From a single boat in 2019 to a full-service marine hospitality group redefining luxury on Lake Michigan.
Knot My Boat Charters was founded in 2019 with a simple goal: make boating in Chicago more accessible.
At the time, booking a charter often meant outdated websites, delayed responses, unclear pricing, and inconsistent service. We believed there was a better way.
Drawing from backgrounds in aquatics, event planning, and logistics, we set out to modernize the industry from the ground up. By introducing transparent pricing, click-to-book online bookings, automation, and a hospitality-first approach to customer service, we elevated the charter experience and made getting on the water easier than ever before.
Today, Knot My Boat Charters welcomes more than 50,000 guests each season across a fleet of 23 vessels operating from three marinas in Chicago. While the company has grown significantly, our mission remains unchanged: remove barriers to boating and deliver an experience that reflects the very best of Chicago hospitality.
This is boating, made simple.
Knot My Boat Charters launched with a single vessel and a simple mission: make boating in Chicago more accessible. At a time when the industry was fragmented and outdated, we set out to create a more transparent, reliable, and guest-focused experience.
The challenges of COVID tested the business early, but they also shaped it. After temporarily operating out of Hammond, Indiana in 2020, KMBC returned to Chicago in 2021, established its home at 31st Street Harbor, expanded to seven vessels, and became the city's largest bareboat charter operator.
As demand grew, so did our investment in people, technology, equipment, and operations. We built the systems, processes, and team needed to scale KMBC from a growing charter company into a market-leading hospitality business.
The acquisition of Sophisticated Lady Yacht Charters marked a defining moment for KMBC, introducing commercial charter operations and larger-scale events for up to 49 passengers. During this period, the company also launched Montauk, its first proprietary vessel design, and expanded into vessel sales, brokerage, and consulting through KMBC Marine Group — laying the foundation for a broader marine hospitality platform.
What began as a single boat has evolved into one of the Midwest's largest and most trusted charter fleets.
Sommy IraniFounder & CEO, HiFi Social
Knot My Boat Charters was founded by Sommy Irani, Founder & CEO of HiFi Social, a hospitality management company that owns and operates brands across travel, tourism, event planning, and entertainment. Collectively, HiFi Social's portfolio serves more than 550,000 guests annually.
A former competitive swimmer and graduate of the University of Chicago, Sommy combined his connection to the water with experience in hospitality, logistics, and event operations to launch KMBC in 2019. His goal was simple: make boating more accessible by bringing modern technology, professional operations, and exceptional service to an industry that had long been underserved.
Today, KMBC has grown from a single vessel into one of the Midwest's leading marine hospitality companies, continuing to raise the standard for boating through innovation, accessibility, and operational excellence.
Today, KMBC offers everything from intimate bareboat charters for groups of up to 13 to commercial events for up to 125 guests, creating one of the Midwest's most accessible and versatile boating platforms. Through custom vessel design, manufacturing, and continued fleet expansion, the company remains focused on making the water accessible to more people than ever before.
Chicago's largest bareboat fleet, premium captains, and flexible packages for groups of up to 13 guests.
Commercial, USCG-inspected vessels for corporate events, weddings, and activations for up to 125 guests.
Centralized HR, safety, and crew training through Windy City Marine Management.
Proprietary design To fuel continued innovation, KMBC launched KMBC Marine Group — the company's dealer and IP division. Through a strategic partnership with A&M Manufacturing, KMBC created the proprietary "Montauk" catamaran design, offering other operators access to the same proven, event-ready model that defines our own fleet.
Looking ahead
By 2026, KMBC aims to become the Midwest's first vertically integrated marine hospitality group — merging operations, manufacturing, and event programming into one cohesive network.
We believe luxury should feel effortless. Every charter — from intimate celebrations to corporate events — is executed with precision, warmth, and genuine hospitality.
We want your experience to be seamless. Here's everything you need to know before setting sail.
Your safety is our top priority. We reserve the right to determine charterable conditions based on current and forecasted weather.
Light rain, brief passing storms, and cooler temperatures.
Severe storms, small craft advisories, gale warnings, high winds, or large waves.
If weather prevents operation, you'll receive a non-expiring rescheduling credit toward a future charter of equal or lesser value.
Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to contact@knotmyboatcharters.com and include your name and charter date.
| Notice given | What's non-refundable |
|---|---|
| 30+ days prior | Deposit non-refundable |
| 15–29 days prior | 50% of total charter non-refundable |
| 14 days or fewer | 100% of total charter non-refundable |
Rescheduled charters operate under different terms and cannot be canceled under the original policy.
We operate from three convenient Chicago locations. Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
13-passenger vessels 
49-passenger vessels 
Drop-off location Whether you're coming from the West Loop or Lincoln Park, we've got directions and estimated travel times from Chicago's most popular neighborhoods.
Chicago's most memorable moments happen on the water. Book early for these popular dates.
Including weekly Wednesday & Saturday fireworks nights
These yachts helped build KMBC. They've since left the fleet, but you can still look back at them — and meet the yachts that took their place.
Experience Chicago's skyline from the water with our premium yacht charters.
