Watercolor on the Water
with
Jana Parkin
Sail and paint on a private sailboat for a week in the Bahamas this August.
Hosted by Erik Orton
Do you love the water?
This is the perfect chance to blend your art with your environment.
Join Jana on a private sailing yacht in the Bahamas for a week this August.
Part vacation, part sailing adventure, part artist retreat, you'll have the chance to live aboard a beautiful boat and make art with stunning scenery right in front of you.
New Destinations
Jana will lead live painting sessions in exquisite locations only reachable by boat.
You'll sail to new islands and beaches every day. You'll swim, snorkel and paint daily. You'll enjoy the comfort of other artists sharing the same journey. In the end you'll bring home beautiful memories, new friendships and paintings that will help your adventure ripple into your future.
Your Host
You'll be hosted by experienced captain and writer Erik Orton, author of Deseret Book's Seven at Sea.
“Absolutely do it! I'm so happy that we did.
It was, 10 times better than I expected.
You're in for a treat.”
— Whitney Johnson
(Sailing client, artist & CEO of Disruption Advisors)
Here's how it works:
✅ You book a spot on the trip and pack your bags.
✅ You fly to Nassau, Bahamas and catch a cab to the marina.
✅ We'll take care of the rest.
There’ll be 8-12 of us total.
How’s that sound?
Here's what we ask:
1. FOOD: This is a communal experience. Meals will be planned for you in advance. All the food will be provided. Everyone is expected to help prepare at least one lunch or dinner for the whole group. Everyone pitches in to wash dishes and clean up. (Again, the food and meal plan will be provided. And all dietary preferences will be taken into account.)
2. SAILING: If you want to learn some basic sailing, you're invited to help out. You can stear the boat, raise the sails, set anchor and ask anything you're curious about. Captain Erik will be there at your side to make sure it goes well.
No experience necessary.
Erik will teach as we go.
Again, the boat and food are all arranged for you.
All you have to do is get yourself there and back.
Sound fair?
What will my cabin be like?
Each cabin accommodates two people. Come with a friend, spouse, adult child, or meet someone new.
Your cabin includes a double wide "queen" size bed, private bathroom with shower, toilet and sink, as well as drawers, mini-closets and your own lighting and electrical outlets.
All sheets, pillows and linens are provided.
And don't worry, there's plenty of storage space for your folding easel or folding stool.
What if I'm prone to motion sickness?
No worries. We've got you.
If you've ever gotten queasy on a cruise ship, whale watching trip, deep sea fishing trip or dive/snorkel trip, sailing is very different.
Sailing is a slower, gentler way to travel. We move with the water rather than trying to fight against it. All this makes it smoother and more comfortable.
Plus, after living aboard for a year with his own five kids, Erik has all the inside tips and techniques to make sure everyone has an amazing time.
We've never had a person not have a wonderful experience.
Who is our host?
My name is Erik Orton and I lived on a catamaran sailboat with my wife and five kids for a year, sailing from the Caribbean back to our home in Manhattan.
My wife and I wrote a book about our experience called Seven at Sea: Why a New York City Family Cast-Off Convention for a Life Changing Year on a Sailboat (Published by Deseret Book.)
It became a New York Times Top 10 Travel Book.
I am a skipper certified by the American Sailing Association and hold a Helmsman International Proficiency Certification.
I am a musician and composer. My mother taught painting and my grandfather was a professional artist. I love introducing people to life on the water and seeing how profoundly it nourishes them.
"What an incredible trip!
Adventurous, breathtaking, challenging, and relaxing all at the same time. And so great to meet such wonderful people. I really feel I came back a little different, a little better person. Ready to try new things, find more joy, and have adventures."
— Jean E.
Featured
Part Vacation
Part Sailing Adventure
Part Artist Retreat
“Sailing with Erik ...cracked something open for me.
The sense of adventure, excitement and exhilaration woke me up to what is possible."
— York Young
Jump on it
“If you have any inclination to do something like this, just jump on it.
It is so much richer than simply going on a vacation."
- Joel Wiest
Absolutely do it!
I'm just so happy that we did.
It's been, ten times better than I expected.
You're in for a treat!"
- Whitney Johnson
You won't regret it.
You won’t regret it.
It will be one of the best things you ever do.”
- York Young
Life will never be the same.
"By the end of the trip I sat across from my husband and he said, 'Life’s never gonna be the same after this.' I said, “Yeah, I feel it. I know that’s true.”
- Jayne Young
Magical.
"Magical. It was amazing! Better than I expected.”
- Karen Wiest
When:
Aug 5-10, 2024 (Mon-Sat)
Arrive Mon p.m., depart Sat a.m.
Cost:
Normally $3,350/person
Friends of Jana: $2,750/person
Price is all-inclusive except airfare.
10 spots available.
A 10% deposit holds your spot.
Note:
This trip is drug, smoke, vape and alcohol free.
How to Sign Up:
✅ Call or text Erik Orton (host & captain): 917-400-1842
✅ Email: [email protected]
✅ If you'd like to schedule a zoom call, just pick a time on the calendar below.
We'll be happy to answer all your questions.
