As summer continues to heat up, outdoor events and parties are filling up the calendar. And while venues like parks, stadiums and rooftops may be the go-to options for planners, boats and yachts are fun seasonal alternatives that serve up some much-needed fresh air. Here are some tips to consider when chartering a boat for your next corporate event—whether it’s a fundraiser, meeting or team-building outing.
Make sure the boat is inspected, certified and COVID-safe.
“If you are chartering a boat for more than 12 guests, make sure it’s a United States Coast Guard-certified vessel,” explains Lauren Talchik, owner of Charter One Yachts in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. From there, she says, “It really boils down to personal preference” when it comes to the look of the boat.
Also, just because you’re out on the water doesn’t mean you can forget about COVID-19 protocols. New York City-based Classic Harbor Line's general manager and captain Sarah Pennington says to “look for an operator who has a plan for how to accommodate COVID-19 safety and can adapt to any heightened needs of a corporate group's standards.” Adding that, “office gatherings this summer may want to make sure that boats have spacious outdoor access, HEPA filters on air handlers for indoor spaces, vaccination standards for their crew and adherence to food safety practices regarding COVID.”
Don’t forget the entertainment.
When it comes to booking onboard entertainment, Talchik explains that “the only restrictions would be the space the entertainer would require.” She adds that DJs are the most common and most versatile option, but “depending on the charterer, you can go from a single guitarist, a jazz trio, a mariachi band, steel drums or a singing duo.”
Some operators even offer their own entertainment acts, such as Classic Harbor Line's Boat Band (which is available for $450 per hour). Pennington says the company has “just started to do indoor live music, and we have a 12-foot distance blocked out between the performers and the guests.”
Plan catering based on the event, not the boat.
As for catering, some operators like Charter One Yachts are able to offer a customized menu that’s prepared on board and served as a buffet, a plated meal or cocktail style. Items can range from sushi stations to filet mignon to hor d'oeuvres like lamb lollipops. If you’re hiring an off-site caterer, consider selecting menu items that will hold up during travel to the dock.
Similar to in-person, on-land events, Pennington says that “buffets are frowned upon right now.” She suggests looking for a “food service plan where the servers are handling food per person, family-style service or even with boxed meals. This can help keep food service safer.” Classic Harbor Line offers “COVID-conscious” dining options that can be served boxed or plated, indoor or outdoor, depending on the regulations and the requirements of the group.
Also, if you’re planning a sit-down meal, ensure that the vessel is available to seat all your guests comfortably. The Coast Guard’s certified number of guests allowed does not take into consideration comfort, so actual seating might only be about half that stated number.
Book a boat for team building.
Classic Harbor Line offers a team-building charter that places participants in the boat shoes of a pro mariner. Designed for four to six members, the outing includes hands-on educational tasks such as knot tying, sail raising and boat trivia.
