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B.Y.O.P. (bring your own picnic) couldn’t be more luxurious on the 138-foot yacht America for whale watching off the coast of San Diego.
The beam stands at 25 feet tall. The entire yacht is made of wood and the deck alone cost $175,000, making it a true luxury yacht.
“We love to sail, that’s what we do,” says skipper Troy Sears, owner of America. “It’s a blast. No two trips are the same.”
The yacht is in its second season for whale watching and holds 90 passengers.
America is one of the best boats to set sail on for whale watching because it’s stable and there’s less movement so passengers don’t get seasick, says Sears.
“We have a ‘If you lose your lunch we’ll replace it’ policy because it doesn’t happen very often,” he says.
With the skyline of San Diego in the distance and blue whales and dolphins breaking through the water’s surface ahead, passengers also get to enjoy a piece of history. The America is one of two replicas of the original yacht built in 1851.
Over 150 years ago the original America beat 15 other yachts in England in the 100 Guinness Cup, bringing home the trophy and receiving congratulations from Queen Elizabeth on the deck of the ship.
This replica of America has also sailed through races and won, says Sears.
Both educational and relaxing, passengers aboard America get a short lesson in history and biology, all while enjoying the open waters of the Pacific.
Sears is partners with Dennis Conner of Dennis Conner’s America’s Cup Experience, which also offers whale watching trips aboard Stars and Stripes and Abracadabra.
Trips run on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $75 per head, $37.50 for children 12 and younger. For more call (800) 644-3454, or (619) 666-8074. And don’t forget: B.Y.O.P.!