The Northwind, a painstakingly restored 1930 yacht, is open again in Marina Del Rey as a floating dining destination, serving sunset dinners, weekend brunch and live entertainment on a 135-foot classic. Owners say they preserved original maritime details while adding modern dining decks, custom lighting and fire features to turn the vessel into a year-round event space. Service is reservation-only, with options for both public seating and private-event packages.
Moored At The California Yacht Club
The Northwind is permanently moored at the California Yacht Club and is open to the public by reservation on select nights, with Friday-Saturday sunset service and Sunday brunch on its calendar. The Northwind Experience lists the schedule, handles ticketing through OpenTable and outlines private-event packages, along with contact information for event inquiries.
From 1930 To A Modern Harbor Venue
Built in 1930 and stretching roughly 135 feet, the yacht comes with a storied past and, operators say, has hosted figures such as Winston Churchill and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. A launch press release describes the restoration and the vessel's new role as a waterfront hospitality venue. PR Newswire notes that the project blends original historic fittings with contemporary hospitality upgrades.
Owners Aim To Reconnect Angelenos To The Water
"Our vision was to create a destination that strengthens Marina Del Rey’s identity and connects Angelenos to the water," California Yacht Club president Jeff Weiss said in a statement to Westside Current. Operators say the restoration kept many original nautical features while opening new waterfront-facing dining spaces designed for cocktails and live performances. The Northwind is also slated to host weddings, corporate gatherings and branded activations.
Kitchen, Menu And Programming
The culinary program is led by chef Charles Voudouris, whose background includes the Versace Mansion, Viceroy Anguilla and Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak, according to a press release via PR Newswire. Operators say the menu leans on seasonal ingredients and locally sourced seafood and will rotate through the summer with chef collaborations and themed nights. Programming plans include guest chef dinners, live-music evenings and brand partnerships.
How To Book And What To Expect
Reservations and event bookings are handled online, with The Northwind's calendar and private-event packages listed on its site and via OpenTable. The Northwind Experience outlines hours and ticketing details, while the California Yacht Club provides docking and contact information on the club site. California Yacht Club notes that the venue sits within the club’s marina and that some events may require coordination with the club.
What This Means For Marina Del Rey
Local outlets and operators are pitching The Northwind as one of the few publicly accessible upscale dining spots docked directly in Marina Del Rey’s yacht basin, a distinction they hope will pull more people down to the waterfront. MyNewsLA reported that the vessel will host programming through the summer and is already taking private bookings for weddings and corporate events.
