Private Memorials
& Ash Scatterings at Sea in Santa Barbara
A peaceful, private farewell aboard the classic sailing yacht Kelpie.
A Meaningful Tribute on the Water
For many families, the Pacific Ocean and Santa Barbara coastline hold cherished memories. A private memorial aboard Kelpie offers a peaceful setting to celebrate a life well lived, reflect together, and say goodbye surrounded by the beauty of the sea.
As Santa Barbara’s only state-licensed sailing yacht authorized for witnessed ash scatterings, SunSwept Sailing provides compassionate guidance while handling every logistical detail—from permit filing to flowers and memorial keepsakes—allowing you to focus entirely on your loved one.
We believe pets are family, and we’re honored to provide private memorial sailings for beloved companions as well.
WE HANDLE THE DETAILS
Permits, flowers & keepsakes
FROM $518
Transparent pricing
DURATION OPTIONS
1 to 3 hours
PRIVATE MEMORIAL
Just your family & guests
UP TO 6 GUESTS
An intimate gathering
Whether you prefer a simple farewell or a longer time together on the water, each private memorial is thoughtfully planned with compassion and care.
Choose the Right Memorial Service
2-Hour Memorial Sail
Ample time for family, personal tributes, quiet reflection, and a peaceful sail along the Santa Barbara coastline. Our most popular duration. With about an hour for the service.
From $988 for up to 6 guests
90-Minute Memorial Sail
A simple, intimate memorial ceremony with 20-30 minutes for the service. Travel from harbor to the service site ranges from 20-30 minutes each way.
From $788 for up to 6 guests
3- Hour Memorial Sail
An unhurried experience for family gatherings, extended ceremonies, or those wishing to spend additional time together on the water. This is the best option for scattering in a specific location.
From $1,288 for up to 6 guests
1- Hour Memorial Sail
A simple, intimate memorial ceremony close to the harbor.
From $518 for up to 6 guests
Unwitnessed Ash Scattering
If your loved one wished to be scattered at sea but family and friends are unable to attend, we’ll conduct a respectful ash scattering on your behalf. You’ll receive photographs and a personalized Memorial Certificate.
$488
Every memorial is unique. If your family would benefit from additional time aboard or has special requests, we’re happy to create a personalized memorial experience.
Please contact us to discuss your wishes.
Every Memorial Includes
Private sailing yacht for your family
USCG licensed captain
California permit filing
Fresh flower petals for scattering
GPS coordinates of the memorial location
Keepsake presentation folder
Quiet time for personal remembrance
Flexible ceremony pacing
Available year-round
Up to six guests aboard
Thoughtfully planned. Personally meaningful.
California Cemetary & Funeral Bureau Licensed
Enhancements Available
CURATED CATERING
BEVERAGES
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
SPECIAL OCCASION ADD-ONS
What to Expect
BEFORE YOUR MEMORIAL
Arrive at Santa Barbara Harbor, Marina 2 Gate, 10 minutes before departure where your captain will greet your family and escort you aboard Kelpie. We’ll review any special requests before quietly departing the harbor.
THE MEMORIAL
When you’re ready, your captain will gently position the yacht for the ash scattering and flower petals. There is never any rush, and every ceremony unfolds according to your family’s wishes.
UNDERWAY
Enjoy a peaceful sail along the Santa Barbara coastline while spending meaningful time together. Whether your family wishes to share stories, play music, observe a moment of silence, or simply reflect, the pace is entirely yours.
RETURN
Following the memorial, we’ll enjoy a quiet sail back toward Santa Barbara Harbor, giving everyone a little time to reflect before returning to the dock.
Here When You’re Ready
If you have questions or would like help planning a memorial at sea, we’re here to guide you with compassion and care.
Why Families Choose SunSwept Sailing
Licensed & Experienced
California licensed and experienced in conducting respectful memorials at sea.
Completely Private
Only your invited family and friends aboard.
Thoughtfully Guided
We quietly handle the details so you can focus on what matters most.
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Yes, you may scatter as many sets of remains as you wish, pets included.
We will bill the permit filing separately for each as necessary.
Memorial certificates for each additional person / pet are extra.
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Yes, absolutely. Pets are family, and we’re honored to provide private memorial sailings for beloved companions. Families may also choose to scatter the ashes of a loved one and their cherished pet together during the same ceremony.
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We provide petals for scattering.
Goodland Florist provides us with beautiful arrangements for either scattering or to take home available at additional cost.
If you would like to bring your own flowers you may do so at no charge.
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Yes, a bluetooth speaker is available for use. We will have instrumental memorial songs playing upon arrival and you may customize our playlist or provide your own connection.
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We do not permit outside food, please choose from one of our delectable options at checkout.
You may view them in advance here.
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Yes our vessel is licensed to hold six (6) passengers maximum including children of any age. Life preservers will be required for all children under 13, we will provide these upon boarding.
Please remember that infants are considered as a full guest in your count of 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
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You may curate the service as you see fit whether it be prose or poems, or prayers.
Captain Spencers favorite is “Sea Fever” by John Masefield.
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Yes, we will handle the permit filing or re-filing as necessary for Santa Barbara scatterings; including if you are coming from out of state.
We work directly with the county records and are California state licensed through the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.
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The Channel Islands often hold a special place in locals and ocean lovers hearts; in fact they are Captain Spencers favorite place on the planet.
Kelpie sails at an average of 4.5kts which translates to a 4 hour journey to the islands. We feel this is too far for a day trip so we do not offer island trips.
You will have the opportunity to scatter the ashes of your loved ones off the coast of Santa Barbara with the Channel Islands in the background.
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Your captain monitors marine conditions closely and makes the final decision regarding weather and safety. Santa Barbara often has excellent sailing conditions even when the forecast appears overcast or breezy on land.
If SunSwept Sailing must cancel because conditions are unsafe, we will work with you to reschedule. When rescheduling is not possible, the options available under our weather policy will apply. Guests should not assume their charter is canceled unless they hear directly from us.
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Cancellation and rescheduling terms depend on the experience and how far in advance the request is made. Most standard charters may be rescheduled for account credit when notice is provided at least 72 hours before departure. Refunds are limited, and special experiences, catering, floral arrangements, holidays, and bookings made close to departure may have different terms.
Please review the full policies which are also displayed during booking before completing your reservation.tem description
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We are limited to six passengers aboard yacht Kelpie, however we partner with other local vessels to accommodate parties up to 127. Please contact us for more information or to schedule.
SunSwept Sailing maintains a tradition of sailing excellence.
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