Welcome to Zolna Yachts, your premier destination for private yacht charters on the breathtaking San Diego Bay. I’m Shari Zolna, and alongside my husband and business partner, Amos Zolna, we’ve redefined the yacht charter experience for San Diego locals and visitors alike.

Since our inception in 2007, Zolna Yachts has proudly stood as San Diego’s most thrilling yacht charter company. Our crown jewel, the Nerissa Motor Yacht, serves as an extraordinary venue for corporate meetings and private celebrations. We’re not just a charter company; we’re curators of unparalleled customer service and possess a motor yacht like no other in Southern California.

Amos and I, originally from New York City, made San Diego our home in 1995. Our love for this city’s year-round fantastic climate and unique coastal lifestyle fueled our desire to create something special. Drawing on our experience in vacation rentals, we birthed San Diego Bay Vacation in 2007, later evolving into Zolna Yachts. In 2020, we streamlined our focus to the Nerissa, our beloved 49-passenger motor yacht.

As the lead stew aboard the Nerissa, I occasionally join our A Team, as seen in the other bios, ensuring every charter is an unforgettable experience. Amos, the captain of maintenance, oversees the yacht’s impeccable upkeep.

Zolna Yachts boasts the exclusive charter of the stunning Nerissa, making us the go-to choice in San Diego for private charters of up to 49 passengers. We come highly recommended by prestigious establishments like the Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego Concierge Association, Destination Management companies, and hotel sales teams across Southern California.

Discover the magic of Zolna Yachts through our five-star customer reviews on our website, Instagram, Yelp, Google Business, and Facebook. For an exclusive behind-the-scenes look and the latest updates, follow us @zolnayachts on Instagram.

Embark on an extraordinary journey with Zolna Yachts – where every charter is a celebration. Let’s Cruise Together!

Introducing Captain Anthony Austin, affectionately known as “the Happy Captain”, at the helm of the Nerissa motor yacht with Zolna Yachts. Hailing from San Diego, Captain Anthony brings over 40 years of sailing expertise to our maritime family.

Possessing a USCG 100 ton captain’s license complemented by sailing and towing endorsements, Captain Anthony has navigated over 10,000 miles of open waters in the past decade. Formerly commanding the 83′ tall ship “Amazing Grace,” his rich background includes extensive experience in teaching, sailing, managing, and operating chartered yachts.

Captain Anthony Austin is the embodiment of maritime enthusiasm, steering Zolna Yachts with a contagious joy for the sea and boats. His commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in his words: “I’m not just here to navigate the waves; I’m here to make you happy. Join me aboard the Nerissa, where the sea meets smiles, and let’s make your maritime dreams come true. Fair winds and a happy voyage await!”

In 2013, Peter Cunningham left Seattle for the sunny shores of San Diego, answering a spontaneous call from a friend who offered an empty room and a new beginning. Trading his restaurant career for an entry-level position as a dockhand, Peter discovered an unexpected passion for life on the water. What began as a short-term adventure evolved into a decade-long maritime journey.

With extensive experience navigating from Alaska to Central America as part of National Geographic Expeditions, Peter now brings his expertise and warm presence to the yacht Nerissa. A proud member of the Zolna Yachts team, he’s delighted to call San Diego home once again and to share the magic of the bay with every guest. And if you’re lucky, he might just let you take the wheel!

Meet Arnie Barkhorn, the maestro behind the bar and Zolna Yachts’ head bartender extraordinaire. A San Diego native and former owner of the acclaimed “Masters of Bartending School,” Arnie brings a wealth of expertise to his role, now steering the libation experience aboard Zolna’s 49-passenger motor yacht, Nerissa.

Arnie is not just a master mixologist; he’s the heartbeat of our events, infusing each gathering with his fantastic personality. Dive into our collection of incredible videos showcasing Arnie’s artistry behind our stunning bar and witness firsthand the magic he brings to every occasion.

Beyond his mixology prowess, Arnie is a family man, married to Zawadi with a young son, Zander. His commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences extends from the bar to the hearts of our guests.

What sets Arnie apart? Just ask our customers across social media:

– “Our guests loved the open bar, and their bartender was a ROCKSTAR!”
– “The staff was great, the drinks were amazing.”
– “The drinks and food were fantastic, and Arnie’s spicy margaritas are hands down the best I’ve ever had.”
– “Arnie made the most delicious drinks.”

Join us aboard Nerissa, where Arnie transforms events into extraordinary memories, one sip at a time. Cheers to unparalleled service and unforgettable flavors!

Meet Jason Rime, the dynamic head of crew for Zolna’s Nerissa, a 49-passenger motor yacht that sets the standard for luxury on the San Diego Bay. A true California native, Jason was born and raised up North, eventually finding his home in Chula Vista, where he resides with his wife, Marisela, and their daughter, Ella.

Jason’s journey to San Diego began with the United States Navy in 1995, a chapter that lasted four years and forged a lasting connection to the city he now proudly calls home. His love for San Diego is palpable, having experienced the city’s allure both professionally and personally.

An avid outdoorsman, Jason’s affinity for the water has been a lifelong affair. From thrilling rides on jet skis in the river to idyllic boat camping on lakes, he’s woven himself into the fabric of aquatic environments. Now, as the head of crew for Zolna Yachts, Jason brings this rich background to the forefront, ensuring guests aboard Nerissa have an unparalleled experience on the San Diego Bay.

Jason is more than just part of the crew; he’s your go-to guy for creating unforgettable experiences on every charter. His dedication to excellent service shines through in everything he does, turning each trip into a sea adventure filled with passion for the water and a promise of lasting memories.

Beyond his role on the yacht, Jason is a family man, finding joy in the company of his loved ones. This connection to family and nature perfectly complements the ethos of Zolna Yachts, where every charter is a celebration of both.

Lauren, a proud San Diegan, has been immersed in the world of sailing and boating from a young age. With a passion for the ocean and a love for animals, she has built a remarkable life centered around her interests.

Learning to sail at a tender age, Lauren has honed her skills and now channels her expertise by working on yachts. In fact, she has spent the past few years working aboard the Nerissa with Zolna Yachts, providing unforgettable experiences for clients.

Living by the beach with her loyal dog, she embraces the coastal lifestyle with open arms. When she’s not sailing, you can find Lauren catching waves on her surfboard, engaging in friendly soccer matches, or exploring the great outdoors while riding horses.

Her unwavering passion for hospitality shines through in her work, and she takes immense pride in being a dedicated yachtswoman.
With a heart full of love for her job, working as bartender and crew, and the remarkable experiences it offers, Lauren embodies the spirit of adventure, nature, and the joy of serving others.

Zolna Yachts is thrilled to have Lauren on our team.

Meet Annabelle Zolna, a San Diego native and seasoned stewardess at Zolna Yachts. With a deep love for the ocean, boats, and outdoor activities, Annabelle has been a vital part of the Zolna Yachts crew for many years. Her passion for serving people on the water is complemented by her expertise and genuine joy in creating unforgettable experiences.

When not on duty, Annabelle enjoys yoga, surfing, and skating, embodying the active lifestyle that defines Zolna Yachts. Trust Annabelle for a seamless and memorable journey aboard our yachts, where her warmth, knowledge, and dedication shine through.

We’re thrilled to introduce Cam, the newest member of the Zolna Yachts crew! Born and raised in Tucson, AZ, Cam brings a fresh and enthusiastic perspective to our team. Having called San Diego home for over three years now, he loves soaking up the sun at the beach, hitting the gym, and exploring new bars with friends.

Though he’s newer to the marine industry, Cam is eager to dive in and absorb all the knowledge he can. His passion for learning and dedication to exceptional service make him a perfect fit for our crew. Welcome aboard, Cam! We’re excited to have you on our adventures on the beautiful San Diego Bay.