What a great success we had with our inaugural wine tasting cruise event!
The idea brewed some time in June amongst the co-hosts who are wine-lovers, enjoy being out at sea… ready to look for any excuse to have a good time, really! The idea sparked from how we hear of many people who would love to go for a private yacht trip; but it was so hard to gather enough friends who would join them.
So we thought: What if we organised an open party where guests can sign up as single persons, have a chilled out Friday evening out to sea, make some new friends and network over good French wines?
There was an initial run in July but alas, with too little time to market and prepare (also, the French were returning home for summer holidays… ), there weren’t enough sign-ups to carry on with the event.
The team regrouped and discussed on the boat (with more booze for inspiration and ideas). That was when a more solid plan was formed. And with costs cut in all ways to allow our guests to enjoy a more attractive ticket price, our seats were snapped up in less than 2 weeks of sale!
Initially, we were concerned from the few days of rain leading up to our event. Thankfully on the event day the weather was just perfect – dry yet cool and not too hot, windy and not a drop of rain.
I was personally excited by the variety of wine selection that was offered. Not the initial plan of two reds and two whites but in addition to that, a champagne and a delightful rosé! Thanks to French Délices for their generous arrangement so that our guests were able to enjoy more tastings.
We had our first glass of champagne to start off the event. After the safety briefing was delivered, we left according to plan just before sunset, heading towards our destination – Lazarus Island. The 40 minute trip was smooth sailing on Blessed yacht, everyone had a bright, happy smile on their face. With the beautiful warm setting sun and the wind in our faces, it was that feeling of being relaxed and carefree onboard a boat to welcome the weekend.
Despite not knowing each other, the guests mingled amongst themselves really well and chatted away happily. We didn’t want to be too imposing (some may just want to enjoy couple-time, perhaps?) but we were glad it turned out that everyone was open and were making conversations over the wines as the evening proceeded.
Ample gourmet cheeses, baguette and snacks on platters were served, the guests helped themselves readily while pairing them with their wine samples.
Chuhai’s Membership program was also officially launched during the event. This membership is designed for those who loved to go out to sea, where the benefits cover a whole range of yacht charter discounts, privileges and special invitations to their calendar of events happening throughout the year.
Then, there was an odd moment when it was announced that one of the white wines was not good, and instead a different bottle of rosé was served. Stef from French Délices claimed it was his private stash for another party (speaking as he poured away the ‘bad’ white down the sink, to everyone’s horror). It was a surprise, but all credits to him to wish to offer only his best for the tastings.
Towards the end of the trip, the guests had a chance to enjoy the city skyline by night as well as the yacht headed back. Back at the marina, the final tasting of the red was served while more purchased bottles were generously opened and shared. The guests hung around for a bit more before bidding farewell, while others continued to party with the onboard karaoke system at Blessed.
Being busy individuals in our respective fields and businesses, I am deeply grateful for the support of my partners for this event. Without their help, this wine-tasting cruise would never have been possible, not to mention how it had in fact been a great success on many levels.
There is much to improve, of course – thanks to the honest feedback from our guests and with careful reflection on our part as hosts. And we’re looking forward to the next round to present to you an even bigger, better party at sea!