Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyride Boat Club.
Hi Joyride, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ready to hear how a casual coffee date turned into Savannah’s only eco-luxury waterway experience? Audra had recently moved from Southern California where she’d fallen in love with the laid-back luxury of electric boats in Newport Beach—you know, those perfect afternoons with friends, curated snacks, and zero boat noise ruining the vibe. Meanwhile, Allison had just taken the ultimate leap of faith, leaving her corporate legal career in Nashville to start fresh in Savannah with her husband and two pups. Fast forward to fall 2023. We’re sitting at Café Taureau (our neighborhood spot), and Audra drops this idea she’d been dreaming about for years: “What if we brought luxury electric boats to Savannah?” Growing up on Michigan’s waterways, Allison immediately got it. Here’s this gorgeous city with stunning marshes and winding creeks that most visitors never even experience beyond the trolley tours. The gap in the market was chef’s kiss obvious.
By May 2024, we’d launched Joyride Boat Club—two women with zero professional boat experience but a whole lot of determination, jumping into one of the most male-dominated industries out there. (Fun fact: women make up just 8.42% of boat operators in the US!) We welcomed our first guests that September with our sleek 22′ European-style electric boats that glide whisper-quiet through Savannah’s waterways.
Trust us, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. We’ve navigated some seriously choppy learning curves, but for every challenging moment, we’ve celebrated with our signature excessive high-fives and maybe a victory dance or two. The best part? We’re not just another tour company—we’re creating something totally different. Sophisticated but relaxed, exclusive but welcoming, and serving pure good vibes while connecting people to nature in the most sustainable way possible. Why choose between style and substance when you can have both?
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth sailing? In the boat business? Let’s be real—absolutely not! Picture this: You’re building a business model from literal square one in an industry where women make up less than 9% of operators. We’ve had to figure out everything—from creating a profit-sharing model that actually pays our captains what they deserve (revolutionary concept, right?) to mastering grassroots marketing with zero budget because, plot twist, starting a luxury boat charter isn’t exactly cheap.
The learning curve has been steeper than Savannah’s river bluffs. Boat ownership? Complex. Boat charter business ownership? Next-level complex. We’ve navigated everything from Coast Guard regulations to insurance nightmares to the fine art of explaining why electric boats are actually the future to people who’ve never seen one.
But here’s the thing—we both genuinely get excited by challenges. When obstacles pop up (and trust us, they always do), we see opportunities to think creatively and pivot. We don’t give up, and we’re passionate about learning everything we can.
Case in point: Launch day. Picture the scene—marina full of people watching these two women with their mysterious European electric boat that literally no one in coastal Georgia had ever seen before. We’re serving main character energy, ready for our debut moment… and the boat won’t move. The propeller was installed backwards! One tiny missed part, maximum embarrassment.
Everyone’s staring, we’re internally screaming, but our amazing marina staff jumped in to help us bring her back to dock. Yeah, we were disappointed, but we knew it had to be fixable. Next day? Successful launch with the confidence that comes from surviving your first emergency like absolute pros.
That’s the vibe we bring to every challenge—resilience with style.
We’ve been impressed with Joyride Boat Club, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We’re Joyride Boat Club—Savannah’s first luxury, 100% electric boat charter experience.
We specialize in creating those Instagram-worthy moments that actually feel as good as they look. Think sleek 22′ European-style electric boats that glide whisper-quiet through Savannah’s stunning waterways while you spot dolphins showing off and herons striking poses. Your hair stays perfect, your ‘fit stays fresh, and your soundtrack is whatever vibe you’re feeling (hello, Bluetooth speakers!).
What sets us apart? Literally everything. While everyone else is doing loud, gas-guzzling tours or serious fishing charters, we’re serving sophisticated-but-relaxed energy. Our boats accommodate up to eight guests with comfortable seating, a large center console perfect for your curated snacks and wine, and zero chance of motion sickness because we cruise calm, protected waters.
We’re known for our turnkey luxury experiences—from our signature Provisions Sunset Cruises with artisanal charcuterie and premium wines, to our picturesque brunch cruises featuring gourmet bites from local favorite Finches, and our afternoon tea experience with Sarandipity Fare—everything’s perfectly presented and waiting for you when you board. We even welcome your four-legged friends (up to 35 lbs with our pet fee, life jackets provided!).
What we’re most proud of brand-wise?
We’re women-owned and operated in a male-dominated industry, and we’re changing the game. We hire amazing captains—including talented women—and pay them what they deserve through our profit-sharing model. We partner exclusively with other women-owned businesses and support local nonprofits because lifting each other up isn’t just good business, it’s who we are.
But here’s what really gets us excited: We’re proving that luxury and sustainability aren’t just compatible—they’re the perfect match. Our 100% electric boats mean zero emissions, zero pollution, and zero noise disrupting the wildlife you’re there to see. It’s eco-conscious without being preachy, exclusive without being elitist.
Trust us—this isn’t just another boat ride. It’s the Savannah experience you didn’t know you needed.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Honestly? We could write a whole novel about the incredible humans who’ve made Joyride possible.
First up, Taryn Weston—our lead USCG Certified Captain who’s been with us since day one. She doesn’t just navigate our boats; she brings this amazing energy that makes every guest feel like they’re cruising with their most knowledgeable, fun friend. Our entire captain crew deserves major props: Ellie Duffy, Malcolm McDowell, and Dylan Ullery each bring their own expertise and passion for Savannah’s waterways, building guest confidence in our brand every single cruise.
Savannah Bend MarineMax Marina has been our home base and support system. Remember that backwards propeller disaster on launch day? Our marina family didn’t just help—they jumped into action like we were family, turning what could’ve been a business-ending moment into proof that we had the right support system.
Shoutout to Vision Marine Technologies for creating the gorgeous vessels that make our whole concept possible. These European-style electric boats aren’t just beautiful—they’re the foundation of everything we do.
Our local business partners have been absolute game-changers. Provisions Savannah, Finches Sandwiches & Sundries and Sarandipity Fare don’t just provide our catering—they’ve become collaborators in creating those perfectly curated experiences that make Joyride special. Working with fellow local businesses, especially women-owned ones, has been incredible for building authentic community connections.
Then there are our hotel and Airbnb partners—The Thompson Hotel, The Brice Hotel, Bosch Huis by the Sea, Hawkins House, Savannah Stays—who believed in our vision early and helped us reach guests looking for that elevated Savannah experience.
Good South created our brand identity that perfectly captures our modern, luxurious vibe—they truly understood our vision from day one.
The media and photography support has been unreal: Savannah Magazine, Stroll Ardsley Park, The Savannahian, Cobblestone & Moss, Square Twenty-Five, @Travelwith.DNA, By Bonnie Photography, David Monroe Photos, Sunny Lee Photography, Ruben Ramos of Savannah Fine Homes, and Strolling Savannah have all helped tell our story and showcase the beauty of what we’re creating.
But let’s be real—our guests have been our biggest advocates. Every five-star review, every social media share, every “you have to try this!” recommendation to friends has built our reputation one perfect cruise at a time.
Our husbands, Joel and Justin, deserve medals for supporting two entrepreneurs who decided to jump into one of the most male-dominated industries out there. Plus our pups—Pip, Pennie, Ziggy, and Ollie—and kids–Max & Maesie–for being the best office motivation ever.
It really does take a village to make waves!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joyrideboatclub.com
- Instagram: @joyrideboatclub
- Facebook: @joyrideboatclub
- Other: https://share.google/qPkbsS0wd6SCwQgEG
Image Credits
David Monroe Photos
Sunny Lee Photography
