I Finally Understand What Issa Rae Meant By “Yacht Shit” — Here’s My Guide To Hosting The Ultimate Summer Celebration
There’s a reason Issa Rae called it “yacht shit.”
I hosted my very first yacht party this summer, and I fear we’ve created a monster. I no longer want to throw regular parties. A boat has to be involved. And it wasn’t just about the boat. It was about celebrating with people I genuinely love. Summer has a way of making everyone want to be outside, but after spending months saying, “We need to plan something,” I decided to actually make it happen.
Here’s exactly how I pulled it off and how you can host your own unforgettable summer celebration.
Step 1: Start With Your Guest List
The best parties aren’t about having the biggest crowd. It’s about having the right people. Invite the friends who come with the best energy, know how to take the best photos, and help clean up without being asked. For my party, keeping it intimate made everything feel more elevated.
Step 2: Rent The Boat
I booked through Boatsetter, which is basically Airbnb for boats. Whether you’re looking for a small pontoon, a speedboat, or a luxury yacht, all you have to do is enter your city and look through dozens of options based on your budget and group size.
If you’re in the New York or New Jersey area, I can’t recommend NYC By Yacht enough. The yacht comfortably fits 12 guests without ever feeling crowded; the crew was incredibly attentive, and you can customize your route depending on what kind of day you want. They make the entire experience feel seamless.
Step 3: Never Underestimate The Food
Listen, I might have been sleeping on Wingstop because why didn’t anyone tell me how good the wings were. Every great party needs food that’s easy to eat, easy to share, and universally loved. Wingstop checked every box. I also added a charcuterie board to help elevate the menu.
Step 4: Curate Your Drink Menu
You don’t need a full-service bar to impress your guests—just a thoughtful mix of options that everyone can enjoy.
For our celebration, we stocked:
Hornitos tequila for margaritas and tequila sodas.
Papa Figos white wine for guests who wanted something crisp and refreshing.
Sandeman red wine for those who preferred to slowly sip and enjoy the ride.
Delta THC drinks for our sober and sober-curious friends who still wanted something elevated and fun without the alcohol.
One of the best hosting tips I’ve learned is to think beyond cocktails. Having an alcohol-free option that’s just as intentional makes every guest feel considered, whether they’re skipping alcohol for the day or simply want another beverage option. Of course, don’t forget plenty of water and ice.
Step 5: Bring The Vibes
The difference between a good party and a memorable one is the energy. Build your playlist before guests arrive so there aren’t awkward pauses while someone searches for songs. Bring a few simple games to keep conversations flowing. Let people dance, laugh, take photos, and enjoy the fact that they’re together. Sometimes that’s all the entertainment you need.
The Takeaway
Hosting my first yacht party reminded me that being rich isn’t always about having the most money. It’s about sharing moments with people you love. So, if you’ve been waiting for the perfect reason to host this summer, consider this your sign.
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