If you're reading this article, you've probably been there: the desire to organise an original river event, held back by that whisper of fear in the team meeting: “What if people get bored?”.
This is the biggest silent “villain” in the decision-making of the person organising the next company event.
No Seaventy, We treat the sea with respect and technique with rigour. Understanding the nautical literacy behind a vessel's stability is what separates a successful event from an uncomfortable moment.
In the article “Stability on the Tagus: Why do some boats “rock” while others are authentic floating hotels?“, let's open our technical checklist to explain why choosing the right boat on the Tagus isn't just a matter of aesthetics, but of engineering and operational comfort.
1. Monohull vs. Catamaran: The geometry of comfort
On the Tagus, we sail mostly with two types of structures: the monohull (the traditional boat, with a single keel) and the catamaran (with two parallel hulls).
For corporate events where people mingle, converse, and hold a cocktail glass, the catamaran It is the king of stability. Having two points of support on the water, it does not “roll” laterally in the same way as a traditional sailboat. It is, for all intents and purposes, a stable platform that minimises rocking, ideal for those who want to surprise the team without the risk of gastric discomfort.
2. The Centre of Gravity and the “Pendulum Effect”
Have you noticed how some boats look very tall and “unstable”? In nautical literacy, the secret lies in the centre of gravity.
Boats designed specifically for events, like those we select from our partner fleet, have a weight distribution thought out to keep the vessel “glued” to the water. When we coordinate an event for 100 or 200 people, our load plan ensures that, even if all guests move to one side to view the Belém Tower, stability is maintained through technical compensation processes.
3. Navigating “With the Wind” vs. “Against the Tide”
The stability also depends on the skipper's expertise in reading the surface of the water.
When the wind blows in one direction and the tide runs in the opposite, what we call “choppy seas” are created. To a layman, it just looks like the river is rougher. For Seaventy, it's the signal to adjust course.
Sailing with the current or seeking shelter along the south bank (near Almada) on North wind days is what ensures your event flows without anyone noticing that the conditions outside are not ideal.
Saying this, the ripple on the river is practically non-existent. Mainly because we work with the largest vessels. These offer stability and comfort.
4. The Psychology of the Horizon
Did you know that seasickness is often a sensory conflict? The inner ear feels the movement, but the eyes, focused on the inside of the boat, say everything is still.
Our technical tip for literacy: vessels with large glazed areas and open decks, where the horizon is always visible, drastically reduce the likelihood of seasickness. By seeing the horizon (the land line of Lisbon), the brain processes movement naturally. This is why we choose vessels that favour transparency and visual connection with the outside.
Furthermore, no stomach should be left empty. Staying hydrated and enjoying the delicious treats served on board are key to avoiding the onset of any seasickness.
The Control is Behind the Scenes
Since 2014, we've welcomed over 100,000 people. If there's one thing we've learned, it's that operational safety breeds confidence. When you ask us if the boat is stable, our answer isn't a vague “yes.” It's a technical explanation about the vessel's beam, hull type, and the planned route for that specific day.
At Seaventy, we don't leave the comfort of your guests to chance. We've mastered the system so that your only concern is the Networking and the success of your brand.
The river is a mirror, but you need to know which part of the mirror to navigate.
Don't postpone fantastic memories. Click here to speak with our specialist and start planning your event which will be remembered by all for years to come.
