Boat Aperitif: How to Organize a Happy Hour on Board

A boat aperitif, with the sunset in the background and the lavender-colored sea blending with the sky. Is there a more relaxing image? Anyone who has already experienced this as a guest is likely eager to repeat it; as for those who have organized it... well, it depends. If it’s something simple, a well-established ritual celebrated evening after evening, everything will fall into place automatically, even for those responsible for stocking supplies and managing spaces and dishes. But if we want to make it a grand event, perhaps to celebrate an occasion and to wrap up a week of sailing in style, performance anxiety can creep in, along with the desire to create something truly memorable. This requires better organization, both in terms of provisions and equipment.

Beverages for a Daily Ritual

Even a daily ritual needs some planning. To ensure that the boat aperitif marks the end of the day appropriately, in anticipation of an equally lovely dinner under the stars and a refreshing night’s sleep, it's best not to leave things to chance. Starting with the drinks. Since squeezing lemons, juicing pineapples, crushing ice, and shaking complex cocktails isn't ideal on board, the choice of drinks will fall on simpler but equally refreshing wines and beers. A well-chilled white wine or a cold blonde beer is unbeatable after a hot day, to be sipped while reflecting on the day’s experiences, planning the next day, or simply contemplating the ever-changing colors of the sea and sky. To not miss out on this priceless moment, before departure, the galley should be stocked with a generous amount of cans and bottles, calculated (generously!) based on the number of people on the trip. Every stop ashore will be an opportunity to replenish supplies, taking advantage of the different places visited to stock up on local specialties. This applies, of course, beyond just beverages... Finally, to avoid lukewarm wines and undrinkable beers, during the day, remember to chill what you plan to drink in the evening (including what you plan for dinner), while considering the fridge space already occupied by fresh and perishable foods.

Small Delicacies to Nibble On

As for food, to accompany the daily aperitif, you can make good use of that stash of crackers and baked goods that should always be on board, pairing them with what you usually eat on land, as long as it’s not too complicated to serve, eat, or store. Chips, nuts, and pretzels are fine, but without overdoing it, and avoiding greasy foods that could dirty the boat or make surfaces slippery. As mentioned when discussing drinks, trips ashore are also an opportunity to buy local delicacies, like pane carasau (a type of crisp flatbread), perfect for snacking and easy to store, olives, anchovies, or perhaps some good cheese to consume on the day. Those who prefer to keep it light can stock up on vegetables, to be eaten raw, limiting dips and sauces.

Plates, Glasses, Cutlery, and More

In general, as far as drinks and snacks go, an aperitif on board doesn’t differ too much from one on land. What changes, besides a more rational approach to stocking supplies, are the utensils. To avoid waste and pollution, the classic solution is to rely on melamine or other unbreakable, reusable materials for glasses, plates, coasters, and trays. It’s better to limit glass, crystal, ceramics, and anything else that can break, and it’s advisable to avoid producing excessive potentially polluting waste. So, steer clear of disposable plastic, and whenever possible, opt for paper, bamboo, and cellulose pulp for reusable and possibly compostable tableware.

A Boat Aperitif for Celebrating

The equipment described will be especially useful when organizing a special aperitif, where, in addition to beers and wine, with perhaps a few forays into the world of long drinks (rum and coke and gin and tonic being the favorites), you can pair slightly more complex snacks than just chips. In these cases, it’s ideal to once again take advantage of local specialties, planning shore excursions with a view to making some delicious purchases to enjoy on the boat. Focaccia, preserved foods, pickles (in moderation), dried and fresh fruits, cheeses, and cured meats are all welcome, and should be pre-portioned so that everyone can easily enjoy them. It’s also a good idea to have a quality cooler bag on hand, both for shopping and for keeping drinks and perishable foods chilled as you serve them. If you want to prepare something by hand, the advice is always to keep it simple, preferably uncooked, both to avoid ruining the fun and relaxation, and because lighter foods are generally preferable. So, feel free to make cold-prepared dips, with the help of a few utensils, preferably non-electric, to dip fresh vegetables or spread on that great bread you bought from that little shop that stole your heart that morning...