Meet Kristin Jankel | Business Owner & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristin Jankel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
A dear friend, who already held a USCG captain’s license, proposed the idea to me. He had been actively working as a captain for private vessels in San Diego Bay for several years and shared how his schedule had become increasingly busy, often leading him to decline job offers due to his full calendar. The thought of spending time on the water and possibly turning a passion into a career was enticing. I have consistently sought new opportunities to generate supplementary income, whether through buying and reselling vintage items or managing an Airbnb, which prepared me to embrace a more substantial challenge. As a result, I began to investigate the requirements for starting a licensed charter yacht business.
To fund this venture, I obtained a loan secured against my assets. It took nearly a year to find the right yacht. Additionally, I had to navigate California’s new environmental regulations concerning charter yachts, which presented another challenge during my search. Fortunately, I partnered with an experienced boat broker, who helped me discover an exceptional yacht in Chula Vista that was within my budget. I then needed to ensure that I had adequate commercial insurance and acquire all necessary documentation from the port authority to operate legally in San Diego Bay
After purchasing the yacht, I had to determine an appropriate location for operations. However, Chula Vista was not viable. It became apparent that there were limited options in San Diego Bay for running a commercial charter business. I applied for my charter license at a site relatively close to where my yacht was docked most days. The business officially launched in January 2024, although winter is not the most favorable time to start a charter operation. I promptly put the yacht to work while simultaneously implementing improvements; during the initial months, all revenue generated was reinvested into enhancements. In the beginning, I set my prices competitively to attract customers.
Through my initial pricing research, I discovered that many boat rental operations in the bay were not operating legally. The Port Authority and Harbor Patrol appear to take minimal action regarding the dangers posed by these unlawful operations, which creates considerable difficulties for those of us adhering to legal standards. We face elevated premiums for commercial insurance and are obligated to remit a fee to both the port authority and the commercial marina each time a yacht is chartered. Consequently, these expenses must be factored into the hourly rate for the yacht, influencing the overall pricing strategy. Conversely, illegal charters are not subject to these fees, enabling them to offer significantly lower rates. To attract potential guests, I strive to be innovative by providing additional services, such as complimentary wine, a very high-quality audio system, and assistance from our crew with photography.
Currently, I also work in the corporate sector, but my goal is to eventually manage charters on a full-time basis. The flexibility to create my schedule and work in a way that suits my preferences is highly beneficial. I find great joy in expressing myself through this medium; the yacht acts as my canvas, which I have decorated with a tropical vintage theme. Numerous weekends have been dedicated to exploring thrift stores and flea markets in pursuit of the perfect items. Collaborating closely with clients to orchestrate their ideal day cruise on the water is genuinely one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I enjoy the opportunity to provide a yacht at an exceptional price, accompanied by an enjoyable and exotic atmosphere. As a business that is still in its infancy, having been established for less than a year, I am in the process of growth and learning. I consider myself fortunate to have encountered numerous other charter owners who have extended a warm welcome to me as a newcomer in the industry. I am consistently seeking new pieces to enhance the decor of the yacht, which truly resembles a floating tiki bar.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
On the first day, we will embark on a bay cruise aboard my yacht. Our journey will commence as we navigate towards the USS Midway, where we will position ourselves directly beneath it to capture stunning photographs. Following this, we will anchor at Glorietta Bay in Coronado for an extraordinary maritime celebration. While anchored, participants will have the opportunity to swim, dive from the boat, soak up the sun, unwind on the spacious lily pad, and enjoy refreshing beverages, creating the ultimate atmosphere for relaxation and festivity. Upon our return to the port, we will proceed to the Bali Hai restaurant (hoping to catch Tommy) to indulge in their renowned Mai Tais and fish and chips, all while appreciating the picturesque views of the bay and the city skyline. Throughout the week, we will also visit notable locations such as False Idol and Grass Skirt. In terms of dining, we will ensure to enjoy lunch at Queenstown Public House in Little Italy, and we will not overlook the chance to shop at Kurtz Street Vintage Antiques.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Captain Mark and Boat Broker Steve for the suggestion I leap into the charter yachting world

“There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”- Kenneth Grahame

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Image Credits
Miggs Borromeo