Tag: sailing

COCKTAILS ALL YEAR ROUND

SPECIAL EDITION 5 - NAUTICAL FUN FOR ISOLATION

With bars currently closed in Sydney, it’s time to try all the favourite classics and some new cocktails in the comfort of your own home.

The Sea Sydney Harbour team have put together a list of their favourite do-at-home cocktails, suitable for a range of evenings, from Summer heatwaves through to cold Winter nights. All you need to make these amazing cocktails is a blender or shaker and you definitely need to be 18+.*

MARGARITA

Keep it classy with a Margy! The Margarita is known for its tarty sweet flavour – it’s a simple classic cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 100ml tequila
  • 50ml triple sec liqueur
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • Ice

Garnish:

  • Lime juice around the edge
  • Salt around the edges

Method:

  1. Place tequila, triple sec liqueur, lime juice into a shaker and add ice.
  2. Shake well (until the shaker is cold). Place the lime juice around the glass edges add salt on top of the limes and pour into a glass, place a lime on the side.


PIMM’S COCKTAIL

A favourite summer drink! It’s the best cool off drink you could think of, keeping everyone refreshed in the summertime.

Ingredients:

  • 200ml Pimm’s pre-mix
  • 150ml ginger ale
  • 600ml lemonade
  • Ice

Garnish:

  • Mint leaves
  • Orange slices
  • Strawberry slices
  • Cucumber slices

Method:

  1. Fill glass with ice. Add the Pimm’s mix, ginger ale and lemonade mix together.
  2. Add all garnishes into the glass and mix them together.


MANGO DAIQUIRI

Get this fruit-filled cocktail – fruity fresh and delightful on a hot Summer’s day!

Ingredients:

  • 200ml white rum
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen mango pieces
  • Ice

Garnish:

  • Mint leaves

Method:

  1. Pour the rum into the blender. Add in a handful of mangoes.
  2. Add half a handful of ice and blend all together. Garnish with mint.


BLUE LAGOON

Want a drink to match the ocean and keep your Summer by the beach alive?

Ingredients:

  • 100ml blue liquor
  • 100ml of white rum or vodka
  • Lemonade
  • Ice

Garnish:

  • 1 slice of orange
  • 2 maraschino cherries

Method:

  1. Pour the liquor into a glass. Add in the rum or vodka and stir.
  2. Add ice until the glass is half full. Pour lemonade on the top of the glass.
  3. Add sliced orange on the side and add maraschino cherries (inside glass or on the side of the glass with orange).


FROSÉ

Put your favourite Winter wine rosé in the blender with some ice and make yourself the best mix of Summer and Winter a person could ask for.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups of bottle rosé
  • Chopped or frozen strawberries
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Ice

Garnish:

  • Strawberry slices

Method:

  1. Pour the bottled rosé into a blender. Add a handful of strawberries and add in the fresh lemon juice and honey.
  2. Add a cup of ice into the blender and blend.
  3. Once blended pour into glasses and add a slice of strawberry for decoration.


MOJITO

The mojito has long been associated with postcard-perfect beaches, making it the ultimate travel cocktail. It’s easy to change the base flavour of this cocktail, by adding some additional fruit flavours, liquors or even a flavoured soda that will do the trick. You can even trade out the spirits – it’s still a classic Mojito no matter what.

Ingredients:

  • 100ml-150ml rum
  • 20ml of sugar syrup
  • 2 limes
  • Mint leaves
  • Soda water
  • Ice

Garnish:

  • Mint leaves (extra)
  • 1 slice of lime

Method:

  1. Place mint leaves at the bottom of the glass. Squeeze half a lime into the glass.
  2. Add the rum and mix together at the bottom of the glass. Once stirred, add in a cup of ice.
  3. Top it off with soda water to fill the glass.
  4. Add more mint leaves and a slice of lime to the top.


SALTED CARAMEL ESPRESSO MARTINI

Cold Winter nights in calls for a classic cocktail dessert with a twist! Take the classic Espresso Martini and add some salted caramel flavour to make it that extra special.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbs caramel
  • 50ml espresso
  • Pinch of salt flakes
  • 50ml coffee liqueur
  • 100ml vodka
  • Ice

Garnish:

  • Finely grated chocolate

Method:

  1. Place caramel, espresso and a pinch of salt flakes in a cocktail shaker and stir until caramel has dissolved.
  2. Add coffee liqueur and vodka. Top with ice and shake until combined and frothy.
  3. Strain mixture and divide between two chilled martini glasses.
  4. Top with finely grated chocolate.


STICKY DATE MARTINI

Take everyone’s favourite Winter dessert – sticky date pudding – and turn it into a cocktail for after dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 4 dates, finely chopped
  • 40ml vodka
  • 20ml butterscotch schnapps
  • Ice

Garnish:

  • Brown sugar (extra)
  • Caramel sauce
  • Whipped cream

Method:

  1. Place brown sugar, dates and 1 cup (250ml) water in a small saucepan. Cook, stirring over medium heat for 1 minute or until the sugar dissolves. Simmer for 10 minutes or until mixture is thick and syrupy. Set aside to cool completely. Strain through a fine sieve. Discard dates.
  2. Place the vodka, schnapps, ice and 100ml date syrup in a cocktail shaker. Shake well to combine.
  3. Drizzle caramel over the rims of two martini glasses. Fill with the martini mixture. Top with cream and sprinkle with extra brown sugar.


Got an amazing cocktail creation? Share your creations with Captain Frank and the team on Instagram.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #cocktails #cocktailsallyearround #stayhome #isolation #activities #allthingsnautical

*Sea Sydney Harbour supports all RSA guidelines and encourages all readers to obey alcohol consumption guidelines in all environments, including at home.

BORED AT HOME ?

SPECIAL EDITION 4 - NAUTICAL FUN FOR ISOLATION

As we sail through the weeks of lockdown (not for the first time), many individuals and families are starting to feel a level of boredom. If you’re looking for some guidance or new activity ideas, our team has collated a list of 10 fun things to do at home with your family.

With such a diverse range of activities listed, there is sure to be something for every household to love.

10 FUN THINGS TO DO AT HOME WITH YOUR FAMILY

Listen to a podcast – Want something to boost your mood or expand your mind? Or want to listen to your old favourite TV show cast members and artists talk about their time in the spotlight? Podcasts range in genre – from murder mystery to Q&A’s, educational and nautical topics, to best friends just talking about life podcasts – and have it all these days.

If wanting to take some time out, you can find self-meditation and inspiration podcasts, which can motivate you to work hard in these times to better your mindset. Listen on your daily walks/runs or when you are doing the household chores.

Catch up on your reading – Discover the best books released in 2021 or catch up on some old classics. These days most books can also be purchased as an audiobook, so that you can listen on the go. Fiction or non-fiction, the list of books available to read is endless.


The team at Sea Sydney Harbour have selected some of their reading favourites to get you started:

  1. The Wife Upstairs; by Rachel Hawkins
  2. The Kitchen Front; by Jennifer Ryan
  3. The Beauty of living Twice; by Sharon Stone
  4. Somebody’s Daughter; by Ashley Ford
  5. Last Call; by Elon Green

Take up a hobby – Find something new to do, to show off when the time comes! This could be anything from photography or arts and craft, learning a musical instrument, learning about sailing and boats, to perfecting cocktail making.

Finding a hobby will keep you happy and positive, keep your mind occupied and see you strive to make yourself and the way you live better. Why not focus this time on doing things you love?!?



Create a mood board or bucket list – Get inspired to move forward in lockdown and think ahead to the sunnier days! Take images of places and things you want to do in the coming years. Create some goals you want to achieve in the future. Put it up somewhere you can see every day to keep yourself motivated to complete these activities and goals.

Expand your wine tastes (one for the 18+) – Take a leap into the expansive world of wine and create your own wine tasting tour in the comfort of your home. Buy different wines from your local bottle shops that you wouldn’t buy on a regular basis, trying new varieties every night. You can add some cheese and appetisers to make it even better, or cook meat to go with your wine selections. Expand your taste in wine and be ready for the better days to come, when you can enjoy a glass with your family and friends.



Get active – Missing the gym? It’s time to create your own home workout. This will keep you motivated and make you feel good at the same time. You can have gym equipment delivered to your house or create workouts that don’t need any. Look online and find your inspiration, stay fit and be ready for when the gyms re-open. You can even do some yoga in the morning to make you feel good and get you up and out of bed before you start working from home or doing your chores for the day.


This will keep you active and make you feel good all the way down to your soul. Make the most out of lockdown, don’t wait for tomorrow, start now and make every minute count!

Get your gardening on – Roll up your sleeves and get into the garden – it’s the perfect time of year to do it just before spring! Turn your garden into a beautiful, happy garden and watch it flower the first flowers of Spring, bringing you joy along the way every time you look at it. You can even just clean up your garden, the parts you have been looking at for months which have been on the to-do list. Now is your time to get it done.

Clean out and organise your house – Do your annual Spring clean in Winter this year and clean out all the junk in your house. It’s time to hit that corner of the house that you have been avoiding for a long time. Clean it all out – this will make you feel good; if you don’t need it get rid of it!

If you need some inspiration The Home Edit is where to find it. They have a show on Netflix, and after watching just one episode, you will be inspired to clean and tidy up your house. They also have a book if you prefer to learn and read. These girls are amazing – they really know how to clean and organise a house.


Baking and cooking – Get the kids in the kitchen or do it yourself, and bake the meals you always dreamed of making. Expand your skills in the kitchen and become a master chef. Your family/house mates will love you for it.

There are some great recipes online at the moment (even via Woolworths and Coles), so try making them any day of the week, for dinner, lunch or breakfast. There are also lots of great decorative ideas online for those baking lovers, including nautical-inspired designs. It’s never too late to try something new and make the best out of your time at home!


Game on – Get your game on with your family/house mates! Whether it be board games or puzzles or everything in between, this will keep the fun in the house and expand everyone’s minds, while keeping some healthy and exciting rivalry going within the house.

Be sure to get the family involved, don’t just let the kids do it alone in their rooms. Find a game to involve everyone of all ages in the house. For the older kids/flatmates that love to put their mark on the games, think about making one to suit your group – it’s a fun activity to make the game and also play the game.

Pick just one or two activities to keep you and your family occupied during the lockdown, or why not try out all ten fun ideas!?! You may have to do it indoors (or in your backyard), but you can certainly still have lots of fun at home, keeping yourself focussed, active, and in high spirits.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #stayhome #isolation #boredom #activities #family #allthingsnautical

FUN FAMILY WATER ACTIVITIES

SPECIAL EDITION 3 - NAUTICAL FUN FOR ISOLATION

As we navigate new waters in this extraordinary time, Sea Sydney Harbour has created a special cruise package to combat those isolation feels, while adhering to government and social distancing guidelines – the ‘Sail, Paddle, Fish Family Cruise‘.

While staying at home and social distancing has now become the norm for Australians and much of the world, there is no doubt that if you are working from home, homeschooling children and also spending your spare time at home, it might all become a little overwhelming at times and you might need to get out of your four walls for a short period. With Australia showing positive signs towards the road of recovery and restrictions starting to ease, the Sea Sydney Harbour team are keen to share their passion for boating and the joy of Sydney Harbour.

This special ‘Sail, Paddle, Fish Family Cruise‘ has been designed to keep you and your family/household active, healthy and safe on the water with a 2 or 3-hour private cruise on Sydney Harbour. Enjoy 360° uninterrupted views of the most beautiful harbour in the world, participate in sailing, paddleboarding and/or fishing in a quiet cove, and enjoy the fresh Sydney air and sunshine.

Each of these water-based activities are currently permitted under the Public Health Order. To maintain the highest level of safety and hygiene and adhere to social distancing guidelines, the cruise is limited to residents of one household (family or friends) and caters for up to 6 people. Bookings are available 7 days a week for a limited time.

Discover more and book online today or contact the team for further information.

Best Day Out – Guaranteed!
“Have been out many times on Sea Sydney Harbour’s boats and it is the best day out! The team is super professional and are guaranteed to create the best vibe for any celebration. Thank you team! Cannot wait for my next cruise.”

Alina L

To find out more information contact the Sea Sydney Harbour team – email info@seasydneyharbour.com.au or phone +61 452 188 739.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #sailpaddlefish #familycruise #staysafe #isolation #wateractivities #boat #allthingsnautical

THE BOATIE QUIZ NIGHT

SPECIAL EDITION 2 - NAUTICAL FUN FOR ISOLATION

Themed pub trivia quizzes are much-loved pass times, so with pubs and bars currently closed, who said you can’t create your own quiz fun at home? Quizzing on a video call is a great way to connect with friends (and show off all of your boatie knowledge), so for your next virtual catch up, Captain Frank has you sorted with a boatie trivia quiz night.

Take the quiz yourself and check your answers at the bottom of the post, before testing the knowledge of all your boatie friends!

BOATIE TRIVIA QUESTIONS

Q1

If you are on the water, and you see this iconic landmark, what harbour are you in?

Q2

If someone were to say they are on the starboard side of the vessel, where are they positioned?

Q3

A catamaran will always have two of these, as a distinguishing feature?

Q4

Where is the ‘bilge’ on a vessel?

Q5

What is the name of the process, where you join or connect (a rope or ropes) by interweaving the strands at the ends?

Q6

If someone was to say that they are going ‘aft’, where are they going?

Q7

What is the main purpose of the navigation lights on a vessel?

Q8

When is it COMPULSORY to carry an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)?

  • (a) When crossing a coastal bar
  • (b) When operating a vessel less than 5 metres in length on enclosed waters
  • (c) At all times
  • (d) When operating a vessel 2 or more nautical miles off the coast

Q9

Someone asks you, “How much does she draw?” They want to know your boat’s… ?

Q10

If a vessel sounds three short blasts, what does this signal mean?

Q11

At night, a vessel at anchor MUST display:

  • (a) Sidelights
  • (b) Masthead light forward
  • (c) All-round white light
  • (d) No lights are required

Q12

What channel on a VHF radio is the distress channel?

Q13

When crossing a bar, do life jackets need to be worn by all people on board?

Q14

Where should you drive a vessel when in a channel?

  • (a) On the port (left-hand) side
  • (b) In the middle of the channel
  • (c) On the starboard (right-hand) side
  • (d) On any side – it does not matter as long as a collision does not occur

Q15

What is an anchor used for?


Answers: 1. Sydney Harbour / 2. On the right side when facing forward / 3. Two hulls / 4. The lowest compartment at the boat’s bottom / 5. Splice / 6. Going towards the rear of the boat / 7. To indicate a vessel’s position to other vessels between dusk and dawn / 8. (d) When operating a vessel 2 or more nautical miles off the coast / 9. Draft / 10. Vessel manoeuvring astern (reversing) / 11. (c) All-round white light / 12. Channel 16 / 13. Yes, this type of crossing can be dangerous so life jackets are compulsory for all / 14. (c) On the starboard (right-hand) side / 15. It is used to secure the vessel to the sea bed.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #stayhome #isolation #boat #boatiequiznight #trivia #boatgames #allthingsnautical

THE BEST BOAT MOVIES

SPECIAL EDITION 1 - NAUTICAL FUN FOR ISOLATION

Moving through the days in isolation and staying home, Captain Frank is undoubtedly experiencing some boating withdrawals, so together our team has collated a list of memorable boat movies to help everyone stay entertained and on the water from the comfort of your very own home. There is no better time to binge-watch some boat movies and feel like you are cruising the waters with a bowl of popcorn in hand.

With movies from a diverse range of genres selected, there is sure to be a title suitable for everyone in your household.

BOAT MOVIES WORTH THE WATCH

Captain Ron – a comedy that follows a family Caribbean vacation onboard an inherited vintage yacht. With Captain Ron’s “anything-goes” attitude it is no surprise that the family run into plenty of trouble along the way.



Pirates of the Caribbean (film series) – a series of fantasy films that see pirate alliances formed to fight battles. Set in an era when villainous pirates scavenged the Caribbean seas and loosely based on Walt Disney’s theme park attraction, this series is perfect to watch with the whole family.

Titanic – an epic romance and disaster film that takes place on board the infamous luxury British steamship ‘Titanic’, which tragically sinks during its maiden voyage after striking an iceberg. A movie that most have seen before, this award-winning film is well worth another watch!



Jaws – a thriller filled to the brim with terror, as a white shark terrorises a quiet island and unleashes chaos on a beach community. This is the film that included the infamous line “You’re gonna need a bigger boat”, and it is a lasting classic in American cinema. Watch if you dare!

Life of PI – an adventure that follows a young man who survives a disaster at sea and is hurtled into an epic journey of discovery and hope. While cast away, an unexpected connection is formed between the man and a fearsome tiger.



Captain Phillips – an action film with a storyline focussed on pirates attacking a container ship, while it is on course to Kenya. The captain of the ship (Tom Hanks), uses his wits to negotiate for his crew’s safety.

The Perfect Storm – an intense drama that is based on a true story, which sees some commercial fisherman caught in “the middle of a monster” – three great storm systems colliding together out at sea. This movie will keep you on the edge of your seat!



Moby Dick – a classic story of revenge that revolves around the tale of a captain’s self-destructive obsession to hunt the white whale, Moby Dick. Determined to seek revenge and kill the whale due to an incident years before, the sacrifices are high, including life, crew members and his ship.

Pick just one or two movies to watch, or better yet, have a boat movie marathon to pass your time! Watch them solo or with company – either way, you’ll be cruising on the water and across the seas from your very own couch, as you get caught up in these storylines!

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #stayhome #isolation #boat #boatmovies #movies #allthingsnautical