Inaugural Sunset Cruise

When my husband, better known as The Rum Drinker, brought home a beautiful new boat, he invited a few friends and family out for our inaugural sunset boat ride.

  It was a clear late afternoon, perfect for a ride east out of Beverly harbor to watch the sunset astern (behind us) and see the Boston sky line starboard (to our south).

 We picked up cheeses, meats, some grapes and strawberries for our version of a Charcuterie.  Adding crackers, I set up one tray on the galley table underdeck and another topside so our visitors could appreciate our new “second home.” (Nothing more than a sleek trailer in a glorified trailer park- but on water with great views!)

 I stocked the cabinets with Crystal plastic cups, appetizer plates and silverware. Of course, there were red Solo cups, too. Jimmy Buffet- and the likes of him- played on the stereo system and an American flag flew off the stern.

 The bow of the ship was equipped with plenty of cup holders and a couple of cozy blankets should someone need one on the return ride.

 I even had a vase of Sunflowers to set the mood. The Rum Drinker made sure every piece of fiberglass and vinyl was glistening like a white iceberg in the morning light. The 39-foot white with blue Formula PC was set to go.

 My sister was the first to arrive. After a tour of the boat, we poured a couple of red cups of Cabernet. We were headed to the dock to greet other guest coming down the dock when, before either of us had even taken a sip of our wine, my sister tripped. Her entire glass of red wine spewed out of her glass and covered the entire stern bench, and the perfectly laid out Charcuterie was upside down on the deck, cheese and strawberries smashed into the brand new snapped-on carpet.

 The Rum Drinker stood in silence, mouth agape. Apparently, some people do cry over spills.  My sister fell to her hands and knees to scoop up our appetizers.  I graciously greeted our incoming guests.