Marina del Rey — For boaters up and down the Southern California coast, Naos Yachts has become a name to remember, a place not just for buying boats but for connecting with the sea, improving skills, and enjoying boating without all the usual hassles. Located at 13555 Fiji Way in Marina del Rey, Naos has built a full spectrum of services: a dealership, charter fleet, sailing school, boat club, and more.
At its core, Naos Yachts combines high-quality boats and access with opportunities for sailors of all experience levels. Their fleet includes new models of Beneteau sailboats, Lagoon catamarans, and well-maintained powerboats. Many boats are young (most under two years old) and equipped with modern gear, which means boaters don’t have to worry about outdated or poorly kept equipment.
As Anne-Cécile Devanneaux, general manager of Naos Yachts, explained, “Naos Yachts proudly represents top-tier boat brands, including Beneteau and Lagoon. Our team of experienced sailors and racers is dedicated to providing expert guidance to help you make the perfect boat purchase. As the premier destination for all things boating and sailing in Los Angeles, Naos Yachts offers a fleet of 16 charter boats, all less than three years old. We provide both sailing and powerboat classes on the latest Beneteau and Lagoon models, equipped with the latest electronic technology. Classes are guaranteed to run as scheduled, even with just one student enrolled, unless weather conditions become too severe for safe sailing.”
But Naos isn’t just a dealer. Their American Sailing Association (ASA) certified school offers a full ladder of certifications for those wanting to learn: from basic keelboat sailing to coastal cruising, bareboat cruising, navigation, and even catamaran handling. For people who want to get more comfortable on the water — whether they dream of weekend sails, longer voyages, or simply being safer and more self-sufficient — those courses are a big plus.
Another compelling service is their sailing club and “SailTime” membership programs, which let members access a dedicated boat without the traditional burdens of ownership. There’s no need to worry about maintenance, insurance, or expensive slip fees — in many cases those are covered by the club. Boaters get reserved sailing slots, opportunities for spontaneous sails, guest privileges, and community events. Devanneaux said this model is central to Naos’s mission.
“The Naos Yachts Club is our way of making boating more accessible and affordable,” she explained. “With a one-year membership, you’ll enjoy free activities like monthly daysails, summer sunset sails, and the chance to participate in local races. Members also receive discounted rates on charters and boating classes. Our charter options range from quick 3-hour outings to multi-day adventures, featuring everything from our budget-friendly Beneteau First 22 to the stunning Lagoon 42 catamaran and the luxurious 51-foot Beneteau Oceanis.”
For Southern California boaters, these programs provide several concrete benefits. First, they lower the barrier to entry. If you’re curious about sailing but reluctant to buy a boat, or you want to get better with the helm before committing, you can do that here. Second, for people who do own boats, Naos’s training and service offerings provide chances for continuing education — better seamanship, navigation, docking, and safety. Third, the club model allows for more flexible use of boats. No long-term upkeep, no expensive slip ownership; rather, you pay for what you use, which can be more affordable.
The feedback, according to Devanneaux, reflects just how much this approach resonates. “Our customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of our boats and the professionalism of our entire team — from the front office staff to our expert instructors,” she said. “We pride ourselves on our flexibility, offering customized programs designed to meet each customer’s unique needs.”
Naos also plays a role in growing the boating community. Through lessons, public charters, and club events, they introduce sailing and boating to new people whom might never have tried it otherwise. That helps strengthen safety culture, better practices, and an informed boating population — for everyone on the water.
Devanneaux emphasized the importance of pushing people to look beyond the docks: “Through our club offerings, we aim to inspire more people to experience the joys of sailing and spending time on the water — beyond just riding a Duffy boat inside the marina. There’s a whole world to explore outside the breakwall! With the growing number of visitors in Marina del Rey, we hope to introduce them to the excitement of sailing and convert their curiosity into real on-water experiences.”
Of course, there are trade-offs. Membership costs, scheduling availability, and sometimes waiting lists come into play. Boaters used to complete ownership may miss the liberties and options that full ownership provides. But for many, the benefits — lower overhead, less worry about maintenance, more predictable costs — outweigh those downsides.
Looking to the future, Naos aims to grow its role in racing. “We want to increase our participation into the local races; we have the boats and the knowledge — we can teach!” said Devanneaux.
In all, Naos Yachts is more than a marina-side business; it’s become a hub for sailing, training, and boating innovation in the region. For anyone in Southern California curious about sailing, wanting to learn more, or seeking a less burdensome way to enjoy boats, Naos offers a strong case. Marina del Rey isn’t just a place to dock. It’s a place to learn, connect, and sail.
For more information, please visit naosyachts.com.
