Getting set for my first sailing party

Kings Gambit · Jul 6, 2015

vollEngineer said:
Hubby and I are new to sailing and just bought a Hunter 386. A couple of seasoned sailors are taking us out this weekend on our boat to check her out and give us some pointers. What are the hosts expected to provide? Food and drinks, I imagine. Life vests. Anything else stand out in your minds?

My wife likes to have a few pints of spring water aboard. A spare sweater or jacket for the guests in case they neglect to bring a wrap if needed. Don't forget yours!

Jackdaw · Jul 6, 2015

This is different because they are doing you a favor. As such, be as generous as you want.

In general, we expect our guests to plan with us on what to bring. We're providing a boat to travel on, not an all-expense-paid vacation.

Beyond that, some land-lubber spares always a good to have on board. PFDs, sunnies, sunscreen, light jackets, sailing gloves, non-marking shoes a good idea.

Mark48 · Jul 6, 2015

You might ask them if there is something special they would like to snack on or a particular beverage. Also have your questions in mind. Particularly review routine presail checks and procedure once you have docked for the day.

centerline · Jul 6, 2015

as they are seasoned sailors, they will have what they need for clothing to protect against the weather... if not, you may want to question how "seasoned" they are... sunscreen is something that should be a standard item on the boat for all to use as needed.... its nice to always have extra sunglasses aboard (cheap ones to loan out) as this is something that often gets donated to neptune and his cronies....

snacks/Hors d'oeuvre's and drinks are mandatory at the very least... alcoholic drinks for after the days sailing is done, are optional but is a nice and usually very welcomed offering..
if they actually are seasoned sailors and know what they are talking about, you cant bestow enough kindness on them for what they are doing for you... but if they are posers trying to show you how little they actually know, or how much you dont know about the boat you just bought, well then I would think the free boat ride at your expense is plenty enough for them...

Kermit · Jul 6, 2015

What you're describing is not a party. If we ALL show up, well, that would be a PARTY!!

Seriously, show them great appreciation for all they are doing. The more you do for them the more fun it will be. (And the rest of us will bring our own beer.)

Stu Jackson · Jul 6, 2015

Just for a daysail? You did say "out this weekend?"

What you might want to consider is spending some time, with them aboard, practicing docking. Don't just go out and sail (and learn, of course) and then head back in.

ASSIGN a real period of time to un-dock, then redock, and then repeat it a few times. With them and then just the two of you while they watch. It will make the end of the day easier, and give you a much better appreciation of what's required. Talk about leaving the dock before you even get on the boat. Have them check your dock lines and advise if they suggest more or different arrangements.

You can never spend enough time learning to do this.

While this is a link to singlehanding, it will give you a good idea of the importance of dock lines and the midships spring line.

Single Handing 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5445.0.html

There are a couple of pages to the link.

Have fun, too.

Kings Gambit · Jul 6, 2015

vollEngineer said:
Daysail. Sorry for the confusion. I haven't even bought sheets yet!

I'm so glad I asked... I wondered if there was some secret sailing thing I should know. Like you are supposed to give out buttons or something. Food and drinks, sunscreen, cheap sunglasses, towels, blankeys, I got it. Sounds like just getting ready for a day at the beach with lots of thank you's. I'm set!

I wonder how expensive this trip becomes once the guys tell DH about all of the stuff we need to buy.

Use the B.O.A.T. principle as your guide to expenses--that's the secret "sailing thing" you should know. Has anyone introduced you to it yet:stirthepot:?

centerline · Jul 6, 2015

vollEngineer said:
I wonder how expensive this trip becomes once the guys tell DH about all of the stuff we need to buy.

how expensive the TRIP becomes???? you just bought a boat, just you wait and see how expensive it becomes once DH (or yourself) gets the bug to modify, add on, and upgrade..... this "trip" is only the beginning

EDIT.. after re-reading and processing what you wrote, I think you probably already have an idea of the cost

centerline · Jul 6, 2015

vollEngineer said:
The more DH spends on the boat, the more I get to spend on the house. Let the bleeding begin!

it doesnt work that way, and it wont work that way... the house projects will have to be put on hold for about 15 months... its not a written rule, but it just works out that way with a new boat... or you can sell it.

this may seem like a joke, but it really isnt so much

....

Jackdaw · Jul 7, 2015

We budget $15k/year as operational/maintenance costs for our 2006 First 36.7. The first year of ownership was almost twice that.

That includes slip, storage, diesel, provisions, insurance, upgrades, preventative and regular maintenance, along with a budget for one new sail a year. The boat is paid for, but the monthly average looks like a mortgage payment.

That works about to be roughly 10% of the boats worth, which is about average to maintain a boat in top condition.

woodster · Jul 7, 2015

just be your self and have fun in the learning ...from what i have read you are probably a good hostess and be prepared to laugh at yourself when all this has happened you will remember it better that way ...do take some sea sick pill the night before if you are not accustomed to the water ...would be a shame to have that spoil your outing especially when you are getting free insite on sailing

Jackdaw · Jul 7, 2015

vollEngineer said:
"along with a budget for one new sail a year."

One new sail per year?

You know, the things that make the boat go!

Kings Gambit · Jul 7, 2015

vollEngineer said:
"along with a budget for one new sail a year."

One new sail per year?

That refers to a competitive racing boat; likely not a cruising boat like you've purchased. It also supposes that you're using the boat a lot each year under sail. I've known people who've replaced their auxillary engine b/f they ever replaced their mainsail!!

Jackdaw · Jul 7, 2015

Kings Gambit said:
That refers to a competitive racing boat; likely not a cruising boat like you've purchased. It also supposes that you're using the boat a lot each year under sail. I've known people who've replaced their auxillary engine b/f they ever replaced their mainsail!!

Right I should have been more clear about that. My point was that everybody should set a budget for sails based on their use patterns, and factor that into their annual spend. If one motors 90% of the time, then factor a overhaul before a new spinnaker!

Pat · Jul 7, 2015

wow, I would take what you would normally take but purchase enough to provide your
guests some as well...simple, not complicated....maybe some cold fresh fruit, bottled water, etc. if they want to drink something special, they should bring it with them...we like to go to the store and maybe purchase pita chips and some hummus/w/ red pepper sauce. ..I would keep it simple...enjoy yourself and learn about your boat...

Stu Jackson · Jul 7, 2015

Pat said:
...we like to go to the store and maybe purchase pita chips and some hummus/w/ red pepper sauce.

You might want to ask them what they like, first.