Do a sleep-aboard the first night at the dock. This gives everyone time to put their stuff away, become familiar with were everything is, and the skipper and crew time to look over the boat's systems in a leisurely fashion (i.e. manual in one hand, Carib in the other) while prepping for the boat briefing the next morning. Have a nice dinner, chill on the boat. Further, don't plan a first day that requires leaving the dock by 9:00 am. Won't happen anyway. Do the briefing, pick up the last few provisions, take a deep breath, then calmly leave the dock.

WAY less stress. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />