Southern Breeze 2007 Fall Issue

travel SWEET DREAMS Smooth Sailing Enjoy an intimate escape aboard a chartered sailboat. story by MARLO KIRKPATRICK photography by STEPHEN KIRKPATRICK M Captain Roger Buenzow (below) and Captain Barrett Clisby offer romantic sunset, moonlight, and overnight cruises aboard Polaris (right) and Island Girl to secluded Horn Island (far right). NORTH STAR SAILING CHARTERS Point Cadet Marina, Biloxi, MS 228-617-8057 www.northstarsailing charters.com ention “romance” and some imaginations stretch no further than posh hotel suites with fluffy featherbeds and 350-thread-count sheets. But for those who believe romance goes handin-hand with adventure, your ship has at last come in. Biloxi-based North Star Sailing Charters offers adventurous, romantic, and oh-so-private overnight excursions aboard its 31-foot sailboat, Polaris. Departing from Point Cadet Marina, the Polaris heads into the tranquil waters of the Mississippi Sound, taking couples on a four-hour voyage to secluded Horn Island. Champagne toasts are in order as the sails are raised, the warm gulf breezes and salt spray caress your smiling faces, and porpoises—spotted on 95 percent of voyages—play in the sailboat’s wake. Captain Roger Buenzow, a Biloxi resident by way of Anchorage, Alaska, is on hand to man the boat and answer questions about the Gulf Coast, sailing, or the birds and wildlife spotted along the way. After hosting dozens of first dates, his fair share of honeymooners, one wedding, and some 17 engagements on board, Captain Roger is also savvy enough to realize when his passengers have eyes and ears only for each other. Upon arrival at Horn Island, one of the protected barrier islands of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Captain Roger will help you into a dinghy and take you ashore for an afternoon of exploration. Designated a wilderness island by Congress, Horn Island is populated only by rabbits, shorebirds, crabs, and a handful of shy alligators. It’s the ideal setting for couples to swim or snorkel side-by-side or enjoy long walks on the beach, reconnecting with nature and with each other. Those who draw the line at too much roughing it can still enjoy the island adventure, knowing the Polaris is equipped with an efficient, private head and a hot and cold shower for rinsing off the sand and saltwater. Following an afternoon of dolphin counting, bird watching, or playing pirates, couples sit down to dinner by sunset or moonlight, complete with white tablecloth and fine wine. The menu is tailored to your preference and can range from a fresh shrimp platter to a four-course feast to steaks grilled on board by Captain/Chef Roger, who also serves as waiter, sommelier, and dishwasher. Guests spend a comfortable night aboard the anchored Polaris, rocked to sleep by the gentle motion of the waves and the soothing sound of the water lapping against the shores of Horn Island, the twinkling stars serving as a natural nightlight. You’ll awaken not to the beep of an alarm clock, but to the splash of diving pelicans and a scrumptious, full breakfast served with a beautiful Coastal sunrise on the side. 20 s o u t h e r n b re e z e . c o m http://www.northstarsailingcharters.com http://www.northstarsailingcharters.com http://southernbreeze.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Southern Breeze 2007 Fall Issue

Editor's Letter Contributor Gumbo Words & Notes Accessories Coastal Calendar Storefronts: French Flair in Fairhope Sweet Dreams: Smooth Sailing Art of Living: The Colors of Hope Fixtures: Shake It Up! Live Here: Filled to the Brim Our Backyard: Just Add Water Make Yourself at Home: Open Invitation Pierless Pleasures Always Biloxi Spirited Away Reef Madness Louisiana Love Cheers: Fall Freeze Dish: Java Servers Reader Services Chef's Table: The Kid Inside Let's Eat: Cornbread, Catheads, and Calas Last Bite

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