As a new boating member to the Club there is generally a desire to join one of the organized cruises posted on the web site. Here are some definitions to make that first cruise a more enjoyable introduction to these events:

Flotilla Cruise: A flotilla (from Spanish, meaning a small flota) of ships. For SNSYC let’s just say a small fleet of vessels, or yachts, that set sail together on the same route travelling from location to location. SNSYC cruises  are as short as a week or as long as a month.

Rendezvous: A meeting at a single appointed place and time. For SNSYC a meeting place is set, often a marina or marine park, and cruisers agree to meet there. Generally participants do not move during the weekend. The rendezvous includes activities, contests, and social gatherings.

Happy Hour: is a pretty universal term.  SNSYC cruisers bring a beverage to a common area often located on the dock or grounds of the marina or marine park. Participants mix and mingle, a great opportunity to meet other cruisers. Lasting friendships are often the result of happy hour meetings.

Appies: Short for appetizers, cruisers bring a simple dish to the "Happy Hour" and share them with other cruisers. These can be purchased items like potato chips, pretzels, and peanuts,  or home made items like crackers & cheese, or as fancy as you wish. Since many people will be bringing something, a small dish is often the better choice.

Potluck: is also a common term, where cruisers bring a dinner/supper dish to a common supper and share with other cruisers. Since everyone will be bringing something, a single dish is usually enough. When attending a potluck, be sure to bring your own plate and utensils, they are not supplied. Also, try not to be late. Eileen Quinn has a song called Potluck Piranha, and sometimes the pace is that fast.

It is common to have a happy hour each day on a cruise and the host(s) will identify whether appies are expected or not.