Raft Up on the River

We’re envious of Traveler’s director of editorial marketing Lynn Ackerson — she has friends with sailboats! She sends this dispatch from a recent outing:

Looking for a way to multiply your summer fun?  Grab some friends who own sailboats, head for the nearest river or lake and “raft-up” your boats.

My friends Jim and Yvonne invited me to experience my first raft-up this past weekend and it was nonstop fun.  In all, six couples sailed from Annapolis to Oxford, Maryland for the event and when the last boat glided gracefully into position we had six beautiful Catalina 470s lashed together and bobbing in unison like ballet dancers.

Having so many people right there together meant that you could always find someone to join you for swimming, kayaking, sunning, crabbing or even a quiet game of cards.  Want to see how the others have outfitted their boats?  Join an impromptu tour. Got a question about engines or pumps?  Drop in on the shop talk conversation.  Need ice or a six-pack?  Jump into a friend’s dinghy for a quick trip to the closest marina.

The other benefit of a large group was the bountiful supply of great food. To make it easy to grab and go, the group dished up heavy hors d’oeuvres like spicy shrimp, Thai chicken tidbits, mini pizzas, shredded Asian salad and lighter summer fare like Scooby-Doo crackers with a dollop of Key lime-flavored dip. And to quench our thirst, we washed it all down with a pitcher of rum punch and various micro brews. 

As the day drew to a close we all kicked back and watched a melon-colored  moon climb lazily above the horizon while listening to one of the guys strum some old James Taylor tunes.  As crabs danced below in the glow from the underwater lights and the halyards clanged in unison, the group slowly dispersed to settle in for the night.  Adding a few friends to the mix definitely multiplied the fun!

–Lynn Ackerson

Photo by Lynn Ackerson

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