Family & Friends eMail Template Sample (Invitation)

They say, “if you don’t own a boat, the best alternative is having a friend who does“. Before we purchased our first boat together (2010 24′ Yamaha 240SX) our mutual friend Bill (M/V Svedas Fish) would regularly invite us onboard his open bow Regal. His policy was to bring the drinks, food and pay restaurant dining tabs which seemed more than reasonable to us. We incorporated this policy as well, however quickly learned from our family and friends that we needed some additional rules. While the eMail invitation may appear to be lengthy and rigid, do be mindful this also results from our personal past and our experiences with family and friends.

Family & Friends,

We look forward to sharing our seasonal pleasure with you onboard, our “new to us”, M/V Soul Mates.

Unlike our former vessel, M/V Silver Lining this trawler yacht features:

• 2 Berth Staterooms (Bedrooms) – Queen Beds with Doors
• Compact Washer & Dryer
• 2 Full Ensuite Heads (Bathrooms)
• Flybridge – Outdoor Open Air & 2nd Navigation Area
• Galley (Kitchen) – Dishwasher, 1 Freezer, Larger Refrigerator, Propane Oven/Stove, & Trash Compactor
• Larger – 3 Floors & 51′ (LOA)
• Moves at a Much Slower Pace (7 – 10 Knots vs 35+ Knots)
• Partial Protected Exterior Walkaround on Main Deck (3 Sides)
• Raised Pilothouse (Enclosed Navigation Hub) with Seating
• Salon (Living Room) with 2 Built-In Seating Areas & Table
• Walk-In Engine Room 

Other onboard amenities include cookware, dish ware, linens, microwave, Nepresso coffee maker, outdoor propane grills, plastic glassware, silverware, toaster, and towels. In the event, we have spent the night onboard, M/V Soul Mates we may request that you meet us at a different Marina than our new dock home, Granary Marina (Georgetown, MD/Slip L8) along the Sassafras River. Contingent on our current location, tides, weather, and water conditions. So, please be at the “specified location” area on-time; we’ll always specify the marina name, address, your required arrival time and our dock location. Beyond 15 minutes to your specified arrival time; there are no exceptions to your tardiness in consideration to fellow boaters requiring dock availability.  Sorry, but we will depart without you!!! 

• We normally return to the dock between 7:30PM – 8:30PM, if not later; variations may occur simply depending on our current location and water conditions, and weather. Requests to dock earlier will be denied; so anticipate a full day on the water and plan your day accordingly. 
• If you’re unable to go as scheduled please provide us the courtesy notification the evening prior. 
• For families, with an overnight stay we will consider marinas with resort lodging for your stay.
• Onboard overnight stays are solely limited to 2 adult persons.

We simply, ask in no particular order that you: 

• Avoid wearing sandals or shoes while onboard.
• Bring your own lotion sunblock, enough clothing for your stay, roll-on deodorant, and sunglasses. Regrettably, sprays are damaging to the fiberglass gelcoat!
• Do not bring unaccounted guests following your RSVP confirmation; due to our capacity and weight restrictions. Otherwise we’ll be forced to deny them boarding.
• Join and participate at your own risk!

Considering the cost to own, operate and maintain a boat, we simply ask in exchange for your experience and enjoyment that you:

• Bring your own small ice cooler of individual size drinks (beer, juice, soda, water, wine) but, enough to share with the Captain and First Mate.
• Bring your own food but, enough to share with the Captain and First Mate. If you prefer not to bring food than do let us know so that we can plan restaurant dining accordingly.
• If entering any one of the many cool bars and restaurants accessible via dinghy or yacht. Be prepared to pick up the tab for the Captain and First Mate.

Please, do not bring:

• Any red or purple beverages, in the event of spillage; as this will permanently stain our deck and seat cushions.
• Glass containers or goods onboard.
• Sprays (deodorant or sunblock) on as they damage the fiberglass gel coat.
• Uninvited guests.

We have the required passenger supply of life jackets (orange).  Parents, for the safety of your child; you will be required to bring their own properly fitting life jacket.  Here’s basic instructions, how to fit a life jacket:

• Choose only a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved life jacket, and the correct size for the weight of the person. The USCG stamp of approval, size, whether it is for a child or an adult, and appropriate weight of the wearer should be listed inside the jacket.
• Lift your arms above your head as if calling a touchdown. The chest portion of the jacket should not touch your chin when you look left, right or over your shoulder. If the jacket passes this test, it most likely fits. The PFD (personal floating device) should not ride up on your body. However, ride-up may happen if your stomach is larger than your chest.
• Check for proper fit of a life jacket on a child. Wearing the jacket, the child should stand normally with arms at his sides. Grab the jacket at the shoulders and firmly lift up. The jacket does not fit if it moves more than three inches up and down the child’s body during the test.
• A properly fitting jacket should be snug but not tight.

 M/V Soul Mates is not equipped nor intended for fishing, tubing or water skiing. More so a moving condo on the water!

State Regulations:

• All children 12 years of age or younger are required to wear a life jacket when underway (moving) on a boat that is 20 feet in length.
• Person 11 years of age or younger may not operate a personal watercraft or a boat propelled by a motor greater than 25 horsepower.
• Persons 12 – 15 years of age may not operate a personal watercraft if there are any passengers onboard 15 years of age or younger.
• Persons born on or after January 1, 1982, to operate boats powered by motors greater than 25 horsepower, require the Boating Safety Education Certificate by regulations.

For those unwilling to accept our Terms & Conditions, we cordially invite you to follow our journey through social media M/V Soul Mates.

We hope to be out as much as possible and look forward to seeing you on the water.  Contact us, to reserve your onboard experience!