Generic Talk

Family & Friends eMail Template Sample (Cruising Confirmation)

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.

<Insert Name(s)>,


We look forward to having you onboard M/V Soul Mates!

Accept this email as confirmation that we have reserved our calendars and look forward to having you onboard from <Day, Date> – <Day, Date>. We will be meeting you at <Specific Location Name & Address> at <Specific Time> (and dropping you off at if it differs from the pick-up location <Specific Location Name & Address> roughly at <Specific Time>).

In preparation, be advised

  • We will be closely monitoring the local weather and alter plans as deemed necessary for safety purposes (meeting location and/or time).
  • Jacques is the only Captain onboard. Whether itinerary changes, for concern to other vessels, safety reasons and/or our vessel protection whatever he says, goes! It’s nothing personal, so please do not take offense.
  • Our conversations will be limited whether during departure, underway (usually due to crab traps or heavy traffic), anchorage, mooring ball and/or arrival will be between the Captain and First Mate via wireless headsets. It’s nothing personal, so please do not take offense but we must remain focused.
  • We prefer our guests not to assist us during our departure, anchorage, mooring ball and/or arrival unless otherwise asked. Remain seated and keep passageways clear.
  • Trash collects quickly and requires additional storage space as it’s only disposed of at the marina. Only bring what is necessary, preferably unpackaged.
  • We use bottled water for coffee, cooking and drinking purposes.
  • While underway or moving whenever you’re outside, life jackets must be worn for safety purposes.
  • Before our journey commences, a vessel tour and safety overview will be provided.
  • We are not equipped for fishing, tubing or water skiing.
  • Join and participate at your own risk.
  • Board at your own risk.

We kindly ask…

  • Bring your preferred drinks, meals and snacks.
  • Do not bring unaccounted or uninvited guests.
  • Do not bring sprays onboard as these tend to ruin fiberglass.
  • During fueling that all doors, potholes and windows be closed.
  • Only flush the toilet paper as provided! Anything else will cause a backup mess, clog and costly damage.
  • Once onboard, shoes are not permitted inside or outside. If you require your feet to be covered, please bring socks.
  • Plan to pick up the tab when dining out.
  • We do have the necessary adult size life jackets onboard. Parents are requested to fit and bring their child(rens) youth USCG life jackets with them.
  • Storage space is very limited, for a couple invited to stay onboard we suggest a soft duffle bag for your belongings. Attire onboard is beach casual.
  • Water tank storage is limited and consumption should be conservative. When showering, rinse, turn off water, lather (water off) and rinse.
  • Overnight guests please strip your bed and leave linens by the washer machine onboard.

Good to know

  • Galley is equipped with most creature comfort appliances you would find at home.
  • Guest stateroom has no TV. You’re welcome to watch TV in the salon. Otherwise, bring a good reading book.
  • Heads offer general supplies of toothpaste, body wash, shampoo and conditioner. Feel free to bring your own preferred products.
  • Unless we’re tied marina electricity power, not all appliances may be operated at once.
  • We provide beach and shower towels.
  • We are equipped with indoor and outdoor seating.

For your familiarity with Nautical Vocabulary you’ll hear us use

  • Aft or Stern = Back/Rear of the Vessel
  • Anchor Alarm = Anchor or Vessel is Dragging Outside of Set Parameters
  • Anchor Set = Affixed to Floor Bottom
  • Bow or Forward = Front of the Vessel
  • Bridle = Shock Absorber Used at Anchorage
  • Deck = Floor
  • Dinghy or Tender = Smaller Vessel
  • Fenders = Vessels Exterior Attachable Bumper Guards
  • Flybridge = Exterior Driving Area
  • Galley = Kitchen
  • Head = Bathroom
  • Helm = Driving Seat
  • Lazarett = Aft Below Deck Storage Area
  • Lines = Ropes
  • Marriage Savers = Wireless Headsets to Communicate (Departure, Anchorage, Mooring Ball and/or Arrival)
  • Pilothouse = Interior Driving Area
  • Port = Left Side of the Vessel
  • Salon/Saloon = Living Room
  • Starboard = Right Side of the Vessel
  • Stateroom = Bedrooms

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Hi, I’m Janet