Submitted by Karen Thompson
Features Reporter
Every October I play hostess to four of my best girlfriends from Chicago. This year was the second annual “girl’s weekend.” When I plan events ….I try to offer a variety of outdoor activities, restaurants and shopping… …it has occurred to me that there is no end to the unique experiences on or near Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach.
One of the highlights of this year’s itinerary was a sunset sail on one of the Windward Sailing charters out of the downtown harbor. This was truly a spectacular, most memorable event of the weekend. Since all of my friends are or were writers, I am going to let them tell you their impressions of our sunset sail.
Marge said: Captain Ron’s stories and the way he personalized the experience. By starting off with the “one for all and all for one” hand clasp to letting us all have our turn at the helm, to his obvious delight in the sunset and taking photos for his panoramas, he had fun helping us have fun. I have to add that Capt. Ron designated Marge his skipper so she might be a bit prejudiced.
Hanke said: There is nothing that sets the scene for good conversation like being under sail. We not only got to savor the beauty of Amelia and horses romping in the sands of Cumberland, we had the opportunity to recall memories of other sails on different waters that we have shared over the years. Good friends, good wine, great conversation.
Janet said: Low key. Unassuming. Authentic. That is how I would describe Amelia Island and that’s how I would describe Captain Ron. He captured the spirit of what makes Amelia special. I loved how he shared his sailing knowledge and encouraged everyone, even the non-sailors among us, to take the helm. He added his personality and sense of fun from the moment we got on board but knew when to let the beauty of the setting sun and peace of the Cumberland Sound speak for itself.
Amy said: My favorite part of the sail was sharing a lovely sunset sail with good friends. It brought back wonderful memories of our sailing trips in the British Virgin Islands and on Lake Michigan off Chicago’s shores. I thought Captain Ron was very thoughtful and safety conscious when he showed us how to start the boat and where he stowed the key. He was also very sweet telling us that we were doing well at the helm when the wavy wake told another story. It was one of the best sunsets ever.
I too loved sailing with my pals, watching the dolphins and other wildlife in their natural habitat. We had such a good time that Captain Ron asked “when is open enrollment” for our hearty crew from Chi-town.
Windward Sailing offers boats with certified captains for half day, full day and sunset cruises. They also operate a sailing school here. You can reach them at 904-327-3265 or visit their website.
Soon it will be time to start planning for next year’s reunion. There are still many more new places to eat, activities to explore on Amelia and we haven’t even ventured into Jacksonville or headed north to the Golden Isles of Georgia. We really do live in a paradise. And, by the way, one of these friends and her husband are looking at houses on the island. Now I just have to work on the other three.
Editor’s Note: Karen moved to Fernandina Beach two years ago after working in Chicago as a senior public relations specialist for the Midwestern regional office of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Prior to that, she was an editor, columnist and writer for a chain of Chicago newspapers , an account executive for several Chicago public relations agencies and proprietor of her own pr/marketing business. She grew up and earned her journalism degree in Wisconsin.
November 7, 2013 9:10 a.m.