Sailing Yacht Kelpie - private charters

  • Sailing in Santa Barbara has never looked so good. Cruise our iconic coast in old-world style with modern luxury aboard the Sailing Yacht Kelpie — a classic Fuji 35’ Cutter. This shimmering blue beauty is a J.G. Alden designed masterpiece built in Japan in 1976 and refitted in Santa Barbara, California in 2022.

    Her exquisite teak aft deck, sleek lines, and superior seaworthiness, make her perfect for a smooth sailing adventure. Down below a charming teak cabin invites guests with her wood burning fireplace and wrap around dining area. Modern appliances and clean and updated washroom give the yacht a homey feel.

    Kelpie has a mainsail, staysail and headsail. Her three-sheets design gives her speed, maneuverability, and seaworthiness. She was designed to be a pleasure at sea and we hope you will find sailing aboard her, just that.

    A cruise along the American Riviera will be an unforgettable experience aboard Kelpie as she smoothly sails the coast whilst flying the flag of her beloved hometown hailing port, Santa Barbara.

  • A kelpie is a shape-changing aquatic spirit of Scottish legend. Kelpies are said to haunt the lochs of Scotland, usually in the shape of a horse.

    But beware…these are malevolent spirits! The kelpie may appear as a tame pony beside a river. It is particularly attractive to children – but they should take care, for once on its back, its sticky magical hide will not allow them to dismount! Once trapped in this way, the kelpie will drag the child into the river and then eat him.

    These water horses can also appear in human form. They may materialize as a beautiful young woman, hoping to lure young men to their death.

    The sound of a kelpie’s tail entering the water is said to resemble that of thunder. And if you are passing by a loch and hear an unearthly wailing or howling, take care: it could be a kelpie warning of an approaching storm.

    But there is some good news: a kelpie has a weak spot – its bridle. Anyone who can get hold of a kelpie’s bridle will have command over it and any other kelpie. A captive kelpie is said to have the strength of at least 10 horses and the stamina of many more, and is highly prized.

    Captain Spencer & First Mate Courtney were engaged on horseback at Summerland Beach in Santa Barbara.

    The name, Kelpie, was born of Spencer’s Scottish heritage and Courtney’s love for mythical creatures. Fear not as Kelpie’s bridle is always in the Captain’s hands keeping guests safe while he commands the spirited Kelpie.

  • "Authentic Sailing Experiences" means a true immersive sailing experience that instills the heart of the wind and ocean into all aboard. It is not just a ride, it is a feeling.

    Your party of up to six passengers will enjoy an exhilarating private sailboat charter along the Santa Barbara coastline with magnificent ocean and mountain views. You’ll have the time of your life aboard the classic yacht, Kelpie, with her exquisite wooden features, and smooth sailing style. Sit back, relax, delight in the ocean breeze and occasional wildlife sightings such as harbor seals, sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, and much more.

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.
— Jacques Yves Cousteau