Yacht Sylvia Sailing, San Diego

Yacht Sylvia is a 56-foot, 35-ton staysail ketch designed in New Zealand by naval architect John Alden. Launched in 1973, the yacht has circumnavigated the globe on multiple occasions, survived hurricanes, and now ferries passengers and students to remote destinations. The below-deck interior features a maritime museum with artifacts from around the world displayed on the bulkhead and countertops. Sailing lessons range from two-hour tours and explanations of basic sailing techniques to three-week immersive trips abroad during which participants learn as they perform crew duties. In addition, Yacht Sylvia Sailing can host charters for up to six to international destinations including the Channel Islands and the Sea of Cortez.