First Voyage
The Launch of Charter Book Club Adventures
The very first Charter Book Club Adventure began with the book SELF!SH and a simple, deeply personal desire: to create space for women to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience adventure in a natural, healing and epic way.
What started as Monica’s own journey through the reflective steps of SELF!SH soon expanded into something much bigger when those themes were paired with the rhythm, beauty, and grounding presence of the sea.
The vision was to blend Monica’s passions for literature, teaching, coaching, community, and adventure into an experience anchored in:
intentional reflection
honest conversation
shared adventure
and the calming, restorative power of the ocean
That vision came to life when a crew of women virtually gathered to read SELF!SH and then stepped aboard the sailboat Opal for the very first Sail into SELF!SH voyage.
More Than a Book Club. A Living Adventure.
Over the course of the voyage, the reflective steps and themes of SELF!SH moved beyond the page and into lived experience.
On the water, self-trust became tangible.
Presence was no longer theoretical, it was felt.
Clarity and confidence grew with every sail raised and every moment spent leaning into the wind.
Guided by Captain Cherisse and First Mate Erin, the experience became far more than a sailing trip. Their leadership created an environment that felt:
empowering
calm
safe
playful
and deeply connected
Together, they transformed a day on the water into an immersive journey of learning, courage, growth, and awe mirroring the heart and spirit of the book itself.
A Founding Moment
To feel this camaraderie with a Crew of women reading SELF!SH, reflecting together, and then physically stepping into an adventure that embodied those themes and lessons was a dream realized.
That firs Sail into SELF!SH voyage became:
the foundation of Charter Book Club Adventures
a proof of concept that stories are meant to be lived, not just read, together, with a crew
and the beginning of a model where books become catalysts for connection, courage, and transformation
First Mate Erin Yonke, Monica Ticknor & Captain Cherisse PonrajMonica Ticknor, Founder, Charter Book Club Adventures
&
Cherisse Ponraj, Founder, Girls Sailing
Shared Passions & Missions
Founded by Cherisse Ponraj, GirlsSailing.com is on a mission to break down barriers and empower women to discover the joy, freedom, and confidence that comes from sailing. Captain Cherisse creates a welcoming, supportive environment where women of all backgrounds can learn, grow, and experience the adventure of sailing.
Cherisse recognized early on that the sailing world can feel intimidating, especially for women who might not see themselves represented in traditional spaces. GirlsSailing.com was born from a simple yet powerful belief: the ocean is for everyone, and every woman deserves the chance to captain her own journey.
Cherisse and Monica have a shared vision of empowering women to chart their own courses both on the water and within themselves.
The Sail into SELF!SH Book Club Adventure marked the launch of an exciting journey, inviting women to join the SELF!SH Book Club Crew for an exhilarating experience of discovery, learning, and growth alongside a vibrant group of fellow adventurers. Over a four-week virtual book club voyage, our Crews explored and reflected on SELF!SH, culminating in an epic in-person sailing adventure that brought the themes to life in an epic.
Crew Testimonials
Being part of the inaugural voyage of the Charter Book Club Adventures was nothing short of life-changing. Guided by the deeply reflective and inspiring book Selfish: Step into a Journey of Self-Discovery to Revive Confidence, Joy, and Meaning, our small group, led by the incredible Monica, embarked on a journey of laughter, healing, connection, and growth.
Monica is the heart of this experience. As a former educator, she brings her natural gifts of facilitation, empathy, humor, and insight into every interaction. She doesn’t just guide the discussion; she invests in each person’s growth and discovery. Her ability to make meaningful connections between the book and each individual’s life experiences is remarkable, whether in one-on-one conversations or group reflections. Her thoughtfully crafted curriculum and probing questions helped us explore the past, embrace the present, and dream toward the future.
Our weekly discussions were powerful, and they built toward the culminating sailing trip, a true adventure that bonded us beyond words. I laughed, cried, and found moments of stillness and clarity that I hadn’t experienced in years. The support and camaraderie we cultivated as a crew continue to grow even months after our journey ended.
This experience with Charter Book Club Adventures and Monica gave me the space to reconnect with myself. I found peace with my story, confidence in my path forward, and joy in the community we created. I will be forever grateful for the experience, and especially for Monica, whose presence and leadership made it all possible.
-Dr. Katherine M.
Are you itching for an adventure? Looking for something that pushes you outside your comfort zone? Enjoy connecting with women who are all just tying to figure out this thing called life? Monica and her team deliver on every level. This program is more than just a book club, or a trip, or a weekend away. It will change your life. And I say that as someone who is not a big reader and has never been a part of a book club! I booked the trip just so I could escape the chaos of my own life for a few days… not knowing the journey that Monica had in store. The book is an easy read and effective. Even if you think you are stumbling through it at times, Monica is there to guide you, make it relatable, keep you laughing and encouraging you to dig a little deeper.
The weekly discussions were a breath of fresh air, a reminder of the impact of human connection, and a kind of therapy that I didn’t know my soul needed. Being on the water with these women was an out of body experience… something that has forever changed how I value myself and my worth. I have always believed that everything happens for a reason. So if you are reading this, this is your sign… BOOK THE TRIP!!
-Cori E.
The Sail into SELF!SH Book Club and Adventure was an incredibly rewarding experience. I learned so much about myself and built some truly meaningful connections. The time on the sailboat was beautiful and exciting. Monica is excellent and her personality made the whole experience really special. Everyone deserves to Sail into SELF!SH!
-Stephanie D.
I can hardly put into words what my “SELF!SH” sailing adventure has meant to me. I’m still loving it, still living it, those three days truly changed my life as I step into my seventies. Looking back fills me with gratitude, and looking forward fills me with hope.
Journeying through SELF!SH as a Crew was refreshing and life-giving. I still write in my book, and someday someone will find it tucked in a drawer, filled with pieces of me.
Summer after summer, I’ve spent time with so many amazing, strong women. Yet when this opportunity came, I worried, was I too old? Should I back out? I’m so thankful I didn’t. Monica’s words and encouragement gave me the confidence I needed, and reading through my chapters in SELF!SH continues to encourage me. I often return to certain chapters and reread them, finding new meaning each time.
I’m deeply grateful for what Monica has created. She is inspiring and empowering, yes, even us “old ladies.” I will treasure this adventure forever.
-Wendy F.
Monica provided clear details on the itinerary and information needed to make the weekend a success.
Monica was available when any questions or concerns came about prior to the trip. And during the trip Monica ensured everyone felt comfortable and had everything needed to allow the weekend for a fun and safe weekend.
The sailboat crew were kind, friendly, and made everyone feel comfortable. We didn’t feel like guest rather than friends which made it special.
The weekend was a weekend us ladies needed. We recharged, laughed, and shared stories/challenges on how we got to where we are and our vision on our next phase in life. Between the food, drinks, and sun bathing we were given the opportunity to learn how to sail. This was the cherry on top. There’s something about being at sea and focusing on the horizon and guiding that sailboat to get to that place. It centers you to think that way in life. Stay focused on your goal(s) and with family and friends at your side you will achieve those goals.
-Jen L.
GRAT!TUDE for SELF!SH
In 2024, Monica embarked on a transformative journey with Give an Hour’s inaugural SELF!SH book club, where she won an unforgettable lunch with author, Stephanie Szostak right in the bustling heart of New York City, accompanied by two of her dearest friends. Their escapade unfolded like a vibrant tapestry, roaming the city’s lively streets, sharing heartfelt laughter, creating core memories, and fully immersing themselves in every moment. But beyond the joy and excitement of that day, this adventure ignited something far more profound; it became the very spark that inspired the creation of Charter Book Club Adventures…
New York & New Adventures
To dive deeper into Monica’s journey with the book SELF!SH, explore her story on Give an Hour’s Blog.
SELF!SH Crew Testimonials
