When I was running charters in BVI, initially I ate/drank free almost everywhere. That changed as the number of professional crew increased, I started in 1989. Sidney's was always a free meal for me and any captain, even bareboat. Some places quietly asked me if the guests were paying or if I was buying my meal. When guests were paying they paid for my meal. When I was buying my own, the invoice was zero and we went through the credit card motion. Most guests buy the professional captain dinner so the Captain eats free isn't applied very often. I was always a cheap date and never ordered Lobster or other high priced options, but have see other Captains do so.