Chris and Angele Jester purchased the SailTime franchise for Orange County in January 2005 and began in earnest to build the fleet and the business. They purchased the first boat at the San Diego Boat Show and became the first Owner Members for the Newport Beach fleet. The fractional sailing concept quickly caught on and over 25 boats have been brought into the Newport Beach fleet over the years.
As part of the responsibility of running a SailTime base, Chris and Angele had to provide top notch sailing instruction to their Members. They formally established the Newport Beach Sailing School which quickly gained a reputation for providing outstanding private and semi private sailing instruction in Southern Califorinia. Today, the Newport Beach Sailing School is one of the most award winning American Sailing Association Sailing Schools on the West Coast. The sailing school focuses on private, personalized sailing instruction for individuals, couples and families. The school’s motto is “the best value in private sailing instruction”.
In the first few years of the business, Chris also became a boat broker (and eventuallay a dealer) for several lines of sailboats including Hunter, Jeanneau and Catalina. Simultaneously, Chris was able to offer a unique and clear path for someone new to sailing or new to boat ownership. Now, clients could 1. Learn to Sail, 2. Perform an in-depth “try before you buy” with a SailTime membership, and/or 3. Purchase a new or previously owned boat with much better knowledge and insight than was previously possible for a first time boat buyer.
In addition to operating a successful SailTime base, sailing school, and dealership, Chris and Angele launched Newport Beach Sailing Charters, which provides captain-lead sailing charters. They assembled an amazing group of fun, friendly, and knowledgeable US Coast Guard Captains, who were also credentialed ASA Sailing Instructors. Through this charter line, customers enjoy half-day, full-day and sunset sailing charters. Multi-day adventure charters to Catalina and Santa Barbara Island are also available. Moreover, the charter company offers multi-boat sailing events for companies and large groups looking for team building regattas.
Chris and Angele Jester attended the University of San Diego, earning their Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Economics degrees respectively. After many years of following corporate careers in the Fortune 500, Chris and Angele looked to earn Masters Degrees. While working full time, Chris earned his MBA from UC Irvine and Angele earned her Masters in Inter-Cultural Communication from San Diego State University.
After getting married and taking a year off to travel the world, Chris was set for the entrepreneurial life, and ready to start a business. When Chris came across the opportunity to purchase a SailTime franchise in his hometown of Orange County, he immediately began his due diligence and embarked on the career of a lifetime. Chris and Angele live in Costa Mesa, California with their two young children.. They enjoy family time on their boats, which include a Beneteau 38.1, Beneteau 35.1, a Harbor 20, and a sabot.
SailTime is an innovative approach to boat access and ownership. SailTime makes it easier, quicker, and more economical for aspiring captains to take the helm of a beautiful, well-equipped sailboat or power boat anywhere in the world.
In 2001, avid boater George Bonelli saw a need for making boating easier and more affordable. He founded SailTime, purchased the first boat with personal savings and tested the business model on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas. Initially, SailTime focused exclusively on sailboats, and the business quickly expanded to 30 bases in North America in its first three years. Subsequently, SailTime has expanded to over 50 bases with 160 boats spanning two continents and five countries SailTime product offerings have expanded to include power boats with SailTime Power as well as several other complimentary products that help SailTime members achieve the personal lifestyle goals they set for themselves and their families. SailTime continues to expand and innovate with additional products, locations, brands and types in the SailTime program.
Each SailTime base is independently owned and operated by a local entrepreneur who the SailTime Group, LLC has licensed to use its trademarks and business methods. The “Base Owners” take pride in ensuring that your experience with SailTime is one that is memorable and world class. Additionally, these proud business owners are in charge of all the boats’ maintenance and operational needs, so you can simply enjoy your time on the water with friends and family.