Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Barnett
Hi Paul, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Sitting at the breakfast table in my brother Bill’s house, my iPhone pinged continuously with new emails. All the subject lines were similar: “Wedding Postponement – 7.11.2020,” “Wedding Date Cancellation, April 18, 2020” or “May 6-9, 2020 – Corporate Event Canceled.” The photography business I started 30+ years ago was grinding to a halt.
In less time than it took to mop up my eggs with a piece of toast, nearly one-third of my event photography bookings for the year were canceled due to this new virus they were calling COVID-19. By the end of March 2020, our business had lost 96% of its contracts and revenue. We were in trouble. It was time to pivot.
Armed with a sailboat and captain’s license and the country’s need for clean, fresh air, Sail Riviera was born.
I had a simple, clear vision for the sailing tour experience I believed San Diego needed. I envisioned a small, luxurious, private sailing yacht catering to guests looking for 5-star service without the snobby or uptight atmosphere often associated with luxury. My goal was to provide a Captain and Crew with down-to-earth attitudes who could deliver the perfect blend of a well-appointed vessel, exciting sailing, and a curated menu tailored to our guests’ specific needs.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Self-employment struggles are relative. What may seem daunting to one person, may seem easy to another. Having been an entrepreneur for over 40 years, I’ve learned that the challenges of owning a business are simply part of the journey. To dwell on the challenges will only slow you down.
To answer the question, when I started Sail Riviera five years ago, we faced numerous hurdles. We had to navigate the complexities of working with the Port of San Diego, the U.S. Coast Guard, and maritime laws. Additionally, we dealt with complex insurance requirements, the scarcity of available marina slips, and the task of finding the right crew. Attracting customers who would appreciate the sailing tours we offered was another significant challenge that we needed to overcome to succeed.
Often, an entrepreneur’s biggest obstacle is getting out of their own way. If you genuinely believe your product or service has value, stop the endless worrying and hand-wringing and instead focus on working your plan, one day at a time. Remember your original vision, but keep your business flexible enough to pivot when necessary.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Exceeding the expectations of the most discerning travelers is our speciality.
We are known for curating unique, and private yachting experiences, ranging from whale watching, to six- course dinners as our guests enjoy a sunset over Coronado.
For couples and small groups, this sailing experience is truly a dream and will be a highlight of their visit to San Diego!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
San Diego’s waterfront is undergoing exciting changes! Over the next five years, the Central Embarcadero, including the Seaport Village area and East Harbor Island, will see improvements in public access, as well as the development of new residential, office, and entertainment districts. Proposed improvements include a new Fisherman’s Market Pier, an urban beach, an outdoor movie theater and a ferris wheel. We are optimistic that these improvements will enrich the waterfront experiences for both tourists and locals, and we’re confident that Sail Riviera our yacht tour colleagues will benefit from these enhancements.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sailrivierasandiego.com
- Instagram: @sail_riviera_sandiego
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.sailrivierasandiego
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RARYU-dP7U
Image Credits
Paul Barnett Photography
