In the summer, you can usually find concerts on or near whatever body of water is closest to you. But if you want to make the most of these maritime concerts, there are a few things you'll need to keep in mind.
Why Maritime Concerts Are Growing in Popularity
It’s no secret that boat-centric concerts are growing in popularity.
But why is this the case?
There are a few different explanations. For starters, boat ownership is rising in popularity. Thanks in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, a rising number of people are interested in spending time outdoors and on the water. In fact, demand has surged so much that there has been a resulting supply shortage – ironically heightening demand even more as people get afflicted with fear of missing out (FOMO).
People all over the world are also clamouring to attend more concerts and spend more time listening to live music. Pandemic lockdowns made in-person concerts a practical impossibility for more than a year, and people are ready to get back to normal.
We also need to acknowledge the snowball effect of maritime concert popularity. After a handful of successful maritime concerts, more musicians and venues have been interested in this type of entertainment – and more boat enthusiasts have been eager to attend.
How to Get the Most Out of a Concert on a Boat
So, what steps can you take to get the most out of a concert when you're on your boat?
- Prioritise boat safety. As with all boating activities, safety needs to be your top priority. Just because you're enjoying excellent music doesn't give you free license to ignore the tenets of onboard safety; make sure you have properly fitted life jackets for everyone on board, test your emergency equipment, and drink responsibly.
- Understand the venue. Some venues are specifically designed so that boat owners can enjoy the music on the water. Others are designed for a more traditional experience, but you can still hear the music from the waters nearby. Make sure you understand the nature of the venue before you make any big plans.
- Arrive early. If the entertainer is sufficiently popular, you can count on dozens, if not hundreds of boat enthusiasts to attend the concert nearby. Accordingly, it can get packed fast. It's best for you to arrive early to secure a good spot; you can also enjoy a pregame celebration while you get set up.
- Anchor properly (and at a safe distance). Be prepared to anchor your boat properly, and give yourself plenty of distance from other boats; you should be able to swing on your anchor lines without ever coming into contact with other boats. Assume you’ll need about 7 times the distance of the water depth in calm conditions; with 10 feet of water, you’ll need 70 feet of line. In rougher conditions, you’ll need 10 times the depth.
- Keep your engine turned off (and reduce noise). Remember, this is an audio experience, and it's not just for you – it’s for everybody. Accordingly, you should minimise the noise you make to enhance the experience for everyone involved. As soon as you've anchored, you should turn your engine off and keep it off throughout the performance. You should also reduce the noise you produce in other capacities; for example, you shouldn't be blasting sports commentary on a radio when other people are trying to enjoy the music.
- Face the performers with the stern. There's some room for subjectivity here, but most people are going to have the best experience if the stern of your boat faces the direction of the music. This way, you'll have the most enjoyable sonic atmosphere.
- Test your lights. Most concerts will begin in the evening, while it's still light out, but it will be dark by the time it's over. Accordingly, you should always test your lights to make sure they're working before you depart – just don't leave them on during the show. Keep the lights off until you’re ready to leave, as they may distract the people around you.
- Pack plenty of foods and beverages. Your enjoyment of the concert will increase if you have plenty of foods and beverages around. If you're feeling ambitious, you can consider grilling on the back of your boat. Otherwise, you can pack a picnic of finger foods. While you're at it, make sure you bring plenty of water in case you need it.
- Bring blankets and towels. It's also a good idea to bring some blankets and extra towels. If it gets unexpectedly cold in the evening, you'll have a way to cover up and stay cosy. If you get wet, you won't be stuck for the entire concert feeling damp and uncomfortable.
- Plan a strategic exit. Thick crowds of boats can make it hard to lead the concert, so plan a strategic exit. Consider leaving before the act is officially over – or wait for most of the boats around you to depart before you head home.
Finding a Boat Concert Near You
The last piece of the puzzle is finding a boat concert near you. Hopefully, you live near a body of water that's big enough to support this kind of event; if you don't, you may need to travel to a different city to experience it.
Once you find a venue on the water (or near the water), follow the venue on social media or stay connected to its latest postings so you can keep an eye out for a band or performer you’ll truly enjoy. It also pays to talk to other boat owners in the area so you stay plugged into local buzz; most people will be happy to share the upcoming concerts they plan to attend.
You can’t attend a boat concert without a comfortable, enjoyable boat. And the best place to find a new or used vessel is TheYachtMarket. We have thousands of new and used boats for sale, so check out our robust selection today!