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By Elizabeth Ginns Britten —
Fall 2004
Not even the nasty rain and thunderstorms plaguing the weekend could ruin this group’s fun. Seminars were just as packed with people as they were with information. The two sessions sponsored by Tupperware—one on how to cook simple, nourishing meals using a microwave (yes, it can be done. I tasted the results; trust me, they’re good!) and the other about onboard stowage—offered helpful tips to liveaboards and extended cruisers. Many owners seemed to enjoy the seminars on advanced computer navigation and personal safety aboard, as well. Most interesting to me, though—and the most attended—was the Cruisers focus-group meeting. There, the builder’s representatives discussed what’s new and noteworthy, and owners talked candidly about what they’d like to see as the Cruisers line moves forward. One owner suggested less canvas, for which a half-dozen other owners cheered. The Cruisers rep replied, “But that means less sun.” And those half a dozen other owners simultaneously responded: “We can go outside for that! We wind up spending most our time out there anyway!”
In fact, the Cruisers owners I met seem to be of a like mind on many subjects. First and foremost, they actually use their boats. One family I met, who intend to move to Florida next year, told me about their plan to sell their 40-foot motoryacht in favor of buying a diesel-powered, express-style Cruisers because they do so much cruising on the weekends that they’ll need something different on which to cruise the shallow waters of Florida. Scoffing at even the thought of a life without boats, they added, “We’ll probably have our boat before we have our house!”
The Eriksons and dozens of other smiling people were among the revelers during my last night at the Cruisers Cruz-In. I stood on the side of the dance floor at the banquet-style dinner, watching the families groove to the beat. Each person—young, old, black, white—was having as good a time as the next. “They need more bars!” was the only quip I heard. It seemed like a big, happy family, and after just a few days—even though I don’t own a Cruisers—I felt like I was part of it. Heck, I wanted to be part of it. The positive energy was truly inspiring.
As I headed back to my room, past the stunning pools and shops, I overheard some folks making plans to keep the party going back on the docks—back at their boats, back where they all really wanted and love to be.
I chuckled, moved by their stamina and enthusiasm. I’ll bet they can’t wait to come back next year, too.
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