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5 Team Building Activities (On a Yacht!)

By Tay Yee Shien, Guest Writer for The Epicurean State

Entertaining and energizing corporate team-building occasions that unleash the potential in your organization

Could you imagine bringing your team to a team-building event on a yacht? It is simply the ultimate team bonding venue in the world. Team developmental activities unleash creativity, energize teamwork, enhance problem-solving, and boost the fun. When you and your team bond through collaboration and communication, we allow the opportunity for self and group discovery while opening doors to positivity in any organization. Below are 5 fun corporate activities to set up for an extraordinary and memorable team-building event you can envision!

Shark Tank

Objective: Unconventional thinking, Collaboration, Entrepreneurship, Teamwork

Based on the famous TV show “Shark Tank,” players (aspiring entrepreneurs) pitch an imaginary product in front of a group of “Sharks” (investors) to secure investments. The business model includes a brand name, slogan, business plan, marketing plan, and financial data (predicted sales, market size, profit margins, etc.). The Sharks also have an imaginary pool of money to invest in their ideas. They will ask questions as if they’re evaluating a real business. The team that secured the most investment wins. Optional: View clips from the show for reference! 

Build Bridges, Not Walls

Objective: Creative thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving skills

Each team is assigned to build a section of a roadway with requirements. The challenge would be for you and your teammates to use materials – such as cupboard paper, dowels, and tape – on a race track. Test your teamwork and build new relationships as players race against the set time to complete their part of the bridge. Connect the sections to form a complete racetrack. Teams are judged on their engineering skills and design. Lastly, we bring out the remote-control cars and take on a mini-Grand Prix!

Prison Escape

Objective: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Communication

You and your team are kidnapped by a group of unknown creatures and locked into an old abandoned prison. The monsters left after locking the cell with a number lock and this is your only chance to escape! Using clues given to you, solve a series of puzzles and figure out the code before the creatures return. Are you and the team quick-witted enough to solve the clues and save yourselves before it’s too late?

Minute to Win it

Objective: Collaboration, Problem Solving

The game comprises an entertaining collection of face-paced challenges where teams use household items in bizarre and wacky games that must be completed in under a minute. They include balloon juggling, moving an oreo biscuit from the forehead to your mouth by contorting your facial muscles, and emptying a tissue box, tissue by tissue, using one hand. Teams must send 2 representatives to play each round to earn points through completing challenges and see your team rise to the top!

Sneak-a-Peek

Objective: Teamwork, Communication

Using Lego pieces to create a structure, teams have to build a copy of a pre-built design based on a “sneak peak.” A player from your team looks at the Lego structure for 10 seconds and returns to your team. The player then instructs the building of the Lego design. After 1 minute of building the Lego, another player can take a “sneak peak” at the structure for 10 seconds and deliver more guidance. The process repeats until everyone has had a chance to look at it. The first group to complete the Lego design wins.

Thrive, as a Team

Team-building is an excellent way to build a company culture. A team that plays together stays together, thus enhancing the performance and productivity of teams. When we hire great people and invite them to engage in the most meaningful work of their lives, we also give them the flexibility to grow in unconditional ways. Come aboard our yacht charter, where opportunities dock on shore and teams flourish to their fullest potential.

Mentimeter Trivia on Maritime History of Singapore

How to create a Quiz Competition

1. Click on ‘New Slide’ and look for ‘Quiz Competition’ 

There are two types of Quizzes:

• • Select Answer: Participants have options to choose from, like a Multiple Choice Question.
  • Type Answer: Participants need to write the answer themselves.

2. Select the correct answer

After you have typed in your question and answer options, you need to determine the correct answer.

• • Select Answer type: Check the box next to an option to mark it as “correct.”
  • Type Answer type: Add the correct answer under “Correct answer to display” as well as “Other correct answers” if there are other acceptable answers.

Customize your Quiz slides

• • Control time to answer 

Under the “Extras” section in your “Content” tab, you will find “Seconds to answer.” You can control how much time participants get to answer each question. 

• • Scoring criteria

Under the “Extras” section in your “Content” tab, you have a toggle for “Faster correct answers get more points.” Either way, incorrect or no answers give zero points.

• • Toggle on: Faster answers get more points; Participants are rewarded between 1000 and 500 points for a correct answer, depending on how fast they submit their response.
  • Toggle off: All correct answers get 1000 points. 
  • When the quiz timer starts

The countdown on the quiz timer can start automatically (when you switch slides) or manually (on your command by pressing Enter). You can change this setting in the “Settings” menu. In the “Interactions” section, you will find a toggle called “Manually start the countdown on Quiz slides.”

• • Add music to your Quiz

You can select different tracks in the “Music” section of the “Content” tab to add sound to the slides.

• • Add a leaderboard

It can be added anywhere in the Quiz and will display the total scores up to that point. It can appear after every question, at the end, or both. The Leaderboards only show the top 10 participants. If you want to know the results for all participants, you can export the results to Excel using the paid plan.

By proceeding with the charter, you the Undersigned, agrees to this Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement, made with respect to the following facts:

The Undersigned is about to undertake an offshore sailing passage which may also include, when the Vessel is lying at anchor or secured to a suitable mooring buoy during such passage, use of the Vessel’s equipment such as inflatable floats, kayaks, snorkelling equipment, and various activities such as swimming into the sea or diving/jumping/stepping into the sea from the Vessel (hereinafter “the Passage”) on the Vessel with the Owner’s appointed crew (hereinafter “the Crew”) ; and

i. The Undersigned acknowledges that a voyage such as the Passage is inherently dangerous, and risks both injury and loss of life, which no degree of caution or care on the part of the Owner and/or the Crew can remove, including in the preparation of the Vessel, the selection of the crew, and the choice of when to sail, and other decisions during the course of the Passage, including decisions concerning handling of the Vessel and navigation made by the Crew; and

ii. Despite these risks the Undersigned wishes to undertake the Passage, and is willing to accept the risks inherent therein; and

iii. The Undersigned hereby certifies that he/she is physically fit, has sufficiently prepared or trained in order to participate in the Passage, and has not been advised not to participate by a qualified medical practitioner. The Undersigned also hereby certifies that there are no health-related reasons or other physical problems which would preclude his/her participation to this Passage; and The Epicurean State LLP (registered in Singapore of UEN T15LL0598C)

iv. In consideration of being allowed to undertake the Passage the Undersigned, as an inducement to the Owner, hereby agrees to this Release and Waiver of Liability, on his/her own behalf and on behalf of his/her assignees, successors, descendants, heirs, personal representatives, and all persons claiming by or through him/her.

Now therefore for valuable consideration, the Undersigned hereby agrees as follows:

v. The Undersigned hereby releases and waives any claims and/or demands for liability, damages, and/or money, as against the Owner, the Crew, their agents, successors, personal representatives, and assigns, except for cases of gross misconduct or gross negligence, which are the only claims reserved from this Release and Waiver of Liability; and

vi. The Undersigned on his/her own behalf, and on behalf of his/her successors, assigns, personal representatives, heirs and descendants, agrees to hold the Owner and the Crew free, harmless and indemnified against any claims made in connection with the Passage, including any claims by his/her heirs or descendants, and/or claims by any other passenger on the Passage related to his/her conduct; and

vii. The Undersigned acknowledges that the Owner and the Crew are relying on this Release and Waiver of Liability in undertaking the Passage with the Undersigned as passenger, and that but for the execution of this release and waiver the Owner and the Crew would not do so; and

viii. The foregoing release and waiver shall be binding upon the Undersigned, his/her successors, assigns, personal representatives, heirs and descendants, and any other person claiming by or under him or her, and shall inure to the benefit of the Owner and the Crew, their successors, assigns and personal representatives; and

ix. The Undersigned understands that by submitting this form, he/she is representing that he/she and all the passenger in his/her party, have read and agreed to the content of this Release and Waiver of Liability.

Updated 25 June 2022

What exactly is this Catamaran Yacht that your friends are telling you about? Here are some qualities of a Catamaran Yacht that will tell you more!

Many yacht enthusiasts will tell you that they are asked this question time and time again: is a catamaran (or multi-hull yacht) superior to a mono-hull? What are the major differences? As yacht enthusiasts ourselves, we thought we would break it down for you! Whether you are buying a yacht, or deciding to charter one, here are the Qualities of a Catamaran Yacht.

Pros of a Multi-hull Yacht (Catamaran)

Stability

Because of its multiple hulls, catamarans (and trimarans) have incredible stability. Whether the yacht is anchored or sailing, catamarans rarely roll around and they do not heel under way.
This stability makes catamarans the ideal yachts for first time sailors, elderly people, children, and those prone to sea-sickness.

Speed

Catamarans are typically 25-30% faster than mono-hulls of the same size. In addition, Trimarans can double the sailing speed of most mono-hulls. Furthermore, Catamarans have more maneuverability than mono-hulls due to their 2 engines being spread apart.

Space

Catamarans are much roomier than the other mono-hulls of the same size mainly because of their cockpit space, fly-bridge, deck space and below deck space. Catamarans rarely feel crowded since there is ample headroom almost everywhere on board.

Beach-ability

Catamarans and their multi-hulled yacht counterparts have incredible stability due to their beam and the extra hulls. Because of this, they have no need for a ballast or a substantial keel, which reduces their weight significantly. This makes them much lighter as compared to the mono-hulls, allowing catamarans to explore shallow waters. Most catamarans can be beached or dried out at low tide.

Safety

Catamarans are ALMOST unsinkable. Because they are so stable, harsh weather doesn’t affect it as much as it would affect a mono-hull.

Cons of a Multi-hull Yacht (Catamaran)

Size

While having ample space may be a luxurious trait, finding a spot for the catamaran might be an issue. For hard-core sailors, skippering a catamaran does not give the ‘real’ feel of sailing due to its large size. You don’t feel the boat driving through the waves in the same way that you would with a monohull.

Sailing

Catamarans do not sail well upwind and need a different technique for tacking and anchoring.

Anchoring

Anchoring a catamaran can be a little more complex. This is due to the fact that catamarans have more “windage” than monohulls, and, without keel and ballast, they have a tendency to “bob” on the water whenever a gust hits.

In Conclusion

Catamarans do seem like they have more PROS than CONS, but it all depends on what kind of yacht experience you’re looking for overall. For new timers, we would definitely suggest chartering a catamaran!

Whenever we talk about going on board a yacht or heading out to sea, we always assess if it is safe to do so. And here are some reasons why safety on board a yacht is so important!

This is a little something for both boat owners and future renters: Boat safety should always be a number 1 priority!! Whether you are going to charter a yacht, or buy a yacht, this is always the most important factor. Being on a boat can be quite dangerous, especially considering how quickly a good weather can turn into a bad one. Heavy rain, big waves, a strong current, crazy wind…all of these can add up to a disaster at sea, and today we will be sharing with you why Safety on board a Yacht is so important!

Here are a few essentials regarding safety on board a yacht that everyone should follow:

Don’t ever go out on a boat charter by yourself without informing your friends/family/authorities of your plans. Let them know where you plan on going, and when you plan on coming back. This way, if anything goes wrong, they will know where to start when they look for you.

Make sure that your radio on board is working! Your cellphone will not do the trick during an emergency, especially if it gets wet!

Follow the ‘maximum capacity’ rules of a boat! Don’t overcrowd the boat, as it will be very unsafe during a disaster. There is a reason boats have a maximum capacity!!!

Life jackets should always be on board the yacht, and everyone should know where they are and how to get to them. They should be in a very accessible place for everyone. It’s a good idea to have a safety briefing at the beginning of every trip so that everyone knows where to go and what to do in the event of an emergency.

-While on the topic of life jackets, a small child in a life-jacket is very different from an adult in a life-jacket. Parents, this is for you:

** A life-jacket can save your child’s life. Drowning is quick, silent, and often hard to notice, especially in an emergency!**

When it comes to your children, you can never be too safe.

Ever wandered if there are unspoken yachting etiquette? Here is our guide on Etiquette on a Yacht Charter.

Are you thinking about chartering a yacht for the first time? Many people are unsure of how to plan for a charter, and how to behave once they step onto the yacht, but don’t worry! We’ve compiled another great list of tips to help you obtain the best experience possible by follow these Etiquette on a Yacht Charter!

Tips and tricks on Etiquette on a Yacht Charter:

1. Think clearly and carefully about what you want before the charter.

– Not all yacht charters are the same, which is why people love them so much! Each charter is as customized as it can be to suit every customer’s needs, so it is very important that you are clear about your own needs. Communicate with the captain or yacht charter company regarding your needs for your trip: food preferences, where you want to anchor, how long your trip is and etc. This is important for the company, the crew, and the captain so that they can make your charter as special as possible!

2. Get to know your Captain!

– Fact: Your captain knows much more about the yacht than you do. Your Captain is a seasoned professional with immense knowledge about the area you are visiting and the spots you want to see. The Captain is a great resource for you to learn everything you can about the yachting life, and since he is the Boss on board the ship, he’s a great guy to have on your side.

3. Be respectful of everyone on board

– One of the best things about chartering a yacht is the fact that you don’t really need to do anything more when you get on board. This is because the crew is doing everything for you! The crew are a hardworking bunch, and they are doing everything they can to make your trip as enjoyable and safe as it can possibly be. Always be respectful and grateful to them for all their hard work!!

4. Try your hardest to Go With the Flow

– Yacht chartering is not an exact science, and sometimes things that are out of our control can affect your itinerary. Weather conditions, beaches being too crowded, and food options changing are just a few of the things that can affect your journey. If the captain suggests something, listen to him because he knows what he’s talking about!

5. Obey all the Rules

– Every captain has rules on board their yacht, and it is always in your best interest to follow these rules. Being on a yacht has a certain element of danger on it (being on the water and all), and these rules are put in place to keep you and your guests safe. Even if the rules are as simple as “no shoes in the cabins” every rule is there for a reason and must be followed!

6. Your kids are your responsibility, not the crews’!

– If you bring your kids on board, just remember that it is not the job of the crew or the captain to look after them. Everyone has their role to play, and the crew is often extremely busy, so they cannot spend the entire cruise watching your kids!

7. Relax, relax and relax

– You’ve booked your charter, now its time to enjoy it!! Your Captain and crew are there to look out for your needs, your charter company has planned everything for you….all you need to do is have a great time!!

Whenever we go on board a yacht, we are always enthralled by the beauty of its exterior designs and interior features, but what about the bottom of your yacht?

Attention all yacht owners! Although you might not always see the bottom of your yacht, it’s definitely something you need to keep your mind on at all times. The salt and marine growth can really deteriorate the paint on a boat, and its important to have a clean hull at all times in order for your boat to be safe, fast, and efficient!

For people who aren’t well versed with boat paints, this task might seem a bit overwhelming. Especially since there are so many factors that go into bottom paints, such as soil and water pollution protection measures, application techniques, and environmental regulations.

Here are some information that we have obtained from GetMyBoat as a reference to help you familiarize yourself better regarding bottom paints.

A regular regiment of hull washing and inspection after every use is the short-cut way to avoid costly and tedious bottom painting efforts. Even with attentive maintenance, the hull will eventually need repainting. Keep an eye out for paint that is cracked, excessively faded, or peeling.

Sloughing or ablative bottom coatings contain biocides that kill marine organisms, like barnacles and algae and are formulated to “ablate,” or gradually wear off, exposing a fresh layer of biocide. Ablative anti-fouling paint will not lose its effectiveness even if the boat is stored out of the water.

A range of other biocide compounds and materials are available in modern bottom paints. Their application depends on the type of hull and whether the boat is used in salt, brackish or fresh water, how frequently the boat is underway, where it is stored, and to a certain extent, the region of the country where the boat is used.

To prepare for a bottom painting project, determining the type of paint on the hull may take some detective work, especially if the boat was bought used. If the hull paint is unknown but a new coat is needed, applying a tie-coat primer prepares the unknown surface and allows a new coat of any anti-fouling paint to be applied.

Especially if the hull is of fiberglass construction, you can prepare the hull for painting by blasting with environmentally-friendly materials like walnut shells, baking soda, glass beads,or corncobs.
You should always closely follow the manufacturers’ instructions and safety precautions when applying new paint and removing paint already on the boat.

Use plastic sheets under the boat to collect paint chips, sanding residue and drips and of course, don’t forget to dispose the waste material responsibly.

Optimal painting conditions are at temperatures between 50-80 degrees and when relative humidity is below 65%.

Safety, Tip & Tricks

• Wear protective clothing, especially for the eyes and hands, and a mask to protect your lungs.
• Painting with a zinc or a copper biocide is best for aluminum hulls or stern-drives.
• Modified epoxy paint is the best for boats that are used infrequently because it contains good anti-fouling properties, especially when the boat is inactive.
• For boats in the water year-round, a high copper-content modified epoxy paint that prevents growth by leaching biocides upon contact with water will be the best. This type of paint releases the biocide at a decreasing rate, leaving the hard coating of the original thickness.