Sailing on the St Johns River — A hidden treasure

When the St Johns River turns south from downtown Jacksonville it opens up into the perfect sailing location — wide enough to adjust the sail in accordance to the wind direction and narrow enough to provide protection for a smooth sail. It is fabulous!

The shores are lined with manicured estates and ancient trees stretching from San Marco south on the eastern shore and Ortega south on the western shore. The Florida Yacht Club, Timuquana Country Club, Epping Forest, and Bolles School also grace the shores. If you are lucky, it is fun to be close enough to feel the vibration and to watch the planes take off and land from the Naval Air Station (NAS) just north of Interstate 295 (the Buckman Bridge).

Sunset Cruise Timing on the St Johns River

We recommend leaving the dock about 3 hours before sunset and head south toward the Buckman Bridge. The direction and speed of the wind determine exactly where we go.

As we turn around and head north to ready ourselves for the sunset, it is the perfect time to stretch out on the comfortable bow trampolines as the colors of the sunset flood the sky. As the sun disappears below the horizon the sky fills with pinks, purples, and oranges of the after glow. Downtown Jacksonville lights of the city now create their own "light show" — you see the city lights as only one can from the water. The perfect four hour excursion!