My boyfriend took me on a surprise evening trip on Now and Zen to propose. It was awesome. Ralph and Leslie are so nice, we had a cheeseplatter waiting for us, they let us take in the waves and get used to the boat, and then took lots of photos of us having fun, so we didn't have to rely on selfies. The weather was great, the sails gave a romantic ambience, and the boat is so cute and immaculate. there were so many different places to sit and enjoy the weather and views. They pointed out sights of interest and we had great conversations. Leslie made a wonderful meal, and now in hindsight I know how much they worked behind the scenes to help my fiance pull off his very romantic stunt. Even afterwards they emailed us the photos right away and kept in touch. It was an unforgettable experience, and Ralph and Leslie made it easy and enjoyable. read more

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! read more

On Friday, July 27, 2018, it was my very good fortune to extend my birthday celebration with a cruise on the 42' catamaran Now-and Zen with 10 of my very best friends. We originally thought that we were going to see a moon rising and the sunsetting, but instead we had a fantastic show of rainbows and dramatic storm clouds on either side of us. Leslie Jones our calm, cool and collected Captain sailed us right through the one section of the river that was clear as could be while we watched storm systems to our left and right. It was an exciting and magical display of Mother Nature complete with rainbows! Leslie and Ralph are perfect hosts of a pristine and very capable sailing yacht. It was a most perfect place for a celebration I will not forget! Thank you! Gina Martinelli read more

We took my father, who is 82yo out for Father's day and we could not have asked for anything more spectacular! Ralph and Leslie took time to plan and experiment how we were going to get my Dad aboard, since he isnt to agile and is on oxygen. They were able to hoist him aboard (and off) on the boatswains seat - Fantastic! The weather, the wind and the most perfect sunset gave us memories that we will cherish for a lifetime! "Fathers Day 2012 - You have made Bud Lucas the happiest man in the world! This is a very magical boat and you have made us fell so welcome. Well definitely be back to eat, drink, and enjoy the Jacksonville sunset and skyline. Thank you for a very special, memorable, sweet Father's Day" Love - Bobby, Lindsey, Luann, Dawn, Patty, Mike, Karyn and Bud read more

Yes, I had a birthday night to remember. Now & Zen could not have been more perfect for the celebration of my 50th 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 read more

We booked this event for our daughter's sweet sixteen birthday and everything went great. We were greeted at the gate by Ralph who helped us transport the food to the yatch while I waited for all the friends of my daughter to arrive. Once we got to the boat, everything was already arranged in the cabin. Everyone, especially 9 teenage girls had a fabulous time. My son was given the opportunity to sail the boat for over an hour-a memory he will never forget. Ralph and Leslie were very kind and friendly and I would recommend this event to anyone looking to make a lasting memory. read more

We found now and then through an internet search. We were very dependent on recent reviews to insure that we were making a good decision. This review is meant to help future guests on Now and Zen. We sailed at sunset with 4 people on board. We had fair winds and good weather. The experience was a cool combination of exciting and totally relaxing. The Crew maneuvered the river easily leaving our group to enjoy the scenery and the company of friends. I would highly recommend the Now and Zen experience. We will be returning soon for another enjoyable cruise. Chick read more

Ralph and Leslie were amazing! So accommodating. I surprised my boyfriend for his birthday and we couldn't have had a better time! We did a four hour sunset sail with dinner. It was supposed to rain that night-80% chance and it ended up being such a beautiful night with a quick shower late when the sail was almost finished. They took us all around the St. John's river and when the sun set there was so much lit up for Christmas downtown, it was beautiful! We are trying to figure out when we can go again but for a longer time! Thanks again for a truly amazing evening! read more

Absolutely fantastic experience! We had a "girls" (all in our 40's) sailing trip for 4 hours out of Fernandina Beach and had so much fun from start to finish! The boat was outstanding - beautiful and had every comfort we needed - and the senery was amazing! Leslie & Ralph were wonderful hosts and captains and also gave us the history of the places we saw from the boat - i.e. Fort Clinch, Cumberland Island, Amelia Island, etc. I would highly recommend going on the Now & Zen! I hope to go on a trip with my family next year. :-) read more

We used Now & Zen for a small family birthday celebration, and everyone was impressed. The boat was even better than pictured on the website. Spacious, clean, plenty of covered seating area, and a large deck at the front of the boat for soaking in the view and the sun. I would definitely use Now & Zen again for events and highly recommend it to others. As a side note, I planned the event long-distance, site unseen, and it could not have gone more seamlessly. Ralph was very responsive. No surprises and no hiccups. read more

My husband and I had the pleasure of taking a sunset sail on the Now & Zen last week. I was concerned that we might not get to sail due to weather, but the crew made it completely transparent that the wind had picked up and with the beautiful catamaran's stability, we glided past the skyline while dining on a fabulous dinner prepared for us. Ralph and Leslie could not have been more gracious and accommodating hosts. We are looking forward to cruising on the wonderful Now & Zen again read more

To say wonderful - is to say nothing. Outstanding, awesome, rad! Unforgettable journey on a super cool catamaran with super nice, welcoming and caring crew (Ralph and Leslie, you are awesome!). If you wanna have an unusual and memorable birthday (or any other occasion) celebration or just to have relaxing and enjoyable time cruising on a beautiful yaht with glorious scenery around - Now And Zen should be definitely your choice! read more

Absolutely loved our 4 hour sunset cruise on the St. John's River out of Ortega. Our party of 12 brought food and drink and Capts. Leslie and Ralph couldn't have been more accommodating. There was plenty of covered seating, comfortable open air seating, 2 bathrooms and nice kitchen eating area. The best part was how quiet it was since we were under sail most of the trip. Now we understand why they call it the Now n Zen! read more

From a - Z (five stars) for Now & Zen Sailing Charters. The Captain (Leslie) and Skipper (Ralph) are a class act and are well complimented by the classy lady, the "Now & Zen" My family and I enjoyed them for a short 5 hour tour off Fernandina. Unlike the Minnow we had no Gilligan's on board - just a wonderfully pleasant time. I highly recommend them to anyone wanting some peace and relaxation. Most enjoyable! -Ben K read more

This was our second year spending the day out with Now and Zen charters. Had a great time. Ralph and Leslie allow you to do nothing (which I did) or sail the boat. The catamaran is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon or evening. Loved just sitting on the back of the boat with my feet dangling in the St Johns river. Will do it again next year if possible. You will not be dissapointed!!! read more

We had a great sunset cruise on the St. John's river with family and friends. I miss having a boat and this was a relaxing and fun way to get back on the water. Ralph and Leslie keep a very clean and well managed vessel. They are energetic and delightful to be with and are very helpful and knowledgable. I look forward to doing this again next time I am in Jacksonville! read more

Was so excited to be invited onto a second experience on Now and Zen. And, again, a wonderful experience. Leslie and Ralph are attentive to both safety and your comfort in such a pleasant way. The experience provides a great opportunity for relaxation, fun, bonding with others and peace and joy. I enthusiastically recommend them and plan to go again in the future! Lou read more

We had an amazing 4 hour cruise on the St Johns with our hosts, Captain Mike and Captain Deana. Would recommend to anyone wanting a relaxing adventure. We brought a picnic dinner for the evening and a bottle of wine to enjoy. They had everything else. Our 8 year old daughter thoroughly enjoyed herself as well. The boat was amazing and hosts were very welcoming. read more

We will be talking about this experience for a long long time! Ralph took the Sanctuary kids crew out to Cumberland Island for the first field trip of the school year. We have 8 boys/mates experience their first boat trip. They had an excellent time and are already asking to go back. Thank you Ralph and Leslie for providing this experience! read more