Setting Sail with the Yacht Girls Book Club: A Literary Voyage in Marina del Rey
On a sunny day in Marina del Rey, the Yacht Girls Book Club meeting is about to begin. Attendees, including first-timers like Nicole Vaughn and Brittany Goodwin, eagerly gather at the vintage yacht docked at the California Yacht Club. The diverse group of women, ranging from 30 to over 70 years old, are dressed in a variety of outfits, from casual to glamorous.
The meeting features local poet and author Melody Godfred, whose book "Moon Garden" caught the attention of Aloni Ford, the founder of the Yacht Girls Book Club. Ford started the book club in 2018 to create a space for like-minded women to have intellectual and fun conversations beyond just relationships. The club has grown over the years, with original members reminiscing about past discussions and welcoming new attendees.
The venue for the book club meetings is the historic "Northwind," a 130-foot vessel with a rich history. Attendees can enjoy a boat ride, buffet lunch, tarot card readings, and a sound bath while taking in the scenic views of the marina. The atmosphere is welcoming and communal, with Ford acting as a gracious hostess, introducing guests and fostering connections among the attendees.
Godfred shares her personal journey and reads excerpts from "Moon Garden," a collection of spiritual poems and affirmations tied to lunar cycles. The sound bath adds a soothing element to the reading, allowing participants to relax and reflect. The meeting concludes with informal mingling and discussions about the book and the overall experience.
The Yacht Girls Book Club offers a unique opportunity for women to connect, unwind, and engage in meaningful conversations. The next meeting is scheduled for June 13 at the California Yacht Club, featuring the book "Proof of Life" by Jennifer Pastiloff. Tickets are required for this event, which promises to be another enriching and inspiring gathering for book lovers and community seekers alike.