Take to the seas for a nautical meeting aboard Hornblower yachts.

With the largest fleet of luxury dining and entertainment yachts in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties, Hornblower Cruises & Events has the most unique alternative for meeting and event planners--an event aboard a beautiful yacht cruising a scenic California waterway. Imagine your next meeting or business presentation being held aboard a spacious and elegantly appointed yacht instead of a banquet room. No matter the occasion, this floating venue will yield a positive response from attendees and guests.

Hornblower offers the widest variety of charter vessels. From intimate groups of 10 or 20 to large galas for 750 guests, Hornblower has an ideal yacht for your group size and event needs.

The Wild Goose, former yacht of John Wayne, is the flagship of Hornblower's Orange County fleet. This historical yacht features numerous staterooms, two bars, a full galley and an upper deck for up to 150 guests. Truly an Orange County landmark, the Wild Goose reflects The Duke's rugged, yet comforting image.

The historic Zumbrota, built in 1918 for Charles Ringling of Ringling Brothers Circus, is a blend of rich teak and polished brass. Certified for up to 150 passengers, Zumbrota has been home to famed celebrities and personalities for almost 100 years.

In Marina del Rey, the newly remodeled Celebration provides a dynamic setting for up to 150 guests. The lower deck lounge is complete with sofas, club chairs and provides a great cocktail space. The upper dining deck offers comfortable dining space for up to 100 seated guests.

The Lord Hornblower leads Hornblower's San Diego fleet. Built by Hornblower, the Lord, with its turn-of-the-century steamship design, is the largest charter yacht in Southern California, accommodating 750 guests. She can host separate charter groups simultaneously on each of her three decks, or provide single-event capacity for large conferences or celebrations.

The Emerald Hornblower is a jewel in the San Diego fleet that has just undergone a beautiful remodel including the installation of a convertible sun roof which opens over the large dance area so up to 150 guests can enjoy sun or stars.

Big or small, modern or classic, Hornblower features more than 24 yachts in Southern California. From a classic wooden steamer to contemporary skipperliner, Hornblower has the perfect climate-controlled yacht with comfortable salons and plenty of deck space for guests to enjoy the fantastic Southern California sights and weather.

When it comes to planning your event, the immediate benefit of moving your event to a yacht will be improved attendance. People rarely turn down an event on a yacht. That mandatory meeting once seen as an inconvenience is suddenly a noteworthy reward. For business people traveling from other parts of the country, an event on the water is a powerful draw. Instead of trying to figure out when they can skip out to see the local sights, your attendees will be treated to a continuous change of scenery while your meeting takes place. There are no phones or other interruptions on a yacht. Once your event is under way, you'll have a captive audience that is relaxed and refreshed--and no one will try to duck out at lunch.

The surprising element of holding an event aboard a Hornblower yacht is the reasonable cost. A meeting on the water often prices out about the same as those held in conventional hotel meeting rooms. Another benefit is the ability to accommodate large groups that may seem destined for a "land-locked" banquet room. Hornblower can host groups up to 750 guests on one vessel. Even for larger groups, the charter option provides a different and exciting solution to your event planning needs.

Many business people are surprised at the quality of food onboard today's charter yachts. From a simple breakfast to an exquisite four-course dinner, Hornblower offers plenty of options to suit your menu preferences. You will always find crisp linen, polished sliver and fine china on every table while menu choices are prepared fresh onboard by skillfully trained executive chefs. Our nautically attired stewards attend to your guests' needs while you are treated to breathtaking vistas of a?? California harbor and magnificent sunsets you can only find on the water.

Now what would at first seem to be the greatest drawback of this type of event, seasickness, isn't a problem. Hornblower cruises the calm waterways of Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, Long Beach and San Diego harbors. Plus, Southern California's moderate climate practically guarantees fair weather. For any foul weather, all Hornblower yachts have climate-controlled decks for added year-round comfort. Whether it's a beautiful California afternoon or a rare chilly day, your guests will be comfortable inside their climate controlled charter vessel.

Hornblower knows that planning an event can be an enormous undertaking and its staff of professional event planners makes sure that your event is handled and executed flawlessly. They can take care of every detail imaginable: special menu and dietary requests, decorations, audio and video needs, entertainment, customized souvenirs, floral arrangements, photography--even transportation. Hornblower's "all inclusive" planning process allows you to put an event together easily, thoroughly and successfully.

Of course, for groups that don't require a private yacht, Hornblower offers public dinner dance cruises and Sunday Champagne brunch cruises in Newport Beach, San Diego and Marina del Rey. Each cruise is a blend of imaginative cuisine, pampered service and great views. San Diego also offers daffy bay tours and seasonal whale watch adventures.

Since 1980, Hornblower has been exceeding expectations with uncompromising quality and award-winning service. An event on a Hornblower yacht is guaranteed to provide a great turnout and create lasting memories for attendees. Cruising is a great way to show appreciation and spend valuable time with customers, colleagues and employees. So make your next event a nautical affair and host your next meeting, team building, conference, training session or party aboard a Hornblower yacht!

For more information call [phone] or visit www.hornblower.com.