Sailing

Anyone who can see over the cabin, is welcome to take a turn at the helm or help out with sailing Now & Zen, as little or as much as they would like. Although we are not certified sailing instructors, our crew has extensive sailing experience and are happy to share what they know. A sail on Now & Zen is an ideal way to get first hand knowledge about big catamaran sailing and cruising.

Swimming

Charterers can stop for a swim off Now & Zen, tide, current, weather, and common sense permitting. Sometimes it means just stopping the boat in the river or ocean and drifting with the current while you take a refreshing dip. Other times a deserted sand beach beckons you to drop anchor and enjoy the water.

Now & Zen has twin swim ladders mounted on our low cut “sugar scoop” sterns. This makes it easy to get in and out of the water. The starboard side is equipped with a hot and cold shower, so you can rinse off the salt water before spreading out on the bow to dry off in the sun.

Snorkeling

When the water is clear, it is great fun to snorkel. In the winter when Now & Zen is in Miami you can sail out to the coral reefs. The reefs that comprise the John Pennekamp underwater park are only a day’s sail from Coconut Grove. We have the following equipment onboard for charterer use:

• 5 masks
• 4 snorkels
• 5 sets of swim fins (sizes listed below are mens)
  • 2 size 9 to 13 (adjustable heel strap)
  • 2 size 8 to 9.5 (fixed heel)
  • 1 size 4 to 8.5 (adjustable heel strap)

SCUB Diving

The low stern on Now & Zen makes it fairly easy to enter and leave the water with SCUB gear on. Generally, you should be able to find space for ~4 sets of gear and maybe 6 tanks. That said, if you wish to dive you do so with your own equipment, at your own risk, as you would on your own boat. Some of the crew are open water PADI certified, but Now & Zen is not a dive boat and offers no diving “services”.

Fishing

There is no reason why you cannot fish off Now & Zen. The boat is equipped with two rod holders on the stern. However, the crew on the boat are not fishermen. Like SUBA diving, you are responsible for bringing your own gear, tackle, and ensuring that you have the applicable licenses. It is also your responsibility to know and observe the fish and game regulations and for the appropriate handling of any fish caught. The crew will be happy to safely take you to your selected fishing spot or help set up trolling lines while sailing.

Now & Zen makes its homeport in Ortega, just 10 minutes from downtown Jacksonville for most of the spring and fall. In July and August we are stationed in Fernandina on Amelia Island. Both are great starting locations for a sailing vacation. 

Fort George and Little Talbot Islands

Enjoy the beach, sandbars, and ocean swimming at Talbot Islands State Park. This is a great overnight destination from either Jacksonville or Amelia Island. The Fort George River provides a protected anchorage nestled among the salt marshes and sand flats. This remote area of the park is only accessible by boat. Here you can bird-watch or play and swim off the extensive sandbars that appear and disappear with the tide. It is a captivating dinghy ride winding your way through the back waters and dunes of the Fort George River arriving at a beautiful flat sandy almost private ocean beach of Little Talbot Island. Here you can swim in the ocean waves as the roll over the sandbars off the island.

Departing from Jacksonville it is an absorbing 3-4 hour trip down the magnificent St Johns River sailing right through downtown passing the Jacksonville Landing, the Times-Union Center/Symphony Hall, the Jaguars’ Stadium and Jacksonville Port operations You also pass under the striking Dames Point Bridge, the second longest cable-stayed bridge in America, the sixth in the world, and the only one with harp stays.

Departing from Amelia Island you’ll enjoy the natural beauty of the salt marshes that line the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) on the 3-4 hour trip down to Fort George. You’ll cross Nassau Sound as you marvel at the birds and wild life.

Explore the Quaint Seaside Village of Fernandina

Whether your a departing from Fernandina or sailing up from Jacksonville, you will want to spend some time exploring this historic town. Founded in 1562, the town we see today was largely built after the civil war. The tree lined streets are dotted with Victorian homes, interesting shops and many excellent restaurants. It’s easy to spent an afternoon (or 2) exploring the town and dinning out.

Fernandina Harbor Marina makes a great overnight stopover if you are on a 2 or 3 (or more) day vacation from Jacksonville.

Cumberland Island a Must See

If you are going to Fernandina, you will want to  take the 2 hour sail over to Cumberland Island. You can sail up close to Cumberland Island all the way up to the Greyfield Inn. You almost always see dolphins, manta rays, and wild horses on the island. It takes about an hour to go ashore and see the ruins of the 59-room brick Queen Anne style mansion Dungeness, finished in 1886 and burned in 1959. You will be sure to see a dozen or more wild horses on your walk. You can also extend your shore time and walk across the island through the unspoiled hammock forests to the natural ocean beaches. 

You may want to anchor and spend the night in the solitude of Cumberland Sound or head over to St Marys to spend the night at the marina there.

Historic St Marys, GA

After visiting Cumberland, a great overnight stop is to visit St Mary’s, Ga. Smaller and quieter than Fernandina, the historic district there beckons with white picket fences, ancient trees, charming Victorian Inns and enchanting shops and cafes dating back past the civil war; definitely one of the top historic seaside towns in the south.

Departing from Amelia Island, Cumberland Island and St Marys are   great overnight destination alternatives to Fort George.

Departing from Jacksonville either Cumberland Island or St Marys are fabulous stopovers for 2 or 3 (or more) day sailing vacation that includes Fort George Island.

Jekyll Island, the Crown of the Golden Isles of Georgia

Another 3-4 hours north of Cumberland is Jekyll Island, GA. In 1886, a group of millionaires purchased the island and converted it into the country’s most exclusive club. You can visit the Millionaires’ Village and see the beautiful restored homes formerly belonging to the Rockerfellers, Macys, Goodyears, J.P. Morgan & more. There are many beaches accessible by boat along St Andrews Sound if you are looking for some beach time. You can sail there going out the St Marys inlet for a ocean trip and come back on the ICW that allows you to circumnavigate Cumberland Island.

The Jekyll Harbor Marina has a waterfront cafe, pool and hot tub for a wonderful overnight stay. Borrow one of their bikes to ride the island or take our dinghy up to Jekyll Wharf for stroll through the Millionaires’ Village.

Departing from Amelia, Jekyll Island is a perfect 2 (or more) day sailing vacation destination that includes Cumberland Island and/or St Marys. A 4 (or more) day vacation could also include Fort George.

Departing from Jacksonville, Jekyll Island is the ideal destination for a 4 or 5 (or more) day vacation that also includes Fort George, Fernandina and Cumberland Island and/or St Marys.

Longer Sailing Vacations

If you have time, you can sail to the historic town of Brunswick GA, or the beach community of St Simons Island on the Intracoastal Waterway. Or, you can even make the trip down to St Augustine for a taste of that great historical town included with the above destinations.

Planning Your Sailing Vacation

There are so many great destinations for a memorable vacation, that it is best to give us a call so we can help you plan your excursion. We’ll help you strike a balance between the fascinating seaside towns; exploring the marshes, sandbars, and beaches; historical sights; marinas and remote anchorages; ocean and Intracoastal sailing. We’ll make the most of the wind, weather and tide combined with your personal preferences to ensure you have a fabulous vacation.

An Experience You Will Remember for Years to Come

So whether you have time for just a sunset sail, a day trip, overnight to the Talbot Islands and the Fort George River, or several days to explore all the islands and waterways; your sailing charter on Now & Zen will be an experience of a lifetime. So for an unforgettable escape on the water right here in the greater Jacksonville area and Amelia Island, be sure to mark a sailing charter on Now & Zen on your “must do” list.

The shores are lined with manicured estates and ancient trees. The Florida Yacht Club and Timuquana Country Club grace the western shore. Beautiful homes stretch from San Marco south past Julington Creek along the entire eastern shore. You can even watch the planes taking off and landing from the Naval Air Station (NAS) just north of Interstate 295 (the Buckman Bridge).

Sunset Cruise on the St Johns River

Ortega on the west side of the river, just 10 minutes from downtown Jacksonville, is homeport for Now and Zen. It is the perfect departure point for a sunset sail. We recommend leaving the dock about 3 hours before sunset. We suggest that you head south sailing close hauled into the afternoon sea breeze. You get to sail up close to the shore as you criss-cross the river. With a good breeze you will be down near the Buckman Bridge in about two hours.

Turning around and heading north is the perfect time to stretch out on our comfortable bow trampolines as the colors of the sunset flood the sky. Sticking close to the eastern shore ensures an ideal view of the sinking sun. As the sun disappears below the horizon the sky fills with pinks, purples, and oranges of the after glow. By then you will be approaching downtown Jacksonville as the lights of the city create their own “light show”. One hour later you can be back at the dock as the last light of dusk fads from the sky. The perfect four hour excursion!

Day Sails on theSt Johns River

If you have a full day, you can sail further south under the Buckman Bridge; perhaps stopping at Julington Creek for lunch at the New Orleans Café. Or, you could continue on south toward Green Cove Springs, passing Club Continental and Doctors Lake.

Or you could head north to enjoy the cityscape, sailing right through downtown Jacksonville passing the Jacksonville Landing and the Times-Union Center/Symphony Hall. After opening the blue eye-catching Main St Bridge, you can sail pass Metro Park and the Jaguars (Everbank) Stadium. Proceeding a bit further you can sail under the HartBridge, the 19^th largest truss bridge in the world, for a glimpse of some of Jacksonville’s port operations.

 A Sailing Vacation from Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a great place to start a sailing vacation too. It is only a 3-4 hour trip down theSt Johns (with the current) going by the Port of Jacksonville to the Intracoastal Waterway. You pass under the striking Dames Point Bridge, the second longest cable-stayed bridge in America, the sixth in the world, and the only one with harp stays. In a day you can be lounging on the beach at Fort George Island, bar hopping or dining in the quaint shrimping village of Fernandia, or exploring Cumberland Island. Perfect for three or four day trips and even better if you have a week to explore Georgia’s Jekyll and St Simon Islands too.

An Experience You Will Remember for Years to Come

North or south, daytime or sunset, sailing charter or private sailboat, everyone who sails on the St Johns tells me how beautiful and relaxing it is. Even the “old salts” are amazed that more folks have not discovered this treasure. So if you are visiting Jacksonville, be sure to mark a sail on the St Johns River on your “must do” list.

Also you can be on Cumberland Island at the Ice House dock in under 2 hours. How can you resist going ashore to see the ruins of Dungeness?

Sunset Cruises on Cumberland Sound

Now & Zen usually spends July and August at the Fernandina Harbor Marina, right in the middle of town. It is another great departure point for a sunset sail. For a 4 hour charter, we recommend leaving the dock about 3 hours before sunset. We suggest that you head north sailing across Cumberland Sound. You can sail up close to the shore along Cumberland Island all the way up to the Greyfield Inn. You almost always see dolphins, manta rays, and wild horses on the island.

On the way back is the perfect time to stretch out on our comfortable bow trampolines as the sun disappears below the horizon and the sky fills with pinks, purples, and oranges of the sunset. If you have 5-6 hours, there is enough time to go ashore and see the ruins of the 59-room brick Queen Anne style mansion Dungeness, finished in 1886 and burned in 1959. You will be sure to see a dozen or more wild horses on your walk.

Day Sails from Fernandina/Amelia Island

If you have a full day, in addition to an excursion ashore to seeing Dungeness, you’ll probably want to stop along one of the may beaches for a swim. You will also have time to sail out the St Mary’s inlet past Fort Clinch for some ocean sailing. Between the sights on Cumberland, swimming, and ocean sailing, its can be hard to decide where you want to spent the bulk of you day.

 A Sailing Vacation from Amelia Island

Ferandina offers you a number choices for overnight, weekend and longer sailing vacation too. It is only a 3-4 hour trip south down the Intracoastal Waterway to  Fort George Island. Or you could head north and spend the night anchored off Cumberland Island or head to the town of St Marys to explore that historical seaside village.  It is a perfect for two or three day trip to Jekyll Island and the Millionaires Village. If you have more time you can explore Georgia’s St Simon Islands the historic Brunswick too.

An Experience You Will Remember for Years to Come

North or south, daytime or sunset, on a sailing charter or by private sailboat, everyone who sails on the around Cumberland Island tells me how beautiful and relaxing it is. There is some much to do and explore in the parks, in the towns and along the beaches that everyone is sure to have an experience of a life time.

With a full day charter you can snorkel among the coral reefs off Fowey Rocks in calm weather. Or you can head north up the bay passing under the Rickenbacker Causeway right into the hart of downtown Miami; perhaps exploring the Miami River or the world’s largest cruise ship terminal. You’ll want to sail along the Venetian Causeway Islands and see the fabulous homes of the rich and famous that dot the shores. You will see Miami like you have never seen it before.

Now & Zen is waiting for you to enjoy the peak of the South Florida sailing season: perfect temperatures, great breezes, and warm crystal clear waters. But, don’t delay we’ll be heading back to Jacksonville at the end of March.

If you have 3 days or more, you’ll have time to visit the coral reefs in the John Pennekamp Park. You’ll be able to travel protected waters of Florida Bay along Key Largo, Plantation and Matecumbe Keys. Perhaps visiting 11-acre Indian Key and investigating the ruins of the town that was the Dade county seat built there in the 1800s. With so many options from spending a night off South Beach and poking around the Lincoln Road cafes and shops to remote and pristine anchorages along the keys, a sailing vacation on Now & Zen will be a memory of a lifetime. Call us and we’ll help you plan your vacation of a lifetime.

Or, you can be snorkeling in the coral reefs and shipwrecks at Fowey Rocks or Long Reef or walking the nature trails of Biscayne National Park, the perfect destination for a full day on the water; or even better, an overnight stay to enjoy the peaceful solitude of Boca Chita Key, Elliott Key, or Adams Key.

Going to the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, 2/16-2/18 or Miami Sailing Week, 3/3-3/9? Now & Zen is moored 50 yards from the epicenter of the Festival and the Sailing Village.

Attending the South Beach Wine & Food Festival 2/21-2/24, the South Beach Comedy Festival 2/28-3/3, or the Miami International Film Festival 3/1-3/10 Consider chartering from Coconut Grove and sailing to South Beach where you can anchor and take the dinghy in to within easy walking distance to Lincoln Road. Enjoy these events and then relax on the water on your private yacht.

Don’t care about spending a lot of time at Festivals? You can charter for a 2 – 3 day vacation and explore Key Largo, Islamorada, and the hundreds of uninhabited keys and reefs that dot the waters of the upper Florida keys. With a 4 or 5 day charter you can see the sights of Key West or Bimini in the Bahamas and truly enjoy an experience of a lifetime.

Now & Zen is waiting for you to enjoy the peak of the South Florida sailing season: perfect temperatures, great breezes, and warm crystal clear waters. But, don’t delay we’ll be heading back to Jacksonville at the end of March.

Tailgate on Now & Zen for the Florida/Georgia game or any of the Jaguar’s home games. Enjoy an afternoon of tailgating on the water and have the boat drop you off at Metro Park. Having out-of-town guests for Florida/Georgia? Treat them to a sail on the St Johns river. Enjoy fabulous views of the river estates and downtown Jacksonville.

• Pay only your deposit now ($200 for a sunset sail or $300 if you want to include food)
• Pay the balance when the certificate is used
• Take 10% off any charter over $500
• Schedule a date or leave it open ended
• Full refund less $75 booking fee if charter is not used
• Valid until December 31, 2013
• The boat will be available for charter in Miami from January to the end of March and in the Jacksonville area the remainder of the year
• Good for 2 to 12 people for day charters, see rates
• Good for up to 4 people for overnight charters, see rates
• Give an experience of a life time

You receive a personalized gift certificate that you can present.
Call Ralph at 904 803-8843 to arrange for your unique gift of relaxation on the water.

• August 24 through September 1 – Full Moon August 30-31 and September 1
  
• September 20 through October 1 – Full Moon September 28-30 and October 1
• October 19 through 30 – Full Moon October 28-30
• November 19 through 29 – Full Moon November 27-29
• December 19 through 29 – Full Moon December 27-29