At the time of boarding we were experiencing light rains and winds from the North at about 12 miles per hour.
The catering was provided by Whole Foods and there was a variety of non alcoholic beverages , tea and coffee and some frozen margaritas and pina coladas.

We set off raising the mainsail shortly after existing the marina. The winds were nice and brisk and had started to increase contrary to the forecast of about 10 miles an hour. The rain had stopped completely and we were on our way to the west end of the lake where I-35 crosses the lake.

As soon as we got into the main part of he lake the waves got bigger since they have several miles to gain momentum from the North. The catamaran rocked and rolled a bit  but in no time we were across with smooth sailing. 
The dancing started and we had some great salsa music and dancers on board who entertained the spectators.  We sailed for another hour until it was time to head back. Everyone enjoyed the wonderful healthy food and music.
Now it was time to cross the open lake heading back to the marina. The wind had died down a bit but the waves were still steep.

We cruised comfortably across at about 8 knots. Our top speed of the evening was 10.5 knots.

This was an exciting evening with rain , wind and some lightening shows to the far north end of the lake.
A Christmas blessing was said and an appreciation speech given by the owner.

Christmas parties on BigDCats catamarans are always an adventure and never dull. We sail day or night so come try us for your next event and enjoy some great sailing right here in Dallas where we average 11 miles per hour of wind on a daily basis.

The Christmas lights were shinning bright and the staff had boarded the catamaran. We had added additional water proof canopies to ensure that the guests would stay dry. Bursts of small rain storms were all around us. No lightening threat near us but plenty of great light shows in the distance.

The caterer tonight was Del Frisco’s steak House and everyone was excited to see and taste the gourmet meal so generously provided by the law firm.
Del Frisco’s provided a chef, two assistants and two servers. The appetizers , main dish and desserts were all made on the boat and served professionally.

The wind was blowing out of the south and the rain was still falling but the forecast called for gradual shifting from the south to the north by 9pm. Half way through the cruise the rain stopped and the wind shifted to the west. Then shortly thereafter the wind shifted to the north. 

For the first time ever on Lake Lewisville I witnessed a thick fog similar to what you have in New England. All the lights along the shoreline began to disappear and before long we were cruising by GPS alone. Thankfully the GPS worked or else we would have had to stop in the middle of the lake and wait.

We had to navigate the narrow cut connecting lake lewisville with the old Garza Little Elm reservoir. The cut is only about 200 feet wide with a dramatic V shaped bottom so staying in the middle neceassary or one will run aground.

It was very mysterious and calming. We were the only boat on the lake and we were enjoying sensations that we had rarely encountered on the lake.

I had a few guests come steer the boat while we were sailing but the rain and the cold wind made them drop down to the enclosed area that was warm and cozy. The heaters and blankets kept all the guests warm. Hot tea and coffee were flowing as well as a variety of alcoholic beverages.

The adventure was almost over and it began with miserable weather but turned out to be a wonderful evening.
Hosting your next Christmas party with BigDCats is sure to be a hit and something everyone will talk about.

• Organized J24 Sail Boat Races
• Golf Driving Range
• Pistol Target Shooting
• Swimming
• Jet Skis 
• Water Balloon Launch
• Float Toys
• And many more activities!

Here are some examples of a local community about, Austin Ranch, and some of their team building event ideas.  

The Funny Farm

Team members are divided into hillbilly families. Families will then choose their name such as Hatfields, McCoys, Dukes, etc. Each family member will also create and maintain a character for themselves such as Cuzin’ Billy Bob, Aunt Rotunda, Ma, Pa and Baby etc. The hillbilly family will race against the clock to shuck corn, make dumplins, tip cows, pluck rubber chickens, gather wood for the fire, stomp grapes and more! This is a true family affair and fun for all! Great for a lighthearted event.

The Iron Chef Competition

This is one of our most popular team builders. There is nothing like the aroma of good food wafting in the air. It smells like-VICTORY! Your teams will don chef hats and basting brushes to create amazing dishes that will become the dinner later on in the evening. Each team will be paired with an award winning chef for the competition. An independent panel of judges will call winners based on marketing, presentation, creativity and of course great Texas flavor! 

Texas Chili Cook off

We take our chili very seriously here at Austin Ranch. After all, it is the Texas state dish. We have the perfect ingredients for success; chilies, spices, beef and fun. We bring the fire, pots, pans and your team brings the competitive spirit for the perfect bowl of Texas Red. 

Cowboy Camp

Golf Cart Polo - Golfing cowboy style! Teams of two (a malleteer and a driver), blaze a trail across our rodeo arena in an attempt to whack a polo ball into the opponent’s open-ended barrel. SCORE! Cattle Paint Branding – Branding takes on a whole new meaning when you have a Texas steer staring at you eyeball to eyeball. This activity gives your group a chance to brand a live steer. Not with a hot branding iron of course, but with paint and a brand. Rodeo Games – 5 man stick horse barrel racing will have you laughing until your sides hurt! Rope a Dope will teach newbie wranglers how to rope a calf with instruction by a professional, even if it is a hay bale with a calf’s head attached. These games are great for the team that likes to get down and dirty in a Texas way. 

Bubba Games

To build a team in Texas you need the creativity of Tex Schramm, the patience of Tom Landry and the fun loving spirit of Dandy Don Meredith. We have put together a Totally Texas Team Building Exercise for theme parties or visiting Yankees, with real Texas-sized fun built in to every challenge. Redneck Horseshoes, Cow Pattie Shuffleboard, Raise the Barn, Jailbreak, Snuffleboard, What the Hay! A total of fifteen backyard Bubba Games to choose from! 

Silent Movie

Nothing can compare to a good old western movie with an all-star cast which consists of your employees! Teams will select characters and a director to produce a silent film. Our professional camera man will capture the footage. Actors will be provided with a plethora of costumes and props to fit their characters. Scripts are pre-written, but can be altered at will when a professional editor comes in for the sub-titles. Western Celebrity Look-a-Like Judges will decide the winner when movies are shown over dinner. 

Intense Team Building

For those organizations that are looking for a life changing experience for their employees, we offer Firewalking, Broken Glass Walk, Board Breaking, Cowboy Paintball and more. These activities are certainly for those that want to see real results! We promise you will! 

Other Options – Chuckwagon Building, Scavenger Hunts, Win It in a Minute, Rocket Building, Game Shows, Bike Builds for Charity, Cowboy Paintball and more.

Crissy Cook______________________
Dallas & Ft. Worth Recruiting Coordinator
Jackson Walker L.L.P.

Captain Mike, we want to thank you and your entire crew for making our office Christmas party a huge hit. It was so much fun! It’s all we’ve talked about this week. With a group as large as ours (44 people), it’s hard to plan something that pleases everybody. But our cruise was quite special!  The food was fantastic, the bar well stocked and I can’t think of a single thing that could have made it a more exciting event. We’ll definitely be back!!!!!

Kelly

Practice Administrator

21st Century Dental

Hi Mike,

We had a fabulous time on your boat, awesome way for our mangers to let loose!  They are already asking me when we will be doing it again. 

Thanks again, we look forward to seeing you again SOON!

Take care,

Lisa

Lisa Welch | Talent Resources Director  | W Dallas-Victory Hotel

Thank you all so much for being so accommodating to our group.  We had a blast!  They have still not stopped talking about it.  Hopefully we will see you again soon!

Amanda Murphy

Executive Assistant

RESQdebt

We cannot thank you and and your crew enough!  Everyone had an absolute blast – perfect weather, fabulous boat, wonderful food, etc.  In fact, the food got rave reviews so thanks for the suggestions!  We will definitely be back next summer.

Cheers,

Natasha Haas

McKinsey & Company