Meet the Crew

At the helm…

Meet the team behind The Boatyard — a group of San Diego natives dedicated to crafting an unforgettable dining experience rooted in authenticity, hospitality, and community. With deep expertise in maritime traditions, restaurant operations, and creating meaningful connections, we bring a shared vision to life at the heart of Point Loma. Together, we’re building a place where locals and visitors alike can gather, celebrate, and feel at home for decades to come.


  • Founder Partners

    Cal and January Muir, founding partners of The Boatyard, were both born and raised in San Diego and have dedicated their lives to building meaningful businesses rooted in hard work, good people, and a love of the ocean. Together, they own and operate Sail San Diego, the city’s premier sailing charter company, which they’ve grown into a thriving fleet of seven premium sailboats—including their largest vessel yet, capable of hosting 22 guests.

    Cal began his career at just 15, scrubbing barnacles off boats and learning the ropes of sailing and business from the previous owners of Sail San Diego. After earning a business degree and obtaining his captain’s license, he purchased the company in 2021. Soon after, he married January, who now oversees the retail side of the business, bringing her eye for detail and hospitality to the experience. Experts in hospitality and true people-persons, Cal and January are expanding into the restaurant world to create something lasting—a place their children can be proud of and a cornerstone of the Point Loma community for the next 30 years and beyond. Their vision for The Boatyard reflects their commitment to excellence, connection, and building a space where neighbors and visitors alike feel at home.


  • Founding Partner

    Spencer Moran is a founding member of The Boatyard, bringing decades of maritime expertise and a deep-rooted passion for the ocean to the project. Born and raised in San Diego, Spencer is a tenured 100-ton captain and lifelong fisherman who has spent much of his life on the water, honing his craft and cultivating a profound respect for the sea. His experience navigating San Diego’s coastlines and his connection to the local fishing community give him a unique perspective that informs The Boatyard’s authentic, nautical spirit.

    In addition to his maritime career, Spencer comes from a family with over 35 years of experience owning and operating restaurants throughout San Diego County. This dual background—steeped in both the traditions of the sea and the demands of high-quality hospitality—allows him to seamlessly blend his love of fresh, local seafood with a commitment to creating welcoming, memorable dining experiences. His dedication to craftsmanship, community, and excellence reflects both his family’s legacy and his own vision for The Boatyard.


  • Operational Partner + General Manager

    With over two decades of dedicated experience in the hospitality industry, Chris Wood has cultivated a dynamic career path marked by continuous growth and a profound understanding of diverse operational roles. His journey began in the fast-paced environment of a college bar, where he honed his skills by immersing himself in every facet of the business, serving as a doorman, busser, bar back, bartender, and ultimately, bar manager. This foundational period instilled in him a comprehensive, hands-on approach to restaurant and bar management.

    Chris then moved to Washington D.C., stepping into the role of Assistant General Manager for a Richard Sandoval concept, expanding his expertise in a more formalized setting. His career continued to ascend at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, a renowned restaurant group, where he first served as Assistant General Manager for two concepts in Maryland before relocating to Santa Monica to oversee two additional concepts. Demonstrating exceptional leadership and operational acumen, Chris achieved his first General Manager role at Herringbone Santa Monica.

    His leadership journey then took him to San Diego, where he successfully managed Ironside Fish & Oyster, working closely with partner Chef Jason McLeod and further solidifying his reputation in the culinary scene. Most recently, Chris joined the esteemed Trust Restaurant Group, initially as the General Manager of the Michelin Plate-recognized Fort Oak. His outstanding performance in this role led to a promotion to Operations Manager, where he previously managed those concepts including Fort Oak, Cardellino, Trust, Wild Child Ice Cream, and The Wise Ox butcher shops. Chris's career is a testament to his versatility, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence in the hospitality sector.

  • Founding Partner

    Whitney Eckis is a San Diego-born entrepreneur, investor, and creative dedicated to building impactful brands and experiences. She is the founder of WAE Holdings, where she consults, invests, and partners with early-stage companies in hospitality, wellness, and consumer goods. After founding and selling her creative communications agency, Eckis Marketing, she has continued to champion authentic storytelling and innovative growth, with projects like The Boatyard and the revival of the historic Fiddler’s Green.

    Whitney anchored her expertise in hospitality through her career in marketing, working alongside ownership groups and global brands like Marriott, Hilton, and more. With deep roots in San Diego and a passion for hospitality, business, and culture, she brings vision, creativity, and a commitment to meaningful experiences to everything she does.


  • Operational Partner + Founder

    Jason McLeod is an accomplished Culinary Director, COO, and Partner with over 30 years of experience in both Front and Back of House operations. He has successfully opened more than 23 properties, including luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and multi-unit food halls globally since 2004.

    Known for his expertise in training, quality assurance, and profit optimization, Jason has played a key role in opening and expanding San Diego local hot spots such as Born and Raised, Ironside, Seneca Italian Trattoria, and The Grand Del Mar Hotel.

    He has a proven track record of managing large teams and ensuring high standards in food preparation and service delivery. His dedication to excellence earned him two Michelin stars at Ria Restaurant in the Elysian Hotel, Chicago.

    Jason is now thrilled to bring his extensive culinary expertise to The Boatyard as an official Operational Partner + Founder. He is eager to elevate the dining experience and drive culinary innovation at this esteemed establishment.