The Sundowner is possibly the most civilized ritual of all.

When we first started sailing I thought everyone else was a raving alcoholic. It was drinks on this boat, drinks with your neighbours, drinks with anyone passing by. I didn't understand the ritual. 

The idea is that by sundown your anchor should be set and everything ship shape. You can’t see what you’re doing after dark, this is a safety factor. As the day winds down, so do you. That last dying bit of the day is for reflection, conversation and appreciation. Pour yourself a beverage of any kind. Sit. Chat. Take the time to discuss what you did. If you tried something new, discuss how it went. If you perhaps snapped at your crew, now is the time to say sorry. Meet your fellow cruisers and talk about your journeys. Make new friends. A little friendly conversation goes a long way.

Watch the sunset and realize that life is good.