About SailTime Newport Beach

Our Journey

A Passion for Sailing,
Built Into a Legacy

What started with a single boat at a San Diego boat show has grown into Orange County's premier destination for sailing memberships, instruction, charters, and yacht sales.
25+
Boats in Fleet
#1
ASA School, West Coast
20+
Years of Service
5
Business Lines

Our Timeline

1
2005
The Beginning
Chris and Angele Jester purchased the SailTime franchise for Orange County and acquired the first boat at the San Diego Boat Show.
2
2006
Sailing School Founded
Newport Beach Sailing School was formally established, quickly earning a reputation for outstanding private sailing instruction.
3
2010
Yacht Sales & Brokerage
Expanded into boat sales, becoming a dealer for Hunter, Jeanneau, and Catalina, offering a complete path from learning to ownership.
4
2015
Charters Launched
Newport Beach Sailing Charters launched, featuring USCG Captains and ASA-credentialed instructors for sunset and multi-day adventures.
Sailtime Newport Beach Our Timeline
Est. 2005
Newport Beach, CA
Meet the Founders

Chris & Angele Jester

After years in Fortune 500 careers, Chris and Angele followed their passion for the sea. When they discovered the SailTime franchise opportunity in their hometown of Orange County, they dove in headfirst and never looked back.
  • Education
    BBA from University of San Diego, MBA from UC Irvine (Chris). BS in Economics, Masters in Inter-Cultural Communication from SDSU (Angele).
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit
    After a year traveling the world post-marriage, Chris was ready for the entrepreneurial life and seized the SailTime opportunity in January 2005.
  • Life on the Water
    The Jesters live in Costa Mesa with their two children. Their personal fleet includes a Beneteau 38.1, Beneteau 35.1, a Harbor 20, and a sabot.
Sailtime Newport Beach - Our Founders
What We Offer

A Complete Sailing Experience

From your very first lesson to owning your dream boat, we provide everything you need for a life on the water.
Fractional Sailing Membership

An innovative approach to boat access. SailTime makes it easier, quicker, and more economical for aspiring captains to take the helm of a beautiful, well-equipped sailboat.

Founded in 2001 by avid boater George Bonelli, SailTime has expanded to over 50 bases with 160 boats spanning two continents and five countries. Each base is independently owned and operated, ensuring a personalized, world-class experience.

Newport Beach Sailing School

One of the most award-winning ASA sailing schools on the West Coast, offering private and personalized instruction for individuals, couples, and families.

Our motto is 'the best value in private sailing instruction.' We focus on building confident, capable sailors through hands-on learning in the waters of Southern California.

Newport Beach Sailing Charters

Captain-led sailing charters featuring USCG-licensed captains who are also ASA-credentialed instructors. Enjoy half-day, full-day, and sunset experiences.

Multi-day adventure charters to Catalina and Santa Barbara Island are also available, plus multi-boat regattas and corporate team-building events for large groups.

Yacht Sales & Brokerage

A complete path for anyone new to sailing: learn to sail, try before you buy with a membership, then purchase with expert insight and confidence.

Authorized dealer for Hunter, Jeanneau, and Catalina sailboats. Chris offers unparalleled guidance for first-time and experienced boat buyers alike.

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