June 16, 2026
In Memory of
Suzanne “Sue” Regina Ewing
A private ash scattering ceremony aboard JADA on San Diego Bay.
The Ceremony
What happens on the water
The time on the water belongs entirely to your family. JADA and her crew are there to hold the space.
Once JADA clears the harbor and reaches open water, the captain sails to the scattering site — at least three nautical miles offshore, as required by U.S. Coast Guard regulations. When we arrive, the sails ease and JADA holds position. What happens next is yours: words, music, silence, flowers — whatever your family needs. There is no schedule.
When the family is ready, Suzanne's ashes — and any flower petals or tributes you bring — are released to the sea. The captain then sails JADA in a figure-eight around the site, a traditional maritime gesture that circles the place of rest twice before returning to open water.
When the ceremony is complete, the captain rings eight bells. In the U.S. Navy and across maritime tradition, eight bells signals the end of watch — the close of a duty. Here, it closes the ceremony and honors the life that Suzanne lived.
Before you disembark, the captain will prepare a signed certificate bearing the exact GPS coordinates of the release. Your family will always know where Suzanne rests.
Day of the Ceremony
Getting to JADA
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego CA 92101
Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.
Parking
Self-park at the Sheraton. Standard rate is $50 — our crew will provide a parking voucher that brings it down to $15. Have your parking ticket ready when you leave.
Finding your crew
- 1Enter the Sheraton lobby and walk straight through to the back.
- 2Take the stairs down to the marina level.
- 3Turn right and walk past the firepits.
- 4Look for the comically oversized white beach chair — you can't miss it.
- 5Your crew will be waiting there to greet you and walk you down to the dock.
What to Expect
Day-of details
| Dress | Comfortable and casual. Bring a layer — it cools down on the water, even in summer. |
| Shoes | Flat-soled shoes. Hard heels can mark the teak deck. |
| Food & Drink | Bring your own — no corkage fee, no catering minimums. Coolers are welcome aboard. See recommended vendors below. |
| Flowers | Wreaths, loose petals, or any tribute you wish to scatter alongside the ashes. |
| Music | Bluetooth speakers are aboard. Bring your own playlist — connect and go. Favorite songs are welcome. |
| Safety | Life jackets, first aid, and flares are provided. Coast Guard compliant. |
| Weather | JADA sails in most conditions. The captain makes the final call day-of. If the captain cancels for weather or safety, you receive a full refund — including your deposit. |
Seating is arranged around the rail so passengers face outward — open water and sky in every direction. The crew circulates throughout so no one has to go below during the ceremony. Cushioned seating is available for elderly guests. Blankets are on hand if the afternoon turns cool.
About JADA
Nearly nine decades of sailing tradition
"She was launched in 1938 — and the water she sails today is the same water she has always known."
| Built | June 5, 1938 — Stephens Brothers Boatyard, Stockton CA |
| Length | 65 feet |
| Rig | Classic yawl, converted 1955 |
| Capacity | 28 passengers |
| Home Port | Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, 1380 Harbor Island Drive |
JADA was launched June 5, 1938. In the decades that followed, her decks hosted Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Errol Flynn, John Wayne, and Marlon Brando. She is now berthed at Harbor Island, where she carries San Diego families through their most significant moments on the water. She is the only classic sailing yacht offering memorial services in San Diego Bay.
Recommended Provisioners
If you'd like to bring food or drink aboard
Italian Deli & Catering
Mona Lisa Italian Foods — Little Italy
2061 India St, San Diego · (619) 234-4893
Cheese & Charcuterie
The Cheese Shop — La Jolla Shores
2165 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla · (858) 459-3921
Smallgoods Cheese Shop & Cafe — La Jolla
7524 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla · (858) 886-7217
Full-Service Catering
Solare Ristorante — Liberty Station
2820 Roosevelt Rd, San Diego · (619) 270-9670
Puesto — The Headquarters
789 W Harbor Dr · (858) 788-3974
Beverages
BevMo! — Point Loma
3210 Rosecrans Pl, San Diego · (619) 221-8062
Gianni Buonomo Vintners — Midway District
3492 Pickett St, San Diego · (619) 991-9911
Your Photos
Share photos from Suzanne's ceremony
After the ceremony, you and your family are welcome to upload photos to this page. If you have an event code from your confirmation email, your photos go live instantly. Without a code, they'll be reviewed by JADA's crew first.
Drag photos here, or tap to select
Questions
We are here for your family
Call, text, or email any time.
