Now & Zen Sailing Charters

We were the honored boarders on the last cruise of the New Year. I’m not sure if they had plans to actually sail that day or not. But once I inquired on a New Year’s Eve sunset sail, Ralph got back to me pretty quickly and seemed very eager to take us out! It was my best friend’s 28^th birthday and she really wanted to go on an all-​inclusive cruise. Work schedules didn’t allow so I racked my brain for an alternative. Now & Zen’s half day cruises turned out to be the perfect compromise. Ralph was great at giving the celebrity treatment
I paid a little under $ 600 (that includes tax, tip, fuel, and gratuity) for a 4 hour sail for 4 with no food. When I was trying to decide on the length of the cruise, 4 hours seemed too short. But once out there, it was definitely the perfect amount of time. We brought a few bottles with us. And everything else we needed (cups, corkscrew, etc.) was already on board. Now & Zen also had a bluetooth speaker that could play whatever music we wanted. And Ralph made sure to point out any St. Augustine landmarks with historical relevance. And don’t worry about your camera, Ralph will take pics! He posts all the pictures on facebook without tagging them so that everyone can have access. These guys have already thought of everything!
It was surprisingly relaxing and romantic in the two hammocks towards the front of the ship. We spent a good portion of the sail cuddling in them. There were plenty of pillows and seating to make it even more plushy and comfortable. When it started to rain just a little, we headed to the seating in the back of ship which is just as comfortable. And if any of us got cold, we could just go inside for a second.
I loved everything about our sail, from the actual boat, to the crew, to the sites. It’s perfectly suited for couples.
Personally, I’d suggest skipping the food. Just eat somewhere nearby before or after. Now & Zen already has what you need so take as little with you as you can.

Relaxing and refreshing. Ralph and Leslie make sure you have a great time and take care of every little detail. The boat is beautiful and since it’s a catamaran, you don’t get the rocking like you would in a typical boat. A sailboat is a whole different experience than a motored boat and the charter is a get — a — way that is unique and invigorating. Highly recommended. Charters can be as short as 4 hours or overnight. They will even accommodate weddings or company functions. We’ve been on several charters with this operation and have never been disappointed.

What a great way to spend time with friends and family. Ralph and Leslie are great hosts and it was a first class sail. Suitable for all ages. We wouldchoose to do this again without any doubts.

Wonderful experience! Thanks Ralph and Leslie for a fantastic ride! The accommodations were awesome and we (7 ladies) had a blast! Highly recommend! –Robin Dudasik

Absolutely awesome! So warm friendly and relaxed. They interacted really well with our little ones and even played kid music for them inside while I relaxed on the deck. Would love to go again for a longer trip. Highly recommend!

WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!!! This was a wonderful surprise from my husband for our one year anniversary. The 42 foot Catamaran is immaculate and very well kept. The captains — Ralph and Leslie were so warm and welcoming and made the experience very relaxing. Since I didn’t know I would be sailing they had all the comforts one would need to make the experience enjoyable, jackets, blankets and socks (Thanks Leslie!). My husband brought wine and cheese, and Leslie thoughtfully put the cheese on a platter and opened the wine. They are both very knowledgeable about sailing and a joy to talk with. I would highly recommend this to any of my friends or family. We will definitely be taking another charter in the near future again on the ‘Now and Zen’ !!!

8 of us went out with Now & Zen on their well kept sailing catamaran.

6 of us are professionals in the sailing industry (no pressure) which when you put all of us on a boat, and then tell us to not do anything but enjoy, could be trouble.
Landlubbers could compare it to «too many cooks in the kitchen»
We were pleasantly surprised to not feel the need to backseat drive or judge the competence of the Captain and crew. And so we were able to completely relax an enjoy.
It was a beautiful blustery day, and we were a little worried that the captain may opt to just motor around instead of setting sail. But being good olé sailors the captain and crew put up all sail and we went zooming around the bay.
They were very hospitable and charming hosts. They interacted with us when we wanted but also gave us our space to enjoy the sail and talk amongst ourselves.
There was plenty of space onboard for all of us to move around, and the catamaran gave a nice comfortable ride.
It was awesome to sit on the trampoline (not for jumping) up on the bow and just enjoy the ride.
I would surely go sail with them again, and definitely recommend them.

I’m so happy we did this. What a great time. Ralph and Leslie were very fun to be around and educated us on all sorts of things in regards to sailing and the island. I highly recommend this and will be going again soon. Thank you Now and Zen!

Had a wonderful and relaxing sail this past weekend. Ralph and Leslie were extremely accommodating and such lovely people. They had everything available to make my family as comfortable as possible… blankets, pillows, jackets, coffee, tea, Pandora music, you name it. The boat (42 foot catamaran) was amazingly clean well maintained. It was perfect weather for sailing and they took us on a picturesque cruise around Ortega. Will definitely book again when possible!

Yes, I had a birthday night to remember. Now & Zen could not have been more perfect for the celebration of my 50^th birthday with some of my favorite people and closest friends. Now & Zen is a true delight and Ralph and Leslie are the consummate hosts. Now & Zen offers sheer escape, peacefulness and beauty. I love the back to nature connection I feel when I’m on the Now & Zen. — This was not my first experience on the Now & Zen and it won’t be my last. Thanks for always making time on the Now & Zen special.
Even when it rains… it is an amazing etherial experience… Love, Love, Love Love it!- It’s one of my favorite things to do. Cinda Sherman

I chartered a sunset cruise for me and my two best friends from high school and we had the time of our lives. This was by far the perfect way to celebrate 20 years of friendship and we still talk about it even though it’s been a few months since our trip. I live in NY and my two friends live in MA and FL and Ralph helped me keep it a surprise right up until we boarded. The food was excellent and Ralph and his wife are true professionals. Ralph took photos for us and made us feel at home. We listened to our iPod the whole time and sang and danced and had the best time. They were extremely accommodating which made the whole experience the best we ever could have asked for. Making a payment was easy and straightforward. This is a memory that I will forever cherish and will never forget. Thank you Now and Zen!