yacht vacation party

How to Host a Yacht Party

Last Updated on September 29, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

A yacht party is a fantastic change of pace from dinner at a restaurant or a backyard cookout. Yachting isn’t a common thing for a lot of people, so there’s a natural excitement built into the event, even if the boat never leaves the dock. All you have to do as the host is play into that vibe, and you’ve got yourself a successful event.

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One of the best things you can do when inviting guests to a yacht party is to inform them in advance about general etiquette aboard a boat. Friends who are landlubbers will not know, for instance, that it’s customary to leave your shoes in a dock box before boarding a boat.

Tell them ahead of time that their feet will be on display so they can get a pedicure, buy a cool pair of socks or invest in a little toe jewelry to feel comfortable throughout the party. They’ll also appreciate the pro tip of wearing shoes that are easy to slide on and off without having to sit down and deal with laces or straps.

A group of friends on a yacht at sunset.

And, for yacht parties during the day, encourage your guests to dress for the sun. Have sunscreen on board to use, and offer helpful suggestions like bringing a hat, a light shirt to cover easy-burn spots like shoulders and the back of the neck, and perhaps linen pants or a sarong for legs that don’t see the sun too often. Polarized sunglasses also help stay comfortable throughout the day on board.

Think bigger-picture about how people should dress: if your yacht party is during the day, then your guests might bring a small bag of clothes for later; you’ll need a place on the yacht to put those bags. Your yacht party may extend into the night, which means there could be a big swing in the temperature, so encourage guests to bring clothing that can be layered on and off.

READ MORE: 5 Secrets Boat Clubs Don’t Want You to Know

If the party will include the boat leaving the dock, then advise your guests about the golden rule of remaining upright: one hand for you, one hand for the boat. Yes, you can carry a plate of hors d’oeuvres or a cocktail in one hand, but whenever the boat moves, you always want one hand free to grab a rail, a handhold, or anything else you might need to steady yourself. Helping new boaters stay safe underway should be priority one!

In terms of hosting, think about serving a steady array of finger foods instead of a big, sit-down meal. The little stuff is easier to store and cook quickly, and it’s a better option to offer people a variety of foods if the boat is moving since some people may be a bit more sensitive than others.

Skip the things that come on skewers (those little sticks never end up in the trash, and they can poke bare feet if they end up on deck ). Instead, think about crudites, bruschetta bites, and boneless wings that leave no refuse behind.

Also, have soft drinks such as ginger ale and lemon-lime soda on hand to help soothe any bouts of seasickness . Ginger is another well-regarded remedy and can be served as a chewable or in a cup of iced tea.

Sometimes, yacht parties are themed, with everything from steel-drum players to belly dancers aboard for entertainment. Swim parties are, of course, a go-to favorite, as are “Under the Sea” parties with a seafood spread. You can go with a color, or a lack thereof, such as an all-white party, or encourage people to wear Hawaiian shirts for a Polynesian night .

A group of friends swimming off a yacht.

Music is a must. So don’t forget to create a playlist to go with your theme. It’s hard to go wrong with boating standbys such as Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, and the Beach Boys. More than a few great singalongs have started with “Rock the Boat” by the Hues Corporation or “Banana Boat (Day-O)” by Harry Belafonte.

Yes, that last suggestion is about as polar opposite as you can get from “Under the Sea,” but that’s the beauty of a yacht party. It can be anything you want it to be.

Best of all: you don’t need to own a yacht to throw a party on one. You can rent a yacht for a half-day or full-day and host your party on the rental instead! If you happen to be one of the lucky few who own a yacht, you can list it and rent it out to the large market made up of people daydreaming about their day out on a yacht or hosting their own yacht party.

Boatsetter is a unique boat-sharing platform that gives everyone— whether you own a boat or you’re just renting — the chance to experience life on the water. You can list a boat , book a boat , or make money as a captain .

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Kim Kavin has been on boats in more than 50 countries and islands, including in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. She grew up learning to steer a ski boat and Hobie Holder at her grandfather’s lake house in New Jersey, and went on to spend time aboard everything from America’s Cup racing sailboats to submarines.

Kim is a PADI-certified scuba diver and animal lover who always enjoys a good, long look around a coral reef. Her award-winning writing and editing regularly appears in national marine magazines and on leading websites. In her early years, she was a Dow Jones editing intern and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not writing, Kim can usually be found hiking northwest New Jersey’s beautiful park trails with her adopted shelter mutt, Ginger.

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How To Plan And Host The Perfect Yacht Party

How to Plan and Host the Perfect Yacht Party

If you own a yacht, there’s no better way to entertain than by hosting a yacht party. But this isn’t something you just want to throw together at the last minute. There needs to be some detailed planning and very specific execution to make sure it’s a success.

What is a Yacht Party?

There are parties…and then there are yacht parties.

A yacht party is more than just a social gathering or a chance to entertain. A yacht party is an experience. It combines luxury, exclusivity, beautiful views, and status. Hosting a party on a yacht takes traditional celebrations to an entirely new level, offering a unique setting that nobody is going to forget anytime soon.

Unlike events held in traditional venues, a yacht party creates a sense of adventure and intimacy that is head and shoulders above most other party experiences. Whether you’re cruising along a scenic coastline, anchored in a picturesque bay, or floating under the stars, the environment alone gives you a huge leg up and sets the stage for an extraordinary event.

Yacht parties can range from casual daytime get-togethers to more luxurious evening affairs. A laid-back daytime party might include swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, while an evening yacht party could feature dining, live music, and dancing. But regardless of the occasion, a yacht party is all about creating a fun and sophisticated atmosphere.

Yacht parties are popular for a variety of occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, corporate gatherings, weddings, or even just a spontaneous celebration with friends and family. One of the coolest things about this type of event is the versatility. You’re not boxed into the same old boring dinner party. (No offense to anyone who loves hosting the same old boring dinner parties. )

At its core, a yacht party is about bringing people together in a special setting to celebrate, relax, and enjoy life. As we said before, it’s not just a party – it’s an experience. And if you’re hosting a yacht party, it’s up to you to create the best experience possible.

Tips for Hosting a Successful Yacht Party

The great thing about a yacht party is that no two parties are the same. As a host, this is both an encouragement and a challenge. It’s an encouragement in the sense that you don’t have to replicate someone else’s party or meet a bunch of preconceived notions of what the party should be. But it’s a challenge in the sense that you have to be creative and unique.

Whether this is your first yacht party or you’ve hosted a few in the past, here are some useful tips you can use to make sure your next one is a huge success for everyone involved:

Start With the Right Yacht The foundation of any great yacht party is the yacht itself. Consider the size and amenities of your vessel and whether it suits the type of party you’re planning. For an intimate gathering, a smaller yacht with cozy spaces and a relaxed vibe might be ideal. For larger events, make sure the yacht has multiple decks, spacious seating areas, and enough room for dining or dancing. If you don’t already own a yacht suitable for your event, chartering one is a great option. Work with a reputable charter company and communicate your needs, from the number of guests to the type of amenities you’ll need on board. Whether you’re charting a boat or using your own, don’t overlook the crew. They have the potential to really make or break your party, as they’ll be the ones directly interacting with all of your guests. A professional and attentive staff can make all the difference.
Curate an Intentional Guest List Your guest list is obviously crucial. Design, decor, food, and music don’t make the party so much as the people present. The limited space on a yacht means you need to be strategic, inviting people who will mesh well together and contribute to the overall atmosphere. Think about the dynamics of your group and the vibe you want to create, whether it’s an intimate evening of conversation or a high-energy celebration. Once you’ve finalised your list, send out invitations that set the tone for the event. A formal gathering might call for printed invitations, while a casual daytime party could be announced with a digital invite. When creating your invitations, be clear about logistics, including boarding times, dress codes, RSVP deadlines – and anything else that is important. The last thing you want to do is fail to communicate a key piece of information, which means fielding dozens of questions, calls, and texts in the days leading up to the event. (One of the benefits of using a digital invite is that you can update it later if anything changes.)
Select a Theme That Sets the Mood A cohesive theme can really elevate your yacht party and create an unforgettable experience for your guests. The theme doesn’t have to be elaborate – even a simple idea can tie together your decor, menu, and entertainment. For a relaxed tropical vibe, incorporate bright colours, tiki-style decor, and fruity cocktails. For something more elegant, consider a formal black-tie affair with muted tones, sparkling accents, and gourmet canapés. Whatever theme you choose, just make sure it aligns with the setting. It’s much easier to work with the vibe of the yacht and surrounding landscape than it is to force a theme that doesn’t really fit what’s already there.
Shrimp Cocktail : Serve jumbo shrimp on ice with tangy cocktail sauce and lemon wedges. This classic appetiser is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Oysters on the Half Shell : Offer freshly shucked oysters with a variety of toppings, such as mignonette sauce, horseradish, or hot sauce.
Smoked Salmon Canapés : Top small slices of toasted bread or cucumber rounds with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of dill.
Mini Lobster Rolls : Use soft, buttery buns to serve bite-sized lobster rolls with a touch of lemon and mayonnaise.
Hummus and Veggie Cups : Serve individual cups with a dollop of hummus at the bottom and sticks of carrot, celery, and cucumber for easy handling.
Sushi Rolls : Offer a mix of classics like California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and vegetarian options. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
Poke Cups : Create individual servings of poke bowls with marinated tuna or salmon, rice, avocado, and sesame seeds.

Drinks . Be sure to offer a mix of signature cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options to suit all tastes.

Mojito : A refreshing mix of white rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and soda water. Perfect for a tropical or casual vibe.

Dark ’n’ Stormy : Made with dark rum and ginger beer, this cocktail is a nautical classic often associated with seafaring adventures.

Mai Tai : Combine light and dark rum with orange curaçao, lime juice, and almond syrup for a quintessential island drink.

Mimosa : A simple and classic blend of champagne and orange juice, perfect for daytime events.

Captain’s Cooler : A refreshing blend of cucumber-infused vodka, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and tonic water.

Virgin Mojito : A refreshing combination of lime, mint, sugar, and soda water.

Deserts. Desserts are the perfect way to end a yacht party on a sweet note. Since space and logistics on a yacht can make traditional dessert service tricky, focus on bite-sized, easy-to-serve options. Here are some ideas:

Fruit Tarts : Buttery tart shells filled with pastry cream and topped with fresh berries or tropical fruits like mango and kiwi.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries : A timeless and elegant choice that’s easy to make and universally loved.

Mini Cupcakes : Decorate them with frosting and edible glitter to match your yacht party’s theme, whether it’s nautical, tropical, or elegant.

Sorbet Cups : Serve individual portions of fruity sorbet in flavours like mango, lemon, or raspberry for a cool, refreshing option.

Depending on the size of the party, you might want to hire a private chef or caterer who has experience with yacht events. They’ll handle the logistics of preparing and serving food on board, so you can focus on your guests. This is some of the best money you can spend on the party.

Create the Perfect Atmosphere While the natural beauty of the water is going to provide a beautiful backdrop, a few well-placed decor elements can take your yacht party to the next level. The best suggestion is to use subtle but impactful touches that complement your theme and don’t clutter the space. Lighting is particularly important, especially for evening events. Use soft, ambient lighting to create a welcoming glow, whether through string lights, lanterns, or LED candles. On tables, simple centrepieces like floral arrangements or nautical accents can add charm without overwhelming the setting.

Plan Entertainment That Fits the Setting Entertainment on a yacht should be tailored to the unique environment and vibe of the event. For a casual daytime party, you might focus on activities like swimming, paddleboarding, or snorkelling. For evening events, music becomes the centrepiece. Consider hiring a DJ or live band to keep the energy up, or curate a playlist that matches your theme. If you have a dance floor or open deck space, encourage guests to take advantage of it. For more intimate gatherings, quieter forms of entertainment like a live acoustic performance or a deck-side movie screening can create a memorable atmosphere.

Account for Safety and Logistical Details Hosting a yacht party comes with specific logistical and safety considerations. Be mindful of the yacht’s capacity and avoid exceeding it, both for the comfort of your guests and to comply with safety regulations. You should also work closely with your crew to ensure everyone is briefed on safety protocols, such as where to find life jackets and how to respond in an emergency. If alcohol will be served, consider arranging transportation for guests to and from the marina to ensure everyone gets home safely.

Take Advantage of the Views One of the best parts of a yacht party is the stunning natural scenery. Whether you’re anchored in a calm bay or cruising along the coast, make the most of your surroundings by planning moments that allow guests to soak in the views. Try timing your party around a sunset to maximise atmosphere or plan a scenic route that highlights landmarks or natural beauty. You should also invite guests to spend time on the deck and take in the experience – after all, the setting is one of the main reasons they’re there.

Capture the Memories No great party is complete without capturing the memories. If it’s in the budget, consider hiring a professional photographer or videographer who can document the event without being intrusive. If that’s not in the budget, designate a friend to take photos throughout the evening. For a fun twist, you can also set up a photo area with props and a backdrop that ties into your theme. This gives guests a chance to create their own keepsakes and adds an extra element of entertainment.

End on a High Note As the party winds down, leave your guests with a positive impression. Offer thoughtful parting gifts, such as mini bottles of champagne, nautical-themed tokens, or personalised keepsakes that tie into your theme. You should also take the time to thank each guest for coming and make sure everyone has a plan for getting home safely. If possible, stand at the exit of the boat and personally greet each person as they leave.

Find the Perfect Yacht

Whether you want to charter a yacht a few times per year to host parties, or you’re in the market for buying or selling a yacht, The Yacht Market has you covered. Contact us today to learn why we’re considered the premier marketplace for buying and selling luxury yachts!