Protocol?

[martin0759]

Need some advice on protocol. About a month ago my wife and I went to the coast and where dock walking and met a great couple who are retired and will be spending the winter in Portland. They invited us to go sailing with them. I have sailed a few times and my wife never has. We will be going with them in a couple weeks for the day.

My question is three part;
What are the best shoes to wear?
What should we bring for the day, food etc.
Should we take a gift to leave with them.

All I own is boots that probably wouldn't be the best on their 39' Catalina.
They had beer on the boat so it shouldn't be offensive, what other as far as food.
I personally wouldn't expect a gift, but would feel weird not giving one. Would a fifth of Crown be appropriate?

[JPA Cate]

Tennis shoes, inexpensive, with non-marking soles.

Bring food and beverages to share, all things you guys like..

A gift from the heart is always appreciated.

Ann

[ozskipper]

Always always always compliment them on their boat. Even if its an oyster barge. But as ann said, non marking shoes or bare feet.

The BIGGEST one is dont just step off the boat and head home when you get back to the dock. Help empty the rubbish, clean the dishes/surfaces, as well as any deck work that needs doing. There is nothing worse than freeloaders who leave the boat and dont help with pack up.

Aside from that, enjoy your day

[MarkJ]

Theres no way any of my guests would be allowed to clean the boat after a day sail. So don't push that one.

Taking food to share is a great idea but if they have it in mind to cater they may not want that. A phone call asking may be best.

Sounds like taking beer is a good idea.

You could take your boots off on the dock and leave them there. No flip flops at home? Anns idea of the tennis shoes is good. What about them? Did hey have shoes on?

A present: thas your culture to do that or not. Americans seem to do it more than many countries. Maybe a small thing of chocolates?

Its a day sailing, they may not think its a huge deal. They probably just want your smiling faces so don't go too over the top

[martin0759]

Thank you everyone, I got the sense from them before that they are paying back those that helped educate them in their earlier years. We are about 15 years behind them in both the education and retirement.
Complementing their boat is very easy, it is very well cared for.
No flipflops or anything like that, some sort of tennis shoe it is.

[martin0759]

Thank you everyone, the trip went really well, we made new friends, and my gorgeous wife want to definitely continue with the adventure of cruising under sail.
Martin

[Sos]

Glad you enjoyed it. Did they like the present

[martin0759]

Yes, my wife picked out a very good bottle of wine.

[captainbri]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Theres no way any of my guests would be allowed to clean the boat after a day sail. So don't push that one.

Taking food to share is a great idea but if they have it in mind to cater they may not want that. A phone call asking may be best.

Sounds like taking beer is a good idea.

You could take your boots off on the dock and leave them there. No flip flops at home? Anns idea of the tennis shoes is good. What about them? Did hey have shoes on?

A present: thas your culture to do that or not. Americans seem to do it more than many countries. Maybe a small thing of chocolates?

Its a day sailing, they may not think its a huge deal. They probably just want your smiling faces so don't go too over the top

Aww come on mark. We all know you make them clean the boat polish the brass and do bright work when off shore when there is no choice but to swim home.

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