East Hampton - Every summer we try to do a few overnight adventures on our own sailboat, Foo, however, this year the first 'overnighter,' was at the suggestion and courtesy of the captain of the 30-foot Mirabelle, and good friend, Geralyne Lewantowski.

Brian Flynn and Capt. Geralyne Lewantowski relaxing after throwing anchor.

Dropping anchor anywhere from Montauk to Block Island to Shelter Island to Greenport (or beyond) warrants a flurry of pre-boat boarding activity - not so much generated by the need for supplies - although necessary - but fueled more by the feeling of excitement you get imaging that for at least 24 hours or more you are charting your own destiny.

With the weather Gods smiling on us - finally! - Capt. G, as we fondly call her, advised us that we would head to the shores of the Devon Yacht Club to view the always beautiful and impressive Grucci Fireworks on the Fourth of July, and to "bring pillows, blankets and supplies because we will stay out overnight on the boat."

Given the on-going stress in everyone's lives, the three passengers, myself, Joe Strand, and Brian Flynn embarked on a wonderful journey with Capt. G and embraced the opportunity to enjoy the water, wind, and weather.

Folks gathered on the shore for the fireworks display, enjoying a rare rain free evening.

Now, having spent many overnights on our own boat and acknowledging my own inclinations that more is better, I managed to pack enough food to 'tie us over' in case we decided to head for Europe too!

Having recently wished a friend bon voyage who set sail from our Three Mile Marina with a crew of three to bring his boat to his home in Germany, I too had visions of open water for days and weeks, however, being brought back to earth by the always practical Capt. G, I nonetheless secured enough groceries to feed ourselves and anyone else who may venture over to tie up with us - a custom many boats have done for years.

Nor was I alone in exhibiting my inherent Irish roots of believing "there is always room at the table for one more," and "just in case" as Mr. Flynn arrived bearing about the same poundage of groceries.

Seasoned sailor Joe Strand advocated the message on his hat - "Relax."

After the Herculean efforts of both Joe and Brian loading ice, groceries, blankets, pillows, and warm clothing - we were ready to either set sail or open our own pub or overnight inn.

Given it was just the four of us - both Capt. G and Joe have considerable sailing skills and experience, while Brian and I have a limited amount of skill (which is why we were in charge of the food!), anyone who has ever spent time on a sailboat will attest - manners and modesty are left on the dock along with the shore lines - so do remember to release them if you enjoy the skin on the palms of your hands!

I have a personal theory that captains of sailboats in particular practice their instructions to crew at home in front of their mirror before undertaking a voyage - long or short, soft or full out sail - hour, day, week or month long journey - ALL captains become both loud and serious behind the tiller or helm. More than once I have witnessed gentle, polite and quiet friends suddenly transform into commanding, serious, and focused seafaring souls the moment you leave terra firma!

It too has always amazed me that if you don't know what every little thing is called on a boat in seamen's terms you will immediately be made aware that (1) you are as dumb as you suspected and (2) the entire boat will know how dumb you are because the captain will be yelling at you. Because for those who love to sail - you should learn is the only requirement!

The fabulous fireworks put on by the Grucci family enhanced with a little intentional camera shaking. Photo by Joe Strand

This is why I always appoint myself 'Cabin Girl' on someone else's boat, and allow the other passengers to experience the joys of 'on the job training.' In this adventure there were only four of us so Brian 'took the bullet' when necessary.

Fireworkds lit the sky for almost an hour. Photo by Joe Strand

Being a passenger on any sailboat requires that you jump, hustle, scramble, slide and manevuer at any direction of the captain - and get to know the instruments - FAST! Depth in particular is always important, particularly exiting the Three Mile inlet.

If you enjoy leisurely boating with a cocktail firmly in hand - a sailboat is probably not the place for you - but if you like to sail you will bond with the elements faster than any other activity I can think of.

After a leisurely, gorgeous sail over to the Devon Yacht Club (mind those horrific tricky red buoys), we set anchor as close as safely possible to the fireworks barge. Not nearly as many boats as in years past, so we didn't tie up with friends, but just enjoyed the colloquial camaraderie of others on the water and settled in to enjoy the majesty of the fireworks - enjoying good food and refreshments I might add!

Close enough to the fireworks barge for a full on view.

There is no place I can think of that brings such thrill, intensity, comfort and tranquility all rolled into one as quickly as being on a sailboat.

After a brilliant night sky display of fireworks and the customary boathorn honking in appreciation following the finale, (with noisemakers and flags in hand provided by yours truly - Cabin Girl), as well as the the additional treat of our strategic placement allowing us to view the Montauk fireworks as well, we sat back and enjoyed the bug and humidity free night gracing us with an almost full moon, and watched the other boats pull anchor and head home, although a few hearty souls such as ourselves stayed put to enjoy their 'overnighter' as well.

One of the offerings of sailboats I love is the cleverness of how one item is transformed and utilized as something else - where you sit below becomes your bed with some cushion rearranging and the addition of the table as a bedboard, the maximization of space is optimized always. I must also mention here, and I don't care if the men get up in arms - there is a certain pleasure to being on a boat captained by a woman - let's face it - the head is clean, there are towels, the frig contains items actually related to one of the food groups, the sink contains dishes and not a car battery (sorry, Joe!), the stovetop works, as well as the myriad of tools and unrecognizable gadgets that seem to occupy every available inch of a male captain's cabin are thankfully and comfortably out of sight.

Marine Patrol (left) made the rounds ensuring everyone on boats were safe and happy.

With jazz playing in the background, soft interior, mast and anchor lights glowing, plus the hard physical effort to get there, and that moon - usually means that 'Morpheus Descending' will claim you early - and we were all conked out by midnight. Nestling in with the blankets and pillows and actually having utilized the mountains of gear loaded on at the dock - we all settled in for a night's sleep that only open air and gentle rocking can provide.

That almost full moon and pink sky reminded all sailors of the old phrase - "Red sky at night - sailors delight."

Rising before sunrise is always a treat when on the water - and the heavens and those in charge - provided a magnificent sunrise - a sight I never tire of - as I was the first to be lured to sit topside to enjoy the morning.
After the gradual and natural waking of all, and a breakfast of hot coffee, rolls and fruit we pulled anchor and headed home. . .arriving back in less than 24 hours from departure yet having experienced a 'mini-vacation' to carry with us for a long time to come.

So to fellow sailors (experienced or novices) if and when someone suggests an 'overnighter' on a sailboat - pack quickly, prudently and safely - because part of the adventure is where the water and wind will lead you.