Berdi had served as a nurse on the Naval hospital ship USNS Mercy, which had just days before arrived back into port to San Diego Bay, so we had their ceremony with the ship serving as an amazing backdrop! The weather, which had been gray and overcast much of the day, complied by clearing up for the event – almost miraculously.

Capt. Murf then navigated over to the Coronado Bridge – the backdrop for Ginny and Carolyn’s ceremony. It was a beautiful evening, and the ceremonies brought tears (of happiness!) to all. Our captain blasted the yacht’s horn after each ceremony, announcing the marriages – turning tears to laughter.

We then cruised slowly around the Big Bay; the newlyweds enjoyed champagne and hors d’ouevres while passing San Diego’s amazing landmarks, including the USS Midway and the Embarcadero with the Star of India, the HMS Surprise, and the Maritime Museum. It was truly a beautiful night.

Parents and kids of all ages seemed to come out in droves … swimming, rowing boats, paddling on surfboards and boogie boards. Everyone was diving and swimming and laughing. Four hours later, the reality of the next day being the first day of school set in, and the party began to head back to shore.

WC and I pulled the anchor up, and headed south by ourselves. As the sun began to set, we experienced a quiet cruise back to the marina.

This woman - who was of Hungarian descent - spent much of her childhood in concentration camps witnessing and enduring hideous, unimaginable horrors! Her life continued to be difficult throughout, but she perservered, eventually moving to the US, worked for an airline, and was a fashion designer and artist … never had children, was married once, and always kept close to her family. Apparently, after 9/11, she was moved to share her concentration camp stories with her family, but not in too much detail. She lived right in NYC for 40+ years, and a few years later when her health began to fail, her niece insisted that she move out to California to be near family … and she did. They admitted that she was a bit opinionated and tough as nails, but man did they love her. They brought photo collages with many pictures of the woman and her friends and family – all laughing and smiling. They clearly gave me an idea of who she was … and I liked her!

After her ashes and rose petals were lowered into the ocean, they poured in the rest of a bottle of Stolichnaya that was in her freezer when she died. “She loved her vodka,” said the niece, causing everyone to laugh … and cry.

The group decided to head straight out to sea for a while, and Capt. Young was more than willing to make it so. Luck was with us as we witnessed a perfect sunset on the ocean, but still … no Green Flash! Maybe next time.

Eventually we headed back into the Big Bay and toured all the sights it offers, such as the Midway at the Maritime Museum, Navy Base Coronado and a couple of aircraft carriers that were in port, Petco Park – where a Padres night came was being played, the architecturally interesting (and huge) San Diego Convention Center … and we even got to hear a bit of a concert at Concerts on the Bay behind the convention center.

Even after four hours, our guests were sad to get back to the dock. However, they had a fabulous time, and promised to “come again!”

As the group sailed down the coast from La Jolla, the lights of the city were beautiful against the black backdrop of the sea and sky.  The ocean was calm and each participant reflected on the events of the day.

Before sunset the captain took us over to the bait docks to check out the sea lions who lounge about – seemingly all day, either catching some rays or hoping for leftovers from the fishing boats as they load up. We then cruised to the edge of the channel, just before the open ocean, in an attempt to watch the sunset. Unfortunately, a marine layer had rolled in, obstructing a clear view – but it did create an amazingly colorful “cloud show,” which we all enjoyed.

Next up … the aircraft carriers docked at Naval Base Coronado. No matter how many times I see these gargantuan ships, I am still amazed when we pass by and think of all the tidbits of info I’ve learned about them, such as the fact that they carry a crew of some 5,000 troops! These things are huge and there is nothing like seeing them up close and personal from the yacht.

We leisurely meandered over to Glorietta Bay for a look at the magical turrets of the Hotel Del as it got dark. I also love how the lights of all the moored boats twinkle as they gently bob around in the easy wake the yacht leaves behind.

The party was in full swing by now; some people stayed on the sundeck and got into the music. I had made a couple of CDs with my favorite tunes! Other friends hung out on the fly bridge, and some – including me – went out onto the bow to feel the warm evening breeze while we passed the USS Midway museum, the Star of India, the HMS Surprise (the ship used in the Russell Crowe movie “Master and Commander”), and all the other cool sights at the Embarcadero.

A few of us stayed a while after we reached the slip to enjoy the atmosphere of the quiet dock and the sound of the water lapping against the boats. The night was a huge success; everyone left happy. A great time was truly had by all!

Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, actually begin in 1892 when New York workers took the day off and marched in protest of their harsh working conditions and a desire to have a special day off for the working man. Two years later President Cleveland passed legislation to officially create Labor Day. It was an election year and he hoped to garner favor with the working classes – it did not work as he was not reelected.

Today the holiday as turned into a day to spend with family and friends and to celebrate the end of summer. As such there are picnics, barbecues and a last opportunity for families to travel before the kids go back to school.

This year why not celebrate by spending some time on the water. A charter on a private yacht is an event that the family will remember for years. San Diego has many attractions that are naturally seen from the water and Labor Day is a great time to experience them with your family.

If you are attending and wish to do something special this year, why not consider a private yacht charter?  You may even come in full costume, if you would like to make it a very special party.  Parties are a great venue to entertain guests or business associates and there is no better forum to use than a private yacht.

San Diego Boat Tours provides luxury charter service and caters to small groups of people.  Have a look at out website and blog for information on our company and how we can make your stay in San Diego more enjoyable.