<b>By Pamela Brownstein</b>

The instructions to be at the Beaufort downtown marina at 6:30 a.m. sharp seemed daunting. But it was totally worth it to see the sun rise over the river and spend a relaxing morning on a boat meandering through local waterways.

[caption id="attachment_18611" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-21.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-18611" alt="The view from the boat as morning begins to break and the sun peeks over the horizon." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-21-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a> The view from the boat as morning begins to break and the sun peeks over the horizon.[/caption]

The Lunch Bunch — or maybe The Breakfast Bunch in this case — met up with Captain Tim Deckard and his wife Mare, owners of Vintage Voyages, who welcomed them aboard The Annalee. This beautifully restored, 1930 classic wooden yacht has a state-of-the-art, custom designed hybrid engine, with whisper quiet electric drive, that is non-polluting and friendly to the environment.

Mare made delicious homemade muffins and a special coffee cake that was her grandmother’s recipe. She also served coffee, which everyone enjoyed.

Kim Harding said she liked that Mare and the captain were very entertaining, dancing and blowing the boat horn, even so early in the morning.

One of the best things about being outside and on the water is the opportunity to observe nature greet the new day. The group spotted dolphins, as well as many different kinds of birds. Elizabeth said there was a huge flock of egrets that flew overhead toward downtown and it was a gorgeous sight.

The cruise starts at the Beaufort downtown marina, goes to the Port Royal Marina and back. It lasts about an

[caption id="attachment_18612" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/SAM_3780.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-18612" alt="The spread of coffee, fruit and pastries" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/SAM_3780-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a> The spread of coffee, fruit and pastries[/caption]

hour and a half.

Mare says, “Join us at dawn, and watch the dark horizon slowly ignite with that magnificent and bright orange; such a beautiful scene! Delight as the sun makes its presence known by setting the entire world aglow. Sunrise brings with it a different kind of beauty, signifying the promise of a new beginning.”

The Breakfast Club holds six guests maximum. The cost is $69. For more information about Vintages Voyages visit www.beaufortvintagevoyages.com or call 1-855-ANNALEE (266-2533).

[caption id="attachment_18613" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/SAM_3797.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-18613" alt="Kim Turner and Nikki Hardison toast their coffee mugs to the beginning of a glorious new day." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/SAM_3797-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a> Kim Turner and Nikki Hardison toast their coffee mugs to the beginning of a glorious new day.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_18614" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-7.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-18614" alt="A view of the bridge." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-7-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a> A view of the bridge.[/caption]

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