Built 1938 — Humphrey Bogart, Bacall & Brando sailed her. Now she carries families home.

Ash Scattering & Burial at Sea on San Diego Bay

A dignified farewell aboard JADA — the only authentic 1938 classic sailing yacht in San Diego. We handle every detail: permit guidance, eight-bell Last Watch, commemorative GPS coordinates. Your family is present for the moment, not coordinating logistics.

USCG Licensed · EPA Compliant · CA Cremated Remains Disposer License #950 · COI on file for marinas & venues
☎ (619) 986-7344
✓ Available 7 days a week ✓ Short-notice services accepted ✓ All faiths & traditions welcomed
⚓

USCG Licensed Captains

Every vessel certified

📋

Permit Guidance Included

We walk you through it

🌊

EPA Compliant

3 nm off Point Loma

🛡

Fully Insured · COI on file

Available to any venue or marina

⭐

5-Star Rated

Hundreds of families served

The Price

$2,925 — Memorial Service Aboard JADA

2½ hours · Up to 28 guests · Everything included
USCG-licensed captain & crew — your family is present for the moment, not coordinating logistics.
EPA-compliant scattering off Point Loma — legally and respectfully done, every time.
Lighthouse urn replica provided — nothing to source, nothing to forget on the day.
Permit guidance with your crematorium — paperwork made simple.
Commemorative coordinates postcard — return to the exact spot for birthdays and anniversaries.
Eight bells — the Last Watch — we circle the scattering point and toll the ship's bell. Your family brings the words.

Want a little longer on the water? Add 30 minutes ($3,300) or a full hour ($3,675) for a slow harbor tour on the return — Sunset Cliffs, the Naval Air Station skyline, downtown from the water.

All-inclusive. Port tax absorbed. No add-ons at the dock. A $500 deposit holds your date; the balance is due before sailing.

JADA — 1938 classic sailing yacht — under sail in San Diego Bay JADA memorial service at sea JADA teak deck during a ceremony JADA ash scattering ceremony JADA sailing off Point Loma
Signature Vessel

JADA — 65ft Classic Sailing Yacht, Built 1938

The historic yacht JADA is the only authentic antique classic sailing vessel for charter in San Diego. Built in Stockton, California in 1938, she has hosted Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, John Wayne, Spencer Tracy, and Errol Flynn. Her wide, stable teak deck and comfortable cabin make her an elegant platform for memorial services — intimate enough for a small family, spacious enough for 30.

65 ft
Length
Up to 30
Guests
Built 1938
Stockton, CA
Yawl Rig
Sail & Motor
The Process

How a Burial at Sea Works

We handle every detail so your family can focus on what matters. The standard service is 2½ hours including check-in, time at sea, and the return to the marina — with optional add-ons if you want a longer afternoon on the water.

01

Initial Consultation

We confirm vessel, date, guest count, and any special requests. We send marina directions and check-in details to your family by email.

02

Permit Setup

You obtain a California Disposition of Remains permit (your crematorium can handle this) — we guide you through it and verify everything before sailing day.

03

Check-In & Boarding

Guests gather 20 minutes before departure. The crew serves water and soft drinks as we motor quietly out of the marina.

04

Sail to Point Loma

We sail to a designated area off Point Loma, approximately 3 nautical miles from the harbor entrance — EPA-compliant for scattering at sea.

05

Your Family's Moment

About 20 minutes at the scattering point. We don't perform a ceremony — your family brings the words. A reading, a song, a quiet pause, or nothing at all. A lighthouse urn replica is provided aboard.

06

The Last Watch

We circle the scattering point slowly and toll the ship's bell eight times — the Last Watch. It's a small JADA tradition, marking the moment without staging it.

07

Coordinates Postcard

You receive a keepsake postcard with the exact latitude and longitude — so your family can return to that spot for anniversaries and birthdays.

📋 Permit & Licensing

A California "Disposition of Remains" permit is required. We recommend having your crematorium obtain the permit — they handle this routinely and it keeps the paperwork in one place. We are happy to answer questions and assist as needed. Our California Cremated Remains Disposer License is #950, issued by the California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.

Honoring Veterans

Military Honors — Arranged Through Your Loved One's Branch

Military funeral honors are provided by the branch your veteran served in. We don't arrange them; the branch does. Your job is one phone call and one document. Then sailing day, the honor detail meets us at the dock — or boards JADA with the family — and the bell, the flag, and Taps happen the way the regulations call for.

What every branch needs

  • DD‑214 (discharge papers) — the single document that establishes eligibility. Most families have a copy in their loved one's papers; if not, the next-of-kin can request one in 24–72 hours.
  • Death certificate — a certified copy.
  • One phone call to the branch (numbers below) to open the request and set the date.

No DD‑214 on hand? The National Personnel Records Center has an expedited line for funerals: fax SF‑180 with "Emergency — Burial" in the purpose field to (314) 801‑0764, or call the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office at (800) 535‑1117 for help getting it pulled.

Direct lines, by branch

Navy · Marine Corps · Coast Guard

Navy Burial-at-Sea Program (MyNavy Career Center)

(833) 330‑6622 · 24/7

Single program covers all three sea services. The Navy will mail or email the burial-at-sea packet; you return it with the DD‑214, death certificate, and either the cremation certificate or a burial transit permit.

Army

Army Casualty & Mortuary Affairs (CMAOC)

(800) 626‑3317 · 24/7

The duty officer transfers you to the nearest Casualty Assistance Center, which arranges honors and coordinates with us on a sailing date.

Air Force & Space Force

Air Force Mortuary Affairs (AFMAO)

(800) 531‑5803

Headquartered at Dover AFB. They assign an honor guard from the installation closest to San Diego — most often Travis AFB or MCAS Miramar — to meet the family at the dock.

Any branch · One-stop help

Military OneSource & Funeral Honors Directory

(800) 342‑9647 · (877) 645‑4667

If you're not sure which branch covers your loved one — or you've called and want a second route — Military OneSource is a single switchboard that routes you to the right office.

What we do on sailing day

Once you've set the honors with the branch, send us the contact for their funeral honors detail and we coordinate the dock-side rendezvous. The honor guard performs the flag-folding ashore or aboard; JADA's crew rings eight bells — the Last Watch — at the scattering point. If you want a bugler for Taps, the branch usually provides one, or you can bring your own.

Have us help coordinate — (619) 986-7344
Flowers & Petals

We Don't Provide Flowers — We Point You to the Right Florist

Families have specific tastes (colors, varieties, the meaning of a particular bloom), and the Coast Guard has specific rules about what may go into the water. Rather than guess, we send you to a Point Loma florist who handles ash-scattering arrangements as a regular part of their business.

Why a referral, not a package

  • Coast Guard rule: nothing with wire, plastic, foam, glass, or metal may be released at sea — only natural, biodegradable material
  • Our florist partner builds arrangements that meet the rule on the first try — no on-the-dock stripping of wires
  • They deliver directly to JADA at the Sheraton Marina the morning of the sail
  • A box of petals is often the cleanest, most affordable option — one box typically handles a full guest list, with each person scattering a handful
Our Point Loma florist

Point Loma Village Florist

★★★★★ 4.7 · 73 Google reviews

3704 Voltaire St, Suite 103
San Diego, CA 92107

(619) 222-7646

Tell them you're sailing with JADA for an ash scattering — they know exactly what we need: Coast-Guard-compliant arrangements with no wire, plastic, foam, glass, or metal. The box of biodegradable petals is the most common ask and one box typically handles a family of 8–28. They deliver to the Sheraton Marina the morning of the sail.

Call Point Loma Village Florist
Lunch & Refreshments

Lunch Aboard — A Family Meal on the Way Back

Most families want a quiet meal on the return leg — a sandwich, a charcuterie board, a glass of wine, and time to tell stories about the person they came to honor. JADA's teak deck and saloon comfortably handle lunch service for up to 28 guests.

What works aboard

  • Cold or room-temperature lunch platters — sandwich, charcuterie, fruit, cheese, cookies
  • Deli lunch trays from local grocers
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, sparkling wine — please consult the Captain on alcohol, as each vessel carries its own license
  • A simple cake, pastry box, or finger desserts

What doesn't

  • Anything that needs to stay hot — no sternos, no chafing dishes
  • Anything that needs to stay frozen
  • Open flames of any kind

Drop-off lunch caterers families have used

All of these will prepare a platter for 8 to 28 and have it ready for pickup on the way to the Sheraton Marina:

  • Busy Bee Catering — sandwich, salad, and charcuterie lunch trays
  • Manisha Catering — South Asian lunch boxes and chaat platters served cold or room-temperature
  • Sprouts · Ralphs · Vons · Whole Foods deli — order 24 hours ahead, pick up on the way to the dock

Ask us when you book and we'll send the current contact list with phone numbers and recent price points. We don't take a referral fee on lunch — it goes direct to the caterer.

What Families Say

Reviews from Families We've Served

Real words from real families. Every review below is from Google or Yelp — no screenshots, no marketing copy.

★★★★★

"Our family had a memorial service and ash scattering of our Dad's ashes on Sail JADA. I have nothing but praise for the Captain and crew. They made a very difficult event very special and wonderful for our whole family. I can't think of a better way to celebrate a loved one's life."

S
Susan Thompson
June 28, 2021
Google
★★★★★

"My husband's ashes at sea was just beautiful. The trio team was absolutely wonderful. The historian Captain was a plus. My family thoroughly enjoyed it and want to do a fun trip in the future with your company."

A
Avril Williams
March 4, 2021
Google
★★★★★

"My mother always wanted her ashes scattered at sea. After she passed I contacted Carole at Burials At Sea. The planning was very easy and her crew were extremely friendly and helpful. My father and the rest of my family could not have been happier."

E
Eric Zentner
November 2, 2020
Google
★★★★★

"Carole and her crew at Sail JADA provide a meaningful, dignified, intimate way to celebrate the passing of a loved one. Their care and concern are so appreciated especially at a time like that. I have recommended Sail JADA to several people who greatly appreciated the referral."

P
Paulette Ensign
July 23, 2019
Google
★★★★★

"My mother's last wish was to be buried at sea. Her final voyage aboard JADA, accompanied by family and friends, could not have been more perfect. As the yacht slipped silently through the waves, we disbursed her ashes — each guest allowing some of her remains to mix into the gentle swell."

D
David B.
September 20, 2016
Yelp ★★★★★
★★★★★

"My heart is so joyful. I'm so glad your business was involved in my Mother's final request. You and Don made this process seamless. Thank you for your professionalism, your kindness and your overall compassion. I can't say thank you enough."

Y
Yolonda Kelker
May 20, 2019
Google
See All Reviews on Google
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything families ask before planning a service.

Yes. Federal EPA regulations permit scattering of cremated remains at least 3 nautical miles from shore. California requires a "Disposition of Remains" permit from the County Office of Vital Records. We are EPA compliant and USCG licensed, and we sail to a designated area off Point Loma approximately 3 nautical miles from the harbor entrance.
$2,925 all-inclusive for the standard 2½-hour memorial service aboard JADA, up to 28 guests: captain and crew, lighthouse urn replica, permit guidance, commemorative coordinates postcard, and the eight-bell Last Watch. Port tax absorbed; no add-ons at the dock. Want a little longer on the water? Add 30 minutes ($3,300) or a full hour ($3,675) for a slow harbor tour on the return. A $500 deposit holds your date; the balance is due before sailing.
Yes. A California "Disposition of Remains" permit is required from the County Office of Vital Records. If your loved one was cremated out of state, a California permit must still be obtained. We recommend having your crematorium obtain the permit — they handle this routinely and it's the most straightforward path. We're happy to guide you through the process. Our California Cremated Remains Disposer License is #950.
An attended scattering is where friends and family come aboard the yacht for the ceremony. An unattended scattering is where loved ones cannot be present but the deceased's wishes to be scattered at sea are honored. We offer both — call us to discuss which is right for your family.
Yes — see Lunch & Refreshments for the drop-off caterers families typically use. Cold or room-temperature platters work best (nothing kept hot, no sternos; nothing kept frozen). For beverages, please consult with the Captain — each vessel carries its own alcohol license.
We don't — we refer you to a Point Loma florist who specializes in ash-scattering arrangements. Coast Guard rules prohibit anything with wire, plastic, foam, glass, or metal from going into the water; our florist partner builds Coast-Guard-compliant arrangements (most often a box of biodegradable petals) and delivers to the dock. A lighthouse urn replica is provided aboard regardless.
Yes. You receive a commemorative postcard with the exact latitude and longitude of the scattering. Any Captain can use these coordinates to return to that precise location in future years — for birthdays, anniversaries, or subsequent scatterings.
San Diego's consistent weather makes cancellations rare. In light rain and minimal wind we'll discuss your options. In heavy conditions our Captains will reschedule — we will not leave the dock in unsafe conditions. Your safety and the safety of your guests is the absolute priority.
We prefer as much advance notice as possible, but can often accommodate short notice depending on vessel availability. Call (619) 986-7344 as soon as you know your desired date and we'll do everything we can to accommodate your family.
Yes — we don't lead a ceremony, we hold the boat steady while your family does. Bring your own clergy or religious leader (they count as a guest for capacity). Or bring a reading, a song, a moment of silence — whatever fits. We've sailed Catholic, Buddhist, Jewish, military, and non-denominational services.
A small one. At the scattering point we circle slowly and toll the ship's bell eight times — the "Last Watch" in naval tradition. Your family fills the rest of the moment however you wish: a reading, a song, a quiet pause, or simply being there together. We don't stage a ceremony; the moment belongs to you.
Yes — see our full Military Honors section. Veterans and their dependents are eligible for a no-cost military burial at sea conducted by the U.S. Navy, but it is performed without family aboard and on a Navy schedule that can take many months. Most families we work with choose a private service with us so they can be present — flag presentation, bell tolls, a 21-second moment of silence, Taps if you bring a bugler.
Get in Touch

Plan Your Service

We're here to answer every question and guide your family through the process with care and patience. No obligation — just a conversation.

📞

Call or Text — 7 days a week

(619) 986-7344

Most calls answered within minutes

✉️
⚓

Berthed At

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
1380 Harbor Island Drive
San Diego, CA 92101

🌊

Service Area

San Diego Bay & Pacific Coast
Off Point Loma — 3 nautical miles

Send a Message

We respond within a few hours during the day, and by the next morning for evening inquiries. If your service is time-sensitive, please call (619) 986-7344.

Reserve — $500 ☎ Call

Reserve a Memorial Service

Pick a date and tell us how to reach you. A $500 deposit holds your date aboard JADA; the balance is due before sailing. We confirm within 2 hours and call to handle every detail.

SU
MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SA
Open Has a charter Past
Hold Your Date
$500 Deposit
Balance due before sailing · we confirm within 2 hours
◆ Zelle — Zero Fees
Zelle $500 to Sail JADA Charters LLC
SAIL JADA CHARTERS LLC · 619-986-7344

Prefer to talk first? Call (619) 986-7344 — we answer 7 days a week.