“Sorry I was on a boat.” It’s the new OOO message, a bold badge of summer freedom, and now, thanks to Boatsetter, an official holiday. The leading peer-to-peer marketplace for boat rentals and on-the-water experiences has announced June 5 as National “Sorry I Was On a Boat Day,” officially registered with National Today. Inspired by Ferris Bueller’s iconic day off (and timed to the exact date he took it), the holiday is inviting people everywhere to log off, cancel their calls, and choose the kind of memory-making that only happens when you’re nowhere near your inbox. And with Boatsetter, with over 350% guest growth since 2020, the trend towards more time on-the-water is stronger than ever.
Announcing just ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, the timing couldn’t be better. The long weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and the growing demand for last-minute, low-lift escapes is hard to ignore, particularly for large groups: Nearly half of Memorial Day Weekend trips over the past two years have been for 8+ guests. This trend is especially strong in major markets like Miami, Los Angeles, New York City, Austin and Tampa, where younger travelers are seeking meaningful escapes without committing to full-blown vacations. In fact, trips booked by Gen Z guests are up more than 30% year over year, and Gen Z is now the fastest-growing segment. With instant book inventory available across key markets, spontaneous summer moments are just a tap away.
In a world that glorifies hustle, National “Sorry I Was On a Boat Day” is your hall pass to slow down, vanish midweek, and unapologetically float. Whether you’re answering emails with “Sorry I Was On a Boat” or you simply log off for the day, same energy, same great trade-off. And with Boatsetter, that kind of escape is easier than ever, offering year-round access to on-the-water adventures for every kind of outing, from pontoons and tubing with friends to Captained fishing charters and even learning to sail.
To celebrate the inaugural holiday, Boatsetter and National Today are conducting a national survey exploring how Americans view boating as a form of leisure, connection, and celebration, and the ways in which they plan to get out on the water this summer.
“We wanted to create a moment that captured what summer should feel like: spontaneous, unforgettable, and all about being with your favorite people,” said Caitlin Choate, CMO of Boatsetter. “Sorry I Was On a Boat Day” is more than just a fun nudge to unplug–it’s a way of life we hope people see is more in reach than they realized. Getting outdoors and on-the-water is about choosing joy, and Boatsetter makes that possible any day of the week, any time of year.”
Some of this summer’s most memorable Boatsetter experiences include:
- Same-day 2–4 hour rentals that let you sneak in a quick escape without planning ahead
- Family-friendly getaways with kids’ life vests, water toys, and pet-friendly options
- Solo fishing charters or trips with local anglers who know the secret spots
- Captain-led cruises, where someone else handles the logistics while you lounge
- Bluetooth-enabled boats with stocked coolers
According to Blue Mind Theory, being near water reduces stress and boosts creativity. And fun fact: people near water report higher levels of happiness and calm. Translation? This “holiday” is basically self-care.
This summer, one message says it all: Log off. Live a little. And if anyone asks where you were? Just say you were on a boat.
For more, visit https://nationaltoday.com/national-sorry-i-was-on-a-boat-day/, Boatsetter.com or follow @Boatsetter on social media.