Dear Libby,
It is distressing to hear that you were so unhappy.
We were not “oversold” though, the boat is USCG certified for 149 passengers and we were carrying just under 120 guests for the Fireworks sail.
We try to communicate clearly, what the experience entails in order to set appropriate expectations for our guests. We are most certainly NOT a dinner boat with a sit-down dining room. The charm and beauty of our vessel is something we are proud of. Our vessel is a replica of the historic Clipper City, the Great Lakes Schooner that sailed from 1854 - 1892. Her ships drawings are archived at the Smithsonian in Wash., DC, and a cross section of her hull is the featured display at the Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Please look at our pictures on our website, you will see people sitting on our large ocean-going hatches, our large deck boxes, our benches and capstans, or simply leaning against our railings or full-sized cocktail bar while taking in the epic scale of one of America’s largest passenger sailing ships. We are not a “Dinner Boat” with tables and chairs —nor do we pretend to be. We try very hard to communicate that the experience is aboard a large authentic sailing ship and what that entails.
Lastly, our offerings featured a full 5-hour open bar & our menu (copied below) was one of abundance & served by our friendly and capable servers. We take pride in the fresh and tasty food that we served. Provided were (3) welcome Appetizer platters, (6) passed Hors D’oeuvres, a (7) item Main Course, and (4) Dessert options.
APPETIZERS
Garlic Hummus & Pita Chips
Guacamole and Salsa with Nacho Chips
Fresh Cut Crudites Basket with Bleu Cheese Dip
International Cheese and Fruit Display
HORS D’OEUVRES
Sesame Skewer with Wasabi Skewers
Mozzarella, Tomato & Artichoke Hearts, Pesto Sauce Skewers
Jumbo Cocktail Shrimp Skewers
Root Vegetable Skewers
Ginger-Teriyaki Flank Steak Skewer
Miniature Maine Lobster Rolls on Grilled Bun
MAIN COURSE
Fried Chicken Skewers
BBQ Brisket “Sliders” with Buttermilk Slaw
Pulled Pork with Buttermilk Cole Slaw Slider
Grilled Zucchini “Sliders”, Brie and Roasted Garlic
Corn on the Cob
Buttermilk Cole Slaw
DESSERT
Blackberry, Cantaloupe, Pineapple, Honeydew Fruit Kebob
Red, White and Blue Mini Cupcakes
Fresh Sliced Watermelon
SPECIALTY COCKTAILS
RED – Red Sangria
WHITE – White Absolut Pear and Lemonade
BLUE – Blue Cosmo
CHILDREN’S MENU
Chicken Fingers
PB & J on Banana Bread
Bags of Chips & Pretzels
Individual Cheese Sticks