A New Wave of Luxury Entertainment on the Water
Summer in San Diego may be winding down for some, but for locals who know the city’s rhythm, the season is just beginning. As the ocean breeze cools the evening air and the golden sun dips toward the horizon, a new and rare experience is ready to set sail. Nerissa Sounds, a live music cruise series hosted aboard the stunning 73-foot luxury motor yacht Nerissa, is about to redefine how San Diego enjoys music, dining, and the sea.
For the founders, husband-and-wife team Shari and Amos Zolna, this is no ordinary event. It is the realization of a dream that began when they first purchased Nerissa in 2018. Since then, they have poured their hearts into restoring and customizing her for exceptional charter experiences. Now, with Nerissa Sounds, they are opening her deck to an entirely new kind of evening on the water — one that blends intimate live performances with the romance of San Diego Bay.
The Inspiration Behind the Series
The idea for Nerissa Sounds was born out of the Zolnas’ shared love for both music and the ocean. “When we restored Nerissa, we knew the aft deck had something special,” Shari recalls. “It was practically built for live music. We wanted something that felt like a secret concert at sea — an event where every guest feels like they are part of something unique.”
San Diego has no shortage of grand-scale events and concerts, but the couple saw an opportunity to offer something more personal. By limiting each cruise to just 49 guests, Nerissa Sounds creates a setting where music lovers can connect directly with the performers, the crew, and the surrounding beauty of the bay. It is not just a night out — it is an experience that lingers in memory.
The Debut Evening
The inaugural sailing will take place Friday, August 15, from 7 to 9 pm, setting the tone for the series with a performance by San Diego Music Awards-nominated saxophonist Charlie Arbelaez. Known for his soulful, high-energy style, Arbelaez will lead a four-piece Latin jazz ensemble, delivering rhythms that pair perfectly with the motion of the water and the warm glow of sunset.
Guests will be welcomed aboard with a Champagne toast before enjoying a curated coastal dinner menu prepared by chef Joann Stabile. The buffet-style dining will feature fresh, locally inspired dishes designed to complement the ocean setting. As music fills the air and glasses clink, the yacht will glide past iconic San Diego views — from the city skyline to the gentle silhouettes of Point Loma. A full cash bar will be available for those who wish to extend the celebration with handcrafted cocktails or fine wine.
Upcoming Cruise Experiences
While the debut focuses on an evening of Latin jazz, Nerissa Sounds will also explore other musical moods in its upcoming sailings. Guests can choose from brunch or evening options, each with its own curated menu and live performance.
Sunday, August 31 – Brunch Cruise
Friday, September 12 – Evening Cruise
Sunday, September 21 – Brunch Cruise
The brunch sailings offer a more leisurely daytime experience, with sunlight dancing across the water and a menu designed for relaxed indulgence. The evening cruises are all about romance, sophistication, and the magic of live music under the stars.
Why This Experience Stands Apart
Luxury yacht charters are not new to San Diego, but Nerissa Sounds adds an entirely different layer of allure. The combination of live, locally sourced music, fine coastal cuisine, and an intimate guest list creates a sense of exclusivity that even the most discerning travelers will appreciate.
For music enthusiasts, the opportunity to hear award-nominated and emerging local artists in such a close setting is a rare treat. For food lovers, the carefully considered menus highlight fresh ingredients and thoughtful pairings. And for those who simply want to immerse themselves in the beauty of San Diego Bay, there is no better vantage point than Nerissa’s decks at golden hour.
The Vessel Behind the Experience
Nerissa herself is a masterpiece of maritime elegance. At 73 feet, she offers ample space for dining, lounging, and dancing, yet her design still allows for an intimate atmosphere. The Zolnas’ attention to detail is evident in every element, from the polished woodwork to the comfort of the seating arrangements. The aft deck — the heart of the Nerissa Sounds performances — offers unobstructed views, allowing guests to feel fully surrounded by the beauty of the bay.
Owned and operated by Zolna Yachts, Nerissa has built a reputation for exceptional service and seamless experiences. Their crew’s attentiveness ensures that every guest feels cared for without the formality that can sometimes accompany high-end events. The result is a perfect balance of elegance and ease.
How to Secure a Spot
With a maximum of only 49 guests per sailing, tickets for Nerissa Sounds are expected to sell quickly. Admission is priced at $185 per person, which includes the live performance, Champagne toast, curated buffet dinner, and breathtaking views. Tickets can be reserved through the official website at www.nerissasounds.com.
Whether you are a longtime San Diego local or a visitor seeking a one-of-a-kind coastal experience, Nerissa Sounds offers a way to see the city from an entirely new perspective — one that pairs the best of the region’s music, cuisine, and maritime beauty.
A Celebration of San Diego’s Coastal Spirit
Nerissa Sounds is more than an event series. It is a celebration of the things that make San Diego exceptional — its thriving arts scene, its world-class culinary talent, and its breathtaking natural beauty. By bringing all of these elements together aboard a luxury yacht, Shari and Amos Zolna have created something that feels both timeless and fresh.
As the music plays and the yacht cuts through the gentle evening waves, guests will find themselves not just watching the city pass by, but becoming part of a story unfolding on the water. For those who crave the finer things in life, this is an invitation to step aboard and be swept away.
(0) comments
We welcome your comments
Log In
Post a comment as Guest
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.