River Cruises Jacksonville

River Cruises JacksonvilleNow & Zen, a 42 ft cruising catamaran, is your ideal sailboat charter/rental. Imagine yourselfsilently gliding through the waves in the lap of 5-star luxury. Captain and crew are available asneeded or skipper this gem of a sailboat yourself:Sunset Cruises or Day Sails – charter/rent by the hour for up to 12 people (4 hour minimumcharter) – Perfect for a sailing boat trip for family and friends celebrating birthdays, anniversaries,or any occasion.Sailing Vacations for overnight, a weekend, a week or more (charter/rent by the day for up to 4 -6people) (free extra night on board for multi-day charters)Sunset and Day Sails from Jacksonville on the St Johns River Many folks don’t realize what a fabulous sailing venue exists in Jacksonville. When the St Johns River turns south from downtown Jacksonville it opens up into the perfect sailing location. Wide enough to ensure a steady breeze and to provide room to sail no matter what direction the wind blows. Narrow enough to provide protection so the waters hardly ever get rough, even when the wind kicks up. The shores are lined with manicured estates and ancient trees. The Florida Yacht Club and TimuquanaCountry Club grace the western shore. Beautiful homes stretch from San Marco south past JulingtonCreek along the entire eastern shore. You can even watch the planes taking off and landing from theNaval 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 twohours.Turning around and heading north is the perfect time tostretch out on our comfortable bow trampolines as the colorsof the sunset flood the sky. Sticking close to the eastern shoreensures an ideal view of the sinking sun. As the sun disappearsbelow the horizon the sky fills with pinks, purples, andoranges of the after glow. By then you will be approachingdowntown Jacksonville as the lights of the city create theirown “light show”. One hour later you can be back at the dockas the last light of dusk fads from the sky. The perfect fourhour excursion!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, orexploring Cumberland Island. Perfect for three or four day trips and even better if you have a weekto explore Georgia’s Jekyll and St Simon Islands too.Catamaran Sailing at it’s bestNow & Zen is a modern 2003 42-foot Manta catamaran. It is designed to take its passengers andcrew anywhere in the world. Safe, secure, and spacious her 21 foot beam ensures a stable andsmooth ride. When the wind whips up and other boats are heeling with their crew hanging on, Now& Zen just goes faster, with no fuss: Stretch out on the trampolines for a snooze Commune with the wind on the bow seats Snuggle up in the salon Have a private conversation on the stern sling seat Read a book in cockpit Learn more about sailing at the helmInside, the salon has four very large wrap around windows that allow you to enjoy the fabulousviews regardless of the weather.

Sailing VacationsNow & Zen sleeps four guests in two private cabins with a shared toilet and shower between them.The guest cabins are completely separate from the crew. Egyptian cottons and soft pillows willleave you torn between lingering in bed and hopping up to sip coffee on deck or enjoy an earlymorning swim at one of our many idyllic anchorages. If you choose a crewed charter package your luxurious on-board experience will include meals thoughtfully crafted with organic fruits and vegetables, prime meats, locally caught fish and shrimp, and fresh baked breads. Every item is creatively prepared with a southern flair. We’re proud of our safety record. We take every possible precaution to maintain your safety and comfort. Now & Zen is meets or exceeds U.S. Coast Guard safety requirements for uninspected vessels. She is outfitted withthe latest navigation equipment and radar.Visiting Amelia IslandThe beautiful Amelia Island is truly a sight for sore eyes. A serene and laidback harbor community,it is 13-miles of breathtaking beach and nature. It’s nearly impossible to appreciate its wonder froma car. To fully experience the splendor of Amelia Island, approach from the Atlantic Ocean on thedeck of the luxurious Now and Zen catamaran.Now and Zen Sailing ChartersWhether it’s a day sail or a full on vacation, the Now and Zen showcases Amelia Island better thananything else. Enhance the experience with private, gourmet dinner services prepped by a talentedchef, the surefire way to enjoy your vacation in a classy way. With your friends and family, you’llcommemorate birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones in elegance.On the sensational Now and Zen, we can take you on an adventure that you’ve only ever dreamedabout. Even if you want to take it out on your own, from the bow to the stern, it’ll be one of the mostmagical trips you’ve ever embarked upon. For more information please visithttp://www.nowandzensailingcharters.com