, bring the right people, and let the water do what no box seat can. Each event page includes timing, pricing, and booking details.

Browse Concert Nights
Private Charter

Your own evening on JADA

Prefer the yacht without a public event attached? Host a private sunset sail, family celebration, client evening, or milestone occasion.

Ask About Availability
Browse Rady Shell Sailings Plan a Private Charter
Private Access

Hear about the best dates first.

Prime sunset dates, Rady Shell sailings, and special openings are limited. Join the list for early notice before the calendar fills.

Concierge & Planner Network

Have a client who needs something rare?

Concierges, planners, hotel teams, and trusted connectors can refer qualified private charters and earn commission on confirmed bookings.

Referral Partner Details
The Yacht

More than a charter. A San Diego classic.

JADA is a 65-foot 1938 classic yacht designed by Judson Kelly and built by Stephens Brothers Shipyard. She was made for long-distance ocean racing, crossed to Hawaii in five Transpac races, and still carries the kind of teak, brass, proportion, and presence that cannot be recreated on demand. For guests, that means the charter feels private, substantial, and unmistakably San Diego.

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Length Overall
65 feet
Built
1938, Stephens Brothers Shipyard, Stockton, California
Designer
Judson Kelly
Provenance

A pedigree you can feel underfoot.

JADA was commissioned in 1938 as a graduation gift, named from the Axelson family initials, and built for serious water. She survived El Cordonazo in 1939, raced the Santa Barbara to Ensenada circuit, crossed the Pacific to Hawaii in five Transpac races, and later became part of San Diego's waterfront life. Her guest history includes Hollywood names, civic leaders, families, founders, and people who simply wanted one evening on the bay to feel different from every other evening.

1938

Launched

Built at Stephens Brothers Shipyard as a long-distance ocean racer and commissioned as a graduation gift for the Axelson family.

1939

El Cordonazo

Survived the only tropical storm to make California landfall in the 20th century.

1940s–60s

Golden Age

Five Transpac races to Hawaii and a Newport Beach era touched by Hollywood guests including Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Errol Flynn, and John Wayne.

1996

Republican National Convention

A featured San Diego attraction during the 1996 convention, hosting dignitaries, press, and waterfront guests.

Today

Private Charter

Owned and operated by Carole Noska, berthed at Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina on Harbor Island, and available for a limited number of private charters.

The point is not only who has stepped aboard. The point is how it feels when you do: varnished wood, open air, skyline light, and a yacht with enough history to make an ordinary invitation feel considered.

Charter Experiences

Choose the occasion. JADA supplies the setting.

Private charters are inquiry-based because no two evenings need the same shape. Tell us the date, guest count, and reason for gathering; we will help match the charter to the occasion.

The Evening Passage

Sunset without the restaurant noise

A private two-hour sail for up to 28 guests. Harbor Island departure, champagne, skyline light, and enough time for the city to fall away.

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The Full Day Charter

Client entertaining or family day

A longer charter with room for a custom plan: client hospitality, corporate hosting, family celebrations, or a San Diego day built around the water.

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The Occasion

Milestones that should not feel packaged

Proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, and one-of-one moments. Inquiry-only planning for guests who want the setting to carry some weight.

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If the invitation matters, the setting should say so before anyone says a word.

What Guests Say

Proof from people who have stepped aboard.

Before you inquire, read what guests say after the sail. JADA carries a 4.9-star reputation across Google and Yelp.

4.9 / 5.0
★★★★★
Google 4.9 (63 reviews) · Yelp 5.0 (94 reviews)
Google Reviews ↗ Yelp Reviews ↗
★★★★★

"We had an absolute blast on JADA! The crew shared incredible historical facts about the boat and San Diego Bay. Best birthday celebration I've ever been to."

Birthday Party — Google Verified Review
★★★★★

"The crew is so friendly and hospitable. They brought blankets when the breeze picked up and made sure everyone had drinks. A perfect San Diego evening."

Sunset Sail — Yelp Verified Review
★★★★★

"Staff on the boat were knowledgeable and funny — they made the whole experience. Carole helped us plan every detail in advance. Absolutely flawless."

Engagement Celebration — Google Verified Review
★★★★★

"Made wonderful memories aboard JADA. Our family surprised my father for his 80th birthday — the crew made it feel like the most special evening imaginable."

80th Birthday Celebration — Yelp Verified Review
★★★★★

"Sailed out for the concert from JADA's deck — you hear the music from the water while watching the city lights come up. It's unreal. Nothing like it in San Diego."

Concert Night — Google Verified Review
★★★★★

"JADA has been sailing since 1938 and you feel every year of that history the moment you step aboard. The teak, the brass, the rigging — and a crew that clearly loves this boat."

Private Charter — Yelp Verified Review

Google Maps embed — live rating updates as new reviews are posted.

Reserve JADA

Ask about your date.

If you saw JADA in Ranch & Coast and want to understand what is possible, start here. Send the date, guest count, and occasion; we will respond with availability and the right next step.