Host a Great Boat Party
May 19, 2017
Memorial Day in the USA is the unofficial beginning of summer, kicking off the warm-weather party season. You don't need a big yacht to host a boat party, and you don't have to be Martha Stewart to throw a fun, flavorful, and safe party that your boating buddies will remember for a long time.
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Chef Julie Yoon[/caption]
Party Basics
Match your guest list to your boat's capacity. Ensure each partygoer has enough space to be comfortable, and definitely don't overload your vessel. Getting swamped or sunk is the worst way we can think of for a party to end.
Create a simple menu, or make your life easier by inviting your friends to each bring a dish to pass. Provide plates, napkins, and cutlery. Pack a cooler or two with ice, food, and plenty of drinks, including water. If you have a portable stove on board, you can create made-to-order omelets or fry up the fish you've just caught. Lucky enough to have a full galley? Your menu options are almost unlimited!
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Captain Chris, Vero Beach FL[/caption]
Rafting Up
Rafting up with other boats is fun. Before you lash your boat to another vessel, make sure your boat has enough fenders along its sides to protect against damaging bumps. The heaviest boat should set its anchor, and if more than two boats are rafting up, the anchored boat should be in the middle. As more boats join your party, keep them evenly distributed on either side of the heaviest boat.
To join the anchored boat, approach slowly, and throw your dock lines to the anchored boat for the crew to tie up. Make the lines fast to cleats only, in case you need to untie quickly. Climbing over the boat rails can be difficult and dangerous, so try to line up the boats so guests can travel from boat to boat on the swim platforms. If you do have to climb over the gunnels, do so carefully to avoid painful pinches or worse, and only with permission from the other boat's skipper.
[caption id="attachment_372" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
PRWeb[/caption]
Safety First
Carry enough life jackets for everyone and insist that children wear theirs. Wear sunscreen and drink enough water. Be aware of your surroundings, watch for swimmers, anchor lines, and other vessels, and keep an eye on the weather. And please don't drink and drive: it's not just dangerous, it's illegal.
Chef Julie Yoon[/caption]
Party Basics
Match your guest list to your boat's capacity. Ensure each partygoer has enough space to be comfortable, and definitely don't overload your vessel. Getting swamped or sunk is the worst way we can think of for a party to end.
Create a simple menu, or make your life easier by inviting your friends to each bring a dish to pass. Provide plates, napkins, and cutlery. Pack a cooler or two with ice, food, and plenty of drinks, including water. If you have a portable stove on board, you can create made-to-order omelets or fry up the fish you've just caught. Lucky enough to have a full galley? Your menu options are almost unlimited!
[caption id="attachment_370" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Captain Chris, Vero Beach FL[/caption]
Rafting Up
Rafting up with other boats is fun. Before you lash your boat to another vessel, make sure your boat has enough fenders along its sides to protect against damaging bumps. The heaviest boat should set its anchor, and if more than two boats are rafting up, the anchored boat should be in the middle. As more boats join your party, keep them evenly distributed on either side of the heaviest boat.
To join the anchored boat, approach slowly, and throw your dock lines to the anchored boat for the crew to tie up. Make the lines fast to cleats only, in case you need to untie quickly. Climbing over the boat rails can be difficult and dangerous, so try to line up the boats so guests can travel from boat to boat on the swim platforms. If you do have to climb over the gunnels, do so carefully to avoid painful pinches or worse, and only with permission from the other boat's skipper.
[caption id="attachment_372" align="aligncenter" width="600"] PRWeb[/caption]
Safety First
Carry enough life jackets for everyone and insist that children wear theirs. Wear sunscreen and drink enough water. Be aware of your surroundings, watch for swimmers, anchor lines, and other vessels, and keep an eye on the weather. And please don't drink and drive: it's not just dangerous, it's illegal. 
