Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Lincoln of Bluebill Charters.
Hi Christopher, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2020, my two business partners and I took a leap of faith—we bought a 49 foot sportfishing yacht “Bluebill” in Long Beach with no prior “big” boat experience. Our goal was simply to fish and explore, so we took the boat to Catalina without knowing much about how to navigate or operate it and after a few hiccups eventually got the boat back to San Diego.
Over the next few years, we learned a lot, not just about boating but also about the kind of adventures and experiences people were looking for. By 2025, we decided to turn our passion for boating into a business. That’s when we founded Bluebill Charters, with the vision of offering memorable charter experiences.
It’s been quite a journey as what started as a personal adventure has evolved into a full-fledged startup business. Along the way, we’ve built up a lot of knowledge, learned from our mistakes, and developed a genuine passion for sharing the beauty of the ocean with others. And now, here we are today, excited about the future of Bluebill Charters!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest struggles we faced was dealing with major mechanical issues with the boat. It felt like just when we got one problem fixed, another would come up. It really tested our patience and our ability to stay on top of everything. There were times when we had to make tough decisions about repairs and maintenance, which delayed our plans but also taught us a lot about boat management.
Another significant challenge was the long and complex process of getting the proper approvals to operate as a boat charter business in San Diego. There were so many regulations and requirements to navigate. It felt like an endless loop of paperwork, inspections, and waiting for approvals. But through all of that, we stayed focused on our goal of making Bluebill Charters a reality.
Despite these struggles, each challenge strengthened our resolve and made the success we’ve had so far that much more rewarding.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
When I’m not cruising around on the pacific ocean, my day job is in forensic accounting, where I specialize in analyzing financial records and investigating discrepancies, which requires a lot of attention to detail and problem-solving. While that’s my profession, my true passion has always been the ocean, and that’s what led to the creation of Bluebill Charters.
What I do for Bluebill is really a blend of both worlds. I bring my skills from a consulting and advisory background—like organization, analytical thinking, and a keen eye for detail—into running the business. My partners also bring their own unique skill sets, and together we’ve created a smooth, professional, and high-quality charter experience.
What sets Bluebill Charters apart is that we bring a level of professionalism and bespoke creativity to the charter business that you might not see elsewhere. We operate with the same attention to detail and commitment to client service that we apply in our other careers. We want every guest to have an unforgettable experience on the water, and that comes from our dedication to making sure everything runs smoothly, from the booking process to the safety and enjoyment of each charter.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is creating memorable experiences for people and fostering a deep connection with the ocean. I believe in offering others the chance to escape, relax, and appreciate nature, while also ensuring everything we do is done with integrity and attention to detail.
Pricing:
- Bay Cruises start at $300 per hour
- Fishing Trips start at $1600 per day
- We offer bespoke cruises such as sushi or charcutier catering, corporate events, and sunrise yoga.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bluebillcharters.com
- Instagram: @sd_bluebill
- Facebook: Bluebill Charters
