Because we are a private charter catamaran here in San Diego, we see all kinds of events, faces, and setups. Just two weeks ago we had an Indian style Wedding onboard complete with vibrant colors of red and orange and pink, then the next day we had a corporate meeting onboard where 35 executives gathered on the couches of our interior salon in their suits and ties to discuss what made 2011 productive and what can make 2012 even better. In the summer we see more families and snorkeling charters, and birthdays happen, well, all the time…so..the list of possibilities is truly endless…this is where our friend, Rachel, comes in.

I recently met Rachel at a networking event, and networking we did. As she mentioned that she is about to start up her own event planning company, we knew we wanted to be a part of the adventure mainly because the ideas that Rachel brings to events are fresh and unique, and so vast! This isn’t a Wedding planning company, or a Sports Event planning company, it is an everything planning company and here on Aolani Catamaran we feel we do a bit of everything, too! So..it works.

With that, I can proudly announce our partnership with Rachel Merrill and invite you to check out her new website, Launch Event Planning and be sure to notice on her home page, Aolani Catamaran Cruises is in full support.

So if ever you find yourself in need of an event design and planning company for that small business event here in San Diego, call our friend Rachel and she will take care of you, we know it.

Ready..set..Launch

San Diego is known for its sunshine and palm trees, its smiling faces and endless activities, but every so often we get some rain and it’s as if the whole city shuts down. Drivers start honking, walker’s start running as raindrops fill the empty streets. I, personally, love our San Diego sunshine however a little storm every now and then keeps things interesting. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate a movie day indoors every now and then, “Captain Ron” anyone?

Well Monday February 13, after my morning in; checking through emails and changing the world while the sky churned colors of dark grey, our open “house” event was still a go for 5pm. I had been receiving so many inquiries lately to see the boat, from wedding planners to Concierges to interested friends, that I figured an organized night out on the catamaran, dockside, would be the way to go.

I had various calls throughout the afternoon, “Are we still on?”, “Does the catamaran have cover?”, but pressed on despite the stormy day hoping for the best. “The event is still on, and we have plenty of cover”. When I arrived at the boat to prepare for our event, (like make sure the stateroom beds were made rather than piled with various accessories) the rain poured down as I stayed inside our main cabin, staring out our windows wondering what fate had in store.

4:15pm Monday afternoon, just 45 minutes ‘til showtime, and there was a break in the clouds. (and so, I took a picture…)

Alison Fuller, from Stella and Dot, arrived to set up a display of jewelry in our main cabin, just an added bonus for the evening’s walk through. Stella and Dot, a boutique style jewelry company based in San Francisco, has become one of the 500 fastest growing companies of today. Their fun pieces have been featured on Gossip Girl, the Today Show, and in magazines such as In Style and Lucky.

As our open “house” guests showed up on the catamaran, they were able to try on pieces or even make a purchase seeing as it was the day before Valentine’s Day, and what better gift besides Chocolate or a catamaran ride, agreed?

As the clouds cleared and guests showed up (way to go guys, our guests showed us that some people in San Diego do still get out despite the storm!), we snacked on salmon and had a glass of wine as the Aolani catamaran was shown off in all its entirety.

If you are interested in Stella and Dot Jewelry, check out their website at www.stelladot.com
If you would like to inquire about hosting an event onboard the Aolani Catamaran, email us today at info@aolani.cc

What a year it was for the Aolani team. Whether we were on a San Diego yacht charter, at a local hosted marketing event, or volunteering in our community, we were always having a good time..and that is why we do what we do, as a family.

My parents, Bruno and Cindy Schwarz, started up our company in late 2001 after realizing they could do what they love, and get paid for it..and for all of us, that’s our goal too, right? If we can find something we are passionate about, we will excel at it because it brings us satisfaction. Being out on the water almost every day, or at least around a crowd who appreciates it, is what I was born into and therefor I love it. This is exactly what I want to be doing, what we want to be doing, and so as we reavaluate our goals for the new year, we are satisfied with what we do and therefor are easily motivated to continue to make the business stronger, because we believe in it.

We couldn’t have asked for a better way to start off our new year, with a charter. This wasn’t just any charter, we hosted a wedding…one of our many favorite types of charters. What is neat about a wedding is that it brings all kinds of people together, family and friends, to celebrate the union of two people that decided what they have is great enough for a lifetime. I love that I get to be a part of so many of these unions on our beautiful catamaran, and photograph them as they take the leap of faith. Capturing the smiles and the joy brings me joy, so I wouldn’t have it any other way..especially when the couple you are photographing is Sherri and Spencer.

Sherri came to visit the boat over the summer, to take a look at what we had to offer. After taking Sherri and her Mom on a tour around the catamaran, I talked with her for a while about the layout of the boat and promised her a day she would always remember. I can promise this because I know the business my family runs, and we don’t let anyone who comes on our boat walk away with a complaint. Our first priority is our customer, and we take that seriously. Trusting me, Sherri took her first leap of faith on our boat that day, and booked a date. Let the planning begin…

Fast forward a number of months and January 1,2012 had arrived. Sherri and Spencer were already staying at the Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel & Marina, where we are located, so they conveniently walked down to the boat once the guests had all gotten onboard. Sherri looked different then the first time I had met her, as she was now in a beautiful long cream colored wedding dress, with a bouquet of calla lilies in hand. As they stepped onboard, the moments were photographed then once Captain Stephen gave his safety talk, we were ready to set sail.

We motored out of the harbor, past the Cabrillo Yacht Club and Tom Ham’s Lighthouse and out into the San Diego Bay. Here we hoist our main sail, then begin our route down to the San Diego Skyline. Sherri and Spencer were ready for the ceremony, as was our Captain, Stephen, who provided the ceremony for them, and so it began. Reminders of love and selflessness were given, as well as direction.. ”You may now kiss your bride”.

After everyone clapped and cheered, champagne was passed around to the guests and the music of Natural Vibrations played the song “You and I”, with the lyrics” You and I could never part, ‘cause I’ve loved you from the start, just so you know”.

We sailed down to the Maritime Museum of San Diego where historic ships are maintained including the Star of India, the HMS Surprise, the Californian tall ship, and a B-39 Submarine. We then made our way past the USS Midway, where we waved to guests onboard the carrier who were excited to see a happy wedding couple onboard with us. The feeling was mutual.

As we continued past the Fish Market Restaurant of San Diego, one of our favorite places for Happy Hour after we go for a sail, we sailed by Seaport Village where we saw the Red Bull “New Year No Limits” ramp being deconstructed after the jump that was made on New Years Eve by Levi LaVallee, a professional Snowmobile racer sponsored by Red Bull Energy Drink, as well as Robbie Maddison, an Australian professional motorbike stuntman. Both LaVallee and Maddison successfully completed a jump across the harbor area at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina. LaVallee brown a world record by launching 412 feet, while Maddison jumped 378 feet on his motorcycle. The event happened just hours before midnight on New Years Eve, hence the event’s title, New Year: No Limits. It was exciting to see the ramp, especially after knowing what had happened there just hours before sailing by.

As it was nearing sunset, it was time for us to catch the view and so we sailed north back toward our slip at the Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel and Marina. As the fog moved back over the tip of Point Loma, we saw the sun set in the distance, lighting up our city in shades of yellow and gold; a suitable backdrop for a glittering skyline. As we docked and took the last minute group pictures, we said our goodbyes to the couple and their families. However, we never really say goodbye, it’s more like see you next time.

And so, like I said, we started off our New Year in a great way, and know that the best is yet to come. We’ve got lots of exciting events coming up soon, so be on the watch. After all, it’s a new year, and there are no limits.

Cheers,
Lindsay Schwarz
Aolani Catamaran Sailing

As most who are involved in the sailing community are aware that the 34th America’s Cup San Diego just came to a close about a week ago, it is always exciting to recollect the memories and excitement of such an event; and so we want to share with you some of those great memories we had onboard the Aolani Catamaran.

On the Saturday before the America’s Cup San Diego came to an end, the Match Racing Championships took place, with the races starting at 1pm. We arrived at the start line, there mid-San Diego bay, with a front row seat to all the action. That day, a group from France was onboard with us. They spoke little English, but when they were cheering for the French team boat, Energy, you could tell. We had fun cheering on all the boats that day, but were mostly lucky to be able to capture that excitement thanks to our onboard photographer that day, Drew McGill. Drew and I went to high school together, and I knew I could rely on him to get some great shots of the action. I love that every photographer has his or her own style, and with the way Drew uses the lighting he really captures the intensity of race day.

While the Energy team boat didn’t end up winning that day, we were excited to see that Oracle Racing took this years Match Racing Championship.

If your pockets are full and your schedule is open, head on out to Naples, Italy for the next series of America’s Cup Racing April 7-15,2012. To find out more information, click here: America’s Cup Italy 2012

Note: all photos taken by Drew McGill Photography
To see more of Drew’s photos of the America’s Cup races, check out our Aolani Facebook album.

Hope you enjoy the photos, friends! Happy Sailing!
-Lindsay Schwarz

Wow! Talk about an exciting day on the San Diego Bay! If there are a couple phrases we overuse at “work” when we’re out sailing, one of them is “no complaints here” and another one is “there is always somethin’ going on in this bay!”. Today was a perfect example of the latter, hence I’m writing a blog post about it.

So, we had two charters today, both with a sales company that sells legal paperwork to car companies..pretty unique right? Well, 200 of this companies top employees were given a trip to San Diego as well as different options once they got here. The two sails we had today were with many of those employees, and both groups sure chose a great day to go sail because there were quite a lot of photo opportunities.

By the time our second charter of the day set sail we headed straight to the middle of the bay, where the America’s Cup catamarans were out sailing, getting in their last practice before tomorrow’s San Diego America’s Cup Race begins. It’s quite an exciting time for us here in San Diego, as the long anticipated event will begin tomorrow morning, bright and early.

A little history on the America’s Cup: the prestigious trophy is awarded to the winner of the America’s Cup match races. A match race is a race between two yachts. The Cup trophy was originally awarded way back in 1851 by the schooner America. A fun fact about this race: the America’s Cup is the oldest active trophy in an international sport. True story. What’s so exciting about this race is that it is usually held in waters far from here, while this year it will be hosted in the U-S-of-A, right here in San Diego, California and we couldn’t be more excited.

As we sailed through the bay, Coast Guard came alongside us to inform us of our boundaries while the Cup boats were our practicing. We were sure to keep our distance as we watched as a group of 24, most of us with camera in hand. Now that’s a picture I should have captured. Here are a few shots from their last trial day:

After watching the practice runs, we sailed back, near the aircraft carrier #70, USS Carl Vinson, as they were setting up for this evening’s Carrier Classic. This first ever event has just ended, as I write this post, and the North Carolina Tar Heels have just won this one of a kind event- a first ever college basketball game onboard an aircraft carrier- in celebration of Veteran’s Day. With thousands of troops onboard, model and actress Brooklyn Decker, retired professional point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers Magic Johnson, and even our President of the United States, Barack Obama, it was quite a night to celebrate.

After sailing as close as we could get to the USS Carl Vinson, it was just about time for us to be heading back to our home port at the Sheraton Harbor Island Marina. As we pulled in, dockside, our guests began to gather near the stern of the boat as they were preparing for their exit, and a gentleman came up to me. After shaking my hand, he says with wide eyes and a dramatic smirk, “must be nice”, and I thought to myself..you know what..it sure is..but here’s the catch, I don’t take a single day for granted. My family has served this nation and my friends currently serve this nation, and for that I am forever grateful.

With that, Happy Veteran’s Day, folks, and I hope to see you out on the water this weekend for the 34th ever America’s Cup Sailing Races.

-Lindsay

Just before Christmas, on a chilly and stormy December evening, a beautiful couple and their family and friends came aboard the Aolani Catamaran to unite as one; Ashley and Drew. It had been a stormy few days in San Diego, the worst we had seen in a while, yet one of our busiest weeks on board the catamaran… would’nt ya know. Although the other charters that week were fun (even in the storm) -business managers and families, Christmas dinners and holiday celebrations- it seems that the weekend festivites saved the best for last…

The storm had cleared for a little while, just in time for Ashley and Drew and their families to hop on board. We hustled the cake and the dress, the pastor and his family, and all other essentials.. before the storm could catch up with us again. In a flash, we left the dock as Ashley got ready with her mom downstairs in one of our staterooms. We poured Ashley a glass of white wine as she decided on the music she wanted for after the ceremony. It was almost time, and here we were again, so excited to be a part of another wedding. On board that night was Captain Ken, owner Bruno Schwarz and his wife Cindy Schwarz, along with me, their daughter, Lindsay Schwarz. Cindy prepared the salon area and figured out seating positions while I was in the bar making sure everyone was happy with their beverages, all the while snapping pictures of the family, one of my favorite pastimes. All was smooth sailing, despite the stormy weather. Ashley and Drew’s friends braved the cold outside for a while to check out the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier.. pictured here.

We approached the bay area where the Star of India is docked, for Ashley and Drew had decided they wanted to get married with that as their backdrop. We had arrived into the cove area, and it was time.
Ashley had finished getting ready, Drew was as ready as he would ever be, and we were all anxious to begin. Everyone was seated, as the pastor and Drew took their positions inside the salon as the rain poured down just outside.

Que the music, the sound of IZ’s “Somewhere over the Rainbow” played as Ashley began to walk up the stairs alongside her Father as everyone admired in awe at how beautiful she looked. She stopped in front of Drew and the ceremony began with heads bowed in prayer and then, “you may be seated”.

“Remember to seek to understand and not to be understoof. Be quick to listen. Always chase after the mystery that is each other” offered the Pastor as Ashley and Drew held hands tight before their family and friends. Vows were repeated, and the ring was presented. “The ring is a perfect circle, never ending – an example of who God is. It’s precious material sympbolizes the marriage you are about to undertake. It is unique, beautiful, and should be chrished.” Drew placed the ring on Ashley, then Ashley, Drew. You could see the appreciation for each other in both their eyes, as we all watched in admiration. “Drew and Ashley, You have heard the Word of God, you have spoken your vows to each other and your family, and you have committed to each other in holy matrimony”..then those famous words were uttered and at once two lives had changed: “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
Most of us in the salon had tears in our eyes, it was one of those moments where it would be hard not to. I’ve witnessed many marriages on board the catamaran, but none with such sincerity. I am so grateful to have been on board that day, and will remember their marriage always.

After the ceremony, the clouds broke in relief and I was able to go outside with Ashley and Drew and take a few photos of them. They are a stunning pair both in picture and in life, as I hope you will see in the photos and through this blog post.


One of my favorite December nights of 2010 was this very night. Congratulations Drew and Ashley, may you live happily forever.

Lindsay Schwarz,
Aolani Crew

2010 quickly vanished and it’s hard to believe that 2011 is already here. As the new year approached we had time to reflect over the holidays and enjoy our time with family. It was a whirlwind of a year, with an ever changing economy and even the weather, or at least here in San Diego. We’re used to sunshine, so when we see that temperatures have dropped to 45, we get worried. Despite the cold and despite a down economy, we had a successful year that we are grateful for. We had loads of fun, and wouldn’t have had it any other way. We held clients, families, businesses; couples from all over the world. We had weddings and wine tastings, dinners and divorce parties, birthdays and bachelors.

As January 1st rolled around, we decided to sit down as a family and make some New Years resolutions of our own, the main one being that we want to get even better. We want to expand, grow, and get involved. What are your resolutions? What do you hope to do this year? We hope we can be a part of your New Year and we promise that if we are, we’ll be loads of fun.

What a year 2010 was, we can’t wait for what’s in store in 2011.
Cheers,
The Aolani Team

Bruno leaving the Aolani Catamaran

As we entered the holiday season thankful for a successful year despite a wearisome economy and some trying times, we were excited for the holidays and what they would bring. There is something about this time of year that brings everyone together, and we get to witness that as crew on the Aolani Catamaran. The holidays are usually our busiest time of year, with families all together in town wanting to go out for a dinner cruise; or the corporate holiday party wanting to head out for a sunset cruise despite some chilly nights of late. (Just FYI- we have a heater!) As groups come on board our catamaran, we get to talk to them about their year and about their family- or perhaps they are visiting and we want to suggest some great restaraunts- but what is most rewarding is when we talk to person after person, some who come on the boat reluctantly because of rainy weather or a sensitive stomach, yet who leave with a huge smile on their face because they just experienced sailing (some for the first time) out on the big and beautiful San Diego bay. We couldn’t be any more thankful, especially this time of year, to host so many special and thankful people. We love what we do, and we wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.

For the parade of lights in the San Diego bay last night, we did not participate this year but we did get to enjoy the spectacle of flickering lights of red and green as they shined across a big bay of glittering water. We watched as a sailboat full of young kids playing Jingle Bell Rock sailed by, lifting their glasses and cans for a big Cheers, and as Santa sailed on by we couldn’t help but laugh and smile over the fact that Christmas in San Diego means Santa isn’t on his sleigh .. he’s on a sailboat. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

The San Diego Parade of Lights will continue next Sunday, December 19thfrom 5:30PM-9:00PM . We are available for charter during this time. Click here for more information on the San Diego Parade of Lights.

Our Captain, Crew, and Schwarz Family would like to wish you Happy Holidays and Happy Sailing.

Cheers!
The Aolani Family

Only a few days after Gary and Kim’s wedding on the Aolani Catamaran, we were privelaged to celebrate the matrimony of Ying and Mary on August 5, 2010. The weather was bright and beautiful for our festivity as friends and family hopped aboard the Aolani for a dinner sail after their ceremony at the Kona Kai Resort on Shelter Island. Ying and Marty live on a catamaran of their own, so they appreciate being on the water just as much as we do. As our sail came to a close, we dropped off Ying and Marty on their catamaran and wished them the best. We got some awesome shots of the day, which were taken by Larry Stanley, the Montana Wedding Photographer.

On Saturday, July 31st we put on our dress pants (but kept our Aloha shirts on) and got ready for a wedding. It’s always special when we have a wedding on board the Aolani Catamaran, but we can’t help but feel lucky every single time that we do. What an awesome day to be a part of someone’s life- their wedding day.

Fortunately for Gary and Kim, the San Diego sun was shining and everyone was excited for the ceremony to get underway. Kim had gotten ready in her room at the San Diego Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel, where the Aolani is docked at the Sheraton Harbor Island Marina, and had a beautiful white flower in hair. The wedding dress was brought inside and downstairs into one of our four staterooms, and was placed on the bed. The photographer took an opportunity to snap some pictures, as Kim reflected on the moment. The cake was brought inside, as were the party favors, and then the guests.

After getting underway, Kim began to get dressed with the help of her friends. She looked calm, and beautiful, and was ready to begin. As Kim walked down the aisle, down the port side of the boat, Gary waited patiently on the forward hull. Our Captain Ken, who is certified to marry couples, held the ceremony for Gary and Kim. They then exchanged their own words, and sealed them with a kiss. Everybody clapped, cried and cooed as the couple hugged and kissed.

Another summer wedding on the Aolani, told you we had a great summer! Congratulations Gary and Kim!

-The Aolani Crew

Bryan Meyer from Minds Eye Photographies is a photographer based in Santee, CA who snapped pictures on board the Aolani throughout the day. To see more photos (and there’s a bunch!) from Gary and Kim’s Aolani Wedding, click here!