St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and you know what that means – time to celebrate! Looking for a way to do something a little different this year? How about a St. Patrick's Day boat cruise? We don't know about you, but we're always looking for an excuse to hit the water.
It's the best way to celebrate – sunshine, good company, and maybe even a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow (okay, perhaps not the gold, but definitely a great time).
Tips for Boating on St. Patrick's Day
So, if you're spending St. Patrick's Day on a boat, here are a few expert recommendations to make sure your day goes without a hitch:
1. Decorate Your Boat Accordingly
Start by setting the festive mood as you prepare for your St. Patrick's Day boat cruise! So, how do you make sure your boat is the most cheerful one out there? Easy – deck it out in everything green.
We're talking green flags, shamrock balloons, and streamers – the whole deal. And where's the best place to score these party supplies? Think local. Your neighborhood party store will have a treasure trove of green items this time of year. If not, online retailers are just a click away. So get creative, grab your green gear, and get ready to transform your party location.
2. Plan Themed Drinks and Snacks
Additionally, no St. Patrick's Day boat cruise is complete without festive eats and drinks, right? We're talking veggie skewers (with cabbage), mini sandwiches, Irish soda bread, a charcuterie board with meat and cheese, and Guinness Brownies for snacks.
You may be wondering, how do you make Guinness Brownies? It's easy! Simply mix your brownie batter and add a splash of Guinness. The result? Subtle hints of coffee among all that chocolate flavor.
And you can't forget the drinks! For our friends who are skipping the alcohol, there are tons of delicious mocktails out there. But for the rest of you, we've got a fun green-themed recipe you'll love:
The Shamrock Stir:
- 1 ½ ounces Gin (feel free to adjust based on your preference!)
- Handful of fresh mint leaves
- 1 ounce of cucumber juice
- 1 ounce of coconut water
- 1 ounce of soda water
- ½ ounce of squeezed lemon juice (fresh is best!)
Here's the easy part: Throw everything except the soda water in a glass with crushed ice. Muddle the mint (smashing it a bit to release the flavor) and stir it well. Then, top it off with the soda water and enjoy! Bonus points for leftover mint leaves or tiny green umbrellas as a garnish.
3. Designate a Sober Captain and Skipper
But before you celebrate St. Patrick's Day on a boat, remember two key things: A sober captain and a sober skipper. The captain must stay sober to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
But here's the thing—a sober skipper is just as important to ensure that you're celebrating safely while boating. With two sets of eyes on the lookout, you're more likely to have a smooth journey.
Read Next: How to Celebrate Safely on a Boat
4. Check the Weather Beforehand
Additionally, checking the weather forecast before your St. Patrick's Day boat cruise is essential. And this is especially important if you're bringing loved ones along. You want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time, which means preparing for whatever nature has planned that day.
5. Explore Local Boating Events
We can't talk about our top tips for boating on St. Patrick's Day without mentioning the events happening in your own backyard! Many places around the water hold festive bashes and get-togethers just for boaters. It's a fantastic way to meet other captains and celebrate in style.
There are also a few boat shows that fall on St. Patrick's Day weekend! For example, the Discover Boating Northwest Sportshow and Novi Boat Show (both sponsored by Progressive Insurance).
Plan Your Perfect St. Patrick's Day Boat Cruise
Basically, we can sum up all our tips for boating on St. Patrick's Day in two words: fun and safety! So, if you're the captain for the day, make sure you have a sober skipper on board to help out. And if you want your boat to be the star of the marina, remember to deck it out with decorations and festive treats.
Above all, surround yourself with family and friends while savoring your time outdoors. And if you want to know more about the holiday's origins, try researching the history of St. Patrick's Day! It's fascinating and adds to the pleasure of celebrating.
