White vintage yacht cruising on calm water near a tree-lined shore at sunset with people standing on the deck.

Where moments become
part of your legacy

Private yacht experiences in Washington DC for life’s most meaningful celebrations.

Welcome aboard

Set between the city’s storied waterways and the charm of vintage Americana, Nautiste designs extraordinary experiences aboard beautifully restored heritage yachts.

We help hosts gather their favourite people for unforgettable gatherings on the water. With a dedicated crew and concierge-style planning, Nautiste handles every detail – so you can be fully present in the moment.

Three women sitting on a yacht deck holding wine glasses and smiling during sunset.

What are you celebrating?

Gourmet charcuterie board with assorted cheeses, nuts, fruits, and a decorative vegetable rose on a wooden table.

Corporate Dinners & Client Entertainment

Host VIP clients during conferences, thank your team or create space for meaningful conversation in a setting that signals intention and respect.

Five women seated around a wooden table on a boat, toasting with drinks at sunset over water.

Family Gatherings
‍

Whether it’s a reunion, a special visitor in town, or simply a rare evening with everyone in the same place, Nautiste creates a setting where family can slow down and savor the moment.

Close-up of a couple holding textured wine glasses filled with white wine while sitting together.

Conference-
Adjacent Events

Step away from the convention center and into something remarkable. Your guests will remember the care, the ambience and the feeling of being part of something special.

Two people embracing at the bow of a boat on a river with a cityscape and Washington Monument in the background.

Anniversaries & Romantic Celebrations

Mark your story with an evening that feels both intentional and intimate – the perfect backdrop for reflecting and celebrating your next chapter together.

White yacht deck with cushioned seating and blue-gray pillows beside calm water under a cloudy sky.

Leadership Retreats & YPO Forums

Curated cuisine, flexible layouts and impeccable discretion offers the perfect backdrop for groups who understand the value of investing in memorable shared experiences.

Three people sitting and smiling around a decorated wooden table on a boat with city buildings and water in the background.

Milestone Birthdays

Curated cuisine, flexible layouts and impeccable discretion offers the perfect backdrop for groups who understand the value of investing in memorable shared experiences.

Three small dishes of seafood appetizers with a lemon wedge on a white tray, set on a woven placemat by a wooden table near the ocean.

Intimate Dinners

Enjoy a private chef-driven dining experience on the water – elegant and unhurried, with curated wine pairings and thoughtful presentation.

Two women in elegant wedding dresses holding hands and smiling on a yacht with water and trees in the background.

Special Moments &
One-of-a-Kind Occasions

Whether it’s a proposal, retirement or graduation, Nautiste creates a timeless setting where the moment becomes part of your story.

Corporate Dinners & Client Entertainment

Host VIP clients during conferences, thank your team or create space for meaningful conversation in a setting that signals intention and respect.

Family Gatherings
‍

Whether it’s a reunion, a special visitor in town, or simply a rare evening with everyone in the same place, Nautiste creates a setting where family can slow down and savor the moment.

Conference-
Adjacent Events

Step away from the convention center and into something remarkable. Your guests will remember the care, the ambience and the feeling of being part of something special.

Anniversaries & Romantic Celebrations

Mark your story with an evening that feels both intentional and intimate – the perfect backdrop for reflecting and celebrating your next chapter together.

Leadership Retreats & YPO Forums

Curated cuisine, flexible layouts and impeccable discretion offers the perfect backdrop for groups who understand the value of investing in memorable shared experiences.

Milestone Birthdays

Curated cuisine, flexible layouts and impeccable discretion offers the perfect backdrop for groups who understand the value of investing in memorable shared experiences.

Intimate Dinners

Enjoy a private chef-driven dining experience on the water – elegant and unhurried, with curated wine pairings and thoughtful presentation.

Special Moments &
One-of-a-Kind Occasions

Whether it’s a proposal, retirement or graduation, Nautiste creates a timeless setting where the moment becomes part of your story.

Gourmet charcuterie board with assorted cheeses, nuts, figs, cherry tomatoes, and flower-shaped vegetable garnish on a wooden tray.

Corporate Dinners & Client Entertainment

Host VIP clients during conferences, thank your team or create space for meaningful conversation in a setting that signals intention and respect.

Group of five women toasting with glasses around a candlelit dining table on a boat at sunset over water.

Family Gatherings

Whether it’s a reunion, a special visitor in town, or simply a rare evening with everyone in the same place, Nautiste creates a setting where family can slow down and savor the moment.

Man and woman sitting close together holding intricate patterned wine glasses with white wine.

Conference-
Adjacent Events

Step away from the convention center and into something remarkable. Your guests will remember the care, the ambience and the feeling of being part of something special.

Two people embracing on the bow of a boat looking out over a river with a bridge and city buildings, including the Washington Monument, in the background.

Anniversaries & Romantic Celebrations

Mark your story with an evening that feels both intentional and intimate – the perfect backdrop for reflecting and celebrating your next chapter together.

Leadership Retreats & YPO Forums

Curated cuisine, flexible layouts and impeccable discretion offers the perfect backdrop for groups who understand the value of investing in memorable shared experiences.

Milestone Birthdays

Curated cuisine, flexible layouts and impeccable discretion offers the perfect backdrop for groups who understand the value of investing in memorable shared experiences.

Intimate Dinners

Enjoy a private chef-driven dining experience on the water – elegant and unhurried, with curated wine pairings and thoughtful presentation.

Two women in elegant dresses holding hands and smiling on a yacht with a river and trees in the background.

Special Moments &
One-of-a-Kind Occasions

Whether it’s a proposal, retirement or graduation, Nautiste creates a timeless setting where the moment becomes part of your story.

At Nautiste, every experience begins with your occasion.

Begin your enquiry

Two people clinking Champagne glasses with three smiling individuals blurred in the background.

Wooden platter with assorted cheeses, dried fruits, cherry tomatoes, and a rose-shaped garnish on a table in a softly lit room.

Explore our vessels

Your venue on the water.

Each Nautiste experience unfolds aboard a classically designed, North-American vintage vessel – each with its own character, history and charm.

View of a vintage yacht’s deck with cushioned seating and blue striped pillows overlooking calm water.

Meet Patriot

Mid-Century Modern in Motion

A 72’ custom Burger motor yacht with polished mahogany, gleaming brass and generous space above and below deck. Perfect for chef-led dining, golden hour celebrations, dockside receptions and VIP itineraries.

Explore Patriot

Meet Independence

A New England Classic, Made Modern.

A 42’ Downeast-style hybrid-electric motor yacht designed for intimate, quiet-luxury dining.
Ideal for table-side service, intimate milestones and slow-paced cruising along Monuments Row.

Explore Independence

Green and wood vintage yacht cruising on a river with the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument in the background.

View from a boat's bow with metal railing looking out over water towards a marina with docked boats and waterfront houses under a clear sky.

Coming soon: FrancEs

Your new favorite friend in Annapolis

Moments remembered long after the evening ends

“I recently had an incredible experience with Nautiste, and I must say, working with Hannah was a breeze!”

1/4

“She was not only responsive and flexible with the total price but also attentive to the vibe I was aiming for. We sailed on the Patriot, a stunning yacht that left everyone in awe. The crew was top-notch, ensuring that food and drinks were constantly flowing, and the views were nothing short of breathtaking. Hannah also arranged for an amazing photographer who perfectly captured our special moments, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience. The whole event was seamless and exceeded all expectations. I highly recommend this company for any event. They truly know how to create unforgettable memories!”

Chetna

“I recently had an incredible experience with Nautiste, and I must say, working with Hannah was a breeze!”

“She was not only responsive and flexible with the total price but also attentive to the vibe I was aiming for. We sailed on the Patriot, a stunning yacht that left everyone in awe. The crew was top-notch, ensuring that food and drinks were constantly flowing, and the views were nothing short of breathtaking. Hannah also arranged for an amazing photographer who perfectly captured our special moments, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience. The whole event was seamless and exceeded all expectations. I highly recommend this company for any event. They truly know how to create unforgettable memories!”

Chetna

1/5

“We booked this for our wedding day, and it was a great cruise around DC, which served as a nice break between our ceremony and our reception.”

2/4

“The crew was highly professional, attentive, and made sure all of our guests were very comfortable. We had numerous questions before the trip, to plan for food, drinks, seating, and Nautiste was highly responsive and informative. The ship itself was beautiful, too. I highly recommend Nautiste for a lovely day out on the water.”

Stephen

“We booked this for our wedding day, and it was a great cruise around DC, which served as a nice break between our ceremony and our reception.”

“The crew was highly professional, attentive, and made sure all of our guests were very comfortable. We had numerous questions before the trip, to plan for food, drinks, seating, and Nautiste was highly responsive and informative. The ship itself was beautiful, too. I highly recommend Nautiste for a lovely day out on the water.”

Stephen

2/5

“We previously booked Nautiste for our daughter’s prom and graduation and she and her boyfriend had an amazing experience.”

3/4

“Because of that experience, we recently had Nautiste help us celebrate my parent’s 95th and 90th birthdays. Hannah was very responsive and helpful explaining every aspect of what to expect, what our options for boats and dining were, and accommodated all of our needs. She, Sam, Captain John, and Chef Troy made the experience one of a lifetime and helped fulfill a dream of my parents to do a dinner cruise on a river. We highly recommend Nautiste to make your event a memorable one!”

Peter

“We previously booked Nautiste for our daughter’s prom and graduation and she and her boyfriend had an amazing experience.”

“Because of that experience, we recently had Nautiste help us celebrate my parent’s 95th and 90th birthdays. Hannah was very responsive and helpful explaining every aspect of what to expect, what our options for boats and dining were, and accommodated all of our needs. She, Sam, Captain John, and Chef Troy made the experience one of a lifetime and helped fulfill a dream of my parents to do a dinner cruise on a river. We highly recommend Nautiste to make your event a memorable one!”

Peter

3/5

“Nautiste and its cruise experience is a gem hidden in Washington, DC. We celebrated our wedding in a small evening cruise onboard the Patriot and it was an incredibly beautiful event. Our guests LOVED the entire experience and so did we!!”

4/4

“The fleet is a beautiful and chic boat, we had gorgeous weather and an evening with fireworks so it made for a memorable evening. Hannah and her team are very professional and were willing to listen to our wishlist and make it a reality. Their customer service is excellent, the food was very good, a real fine-dining experience. Hannah and her team made sure we keep unforgettable memories of our wedding. Our guests are still wondering how they missed such an experience in the past! We highly recommend for any special event, a great experience!”

Hasna

“Nautiste and its cruise experience is a gem hidden in Washington, DC. We celebrated our wedding in a small evening cruise onboard the Patriot and it was an incredibly beautiful event. Our guests LOVED the entire experience and so did we!!”

“The fleet is a beautiful and chic boat, we had gorgeous weather and an evening with fireworks so it made for a memorable evening. Hannah and her team are very professional and were willing to listen to our wishlist and make it a reality. Their customer service is excellent, the food was very good, a real fine-dining experience. Hannah and her team made sure we keep unforgettable memories of our wedding. Our guests are still wondering how they missed such an experience in the past! We highly recommend for any special event, a great experience!”

Hasna

4/5

What sets us apart?

Bride and groom embracing and smiling at each other on a boat with water in the background.

JULIANA WALL PHOTOGRAPHY

01

Because some occasions deserve more.

Our heritage vessels carry stories in every line, finish and detail. Patriot and Independence offer an atmosphere that feels intentional and timeless. When you host aboard a classic yacht, your gathering becomes part of a legacy that has been decades in the making.

02

Because we believe hosting is an act of care.

The heart of Nautiste is thoughtful anticipatory service. From your first inquiry to the final farewell, every touchpoint is designed with clarity and sincerity so you can focus on the people you’re celebrating, not the logistics behind the scenes.

Tray of seafood including crab claws, mussels, lemon wedges, and greens being served on a wooden table.

03

Because cuisine is integral to the experience.

In partnership with Michelin-recognized Chef Troy Knapp of CURATED by TPK, each culinary experience is shaped with intention. Menus are designed for the water, wine selections are purposeful, and presentation is guided by craft. The food is part of the story.

04

Because legacy matters – to our vessels and our environment.

We operate out of respect for the water we float on. We preserve and steward classic American-built yachts because craftsmanship should be honoured. We invest in thoughtful environmental practices, including hybrid-electric cruising aboard Independence, to reduce noise, wake and impact on the water.

Vintage wooden yacht on water with the Washington Monument and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.

Man helping woman step onto a wooden yacht docked at a marina with two women walking in the background.

05

Because safety and service are foundational to everything we do.

Our approach combines experienced captains, discreet crew and service protocols shaped by Forbes 5-star standards. We consider mobility, comfort and emotional ease as carefully as we consider the itinerary, ensuring every guest feels cared for from the moment they arrive.

The difference is in the details.

Begin your enquiry

A group of people socializing on a boat deck with yachts and calm water in the background during sunset.

A man and a woman clinking Champagne glasses while seated at a table on a yachts alfresco cockpit in the evening dusk.

Meet Hannah

Our founder & captain.

Hannah Puckett is a USCG-credentialed captain, creative director and experience designer with more than 15,000 nautical miles under her belt. With a background in anthropology, hospitality and product design, she brings a rare blend of care and craft to every celebration hosted aboard Nautiste.

Smiling woman in white sleeveless top and gray pants talking outdoors with two blurred people in foreground.

Her philosophy is simple: some of life’s most meaningful moments aren’t promised – so the ones we’re given should be celebrated with intention, beauty and generosity.

Our partners

We’re proud to collaborate with celebrated chefs, hospitality professionals, captains and local partners who share our commitment to quality and care – including Michelin-star-awarded Chef Troy Knapp of CURATED by TPK and Chef Ria Montes of the celebrated Wharf establishment, FISH SHOP DC.