
Buffalo's first class of Elites sure are adventurous. They've explored speakeasies, sampled kimchi … and this week, they helped raise the sails of a gorgeous schooner at Yelp Sets Sail!, hosted on board the Spirit of Buffalo.
After checking in at Buffalo's Canalside Harbor, our VIPs posed for photos on the deck. (Did we mention our Buffalocals are really, really, really good-looking?)

They also made the acquaintance of co-captains Rich and Kate Hilliman, who own and operate the Spirit with their family. This cool crew is known for hosting everything from wine tours to educational sails for Buffalo's inner-city youth. We were lucky to have them (along with crew member Drew Mickle) as our hosts!

Once aboard this 73-foot beauty, our Elites and their guests were treated to a number of treasures: Yelpy sunglasses and SPF-loaded chapstick, fans to beat the heat, and spiffy new Elite watches!

Our guests also enjoyed a midday feast fit for a captain, from gorgeous goudas provided by Elmwood's Nickel City Cheese & Mercantile, to spicy cheese dip and fresh veggies courtesy of Hertel's Globe Market to Go. And they washed it all down with a limited-edition Spirit of Buffalo lager, brewed by nearby Pearl Street Grill & Brewery!

As the Beatles played overhead and the Spirit sailed out of the Buffalo harbor, some Elites kicked back and relaxed (who wouldn't?).

Meanwhile, others were hard at work, learning the ins and outs of operating the Spirit. A few brave souls helped to hoist the sails, while other Elites took a turn behind the wheel with our captains. (Unsurprisingly, our fearless leader, Jane K, seemed right at home at the helm.)

Some VIP-ers simply preferred to look the part, inking themselves up like true sailors with super-cool Yelp tattoos!

Camera-toting and competitive as always, our Elites also kept busy by capturing gorgeous views of Buffalo's waterfront, with hopes of winning our Facebook photo contest. The prize? Dinner at Kung Food with Ryan W, and bragging rights forever.

Whether you bear the evidence of your journey on your smartphones, your biceps, or your hearts (aww), we know we'll "never let go" of the memories we made at Yelp Sets Sail!
Wanna keep the party going? You can review the event and upload your photos, peep and download the pix on the Yelp Buffalo Official Flickr, tag yourself on our (new!) Facebook page, and chat it up with other partygoers on Talk!
And of course, keep your eyes on the horizon (and your Elite calendars) for our next Buffalo adventure…
Cheers,
Ryan W (+ Rebecca D, Ana J, and Jane K!)
Community Cap'n
Yelp Buffalo

