Only in Los Angeles can a boat be the star of a party – but in this case – it is well worth the notice.  Over the weekend, Pacific Adventures announced the grand opening of their newest boat with an exciting opportunity to get on board the Catalina Adventure.

Why the hoopla over a boat?  If any of you have ever taken a ferry to Catalina Island, you quickly remember the belching diesel and the agonizing time to get there; let alone making your way to Long Beach to catch one of the many boats – which were no more than a glorified Greyhound Bus on the water.

Now, owner, Kenny Lawrence has leapt passed the notion of day sailing with the new Catalina Adventure, a HYSUCAT hydrofoil-assisted catamaran.  The advantages were immediately noticeable.  The speed and acceleration, which will allow you to get to Catalina in less than 90 minutes, is arresting and lets you know that this boat is not for the temperate and lumbering sailor.  In addition, for the green-travelers, the catamaran technology reduces the sailing carbon footprint from the other carriers by being more efficient and lower fuel consumption.

Once onboard you are met with an elegant style and décor. The seats are deeply padded with private and community tables.  The bar is centrally located with a wide screen television monitor with GPS tracking of your short hop to Catalina.  Saturday night, guests were treated to free margaritas courtesy of Casa Noble Tequila.  Regular cruises will include a full bar with snacks.

There are plenty of captain chairs that recline for additional comfort.  The décor is neat, clean and elegant with touches of real wood trim.  Even with a full boat of party revelers on Saturday night, you never felt crowded or cramped and it was remarkably easy to navigate the many featured sitting areas.  The front deck is equipped with padded bleachers giving everyone a comfortable and unencumbered view.  The top deck was much quieter (builder Randy LeCompte stated that the double engine insulation enables the quieter ride) and is covered for those wanting relief from the sun.

One of the real advantages of the Catalina Adventure catamaran is the exclusive private lounge behind the helm that seats 20 passengers.  Included with the privacy, passengers will enjoy their own wet bar, refrigerator and restroom.

Once under way, the lights of the marina reflecting off the water quickly set the mood.  When we cleared the marina, Captain Kenny Lawrence, opened up the throttle to let you feel the speed and power.  As we sped north from Marina Del Rey to the Santa Monica Harbor, you were treated to a rare view of Santa Monica from the ocean with the pier jutting out into the darkness; twinkling lights dominated by the ever present ferris wheel.

Racing across the water, you begin to physically feel the advantages of the catamaran.  Instead of the sickening rolling motion of the larger ferries or the slamming of the craft against the water battling the waves, the Catalina Adventure was smooth and steady cutting across the Pacific Ocean.  Our cruise ended with a fantastic meandering through the marina with a magical fireworks show off the Venice pier.

Catalina has always been a fantastic destination for travelers and tourists in Southern California.  However, you could spend more time getting there and back than enjoying the destination.  Catalina Adventures will get you there quicker and more comfortably and will be memorable for their service and style.

Charters are available now with daily services between Marina Del Rey and Catalina to begin shortly.

PHOTOS By Lori Grant & Catalina Adventures