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See more recent Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charter reviews
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Yacht Sayang
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Sayang, BVI Sailing, January 2010
Greetings from Tortola
We are just about finishing a lovely holiday in the BVI. Thank you for recommending Sayang and her lovely crew.
We had good weather and sailing conditions were wonderful. Paul is a very careful skipper and they both take a lot of pride in their boat, which is wonderful to see. Ratner cooked us superb meals.
The cabin was just what we wanted, plenty of space. The electric devices for the heads were fantastic! We loved the little beach bars, did not eat on shore much, as frankly, we preferred Ratner's cooking.
Clive & Faith W.
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Charter Yacht Soterion
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Yacht Charter Soterion, December 2009
John -- Sorry for the delay in getting back. We had a phenomenal trip. My family and I tried to think of anything that we would change, anything that was a disappointment, anything that we could recommend to improve the experience and have not been able to come up with a single thing.
I have answered the questions you provided, but they do not fully convey how much we enjoyed the experience. Thank you for your own terrific service. We will be recommending Sailing Directions, and you specifically, for a long time to come.
Ben and Nikki were incredible. From the moment we arrived, they were warm, friendly, fun, accommodating. We felt like they were part of the family by the time we left! I'm am sure that is it critical for all captains and crew to make you feel at home aboard the boat, but I cannot imagine a better couple to spend a week with in the entire Virgin Islands!
Soterion is a great boat. The staterooms are all very comfortable and surprisingly roomy. The boat was immaculate, the temperature and ventilation was always just right. We liked the way it was appointed with the rich wood accents and with the large table out on the back deck where we ate all of our meals. We never once felt cramped or confined. Perfect!
The food was of gourmet quality virtually every meal. Nikki is an incredible cook -- lobster, sea bass, steaks, baked stuffed chicken, Cornish game hens -- it was like dining at a 5-star restaurant. We especially liked the snack trays put out before every lunch and dinner, with fruit, vegetables, cheeses, unique appetizers. And we were especially appreciative of the fact that Nikki tailored the meals to our preferences after we spoke prior to the trip.
The itinerary was terrific -- Ben did a great job adjusting our original plan to the things we liked. The second night was especially memorable, mooring in an idyllic cove all by ourselves, with white sand beaches and a 9,000 acre national park as backdrop.
Our contact at Sailing Directions, John, was extremely attentive and helpful. I was very impressed that I could leave an email late at night and wake up first thing in the morning with a reply. We referred friends to John and their experience was equally positive.
So basically, yes I would definitely recommend to anyone a cruise with Ben and Nikki. As for your recommendation on the Village Cay Marina hotel, it worked out very well for us. The rooms were more than adequate, and the convenience of that location is unsurpassed.
Ken & Judy S.
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Charter Yacht Top Secret
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Top Secret, Sailing Vacation, December 2009
This was truly a trip of a lifetime. We can't stop talking about what a great time we had. Jo & Jason were wonderful and felt like part of the family by the end of the week. We have kept in touch and would definitely request them if we were to be lucky enough to take another trip.
The British Virgin Islands were beautiful and we enjoyed all the stops on the itinerary.
The food was gourmet quality and we are missing it immensely now that we're back home! The Top Secret was a beautiful boat, very clean and well-appointed. Thank you for some wonderful memories.
Kelly R.
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Yacht Soul's Calling
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Yacht Charter Soul's Calling, December 2009
We had a wonderful time. Alex and Carla were fantastic. Alex really takes his job seriously but is a lot of fun at the same time. He has a lot of local knowledge so you go to places we would not have gone to on our own. Carla is a wonderful cook and a very nice person. The boat was amazing and had all of the comforts of home. All in all we would rank the crew, the boat, the trip as a 10 out of 10.
Jim F.
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Charter Yacht Soterion
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Yacht Charter Soterion, December 2009
Our trip was incredible! Ben & Nikki exceeded even our extremely high expectations! They were beyond friendly, attentive and accommodating - I am not even sure how I can put into words our satisfaction with the crew.
The Soterion was clean, comfortable, well ventilated and offered a good selection of onboard activities.
The food was absolutely incredible - from the first moment we stepped on to the boat until our last cocktail and brunch it was out of the this world... needless to say we are all extremely disappointed with the food back in Ohio even at the finest of restaurants after spending a week with Nikki cooking for us!
The itinerary was great - the areas we sailed to were perfect and Ben was EXTREMELY accommodating to our ever changing minds.
Sailing Directions provided me with exactly what I was looking for in a relaxing week in the Caribbean, guiding me to the perfect yacht and the world's finest crew - THANK YOU!
To end my email, it is important that you know Nikki & Ben are the reason we will do a charter again, whether they are cruising the BVI's the Med or Alaska we will go to where they are so THANK YOU for helping me select the correct yacht and crew.
Thank you John and feel free to use me as a reference at ANY TIME!
Robb S.
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Catamaran Moon Shadow
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Yacht Charter Moon Shadow, December 2009
Moon Shadow is a really wonderful, great, clean, roomy, comfortable boat. The food was great.
Sailing Directions was prompt (very important to me) and helpful.
Robert A.
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Charter Yacht Soterion
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BVI Sailing Charter Soterion, November 2009
I will try in a few words to tell you how fantastic our past week has been, but I really don't have the words to describe how wonderful it really was!
First off, Ben and Nikki are two of the most incredible, friendly, professional, kindest and entertaining people my family and I have ever had the pleasure to be around. Everything seemed to go like clockwork from our perspective, although it was obvious that much work and preparation was done behind the scenes by our crew.
Even at that, they always had time to accommodate our every wish and it seems that we were always having fun. The Soterion was immaculate and the accommodations superb. The meals prepared by Nikki were elegant, delicious, and although she always served more food than any normal 8 people could possibly eat, we seldom returned anything but clean plates to the galley!
The itinerary was just perfect from our perspective, starting with a night off Norman Island with snorkeling at the Indians the following morning. A beautiful sail through drake's channel around to Sandy Cay the next day, with a side trip via dinghy to swim at the bubbling springs ended a perfect Day 2.
The water sports were a huge hit, and even I managed to slalom ski 3 or 4 times behind the dinghy, and I hadn't skiied in 15 years or so! Ben was a great instructor and very patient with all of us as we skied and wake boarded our way from Sandy Cay to Guana Island and on to Gorda Sound!
Ben and Nikki made my 60th birthday one to remember, with my favorite, carrot cake! It was truly exceptional, and they outdid themselves by having to prepare a Thanksgiving feast the next day, which was as good a Thanksgiving dinner as anyone ever had!
So basically, yes I would definitely recommend to anyone a cruise with Ben and Nikki. As for your recommendation on the Village Cay Marina hotel, it worked out very well for us. The rooms were more than adequate, and the convenience of that location is unsurpassed.
Ed B.
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Charter Hypnautic
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Charter Yacht Hypnautic, November 2009
Captain Tom and Chef/Admiral Becca were a fabulous contribution and integral to our "trip of a lifetime". We were greeted upon our arrival with smiling faces and a friendly welcome. After the grand tour of our sailing yacht, we had drinks in hand and munchies too--a sign of the generous attentiveness and delectable food to come throughout the week. Some time along this phase, our bags had disappeared to our cabins without us lifting a finger or noticing they were gone. So, I guess we could say that from the first 20 minutes aboard Hypnautic, Tom and Becca had already unintentionally wowed us and that experience continued throughout the week. Further, their command of the vessel was superb at all times. Their knowledge and experience was readily apparent and we always felt at ease about the most basic unspoken necessities of being on a boat for a week--our safety and wellbeing.
We are so pleased we chose Hypnautic. First, the Hypnautic has a beautiful decor scheme that presents an air of spaciousness that we did not expect. We were
enchanted with the idea of the Hypnautic's king suite when we were researching our choices, and it definitely lived up to our expectations. The floor plan of Hynautic allowed each couple in our party complete privacy (or quiet time for a quick nap). Each of us woke up in the morning refreshed and commenting how comfortable the mattresses and the 100% cotton bedding was for a restful nights sleep. By the way, the air conditioning works like a champ, even for a hot flash girl! Again, we are very pleased we chose Hypnautic. The vessel is in great shape and shows no signs of the wear and tear one might expect of a charter yacht. We just loved Hypnautic and will be booking her again sometime soon!
Chef Becca presented wonderful food our entire trip and even promised to give us some of her secret recipes. Each morning's breakfast, mmmmm! Fresh fruit galore, omelets, pancakes... Oh, and the Creme Brulee French Toast... Oh my, so good! The lunches were also perfect, from the turkey wraps on the first day to our Cheeseburgers in Paradise on our last day before disembarking. And, then we got to look forward to Chef Becca's dinners each night. She set the bar high on her first night and just kept the hits coming! Wow! Each evening we looked forward to experiencing Becca's creative appetizers, fresh organic salads and excellent main courses.
And, by the way, kudos to Captain Tom's grill mate skills. He knows how to make sure Becca's perfectly marinated or seasoned meats melt in your mouth. To put it plain and simple, Chef Becca has a delightful repertoire of recipes and we can't wait to get back and have some of our favorites again and more! Overall, we were so spoiled on our trip--coffee ready in the morning, breakfast on the table when we were ready for it, lunch at just the right time in between stops, and dinner at our leisure...and never wanting for a refill of a drink in your hand (sodas, beers, mixed drinks)--those were asked to be replaced before you even knew you were almost empty. We have been home for almost a week and still wake up thinking of what Chef Becca's meals will be today--but oh, back to reality! Ugh!
Captain Tom met with us after our first hour or so aboard Hypnautic to hear what things/places we already may have known about or researched that we wanted to see, explored our preferences for the types of places we might like to see, pointed out some places on the charts that we might like to consider, and helped us put together an itinerary we'd like to follow for our trip through the BVI (Plan A). Captain Tom's knowledge of the area was very helpful to us. His knowledge of the inlets, moorings, and timing of getting to the places we were going was invaluable (example avoiding the day charter/ferry rush at the Customs offices so we could have extra time to shop in St. John in the afternoon AND get to our next mooring for the anchorage best to see an unencumbered view of the sunset). Superb! As the trip unfolded, Captain Tom suggested a diversion here or there to consider and helped us tweak the itinerary (Plan B or C...) to add some places as we could. This flexibility allowed us to get to ALL of the places we wanted to go and more! We could not have been happier!!
As we researched and looked at crews and yachts to consider for our trip, Sailing Directions services became invaluable to us. John was able to share his first hand knowledge of the yachts and their staff from the perspective of someone who knows these folks personally. Coupling this knowledge with our requirements made booking our trip very smooth and left us confident in our choices. Also, the value we received through Sailing Directions having accurate published rates, compared to other sites having no rates, or rates that had not been updated was a plus. You've probably heard the phrase, "It's like have a friend in the business", well we didn't have a friend in the business, but feel like we do now. Our Thanks to John and Sailing Directions.
We will charter again with Sailing Directions and with Hypnautic, Captain Tom and Chef/Admiral Becca. Many of our friends have inquired about our experience and want to go at some time. Also, I've blabbered how great the experience was for us with strangers in the airport, hotel lobby, store, etc. --hey, they asked why I had such a great tan in November!). You have a cheerleader customer!
The trip exceeded our expectations at every turn. We will continue to tell friends, family, neighbors, and strangers, about our BVI experience and look forward to seeing the BVI again soon with the help of Sailing Directions, Captain Tom, Chef Becca and Hypnautic.
Stacey G.
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Yacht Belline II
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Belline II, November 2009
Thanks so much for your graciousness and making us all feel so welcome in your home - it was a trip of a life time!
Thanks for an amazing experience - the dives were incredible. I hope we see you again soon.
We had an amazing time. Your hospitality was first class!
Amanda L.
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Charter Priorities
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Charter Priorities, August 2009
Dear Rich, Lisa & Reggie
Thank you so very much for a memorable holiday. You're truly wonderful hosts with the skill for making everyone feel special.
Food was sensational and Lisa's service was impeccable.
We also enjoyed very much Reggie's company.
Enjoy the rest of the season!
All the best
Glen W.
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Charter Yacht Sabore
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Sail Catamaran Sabore, July 2009
Colin and Penny were friendly, attentive and accommodating. They are a good team and provided excellent service. Knowledgeable of the boat, local waters, interesting facts and generally easy and fun to be with.
The food was excellent, well prepared and presented. Penny accommodated the varied dietary requirements needed for my daughter who is a health food nut and my youngest son who lives largely on chocolate chip pancakes and any complex carbohydrate like mac and cheese.
Our itinerary was great. Colin and Penny gave us the opportunity to customize to our liking, and provided excellent local advice. I have sailed the BVI six times, and found some new and interesting places (Great Dog and Guana and Anegada).
Sabore was in great shape. We had a great time.
Tom & Kim N.
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VI Catamaran Catatonic
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Catamaran Catatonic, July 2009
John & Alexis, our crew, were both excellent. We had lots of ideas of what we wanted to do and see and John was very helpful in ensuring that we were able to accomplish these. Alexis was lovely and looked after us all very well.
We were pleased to have a DVD player and Wii (teenage daughters).
- Was the food enjoyable and well presented?
Definitely! We had not expected such excellent meals and were pleasantly surprised by the standard of cooking and use of fresh produce.
- Did you enjoy your sailing itinerary in the Caribbean Virgin Islands?
Yes. There was nowhere we wanted to visit during the trip that we were not able to.
Cindi M.
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Sail Sabore
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Charter Yacht Sabore, July 2009
We had an absolutely fantastic time again, probably even better as we knew what to expect, I really don't think I can add anything different to last years comments, Colin and Penny make sure that it's an amazing holiday for everyone in every way, and there's absolutely nothing to find fault with, it was such a pleasure to spend 9 days with them!
Jane S.
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Catamaran Diadem
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Diadem Sailing Catamaran, June 2009
Wendy and Chad were perfect! They were very friendly and yet at the same time professional. They were not intrusive yet seemed to anticipate our every need. They were so knowledgeable about sailing that we were completely at ease.
Diadem exceeded our expectations! It was very clean, very comfortable and except for one night, very well ventilated.
The food was delicious and in perfect proportions! Wendy is a great cook.
Yes, the area we sailed was perfect. Some of the areas we had been to before but enjoyed revisiting them. We snorkeled at some amazing places.
When we were swimming and climbing around the rocks at the Baths on Virgin Gorda, Joe took a tumble and hit his face quite hard on a rock. Chad had given us a walkie talkie to let him know when we wanted to return. What a God send! We called Chad and his swift response and immediate application of ice made it possible for us to continue with our trip. No doctor or hospital was necessary. Joe was quite swollen and bruised for about 2 days, but all ended well. Just wanted to let you know that Chad (and Wendy) responded, in our minds, correctly and with great speed. He checked Joe's reactions and made the decision to continue our trip. We really appreciated their calm demeanor and expertise.
I was extremely happy with you and Sailing Directions and the plans that were made - your company surpassed our expectations! We would definitely book with you again.
Alta D.
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Charter Hypnautic
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Catamaran Hypnautic, June 2009
Sorry for the delay, I haven't had much time at the computer since returning from our trip. As for our feedback, I, along with my family were 100% pleased with every aspect of our trip from the first time you and my husband spoke months back, your email updates and reminders, to our last day aboard the Hypnautic.
Tara and Sasha were great captains, chefs, tour guides, and friends for the week. The boat was very clean and comfortable.
Our itinerary was perfect. Sasha and Tara seemed to pick up quickly on what we enjoyed and took us to some amazing places. They were both very informative as to the information of the islands and each area they took us to.
We'll definitely recommend Sailing Directions and Sasha & Tara aboard Hypnautic to friends and family. Our hopes and dreams are to win the lottery so we can enjoy years of sailing vacations, if those perfect numbers come in for us, we'll be giving you a call soon.
Thanks for all your help, we had a great time!
Greg & Cathy R.
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Catamaran Ma Ha
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Ma Ha Sailing Charter, June 2009
It was a wonderful trip and we were lucky to have Anna and JP. JP was very knowledgeable of the area and of sailing / operation of the ship and Anna was a wonderful second mate / chef. They were excellent to accommodate a 16 and 18 year old with wakeboarding, tubing, juggling etc and keeping their attention while still treating the adults to a heavenly experience.
Ma Ha was very clean and change of linens during the week was an unexpected treat.
The food was especially good. Even with the 8 of us liking different things and some being picky eaters, we all ate and savored each thing put in front of us, amazing.
The British Virgin Islands are a great place for fun and relaxation. We most definitely enjoyed the itinerary and area.
Booking the trip with Sailing Directions was very easy and communication was excellent. A little late hearing from our crew just the night before leaving and but that discussion was much appreciated and had valuable information.
The crew did every thing they could to ensure we all taken care of and got the most from the trip. JP and Anna set the standard extremely high for a next time. An exceptional trip, more than we had imagined!
Jody, Wade, Pat, Carole, Donna, Melton, Emily, and Caleb
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Catamaran Adeia
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Adeia, BVI Sailing, May 2009
The crew, Leon & Michelle, were great. Very accommodating and friendly. We were very happy with them.
Was Adeia comfortable, clean and well ventilated?
- Beautiful and nice boat!
Michelle is an excellent cook, the food tasted great, was presented well. We had our three boys with us and she quickly adapted to accommodate their large appetites.
Did you enjoy the itinerary and the area you sailed in the British Virgin Islands?
- It was perfect!
We realized that the crew could make the vacation great or not - we were very happy with the crew, the boat, the food and the itinerary.
Cheri C.
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Charter Tonina
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Charter Tonina, May 2009
Peter and Karen were awesome! I truly could not imagine a better crew. We can't say enough great things about our trip. They are both
wonderful crew which made our trip beyond awesome.
I would like to have your recipe for the warm chocolate
dessert, the lemon mousse and the stuffed chicken if you
don't mind sharing. All of the food was fabulous. I wish I
could grill as well as you do, Peter!
Tonina was perfect. Peter and Karen kept it spotless.
Karen is a fabulous gourmet cook and Peter is a "grill master". We couldn't wait till out next meal.
Peter is so knowledgeable about the area and took us to exactly the type of place we wanted to go.
If we go again it will definitely be with Sailing Directions. I was very impressed with John finding us a new yacht right away after ours was cancelled.
Our whole family thought this was one of our very best vacations. Take care and thanks for the wonderful trip. Our family will never forget it.
Marcie J.
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Catamaran Ma Ha
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Ma Ha Sailing Charter, May 2009
Our crew was fantastic... Jean Pierre certainly knows and has the passion for sailing and the waters.... they were both very friendly and really nice... Anna spoiled us with her meals.
Catamaran Ma Ha was great...loved the boat and very clean...
Was the food enjoyable and well presented?
- Oh yes...Anna cooked us some really great meals...we loved it....and so nicely presented...picture perfect....
Did you enjoy the itinerary and the area you sailed?
- We loved every island we went to...all beautiful in their own way....we got to see all we wanted.
This sailing trip has been our dream for a very long time.. this vacation is our best ever....this definitely is a dream come true...thank you for everything...
Lorenzo & Gelsa S.
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Catamaran Encore
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Encore Catamaran Charter, May 2009
Ron and Anya were a perfect crew for us. I would give them an A+ for being friendly, attentive and accommodating. We all had a great time.
Encore was very well cleaned and ventilated.
Was the food enjoyable and well presented?
- Again an A+. The only downside was I gained 5 lbs. Anya is a super cook!
Did you enjoy the itinerary and the area you sailed?
- The crew was very flexible. We all loved all the spots we went to all week.
Overall this was a PERFECT vacation.
Bill M.
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Catamaran Diadem
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Diadem Sailing Catamaran, May 2009
Diadem was a very clean and well presented charter boat the accommodation were great and so was the decor. The ship has many open hatches and great ventilation. We had a mechanical issue with an AC unit one night but Chad was attentive and fixed it the next day. Overall a great experience.
Wendy is an outstanding chef, her meals were just the right size and the presentation was tremendous. Her dishes and meals were original and very well done. Considering she is cooking on a boat with four burning and limitations it was truly amazing. Each meal was very well done and we ate very well. Her originality and thought into a meal were superior.
We had a tremendous sail and itinerary on our trip it went very well, great combination of seclusion and peace. Very restful and peaceful yet we had some excitement and exercise also so it was great. Some of the best anchorages that could be imagined.
Chad and Wendy are a great couple, team and people that are fun to be around and very enjoyable to talk with.
Mike R.
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Catamaran Solstice
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Solstice, Bahamas, April 2009
We have nothing but wonderful things to say about our cruise aboard Solstice in the Bahamas. Cliff and Liza were absolutely wonderful! They were both accommodating and professional, friendly and enjoyable to be around. We feel like we have made friends for life with them.
Cliff was a very competent and skilled captain; we were always comfortable and enthralled by his choice of locations and activities.
Liza was an excellent cook and hostess. The meals were fabulous with endless variety and choices. Each meal was a study in taste, appearance and gastrointestinal delight!
The Solstice was a pleasure to be aboard. Our staterooms were very comfortable and Liza and cliff kept them clean and neat every day. The entire boat was comfortable and very fun to be aboard. They provided an ample supply of towels and toys and there was always something interesting to do and see. Time was also allowed for just laying around and soaking up the sun and sea.
It was the best vacation we have ever been on and we would not hesitate to recommend Cliff and Liza to everyone we know. The only part of the cruise that was sad was when it ended.
We are forever indebted to them for providing a cruise that went way beyond the call of duty.
Debi & Randy A.
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Catamaran Encore
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Encore, March 2009
Just arrived home and we had an excellent time, can't wait to do this again already! Thank you for all your assistance with booking this trip, dealing with you has been a pleasure.
The crew definitely went the extra mile! Would HIGHLY recommend them to all our friends!
When we booked this trip we had never done a crewed charter before - we would highly recommend this - we had to do no thinking, working or worrying - Ronald had everything covered, and as far as Anya; you can't get a better chef, we had planned on eating out more but her cooking was so good that we ate on the boat a lot more than we had planned.
They are very ambitious people and also very responsible, they definitely made our trip. We originally were disappointed that the original crew we had picked were not available and had our doubts about Ron and Anya as they were so young but after a couple of hours all doubts had disappeared!
Ronald changed everything and anything we wanted on a moments notice. Our wishes were always met and exceeded. We will miss them and if they ever come to Canada will have a place to stay and friends waiting for them.
Encore was very clean and Ron and Anya had all the cabins cleaned each morning - beds made, washrooms cleaned and new linens! I was very surprised they do so much for you.
Anya is a terrific chef, her culinary skills are out of this world and the food was also plentiful!
Yes we enjoyed our itinerary in the British Virgin Islands - and when we weren't happy with where WE chose to go Ronald had no hesitations on moving to a new location.
Very happy with Sailing Directions and will definitely use your services and recommend you to our friends. You made booking all this easy!
Cathy M.
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Catamaran Matira
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Matira, March 2009
Caroline and Gaultier were absolutely fantastic - I think they really made our trip special for us. They both worked so hard and were extremely accommodating. Caroline is an excellent cook - we enjoyed everything.
Matira was very comfortable and I am so glad that we chose this particular yacht - it was beautiful and we all enjoyed having our own large stateroom. The wood interior is a step above the other boats we saw.
I can't say enough about the food - it was delicious and beautiful. We had great meals from morning to night. Caroline was also very accommodating for the guests with special food likes / dislikes and so nobody felt left out from having a special meal.
Did you enjoy you itinerary in the British Virgin Islands? - Yes very nice!
I was very happy with Sailing Directions' attention to detail - thanks.
Gretchen F.
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Catamaran Priorities
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Priorities, March 2009
We have never enjoyed a charter more and we attribute this in large part to the crew of Priorities. They were professional, friendly, and fun but never intrusive. Both Rich and Lisa were attentive beyond all expectations from the exquisite food preparations that accommodated to a "t" the needs and requirements specified on the preference sheet, to the beautifully appointed and impeccably maintained staterooms during our stay on board. The activity (or lack of!) and venue selections exceeded expectations.
Priorities is an absolutely impeccably maintained boat with fine linens, great entertainment options onboard (games, movies, music, comfortable reading spots) appreciated air-conditioning and good ventilation.
Although it cost us all a few self-inflicted pounds, there was not a single meal or snack that wasn't top-notch, expertly prepared and presented. Rich's years and training as a chef render him a
Miracle-maker in the restricted galley space the yacht affords.
Lisa is a wickedly good and talented mixologist who does not err on the side of pressing alcohol consumption too hard. Their wine selections were good. The fresh flowers and table settings lent extra, unexpected elegance. Here again, Lisa's training and knowledge as an event planner and florist made transitions from play to meals as seamless as they were gracious.
We enjoyed the Virgin Islands - familiar territory to all of us and always wonderful. What was particularly impressive, was given the up to 35 knot winds and choppy seas going on during our sail, we were never uncomfortable, our anchorages were beautiful and calm and we were able to get some fine and safe snorkeling in. We were confident we were in good hands on a well maintained vessel with a knowledgeable crew.
Sailing Directions was responsive, thorough and lined us up with precisely the caliber experience I had hoped for - in fact the entire experience well-surpassed my expectations.
To anyone who may be interested in Priorities but may have reservations about the 2nd mate crew member, Reggie the Golden Retriever, I can only say that his presence enhanced our trip. Rich and Lisa adore the dog but their attention to him and his needs never interfered with their attentiveness to us as guests. They have him on a routine that is entirely unobtrusive to guests onboard. Their attention to cleanliness is so thorough you can't find a stray dog hair onboard! Miraculously Reggie doesn't smell, drool, beg or bark or get underfoot - a truly rare and well-trained beast!
With Rich and Lisa you leave Priorities hoping that you have made new friends in the crew - nice, intelligent, fun people - that you will soon see again.
Sally W.
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Catamaran Lone Star
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Lone Star, Caribbean Charter, March 2009
I can tell you one thing; the F. family had a fantastic time aboard the fabulous Lone Star!! They couldn't say enough positive things about the crew, the boat, the overall experience; I know it was a trip they'll never forget. They particularly enjoyed the snorkeling, delicious food, and exploring the islands. The crew were exceptional and met / exceeded all their needs and expectations, they're still talking about the whole experience! I know Mr. F. was pleased with the variety of activities and the crew's interaction with his 3 children. The kids were delighted with everything your crew had to offer and everyone felt very relaxed upon their return.
They want to thank you and your crew for such a wonderful time!
Crystal W
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Beneteau 5 Star
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5 Star, March 2009
Hugh and Alison made this a truly wonderful experience in every way. Aaron and I consider them good friends after our week aboard 5 Star
The 5 Star's accommodations exceeded our expectations. The light wood, spacious and modern layout of the boat made us feel as though we were in a small apartment in London and not below deck. The tempurpedic was phenomenal as well and allowed for a very good night's rest.
We went home with a bunch of the recipes that Hugh and Alison used during the charter. We were surprised that such wonderful food with elegant presentation could come out of a galley kitchen.
the itinerary was very enjoyable because it was flexible and we visited almost all of the islands in one week and managed to get in a full moon party at Trellis Bay.
I was very pleased with John at Sailing Directions' attentive service and methodical follow up. If I asked him to call or return an email, he would do so right away to alleviate any concerns that I had. Additionally, since I was under severe time constraints prior to the charter, I appreciate his patience in my failure to respond in a timely manner.
We had a fabulous time sailing on the 5 Star! Thanks so much for your help and we will be in touch once our schedule allows us to visit Hugh and Alison again.
Jennifer L.
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Catamaran Wild Thing II
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Wild Thing II, March 2009
Everything about the trip was wonderful. The catamaran was very clean and well maintained. The meals that Amy prepared were extremely well presented as well as delicious. Teo and Amy were always professional and friendly. I believe our entire party had a great time and would highly recommend this catamaran charter.
Laura P.
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Lagoon 440 Safari
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Safari, March 2009
Ed, the care and warmth you have invested in our journey has been as welcome as the first happy hour or Ian's appetizers that satisfy and offer promise for the delectable meal ahead.
Your knowledge and competency kept us all feeling safe and ready for whatever unfolded. Your guided tours and tales of the islands were great. I felt how sincerely you wanted us to have a great time and you delivered!
Ian, the fruits of your skilled labor will stay with me longer than I care to contemplate. Your ability to keep our ravenous children fed and entertained was remarkable. You are a rock star to them and a friend to us. Thanks for the memorable and healthy meals and good cheer.
P.s. What a fine boat! Perfect for our family!
John L.
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Catana Can Can
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Can Can, March 2009
The trip was great; Nikki and Ben made it happen for us. They are two exceptional people. We relied on them for just about everything and they came through. When we look for a crew for our next trip in 2010 you can be assured that if they are available we will want Nikki and Ben to be our crew.
The food was superb. The sailing was fun. Even in the 10 ft swells and high winds (in the Leeward Islands) we found our time on Can Can rewarding.
The service from Sailing Directions was excellent.
Tom M.
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Catamaran Ad Astra
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Ad Astra, March 2009
How did you find your crew, Barry & Bridget; were they friendly, attentive and accommodating?
- Very professional, attentive. Clearly enjoyed their jobs and kept an immaculate ship.
Was Ad Astra comfortable, clean and well ventilated?
- Very clean and well ventilated.
Was the food enjoyable and well presented?
- Absolutely.
Did you enjoy the itinerary and the area you sailed?
- Took our overall expectation and provided a great trip with very unique stops. Only disappointment was the inability to venture to St. John (US territory)
Were you happy with Sailing Directions' service?
- Yes, John was very professional.
Mark F.
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Catamaran Ma Ha
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Ma Ha, February 2009
Justin and Lauren were wonderful!! Friendly, attentive, accommodating, very knowledgeable about nature, fun, polite, enthusiastic, and yet low key and very easy to be with.
Justin involved us in the itinerary and he and Lauren had great recommendations for snorkeling, sight seeing, beaching... Justin found coves that were quiet and private which we really appreciated. The sailing was magnificent and we were so confident in Justin and Lauren's expertise.
Our family of four planned this sailing adventure for my daughter's senior year in high school. We have traveled as a family to Europe, the islands, and many destinations out West, but I have to say that our week aboard Ma Ha was a profound experience of family bonding.
The sailing and sights were spectacular! Every meal was a delight! Each day was a marvelous adventure, whether sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, wakeboarding, hiking, swimming, beaching.. Justin and Lauren took wonderful care of us and we are so grateful to them for this precious week of freedom and fun!
We were very happy with Sailing Directions' service. Everything went smoothly with John. He responded quickly and thoroughly and was never pushy. We will certainly recommend John, Ma Ha and Justin and Lauren!
Aimee S.
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Catamaran Secret Oasis
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Secret Oasis, February 2009
We loved the crew!!! They couldn't have been more accommodating. Jacques put together an itinerary that suited us perfectly and then remained aware of what was going on and made changes accordingly.
He was fun and fun loving while making sure we were all very safe. Every evening when we moored, he would check with all of us to make sure we were happy with the mooring ball. He made sure we moored where we would get good cross breezes yet not be in choppy water.
Janette put together a meal plan that suited everyone and everything was executed beautifully. She made sure we were all taken care of but never made us feel like she was hovering over us. It was the perfect balance. They participated with us at our request and everyone on the boat now considers them personal friends.
Secret Oasis is a wonderful boat. It was clean, clean, clean... made even more so every day by Jacques and Janette as they cleaned up after us. The beds were comfortable, as were the heads and showers. And everything on this boat has rounded edges, so we didn't get bruised up (we've left every other boat we've ever been on with numerous bumps and bruises).
The food was amazing. Janette is creative and really, really cares that everyone likes what they are having.
The itinerary in the BVI was fabulous and Jacques worked to have those sails up as much as possible, which we all loved!!!
I was very happy with Sailing Directions' service. We will definitely use your services again. I don't plan to sail with anyone other than Jacques and Janette for as long as they are sailing the BVI!
Elissa B.
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Power Yacht Obsession
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Obsession, February 2009
We had a fantastic time onboard Obsession. Arno and Petra were the most perfect crew - nothing was too much trouble they made us feel at home from the start.
The boat and accommodation was very good very clean and the air conditioning was on all the time if you required it.
The food was fantastic homemade bread and cakes and each meal was delicious. The Virgin Islands and the itinerary were marvelous we enjoyed every minute of it.
In our opinion there isn't much more that could be done to improve anything. We recommend Arno, Petra and Obsession to any and all of our friends and hope to be able to come again ourselves. We cannot rate the charter highly enough!
Rosemary D.
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Charter Tonina
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Charter Tonina, February 2009
How did you find your crew, Peter and Karen; were they friendly, attentive and accommodating?
- Peter and Karen were all of the above and then some! We were treated like their guests and felt very cared for at all times
Was Tonina comfortable, clean and well ventilated?
- Very comfy, clean and well ventilated. I would be happy to answer email questions regarding Tonina from any prospective guests!
Was the food enjoyable and well presented?
- Outstanding food - beautiful presentation
Did you enjoy the itinerary and the area you sailed?
- Absolutely; we did everything on my "bucket list" and then some! I have been planning this trip for 10 months - in this case reality more than exceeded the anticipation and expectations!!!
Shelley B.
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Catamaran Wild Thing II
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Wild Thing II, February 2009
Our trip was enjoyed by one and all, everyone wanted to stay longer.
Teo and Amy were excellent, some of the best food we have experienced, consistently of a high standard.
Ian L.
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Charter Tonina
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Charter Tonina, February 2009
How did you find your crew, Peter & Karen; were they friendly, attentive and accommodating?
- Yes, especially Peter, he was lots of fun!
Was Tonina comfortable, clean and well ventilated?
- Yes!
Was the food enjoyable and well presented?
- Yes!
Did you enjoy the itinerary and the area you sailed?
- Yes, we were very appreciative of Peter changing up the planned schedule due to weather issues. This allowed us to go to areas and islands that we would not have gotten to visit.
Were you happy with Sailing Directions' service?
- Great service! Thanks for working to get us a new charter boat when our original lease cancelled on us!
Brandon M.
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Catamaran Ma Ha
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Ma Ha, January 2009
Justin and Lauren were terrific. What ever they get paid it is not enough. Their ability to take a foreign family into their world, make them feel welcome, safe and attend to their every need, 24/7, is a talent few will ever posses. They have this talent and use it from the initial meeting at the dock to the last hug goodbye.
Ma Ha was a floating Ritz Carlton. Hard to fathom a floating 4 star hotel with 24 hour room service and a bar that never closes. Very clean, Lauren and Justin make it look easy, but they rarely ever stop.
Even when they are asked to relax with us, as was often the case(we enjoyed their company, they were always taking care of our adventure and ensuring our comfort and safety.
From Lauren accompanying dad and the boys on our first 3 scuba dives to Justin taking the girls to the beach and towing us all on knee boards and tubes. Air conditioning was zoned for custom comfort. If you wanted fresh air, turn off the air and open up both hatches to catch the breeze.
My wife is a great cook and I will defer to her. Several times she was heard singing the praises of Lauren and her ability to serve up wonderful dishes 3 plus times a day, including deserts and food for one vegetarian. We all enjoyed the food.
Justin customized the itinerary totally to fit our individual needs. His knowledge of the area, having grown up locally proved invaluable. He is welcomed as a local. Lauren was also a great help with her knowledge and advice.
- Were you happy with Sailing Directions' service / is there any way we can improve?
Very much so. As you know John, we put this trip together with fairly short notice. Your availability and help were key to the planning of this trip. Thanks.
John H.
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Catamaran Can Can
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Can Can, January 2009
Ben and Nikki were incredibly awesome! They could not have been more accommodating or attentive to our groups needs! We found them to be so friendly and easy to get along with! On a scale of 1-10, I would give them a 20+!!!! I am not kidding!!
Nikki is an amazing chef! Her food was very well presented and she and Ben work as a well oiled machine together!
Can Can was very comfortable, very clean and absolutely gorgeous!
- Did you enjoy your sailing itinerary in the British Virgin Islands?
Very much. Each area we visited was different and Ben was very interested in what we wanted to do and see and had great suggestions and always open to our input.
This vacation was more than we ever could have expected! It was absolutely the MOST relaxing vacation we have ever experienced in our marriage.
Ben and Nikki were so attentive and always seemed to know what we needed and their service and hospitality was remarkable! Even though we were with 2 other couples, there was so much space that we all had time to relax and unwind and enjoy the vacation our own way.
Reann C.
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Sailing Yacht Stenella
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Stenella, January 2009
We had a fabulous time on Stenella. The crew was amazing! They are an incredible team. The combination of their technical skills (sailing and cooking) and their worldliness made the trip 100% perfect. They bring their stories and delicacies into play constantly. This made for fascinating conversations, wonderful and exotic food, and a very entertaining atmosphere.
Stenella was very comfortable, clean, and surprisingly well-ventilated. The boat has AC, but with the hatches open we really did fine with just the sea air flowing through the various rooms.
Was the food enjoyable and well presented?
"Enjoyable" is a huge understatement. KC creates masterpieces at EVERY meal. I can honestly say that there wasn"t one dish she made that wasn"t incredible and loved by all of us. We threw them a curve-ball just before the charter started when my daughter was recently diagnosed as Gluten intolerant. KC did a masterful job of concocting "Megan-friendly" meals or side entrees so that my daughter would be well fed and able to enjoy eating with the rest of us.
The itinerary was outstanding. We didn"t have a list of must-see destinations, instead, we chose to rely on the expertise of our crew to take us to places where we would have fun and enjoy exploring. Since they have been sailing in the BVI"s so long, they have contacts everywhere. When we would go ashore some place where a cab or reservation was required, Andy would call ahead and the arrangements would all be taken care of ahead of our arrival.
We love snorkeling and Andy was a terrific resource for this. He would either anchor the boat in an area where we could simply jump in from the boat or zip us to a nearby snorkeling area in the dingy. He would also snorkel with us and point out where to see the interesting sights.
Sailing Directions did a terrific job throughout the process. Your recommendation of Stenella was spot-on. The boat and crew were a perfect fit for my family. I honestly can"t think of anything you could do differently to improve the process.
Roland & Karen S.
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Catamaran Hypnautic
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Hypnautic, January 2009
The crew, Sasha and Tara, are A++ across the board.
Tara is a whiz. She presented a fine combination of the light / healthy with the more heavy / decadent dishes. Very creative and tasty meals. She was very attentive to our personal likes and dislikes and adapted to what she discovered about us while on-board. Sasha is also pretty good in the kitchen with his signature steak dishes.
Hypnautic is comfortable, clean and well ventilated. Sasha and Tara keep a clean boat.
We enjoyed the itinerary in the Virgin Islands.
Captain Sasha and Tara are wonderful, talented and interesting individuals who love what they do. Both are exceptional in assisting and guiding dive trips. Anyone interested in diving as part of the charter would be well-advised to charter the Hypnautic for access to these two highly skilled and passionate individuals.
Greg K.
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Catamaran Adeia
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Adeia, January 2009
Leon and Michelle were wonderful hosts! Very friendly and accommodating! This was our forth trip to the BVI and enjoyed it very much.
Adeia was our favorite boat out of all four that we've chartered! Very comfortable, berths were big and spacious?very clean and in pristine condition.
The food was wonderful and healthy?a nice change from many trips. Seafood was very good and not something we typically get to enjoy in the Midwest.
Leon did a great job with the sailing. In fact, this was the most that we've actually sailed out of all of our charters. We got to revisit all of the "hot spot" but they really had some nice, quite, secluded locations. Nice touch!
Were you happy with Sailing Directions' service / is there any way we can improve?
- Everything you did was perfect?nothing that I could recommend improving.
Thad V.
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Catamaran Wild Thing II
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Wild Thing II, December 2008
Our trip was great! Teo and Amy were outstanding and helped make our trip, as my daughters said, the trip of a lifetime.
Wild Thing II is a beautiful boat and was very comfortable. It was clean and well ventilated. Amy and Teo were constantly tidying up and cleaning.
Our crew were very accommodating and went beyond our expectations. They're a good team and work well together. Amy's cooking and meal presentations could not have been better. I think we all gained five pounds. They were fun and we enjoyed their company very much. Amy gave the girls some good cooking tips and always had a smile.
Teo entertained us one night playing the guitar and singing. He's very talented and was interesting to talk to. The girls enjoyed his rope tying instructions.
The itinerary was perfect and well thought out. We were taken to areas that I have not seen and gave everyone about as much as we could experience in eight days.
The snorkeling was very enjoyable and Teo went beyond the call of duty taking my daughters and their friend skiing and tubing. He also was kind to accommodate my daughters and friend out one night, which I know he did not have to do. We were comforted knowing they would be safe and well taken care of.
As far as Sailing Directions service goes, things were very organized and helpful. You have a first class organization and I will make referrals.
Randy J.
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Catamaran Charme
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Charme, December 2008
Christopher and Alexis were very nice to us - I can't think that we could have been better cared for. Food was fantastic, great variety. We loved where we went. We would recommend Sailing Directions to our friends.
John I.
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Catamaran Catatonic
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Catatonic, December 2008
John and Wendy are both and enthusiastic. They were perfect for us.Wendy went above and beyond expectations. In spite of my food intolerances she made the same meal for everyone but altered mine to meet my needs. I always felt included in the main meal.
Catatonic was comfortable and clean. Ventilation was a challenge a couple of days but John took care of things.
The itinerary that we scheduled with John was better than thought possible. John made the difficult possible.
Cindi M.
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Catamaran Tachyon
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Tachyon, December 2008
Our crew were very attentive and accommodating. We could not have asked for a better crew to take care of all of our needs. Eric went over our destination every day and gave us many choices of what islands to visit; he was very informative and very accommodating.
Jacque was always fixing us gourmet meals, we had something different for each meal and had coffee waiting for us when we got up each morning / I really miss that. They both went above and beyond our expectations.
We fell in love with Tachyon. We were all comfortable in our cabins and having our own bathroom. Eric and Jacque were very respectful and gave us a lot of space; it was like they were not even there some times.
When we got back from our daily shore excursions and in the morning, the boat would be sparkling and the ice chest would be stocked full. They cleaned up after us all the time, but we never saw them do it. The weather was perfect and the hatch provided us a cool breeze to sleep by.
The food was excellent. Jacque went above and beyond our expectations with the meals she provided. If we did not see it with out own eyes, we would have thought Jacque's meals came from a gourmet kitchen. She ensured it was presented beautifully and explained how it was prepared and what ingredients were included in each dish. A couple of nights Eric fired up the BBQ and cooked our meal to perfection. It was great.
I completely enjoyed the itinerary. Eric asked us what we were interested in doing and gave us options of which islands would provide those activities. Knowing that Conrad enjoyed riding motorcycles, he mentioned that somebody told him you could rent quads on Jost Van Dyke. Brad and Conrad had a blast on the quads and were able to see the entire island from dirt trails. Jacque took us snorkeling in many of the places we stayed at, which I enjoyed very much. We all had an opportunity to do a little of what was interesting to us.
I am very happy with Sailing Directions service. I appreciated the reminders for the payments and also the understanding if the payment was a couple of days late in the mail. John kept in close contact with me up until a couple of days before we flew out to St. Thomas. I asked a lot of questions that could have been answered by reading the web site, but John was very patient with me and provided as much information as he could to answer any and all of my many questions.
Debbie C.
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Catamaran Diadem
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Diadem, December 2008
Diadem is a very comfortable boat, with a lot of living space. The crew, Chad and Wendy, are very friendly and helpful with everything.
Wendy is an excellent cook; I wish I could take her home. We can recommend Chad and Wendy as crew because with them you feel safe and comfy.
Thank you - we had a wonderful vacation on Diadem with Chad and Wendy!
Christian P.
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Voyage 500 Bareboat + Captain
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Bareboat Voyage 500, December 2008
Our skipper was excellent. He was always working and had no problem assimilating into our group. He gave us a long leash and let us do what we wanted when we wanted to do so. Most importantly, he was always sure to make us safe and accounted for. More importantly, he was local born and raised. I can't say enough about how great this was. He knew everyone, made sure we were taken care of. He even called friends for simple things such as "What's the best dive site today?" or "What's the line on this restaurant for tonight?".
- Was the Voyage 500 Standard-E comfortable, clean and well ventilated?
Yes. We enjoyed the boat very much. All amenities expected were provided, save perhaps a corkscrew that we donated to the boat.
- Did you enjoy the itinerary and the area you sailed?
Again, our skipper was excellent in sailing the itinerary I outlined. Before we set sail, I had a pretty good plan or where I wanted to go. Without hesitation, the answer was no problem. Moreover, he was very interested in actually sailing, rather than motoring everywhere, even for short sails. This is what we had hoped for.
- Were you happy with Sailing Directions' service / is there any way we can improve?
Absolutely. Everything went off without a hitch. Great trip.
Brian C.
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Catamaran Matira
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Matira, November 2008
We had a wonderful trip! Gaultier & Caroline were very friendly, attentive and more than accommodating.
Matira was immaculate (the most beautiful of all our trips) and they made sure to run the air as requested.
The food was beyond enjoyable, and beautifully presented, and plentiful! The itinerary was exactly as we wished and Gaultier knew all the best spots!
We were completely satisfied with Sailing Directions and are considering another trip. Thanks again!
Lisa T.
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Catamaran Charme
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Charme, November 2008
We loved Christopher & Alexis. The minute we arrived we knew we would fit right in. Alexis is a great first mate and chef jumping all over to accommodate us and assist her captain. Christopher could not have been nicer and made us feel right at home. They gave us our space and joined us when appropriate.
Charme is a very comfortable boat. The food was perfect for us - healthy and for my son different flavors he actually tried, which was great for me to see
Did you enjoy the itinerary and the area you sailed?
- Christopher and I worked out a great route.
Were you happy with Sailing Directions' service / is there any way we can improve?
- Working with you guys was easy and I have no complains just great memories - a real family trip and memories I will never forget! Thank you.
Caroline B.
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Catamaran Mustang Sally
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Mustang Sally, November 2008
How did you find your crew, Doug & Wendy; were they friendly, attentive and accommodating?
- Doug and Wendy are exceptionally nice people and are great at their jobs. There was not one dull moment or bad meal and their company really made our trip.
Was Mustang Sally comfortable, clean and well ventilated?
- Very much so, it was great.
Was the food enjoyable and well presented?
- It was amazing; every meal was thoughtful and well prepared. Wendy is a great chef.
Did you enjoy the itinerary and the area you sailed?
- Absolutely!
Kelly S.
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Catamaran Encore
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Encore, November 2008
The service we received from Sailing Directions was first class.
Encore was clean comfortable and spacious. Most importantly Alex and Carla ensured that our holiday exceeded our expectations with their commitment to ensuring we all had a great time, as well as being such good company on and off the boat.
Alex and Carla were marvelous and could not have been more helpful. In every respect they helped to make our week onboard Encore the holiday of a lifetime
The food was consistently excellent and beautifully presented throughout the week. Every day was varied yet carefully planned to provide the right activities at the right time
Many thanks for all your help - a truly memorable experience.
Craigie M.
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Yacht Flamboyance
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Flamboyance, November 2008
Our trip was everything I hoped it would be! It was an amazing, memorable and very special family vacation, and we unanimously agree that we all want to do it again! Jim & Patti couldn't have been nicer and more friendly, while giving us plenty of space and remaining always very professional.
Flamboyance was very clean, comfortable and well maintained. Even without air conditioning, we were quite comfortable sleeping.
Patti worked very hard and made lovely meals! Her presentations were very nice, and she made special effort to accommodate everyone's tastes.
The itinerary and islands were perfect. Jim found us lovely private beaches, and great quiet places to spend our nights.
I spent my 50th birthday on a completely empty beach at Virgin Gorda, with only my family and it was a dream come true.
Better yet, Patti made us a special birthday / Thanksgiving dinner, and we didn't have to do a thing except enjoy. I'll recommend Flamboyance and Sailing Directions to anyone that holds still long enough to listen!
Valerie N.
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Catamaran Secret Oasis
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Secret Oasis, October 2008
Matt and Burg were beyond excellent. They cared for our every need and some that we didn't know we had. They were friendly, always smiling and contributed to our holiday in every way. At the end of the holiday they were more like close friends than crew. They did a fantastic job!!
Secret Oasis is a great boat. Plenty of space, well kept, clean and comfortable.
Burg did a great job with the food. She kept everyone happy with great tasting, well thought out and planned food. We didn't have one meal that was less than excellent!
Our itinerary was fun. We were delayed a day due to the hurricane but Matt helped us plan a route that allowed us to see most places, have fun with all the water sports and also get plenty of diving in. The sailing was fantastic and Secret Oasis was a great boat to help on.
Sailing Directions were excellent with their support and response to any questions I had. Very professional given the issues we had while we were in the BVI with the weather.
David J.
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Catamaran Charme
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Charme, August 2008
Our family just returned from St. Thomas yesterday, and I just wanted to tell you what an incredible week we had. The vessel was outstanding, beautiful, roomy and nicely appointed. Our captain Christopher was terrific and Nicole was a sweet heart, not to mention a fantastic chef.
We fell in love with them both and miss them much. We saw amazing things while snorkeling (sea turtles, octopus, really cool eels, and a zillion other colorful fish and coral). The weather was perfect and sailing was dream like.
Catamaran Charme cradled us to sleep in the evenings. Our daughters (14 year twins) were amazed and completely content with everything and that's big! I knew we would have a great time but I must say our vacation far exceeded my expectations. We hope to do it again next year. Thank you for everything.
Jonna B.
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Catamaran Can Can
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Can Can, July 2008
The trip was wonderful! CanCan is a great boat - more comfortable and roomy than I imagined. Whitey and Max were outstanding hosts. They know the best spots to snorkel and dive. Two non-divers are now very comfortable in the water. The food was amazing - every meal was so delicious. Plus we had a lot of laughs. A thoroughly enjoyable and memorable time! The best vacation ever!
Thanks so much for all of your help putting this together. If wouldn't have happened without you!
Rita M.
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Catamaran Sabore
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Sabore, July 2008
Yes we had a fantastic time. It definitely rates as the best Smith family holiday to date!
Colin and Penny were great, very friendly and helpful, very easy to get along with and lots of fun, we all really enjoyed their company.
Sabore was an excellent boat, equipped to a very high standard, and very comfortable.
Penny is a great chef. The food was perfect, just the right quantities, very tasty and well presented, a great balance of flavors, and Penny was very perceptive to everyone's likes, wants etc, and always willing to adapt had there been a need, but it was wonderful just as it was.
The itinerary was great. It being our first time, we let Colin and Penny guide us, and their experience shone through, every anchorage and mooring was amazing with lots of opportunity to snorkel and swim, kayak, and Colin always willing to tow us behind the dinghy on various contraptions!! He was also a great dive instructor.
I was really happy with Sailing Directions services, you've been very helpful, John, and have always responded very promptly to all my queries / questions.
We're all very keen for a return visit to Colin and Penny on Sabore next year, so I'm sure I'll be in touch with you again once summer is over!
Jane S.
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Catamaran Encore
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Encore, July 2008
We had a wonderful week in the BVI and of course it was in great measure due to Anna and Paulo. Encore was perfect for us and it had all of the amenities advertised. It was in perfect shape and extremely well maintained. Anna was great with her menu and food presentation. She was attentive to details and making everything look perfect. The itinerary was very good with the different places that we visited.
Ramon C.
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Catamaran Aurora
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Aurora, June 2008
Well, we returned home last night after an incredible week with Chad and Wendy, and wanted to give you our feedback.
Our week with our family aboard the Aurora was absolutely fabulous. When we arrived the boat was spotless. The sleeping rooms were airy and comfortable. Chad and Wendy were gracious, fun, easygoing, extremely attentive, patient and wonderful hosts. Wendy's meals were delicious and beautifully served. She is utterly delightful and vivacious. Chad was not only a great skipper, waiter, snorkel guide, wake-boarding and tubing leader, but an all-around nice guy. They make a great couple and a great crew.
The week was spent sailing all around the Virgin Islands (mostly British). We anchored each night in quiet, lovely spots. We came with no agenda and simply asked Chad and Wendy to take us wherever they wanted. Each day we saw new and different sights and experienced new things.
We could not have been happier with the experience, and would highly recommend it. We hope to return sometime soon.
Steve and Diane Z.
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Catamaran Charme
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Charme, June 2008
Dare and Leigh Ann were great. We could not have asked for a better crew. They made us feel so comfortable (and special) aboard Charme. They also went out of their way to make sure our two children had a wonderful experience on the boat.
The food was outstanding - far exceeded our expectations! We have eaten at great restaruants throughout the USA and Europe, and the food and presenentation abaord the Charme was a 10+.
The boat is important but the crew can make or break the trip. Charme is a very nice boat but Dare and Leigh Ann made it a very special trip.
Henry P.
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Catamaran Catatonic
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Catatonic, May 2008
How did you find your crew, Brian & Jennifer; were they friendly, attentive and accommodating?
- Excellent crew. The crew is a very important part of a charter they can make it or break it. Brian and Jen definitely made our trip.
Was Catatonic comfortable, clean and well ventilated?
- Yes the A/C worked perfectly
Was the food enjoyable and well presented?
- Awesome food gained about 10 lbs
Did you enjoy the itinerary and the area you sailed?
- Yes. We arranged the itinerary on a day to day basis
Steve K.
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Catamaran Charme
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Charme, May 2008
We had an OUTSTANDING Trip...!!! Thanks for all your help!
Richard & Leigh were tremendous! They were smart, hardworking, fun, and incredibly knowledgeable about the islands, snorkeling areas, dive sites, bars and restaurants... They were absolutely incredible hosts! Music on board was wonderful and Dare's bartending skills were award winning!
Charme GREAT. Clean, very comfortable, with lots of room to move around. The rooms were larger than we expected and worked out great for our family.
Food was always excellent, plentiful, and always very nicely presented.
We sailed more than expected and covered more island than we had anticipated. We never felt rushed and for our first time in the islands we all felt like we had the opportunity see so much in such a short period of time.
Great job John / Sailing Directions. Really appreciated your prompt service and quality guidance.
Mark M.
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Catamaran Hypnautic
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Hypnautic, April 2008
Justin and Lauren are very friendly and were attentive to our every need while on the charter. They offered suggestions on various activities and knew the local area very well so that we always felt comfortable.
Hypnautic is clean and in overall excellent condition. Air conditioning and natural ventilation was used at various times during the trip and under our control for the optimum in comfort.
The food was absolutely amazing. Lauren and Justin both do a tremendous job with preparing and presenting wonderful dishes for all meals even though resources (large appliances, room, etc) are quite limited on a boat. All meals were well thought out and we were asked if we had a preference or a concern with any meal that was planned.
The itinerary was perfect... A wonderful blend of relaxation, exploration, adventure, and shopping. We were even able to achieve all of our open-water dives necessary for full PADI certification under the excellent guidance of Justin and our divemaster Lauren. We sailed to almost every island in the USVI and BVI and one day had an amazing whale spotting adventure where we watched two humpback whales breaching for almost an hour.
The ability to have diving as part of our charter and the fact that it was included in the overall cost was an important factor in our choosing Hypnautic over other boats that we looked at.
Your help with setting up the charter and what was provided through Sailing Directions was great. We will and have recommended Sailing Directions and Hypnautic to other friends and family so expect some inquiries in the near future. We would highly recommend the Hypnautic to anyone interested.
This was definitely a vacation to remember and we thank you and especially Justin and Lauren for making it so memorable.
Kirk N.
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Catamaran Secret Oasis
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Secret Oasis, April 2008
I wanted to tell you about my personal highlights of the trip:
1. Having a captain and chef aboard was wonderful. The food was always a treat and always topnotch. Having a captain allowed us to do and see twice as much, as he knew where to go and what to avoid.
2. Our Red Strip Regatta at Bitter End Yacht Club was a blast and a lot of laughs. A beautiful spot as well.
3. Everyone on the cat got along and had fun. Our whole crew and boat crew were a great match.
4. Sailing to and from Anegada. Both days we started off with low winds in the forecast. Both days we had fabulous sails with great weather.
5. The boat! What an amazing yacht. The sound system was Bose and there was a nice set of speakers under the first spreader. My favorite spot was lying on the hammock in the bow with the remote in my hand. We had a great selection of music and I could control the volume from the hammock. Our state room had a very large bed that allowed me to stretch out (I am 6'6"). We ate in the stern deck area at a table that accommodated us all.
6. The three dives we did were awesome. The highlight of course was the wreck of the Rhone.
We truly had a trip that exceeded all my expectations. Everything came together and we are very thankful for such an epic adventure in the BVI's. We highly recommend Sailing Directions for assisting in the planning phase. Special thanks go to Denis and Rita for all their hard work and for all the fun and great days on the azure waters of this very special place.
Craig & Bridget R.
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Catamaran Tachyon
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Tachyon, April 2008
We had a wonderful week aboard Tachyon. Jac and Eric couldn't have been more accommodating. The layout of the boat was great and perfect for 6 of us. It was a new-ish boat, clean and comfortable. They gave us lots of options on where to go and what to do. The food was excellent and plenty of it.
We would recommend the Tachyon to anyone. Thanks for all your help.
Peg S.
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Catamaran Viking Dream
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Viking Dream, April 2008
Mark and Sally were very friendly and accommodating. They were waiting for us when we arrived and were very willing to tailor the trip to our preferences. For example, we wanted to watch a sailboat race in St. Barth and they made sure we were able to see it. They also let Ralph take the helm, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
The Viking Dream's cabins were very comfortable and clean. The rest of the boat is spotless and nicely decorated. She's a beauty.
The food was incredible. Absolutely delicious, plentiful and beautiful to look at. We requested mostly fish and shellfish - and that's what we got. I don't think I've ever eaten so well for a week.
We thought the Leeward Islands were great. We went to three different islands (St. Barth, St. Martin and Anguilla) and stopped at several secluded and beautiful spots. We also did a lot of sailing (usually several hours per day). But two of our group prefer the BVI (where they went on a past sailing trip) because the snorkeling is better and the water calmer.
The trip was incredibly relaxing -- the motion of the boat, the endless view over the water, the attentiveness of the Duncans. I have been recommending a charter to everyone I know.
Pamela H.
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Catamaran Secret Oasis
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Secret Oasis, April 2008
Dennis & Rita were absolutely phenomenal. This is one of those "Trip's of a lifetime" that I want to repeat again and again.
Secret Oasis was beautiful. Very comfortable at night with the A/C. Rita did a beautiful job cleaning the cabins.
- Was the food enjoyable and well presented?
Being a cook myself, I was absolutely amazed with the skills she possesses. I can't believe the quality of food that she generated in a galley that size. I couldn't have done it in a full size kitchen. Another nice thing was she took the kid's palate into consideration and made meals that they would enjoy IN ADDITION to cooking meals for the "grown ups" AT THE SAME SEATING - a very nice touch!
I love the fact that one can have such a flexible itinerary.
Not to beat a dead-horse but I can't tell you enough how good Dennis and Rita were to us. As a team, they "gel" very nicely - they have a synergy that was impressive.
Stephen M.
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Catamaran Solstice
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Solstice, April 2008
We all had an amazing time on Solstice. Cliff and Liza did an incredible job and everyone had a blast. We will be sure to recommend them to other friends in the future.
Craig S.
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Catamaran Secret Oasis
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Secret Oasis, April 2008
Denis and Rita were a wonderful crew. They checked in with us by email many times before we arrived to be sure all was ready, for food, meals and on board entertainment (movies, games, etc...) Then when we arrived they would let us know the plan of the week and day and be sure that it was good. We truly had a bonding experience at sea. My husband said his favorite thing about the boat was the crew!!! They went out of their way to make it a perfect week.
The yacht was beautiful, new and clean. There were plenty of places to go to get away and plenty of family places. Although we did sit a lot in the salon while Rita cooked, especially during breakfast. We also, gathered at the dinner table a lot during the day just to hang out. We felt there was plenty of space for 10 guests and 2 crew. A great yacht for small kids.
We also loved having an air conditioner. We never had stayed aboard a boat with an A/C before. Plenty of clean sheets, towels and beach towels.
We all fought about which meal was the best. But agreed the best dessert was the Devils food chocolate cake with the raspberry sauce until we had the Chocolate Fondue!!! William loved the crepes!!! The Lobster Salad was my favorite and the Roast Pork with the Peaches was voted in the top by Abigail, William and Doxey. But the last night with the different skewers was the prettiest.
Rita worked the food around the kids also. She made a kids meal if it was something they would not like.
The food, the sailing, the swimming, the doing nothing... Everything was great! We had such a wonderful time. Denis and Rita really made us feel welcome.
Catherine D.
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Catamaran Seas the Moment
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Seas the Moment, March 2008
We had a fantastic time and were sad to have to return especially to 6" of new snow.
Our crew was Matt and Melissa and they were unbelievable. Mel's cooking was to die for. Both were very professional yet knew how to strike a balance and have fun with us. If I owned a boat I would want them as my permanent crew. They took care of the boat like it was their own.
The boat was perfect. Brand new, couldn't have been better.
The food was unbelievable. Both presentation and taste were as good or better then most high end restaurants we have eaten at. Certainly better then any restaurant we ate at in the Caribbean.
Everywhere we went was great. I liked that we could be flexible and stay in a spot if it was perfect for us or move on if we wanted.
Sailing Directions was great. I wouldn't change a thing. This was one of the best vacations we have taken.
Liz N.
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Ocean's Seven
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Ocean's Seven, March 2008
Everything about Ocean's Seven and the crew was fantastic. The boat was spotless and the layout very spacious. Andy and Jules were tremendous hosts in every way - friendly, amazing food, great with the kids!
This was our first boat experience and Kelly, Alison, James and I all had a great time!
Paul G.
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Catamaran Can Can
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Can Can, March 2008
Marco & Robyn (the crew aboard Can Can) were very attentive and accommodating.
Can Can was comfortable and very clean and well ventilated. The itinerary was excellent and accommodated our needs and desires.
Were you happy with Sailing Directions' service?
- Very happy and well coordinated.
Marco is an excellent captain and very knowledgeable of the area and history. He was able to make our excursions safe and fun and always up for an activity. Robin would take pictures of us while we were doing activities.
David W.
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Catamaran Double Feature
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Double Feature, March 2008
Our trip to the BVI was in a word - Fabulous! We all had a great time. Jonny and Kelly were delightful could not ask for more gracious hosts!
The catamaran was perfect, clean and well maintained. Jonny was very helpful in planning our days and never steered us wrong. The food was awesome. Great credit goes to Kelly for the wonderful meals created in the small galley.
Booking was easy and you were always helpful when answering questions. Feel free to use my name as a reference. Anyone considering a vacation should seriously look into sailing in the BVI!
This was the best vacation I have ever had. Would love to do again next year.
Judy C.
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Catamaran Solstice
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Solstice, March 2008
We all had an amazing time on Solstice. Cliff and Liza did an incredible job and everyone had a blast. We will be sure to recommend them to other friends in the future.
Craig S.
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Catamaran Aurora
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Aurora, February 2008
We had a great trip. Everything about it was tops. We particularly enjoyed Chad and Wendy, who were very professional but welcoming and relaxed. Perfect mix. Thanks for your help. In essence, we rate them 10 + on everything!
Chad and Wendy were perfect hosts. Extremely professional and attentive. Plus, they mixed right in with our group as if they belonged. We enjoyed them thoroughly.
Aurora was excellent. Clean, comfortable, roomy on deck, good beds, all-in-all, a great boat.
Wendy's food was absolutely delicious. She continued to delight us with each meal throughout the week.
We love the BVI, which is where we sailed the entire time (with a couple of stops in USVI.) It's truly one of the most beautiful areas of the world. Our itinerary was good - we made it up as we went.
Jonathan B.
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Catamaran Wild Thing II
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Wild Thing II, February 2008
Overall, we can honestly say that this has been the best vacation we have ever had. The whole process right from the planning stage was easy with the help from you John and Sailing Directions. Once there we had a superb crew and catamaran. In our group of six we have at least four people who have traveled extensively and they all say that this has been one of the best vacations they have experienced. We fully expect to try this again at some later date. Thank you!
Our crew was top notch! Stewart and Samantha were absolutely fabulous. They did everything possible for us which made the trip very enjoyable.
Wild Thing II was very comfortable, clean and well ventilated. We did not find fault with anything.
The food was more than we could ever have expected. Everything we asked for was available and absolutely delicious.
Our itinerary was just great for us. We had input every step of the way which was what we wanted. We saw and experienced many enjoyable islands and activities.
Your service to us was very helpful and we were kept well informed through the whole process. This is what we like and we all agree that it met all our expectations.
Our trip was wonderful. Thank you for all your work in helping us plan our vacation.
Donna C.
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Catamaran Toucan Play
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Toucan Play, February 2008
Ian & Jody were awesome. They provided all that we asked for and some things that we didn't know to ask for. Ian was always willing to take us wherever we wanted to go and Jody's cooking was unbelievable. No need for restaurants.
The boat was great. Ian & Jody cared for it like it was their own. All was very neat and clean.
The food was delicious. Jody served a good variety that was always tasty.
- Did you enjoy the itinerary in the British Virgin Islands?
It was beautiful.
- Were you happy with Sailing Directions' service?
Your service was great.
Overall, our trip was wonderful. Ian & Jody went way above to keep us happy. Anything we asked for was provided. I wish we could go back next week.
Amy S.
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Catamaran Zingara
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Zingara, February 2008
What an incredible week, sun, sailing super crew! Many many thanks to John, Rachele, Tom and Karolina for a lovely relaxing holiday. Looking forward to coming back.
Ashleigh B. & Howard G.
John, Rachelle, Tom and Karolina,
Thank you for a truly fabulous week. Everything was just great. I will be looking at Zingara for our next family trip. Night dives and all.
Jeff B.
Zingara 2008!
Fabulous!!! Great weather, great crew, over the top cuisine, wonderful service. Many thanks John, Tom, Rachelle and Karolina.
Best wishes,
B. Family
Captain John and the sterling crew. We have had an exceptional and fabulous holiday on board. The congeniality of all was above and beyond. Come and see us in Naples. We welcome you all.
Suzie & Graham L.
Simply unbelievable! This tops all of our sailing trips! The cuisine was top notch! The crew wonderful, visuals once again divine and Captain John entertaining as well as best in the captain class. Sorry to leave, great memories forever.
Brent & Alex S.
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Catamaran Castellina
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Castellina, February 2008
Michael and Colleen were fantastic and could not say enough positive about them and there efforts, would highly recommend them to others and will try to get them for our next adventure. Please feel free to use us as references and we hope they had half as much fun as we did.
Our group has sailed many times in Mono-hulls this was our first Cat experience, liked the extra room and comfort. The boat was clean and serviced daily very well, the air flow in the boat is well thought out, very comfortable.
Was the food enjoyable and well presented?
- Yes we enjoyed eating on board as much or more then we did on shore.
Great wind, great weather, only problem we had was time too short as is the case with all vacations!
Pat B.
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Catamaran Aurora
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Aurora, February 2008
Time to run through our trip with you; it was one to be remembered.
Chad and Wendy are happy, fun people to be around, so to have them as our Captain, Cook / First Mate combination was a holiday in its self. They know their way around a boat so every thing is pre organized and things are being done with out you noticing it.
Aurora is a well appointed catamaran. Chad and Wendy keep it fresh, well ventilated and clean. Wendy's galley should have a star, she is a natural, we asked for food to be light and tasty and that's what we got; nothing was too much trouble.
We had our own ideas about where we wanted to sail (from St Martin), and these ideas did tend to change from time to time during the charter, I think I could say no captain would have anticipated such a quick moving itinerary but for our crew no problem, we kept on getting what we asked for.
And to the question 'would you recommend this combo to a friend', well there was an in-house fight between Cris and I who would get the boat for the Christmas holidays, in the end, Cris won.
Thanks to Sailing Directions for great organization and comfort during the planning stages of the charter. Chad & Wendy thanks again, we will see you both again before too long.
Bernie C.
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Sailing Yacht Fidelity
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Fidelity, February 2008
It was a pleasure for everyone. Owen and Mary recognized our interest in helping / learning / sailing and I think this involvement was appreciated by all of us.
We certainly enjoyed the "tiller time " (or "wheel time " in Fidelity's case) and manning the lines, and Owen's knowledge and natural abilities as a teacher greatly contributed to this facet of our trip.
Fidelity was as close to perfection as one could come in a mid-sized charter vessel, in my opinion. Having separate / private baths for each cabin was one reason my wife liked this yacht. It was quite comfortable, very clean, and exceptionally well ventilated. The large bimini over the cockpit offered welcomed protection from the sun and occasional rain shower.
The food was nicely presented and very enjoyable. It was equaled only by the sailing experience!
I was very pleased with your service and attention to detail.
Don D.
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Catamaran Can Can
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Can Can, January 2008
In our 4 trips to the BVIs, Marco and Robyn were the best crew by far. They were highly professional, friendly, accommodating, and even went out of their way to make it a fun adventure for our 3 year old.
Can Can was spotless and everything worked well. The taller cabin in the main salon was an improvement over other sailboats.
We enjoyed every meal. Robyn did a great job managing the balance between highly charactered foods and kid-friendly foods. There was also a large diversity of choices, as well as perfect snacks.
Sailing Directions was completely on top of it.
Adam G.
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Catamaran Aurora
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Aurora, January 2008
We had an unbelievable experience aboard Aurora. I had not responded yet in hopes I can find the time to go into great detail how wonderful Chad and Wendy were. Our experience with you and Sailing Directions could not have gone better. I will try to fill you in in great detail as soon as I can. For now let me say if you or Chad and Wendy need any one to use as a recent charter referral please do not hesitate to have your prospective charterer call me direct. I would be more than happy to pass on how outstanding the whole experience has been.
Todd N.
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Catamaran Viking Dream
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Viking Dream, January 2008
We had a wonderful time on the Viking Dream and with Mark and Sally in the BVI.
The crew and boat were great and the BVI has been confirmed as a outstanding sailing and cruise region.
How did you find your crew, Mark & Sally; were they friendly, attentive and accommodating?
- Extremely well in all regards. They took care of us in any condition. Very professional sailors and sea people and warm crew members, helping to integrate the complete group.
Was the food enjoyable and well presented?
- Also extremely well, in a let's say demanding European environment! Sally, and also Mark, did a great gastronomic job.
The Virgin Island region has very good conditions. Beautiful and differentiated scenic areas, nice beaches and wind - a first class cruising area.
Were you happy with Sailing Directions' service?
- Yes. We are glad to have contacted you and about your Viking Dream proposal. Everything has been clear, precise and fast.
Joan P.
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Yacht Antillean
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Antillean, January 2008
John and Heidi were friendly, attentive, accommodating and more.
The Antillean was clean and well ventilated.
The food was excellent.
We enjoyed the itinerary.
Your service was appreciated.
John B.
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Catamaran Secret Oasis
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Secret Oasis, December 2007
My husband and I did not want to pass the opportunity to rave about Rita and Denis.
Our experience on a scale from 1-10 was off the charts. They are both very capable and dotting with such a special way about them.
My husband is an avid sailor and always felt comfortable with Denis's judgment and appreciated the captain's expertise and thorough ways.
Rita is a STAR. She is very creative and takes tremendous pride in all that she prepares. Every meal was better than the next and she had tremendous patience and flexibility with my daughter's slight fickleness with food, not to mention my mother's major food allergy.
They both catered to our needs in an affection way and provided us with a fabulous week away. If we charter again we would definitely request them as our crew. Thank you for providing a fun, relaxing and beautiful vacation aboard Secret Oasis. Over all a great trip. We would charter again
Bryanna K.
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Catamaran Encore
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Encore, December 2007
How did you find your crew, John and Lisa; were they friendly, attentive and accommodating?
- All of the above without doubt. We felt pampered to a fault.
Was Encore comfortable, clean and well ventilated?
- The boat was perfect.
Was the food enjoyable and well presented?
- Food and Wine is my business and I was very impressed with Lisa's attention to detail and the quality of her cooking. We have told many people that it was key to our enjoyment of the trip overall.
Did you enjoy the itinerary and the area you sailed?
- Yes, every spot in the BVI was awesome.
Were you happy with Sailing Directions' service?
- Everything was great. Overall we rate the experience a solid 10 on the 1 - 10 scale!!!!!
Bill G.
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Catamaran Wild Thing II
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Wild Thing II, November 2007
I offer my highest recommendation for anyone looking to use Sailing Directions and Voyage boats.
The crew could not have been any more FANTASTIC! They were very friendly, extremely attentive and they met all of our needs and exceeded them!
Wild Thing II was VERY clean, comfortable and well ventilated. A MILLION COMPLIMENTS to the chef, Sarah. She really set an incredible standard for which others to meet. She had fantastic meals that reflected our food preferences and made meals in such an effortless manner that we never saw her sweat it (How? We do not know!!!) We loved every meal and snack!
We loved the sailing and the activities that Paul set for us - we really enjoyed being a part of the decision making process and being able to decide to button down the hatches and sail to Anagada. Paul gave us the forecast and we made our decision with him - thanks!
We especially feel blessed to have Paul and Sarah - WOW- they really made the trip what it was. Paul has a great sense of humor and Sarah was a doll. They compliment each other well and we seriously had a cry when we left the boat - we MISS them.
I HAVE NO SUGGESTIONS - it was PERFECT!!!
Susan T.
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Catamaran Matira
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Matira, November 2007
We are home safe and sound! What an AMAZING trip! The crew, Bruno and Sussu were unbelievable! Our guests along with ourselves had a fantastic trip. Everything was great from our arrival to our departure. We could not have chosen a better crew and sailboat.
The Matira was spectacular and we all have "Memories of a Lifetime"! I would highly recommend this crew to anyone who is looking to a have an unforgettable trip!
Thank you for arranging everything for us, including our pre-meeting with the crew!
Janet M.
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Catamaran Tachyon
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Tachyon, November 2007
Eric and Jacque were wonderful, they made the whole experience better than I even imagined. The trip was great, we all had a ball and much enjoyed getting to know Eric and Jacque - great captain and cook / guide / crew / Jacque of all trades! Everything about the trip was exceptional. Eric is a perfect skipper, my son Erik had a blast helping to sail the boat and he learned so much about sailing from our captain, I can hardly put into words what an extraordinary vacation we all enjoyed.
Tachyon was spotless and well cared for, you could tell that both Eric and Jacque took much pride in the details that made our trip an adventure to remember forever. The temperature was in the mid 80's every day with the trade winds that made sleeping with the hatches open another delight.
The food was beyond belief, Jacque is a true gourmet chef - every meal was delicious and the presentation was outstanding. How she accomplished so much is such a small space was amazing. My request was for dessert each evening and Jacque made my sweet tooth very very happy.
The BVI's are beautiful, we all enjoyed the snorkeling, sailing, fishing and the local sights, each island was different and Eric and Jacque were very knowledgeable about what to do and see that we let them be our guides and followed their recommendations.
Sailing Directions did a great job; your assistance gave me a comfort level that put me at ease with booking this exceptional vacation trip.
Beyond a doubt the best vacation experience any of us has ever had, one that we will talk and dream about for years to come. Thank you for all your help - this was truly a dream vacation, one I want to repeat.
Barbara T.
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Motor Yacht Centre Court
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Centre Court, November 2007
I wanted to let you know we had a GREAT time with Arno and Petra aboard Centre Court. This was a life-changing event for us and these are great people. We had such a great time that I cannot wait to go back. Arno and Petra are not only professionals but great people. We now have great new friends in the Caribbean!
Tim R.
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Catamaran Wild Thing II
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Wild Thing II, October 2007
Everyone agrees our trip was great and ranks as one of the best vacations for any of us. The food, service, and activities were more than what we expected. Paul and Sarah did a wonderful job of taking care of us and making sure we got what we wanted.
Everyone was pleased and I am sure will consider another charter vacation in the future. Thanks for all of your help as well.
I was aboard the Wild Thing II, with the group and just wanted to say what a great time we had with Paul and Sarah, they were charming and a lot of fun to be with. The BVI scenery was breathtaking and the boat was at the top.
We also wanted to say what a great dive master we also had, John was very informative as well as very professional. The food was my favorite thing, I don't remember one time on the trip that I was hungry and the food was excellent as well as Sarah's company, I will definitely put down next year for Paul and Sarah to be on my Vacation list back in the BVIs, thanks.
Paul S. & Donnie V.
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Catamaran Sirius Escape
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Sirius Escape, October 2007
Brad and Kerry overall were super. Between the two of them they were very knowledgeable about the BVI and suggesting places to see while making sure that we saw what was on our wish list. I cannot over express how they took care of our every need. Up before us with coffee and juice and last to bed.
As for Sailing Directions, you were more than what I expected. I really appreciate the assistance. I would not hesitate to recommend you to someone or be a reference.
Steve W.
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Catamaran Encore
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Encore, October 2007
Encore was always clean and extremely well cared for by the crew. The air conditioning was wonderful to have at night and one of the main reasons that we chose Encore.
Anna's creations were absolutely delicious and her presentations had a wonderful creative flare which made the mouth watering treats that much more desirable. She had a wonderful variety of main dishes and the tuna was simply outstanding and her decadent chocolate deserts were to die for!
Pampering has been elevated to a new meaning by Encore crew of Anna and Paulo! Anna and Paulo, your extraordinary efforts made this a treasured vacation that has given each of us a lifetime of wonderful memories! Thank you from all of us.
Barb D.
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Catamaran Moon Shadow
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Moon Shadow, August 2007
Our week aboard "Moon Shadow" for my 50th birthday was a dream come true! Our hosts, Cap'n John & First Mate/Chef Lisa were there 100% of the time, giving me, my wife, and our two kids Jesse (aged 11) and Gianna (aged 8) a fantastic, magical, wonderful vacation.
Captain John was like "McGuyver" from the old TV show... there was nothing, nothing he couldn't do, fix, sail, or know. If ever you had to be stuck with someone, somewhere...this guy is it!
Lisa was so down to earth, so friendly, so pleasant. Her meals, their companionship, their navigational skills - all added up to a wonderful 7 days under the BVI skys.
My kids LOVED the dingy-powered watersports and extra-special attention they received! One of my best days was diving the Rhone, just Cap'n John and I, all alone. John knew just when to dive there when all the other divers were away. Plus...he took pictures of me on the wreck that I have hanging in my office today!
My family enjoyed this trip tremendously. What a spectacular way to visit the BVIs and be pampered all along the way.
John & Lisa, the Briglia family thanks you for an unforgettable family vacation. Our very best wishes and endorsements to all others considering this vessel and this crew!
Jesse B.
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Catamaran Sabore
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Sabore, July 2007
I must say Sabore was magnificent, we had such a great time and what we hoped would be a great holiday turned out to be a fantastic holiday so thank you again.
Claire M.
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Catamaran Angel Glow
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Angel Glow, June 2007
The charter was beyond all expectations... and believe me expectations were high! Angel Glow was the right catamaran but, more importantly, had the right crew.
Angel Glow is fabulous, spacious, well equipped, immaculate and wonderfully air conditioned.
The crew were incredible - beyond expectations. Four delightful, charming and different people
personalities who unobtrusively catered to everyone as a unique person... whether 15 or 80.
The meals: You won't find better in any 5 star restaurant. Kim catered to each person's preferences at every meal, homemade, healthy food, beautiful presentation, amazing hors d'oevres, fabulous desserts, elegant table settings, extensive wine list, wonderful combinations. Whatever you wanted Kim would deliver it and at any time.
The British Virgin Islands are spectacular. Shayne knew all the best spots and we had 7 nights at 7 different locations all spectacular and very private - as if we were the only people in the BVI!
Faith J.
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Catamaran Wild Thing II
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Wild Thing II, June 2007
We had a fantastic time; Vicki and Alan were great host and hostesses - extremely accommodating, friendly with a good sense of humor. The meals were delicious and abundant. The British Virgin Islands, and our itinerary, were excellent.
Sailing Directions were great - they did everything they could to find us a boat for the times we needed - we were not very flexible and they went out of their way to accommodate us!
The charter was excellent - we would like to do it again and we are telling all of our friends and family how great it is!! Thanks for being so helpful.
Karen & Richard T.
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Catamaran Tachyon
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Tachyon, June 2007
This vacation was just great; it really fit the bill - great boat, great crew, great experiences and great memories!
The crew were excellent, especially with the boys. Jacque went above and beyond the call of duty and spent lots of time with us, guiding snorkeling, showing us creatures and showing us a great time. Eric spent lots of time showing the boys how to rig the boat and sail, also how to read charts and plan a course.. Just excellent.
Tachyon was comfortable, clean and well ventilated.
The food was excellent and plentiful, especially with 3 teenaged boys along, very good.
We had a lot of flexibility with the itinerary and both Eric and Jacque explained options as we traveled.
Lisa S.
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Catamaran Liahona
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Liahona, June 2007
We had very high expectations for the trip. Perhaps they weren't realistic but we hoped for something very, very special. Charlie and Dixie made this trip ALL we had hoped for.... and more! They were accommodating, friendly, nice, UNBELIEVABLE cooks and host
hostess, knowledgeable, they let us do what we wanted to do, go where we wanted to go and did everything they could to make us comfortable.
Everyone who is planning a trip to the BVI should go with Liahona and take Dixie and Charlie as their captain and crew.
Liahona is a beautiful ship in excellent shape. The itinerary in the BVI was exceptional.
Yetta R.
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Motor Yacht Centre Court
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Centre Court, June 2007
Sally and I came back from our honeymoon last week and just loved every minute of it. We wanted to let you know that Centre Court has the best crew in the entire Virgin Islands. We never realized how much fun, excitement and relaxation a couple can have until we boarded Centre Court. Petra and Arno no doubt in my mind, made our trip the ONE to remember.
Was Centre Court comfortable, clean and well ventilated? Yes with regards to everything, the boat was immaculate.
The entire trip was a fascinating charter around the B.V.I.'s. Petra and Arno's knowledge of the area was a great asset. We went to places we never knew existed.
It was the best vacation / honeymoon ever!!!
Sean M.
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Catamaran Secret Oasis
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Secret Oasis, June 2007
How did you find your crew, Michael, Nicci & Dane; were they friendly, attentive and accommodating?
Very much YES, YES, and YES. Crew was a big part of the positive experience. Accommodating and friendly but not obsequious. Most importantly, the crew was very safety focused in each activity.
Was Secret Oasis comfortable, clean and well ventilated?
Very much YES, YES, and YES.
Was the food enjoyable and well presented?
Amazingly so. Many small details such as different table cloths every night. I would have never thought of that, but made each meal seem even more unique.
I was very surprised that the food and service was as good as it was, and the boat was very well designed to accommodate 10 people.
Did you enjoy the itinerary and the area you sailed?
Every bit.
Mike D.
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Catamaran Charme
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Charme, May 2007
Well let's see - we had a daughter that needed to write a final paper for American University so Captain Dare and co Captain Leigh Ann got her set up with internet in St. John's Bay. Our son, Kyle, had a Coast guard test in Puerto Rico - so they set up our transport to and from - no easy task. We had a contract needing to be faxed - they set that up as well? and all of that before we even started doing what they normally do? Great food (as a testimonial from steak and seafood restaurant owners for 20 years); Great diving and snorkeling and to top it off - totally accommodating to our son's love of fishing!
With all that being said, Dare and Leigh Ann's amazingly warm personalities and great sense of humor added in made the trip so fun. We wish them great success with their goals. Thank you Dare and Leigh Ann!
Karen L.
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Catamaran Wild Thing II
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Wild Thing II, May 2007
Simply put: Great boat, great crew, great weather, great vacation.
George R.
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Catamaran Toucan Play
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Toucan Play, May 2007
Toucan Play met all of our expectations and more. Everything was perfect.
Gareth and Lynsey were amazing! Lynsey is an excellent cook and Gareth did a great job coordinating activities that were fun for everyone. They are very friendly and a lot of fun.
Lynsey was very mindful of everyone's likes and dislikes regarding food. The presentation was beautiful and the food was excellent!
The islands were beautiful that we visited. I was surprised at how busy we stayed. It was nice to have so many options available - we were never bored.
Sailing Directions did an excellent job. I was very impressed with the number of times we were contacted prior to the trip to ensure that everything went as planned.
Thank you for everything! We couldn't have had a better vacation!
Tami S.
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Catamaran Encore
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Encore, April 2007
The charter was absolutely the best vacation I have ever had. We were three couples celebrating our respective 20th year anniversaries and we were blown away by the beauty of the BVI's, the accommodations aboard the Encore, and most importantly the service provided by John and Lisa.
John and Lisa were the perfect crew as they clearly exhibited the gift of hospitality. John is an expert captain and his standard for excellence was clear. Lisa does not miss a single detail in making sure that her guests have the finest meal and service. By then end of the week, we felt like they were part of our family.
The Encore was an outstanding boat and a perfect home for a one week vacation. There are multiple places to gather on the boat depending if you want to sunbathe, relax in the shade, or swim off the back.
The food was incredible as Lisa provided a nice mix of everything we had hoped for.
After only three days, we felt we had been involved in a weeks worth of activities. We chuckled at those staying at BVI 'resorts' as they had to do the same thing day after day. We saw something new and exciting every day!
Art S.
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Catamaran Braveheart
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Braveheart, April 2007
Captain Jerry was great and very accommodating. The first mate was excellent also. The food was good and definitely well presented and served. Braveheart was very clean and comfortable. The two week itinerary went as planned and Jerry did a great job of managing 6 different opinions to ensure our itinerary was met with added spots of interest chosen by him along the way. Well worth it.
Justin D.
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Catamaran Sirius Escape
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Sirius Escape, April 2007
Leanne & Deon (the crew aboard Sirius Escape) were extremely accommodating. If they weren't arranging off charter excursions or onboard entertainment they were able to keep our active group busy at all times. They were very attentive to our needs, including our children.
Leanne is an extremely good cook. Dean also made a great pasta dish and prepared the fish dishes.
We liked that Deon and Leanne were very spontaneous, quick to set sail and move on when we were finished at a certain location.
In addition to the above, we found Deon and Leanne extremely knowledgeable in many areas. They had many real life experiences to share with us, which were very interesting. They were very personable, and energetic. We enjoyed their company very much. Leanne and Deon made up feel very relaxed and gave us that at-home feeling from the moment we met.
John at Sailing Directions was very helpful and quick at getting back to us in regards to our questions and changes while planning our trip.
Debbie M.
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Catamaran Tachyon
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Tachyon, March 2007
We had a terrific time aboard Tachyon with Eric and Jacque. Most of us agreed it was the best vacation of our lives.
Eric and Jacque were charming and accommodating. They were easy to get along with and not intrusive, but participated to ensure we had a good time.
Eric was amazing and definitely did a great job as a captain of the ship in terms of getting us to our destinations by plotting and planning. Jacque was a wonderful chef and the food was delicious.
Robert S. & Steffi P.
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Catamaran Sirius Escape
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Sirius Escape, March 2007
Every wish was fulfilled and exceeded. Sirius Escape was extremely comfortable, clean and well ventilated.
Deon and Leanne were very friendly, attentive and accommodating. Deon was incredibly attentive with the children. He allowed and encouraged them to participate in all sailing activities and was truly warm and charming to all of us.
The food was most definitely enjoyable and well presented - Leanne was very flexible with her menus and was understanding when the children preferred peanut butter and jelly sandwiches instead of grilled tuna steaks!
Thanks again for all of your help and guidance.
Kathy A.
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Yacht Margaux
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Margaux, March 2007
I just wanted to commend you on your recommendation of Margaux. Steve and Jackie were the perfect captain and chef / crew. We would recommend them to anyone wishing to book a charter.
John S.
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Catamaran Moon Shadow
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Moon Shadow, March 2007
It was an awesome experience - we loved it.
The itinerary in the British Virgin Islands was absolutely wonderful. Martin and Kaisi did an exceptional job at this - they are both very knowledgeable about the islands and what to see and do, as well as the island's history. We liked the diving and there was plenty of things to do for the girls and kids.
The food was good and well presented - the crew were also very accommodating and flexible with meal times.
Sailing Directions gave us great service. John, you were very accommodating with every question and need we had. Thank you.
Jill T.
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Yacht Sails Call
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Sails Call, March 2007
I can't say enough great things about our vacation on Sails Call. It was such a relaxing, luxurious break from our everyday lives. I've done sailing charters before, and the service was great, but Jonny and Kelly take the experience to another level.
Sails Call was very comfortable, clean and well ventilated. Jonny and Kelly do a superior job of keeping the boat clean and in top condition. They are such hard working people! The food was delicious - we all came home with our clothes fitting a bit more snugly.
We enjoyed our itinerary in the BVIs very much! Jonny was fabulous at taking us to locations we weren't aware of, but that perfectly matched our interests.
I was very happy with Sailing Directions' service.
Brooke A.
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Catamaran Encore
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Encore, February 2007
Best vacation of my life (and believe me I have taken a few!)
Rob and Tania were great and would highly recommend them. They made us feel at home and were flexible enough to allow us to change our plans at a whim.
The food was very good and nicely presented. It never ceases to amaze me what can be made in such a small galley during a week long sail. The itinerary was great, well thought out and very diverse.
Chahine Y.
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Yacht Antillean
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Antillean, February 2007
The trip was perfect in every respect.
Heidi and John were consummate professionals and I mean that in the warmest possible way. They were considerate of our privacy, but companionable and informative and relaxed. We didn't know what to expect and I can't imagine that any couple would have meshed with us as perfectly as they both did. They were both also highly skilled sailors and I know that if we are ever able to undertake another trip like this, Heidi and John would be our first choice.
Antillean was comfortable, clean and well ventilated. The itinerary was perfect.
The food was imaginative, fresh, healthy and all too delicious. Heidi managed to please a demanding array of tastes (including two teenagers and one with a bottomless appetite) not only for the three meals a day she prepared, but also for the snacks at dusk. On top of that she was wonderful company. The one night we ate out we were disappointed and wished that we had stayed aboard.
Deborah B.
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Catamaran Encore
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Encore, February 2007
Thank you so much for providing such explicative information and punctual answers for our group to make the determination to choose to be on board Encore. Your straightforwardness made it all possible.
Barb D.
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Catamaran Felicia
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Felicia, January 2007
Everyone and everything was perfect.
In brief, we had a grand time; everything was great. Tony and the crew were super hosts and hostesses and took very good care of us, trying all the time to make our trip as enjoyable as possible but in a very relaxed and unobtrusive way. Boy, was Sally's cooking superb as well - just out of this world 3 times a day.
Would I charter Felicia with Tony, Sally and crew again? Absolutely and likely will do just that someday soon.
Robert B.
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Catamaran Liahona
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Liahona, January 2007
Lynne & Conrad were fantastic. They went above and beyond in every aspect. Conrad was very accommodating, ensuring that we were always having a good time without being intrusive.
Lynne is an amazing Chef and all of the meals were spectacular both in quality, and presentation. They pour some pretty mean cocktails as well. We couldn't have asked for a nicer couple.
The itinerary and the area we sailed in was perfect!
Ivan B.
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Catamaran Secret Oasis
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Secret Oasis, January 2007
I wanted to thank you for the professionalism in choosing our trip. To say the least, the crew Michael, Nicci and first mate Dane were extremely proficient, charming, friendly, knowledgeable and very pleasant to spend time with.
Secret Oasis was extremely comfortable, clean and well ventilated. The meals were very enjoyable and well presented. We worked with the crew to form our travel plans and at all times the crew were very accommodating.
Our group, even though it was only four people instead of six was extremely satisfied. Thank You.
Harry F.
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Catamaran Encore
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Encore, December 2006
We had a great week. I think there was general consensus that it was the best vacation we'd ever had.
Rob and Tania were awesome; I can't say enough good things about them. They were warm hosts and took great care of us. They handled the boat smartly, Tania is a great chef, and Rob is a safe and confident divemaster. By the end of the week, I felt like we'd made new friends. I can't imagine there's a better crew in the BVI.
Encore is a great boat. Very clean, well-kept, everything in good order. Diving equipment was in very good condition and obviously cared for.
We did not provide a lot of specific direction regarding food, and Tania came up with a diverse and always-tasty menu. I think all seven of us agreed that every meal was delicious. Nice presentation, perfect portions.
Ken L.
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Catamaran Genesis II
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Genesis II, December 2006
We had a great time and the vacation was everything that we wanted. We really enjoyed the entire itinerary, it was a great mixture of sailing and stopping on good beaches, some good water sports and we really enjoyed the diving.
John was fantastic, a great sailor and dive master, very natural and pleasant person, good fun, very hard working, very safety conscious, always trying to please us.
John was very good at getting us involved with the sailing and we all enjoyed this. John is a great dive master, we greatly enjoyed the diving and felt very safe with him. We had great laughs with the fishing.
David J.
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Catamaran Encore
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Encore, December 2006
The trip we took on the Encore was more than we could have asked for. Rob and Tania were gracious, fun, tolerant, helpful, and great sports! The food was delicious and the surroundings were like Paradise! The boat was lovely and we had plenty to do -- or we could just lounge around and be lazy!
The information about planning arrival and what to bring was most helpful! We all hope to do it again someday. Thanks again for your assistance.
Linda L.
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Catamaran Liahona
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Liahona, November 2006
Conrad & Lynne were the best! They made sure that everyone had a wonderful week. Patient and nurturing to our sons (18 & 13) - whether it was food, or spending hours for waterskiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing or snorkeling ~ the boys had a great time with them. Conrad and Lynne had great stories as well as being very knowledgeable on the history, background and stories of the BVI's. They never seemed to be tired or stressed; we never had to hurry or rush even though there was a specific itinerary. It was a wonderful and relaxing week for all of us; Conrad and Lynne were extremely accommodating to everyone's needs.
Liahona was extremely comfortable; the cabins were 'made up' every day, and linens were changed mid-week. This was our first experience on a catamaran, having sailed monohulls for many years, and it was very positive. Whether we used the A/C or opened hatches at night, the ventilation was great. There was also great attention to detail to make our week very special. Our cabins came with soaps, lotions, shampoo, bottled water and chocolates / sweets. Each cabin also had a disposable underwater camera - what a great idea and how thoughtful!
Lynne is an extraordinary chef. Every meal was a delight, with special touches, garnishes and sauces. Always mindful of our requests, Lynne provided healthful dishes that were aesthetically pleasing as well. As an amateur 'gourmet', I am thrilled that Lynne will share some of her recipes! Using the BBQ was fun, too. As fabulous hamburgers sizzled away for lunch at one anchorage, some snorkelers from other boats swam over and placed their 'orders' because the aroma was so delightful. We all had a good laugh.
Conrad and Lynne had a wonderful itinerary planned ahead of time for us. They gave us the plan when we boarded Liahona, using a large chart. We had already indicated our desire to travel to Anegada for Thanksgiving if possible, and they certainly accommodated that request even though we were quite flexible. In spite of our many previous trips to the BVI's, Conrad and Lynne showed us places that we had never visited. A day trip to Spanish Town and the Baths was strategically placed mid-week to give us all a change of scenery and some land-based exercise. Their choice of taxi drivers - the arrangements were all made ahead of time - was great.
The reason we chartered Liahona through Sailing Directions was the excellent communication and follow-up.
We have all decided that this was our best trip to the BVI's ever. Conrad & Lynne were gracious, patient, accommodating and charming. Even though there were some timelines and deadlines, both were very calm and we never felt rushed. Upon my return to work, my colleagues said that they had never seen me so relaxed and rested!
Christine K.
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Catamaran Toucan Play
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Toucan Play, November 2006
Gareth, Lynsey and Toucan Play make a great team. The yacht is spacious and immaculate with all the features that we could need and more. The meals and service aboard is outstanding; far exceeding our expectations!
Gareth and Lynsey are very knowledgeable about the British Virgin Islands (which are stunning!!) and were able to adjust our itinerary to our wishes at anytime. All in all we had a wonderful sailing vacation!
John L.
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Catamaran Encore
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Encore, October 2006
We have great memories of our trip to BVI. We would definitely love to go back to such an amazing place and such a beautiful catamaran; which was always clean and perfectly kept.
Rob and Tania were great hosts, constantly aiding in getting the best vacation possible. They are also lots of fun and made us feel at home during the whole trip.
We had a magnificent time, great memories, fun diving, amazing food prepared by Tania, tasty drinks and good wine. We really hope we can do it again some time soon!
Paula & Fernando R.
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Catamaran Lone Star
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Lone Star, July 2006
The crew were exceptionally accommodating, friendly and attentive. The food was out of this world. We actually had to ask to make smaller portions for lunch. It was like eating at a 5-star restaurant every meal with only our bathing suit on. Chartering Lone Star was an exceptional experience. The BVIs is a beautiful place to sail.
Doug A.
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Yacht Flamboyance
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Flamboyance, June 2006
Captain Jim was very friendly and extremely competent. The chef, Carmen, was great - we loved her cooking (delicious - the presentation was beautiful) and her personality. Flamboyance was comfortable, clean and well ventilated.
Jim checked with us every day or so to see where we wanted to go, and he offered us lots of choices. He was very flexible and so knowledgeable about the islands. Each day was a delight.
Jim and Carmen were great with my family. Both my kids (ages 12 and 14) enjoyed their company. Jim let my son sail one day and took him and my husband resort diving, and they had a wonderful time.
My daughter is a picky eater, but Carmen was very adept at pleasing her with delicious alternatives. We loved the silliness of formal night with the chandelier and fancy attire - and the great steaks and chocolate cake!
Gayle G.
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Catamaran Infinity
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Infinity, June 2006
We have a really great trip. The Virgin Islands are paradise and both Michael and Nicci were good people, very pleasant and professional. The food was incredible and the boat was perfect. We made very good sailing and snorkeling.
Marta C.
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Catamaran Genesis II
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Genesis II, April 2006
The Caribbean was beautiful, and we saw everything we wanted to see. Having the yacht crewed by a Captain and a chef really made it the most relaxing vacation we have ever had. We would play, and come back to the boat and a beautiful spread of food and drink was always waiting for us (Whew! The food was amazing!).
The sights would come to us as Alan took care of the itinerary. Having everything taken care of for us (not having to decide where to eat, or what to eat - which can sometimes make a vacation complicated) made us feel like kids again!
Rosemary H.
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Catamaran Sirius Escape
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Sirius Escape, April 2006
Kristy and Gary were very friendly and attentive. They were also extremely accommodating to our requests - particularly with respect to what our children wanted to do.
Sirius Escape was very comfortable and clean.
Kristy is an outstanding cook and every meal was delicious! Kristy also went out of her way to make "plain" versions of our lunches and dinners for our picky eater daughter.
Gary and Kristy took us to wonderful snorkeling spots. We especially liked Cam Bay and Monkey Point.
We would certainly recommend Kristy & Gary / Sailing Directions to anyone interested in that kind of a vacation. For us, the seven days on Sirius Escape was a vacation of a life time!!
Joan and Brian E.
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Catamaran Moon Shadow
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Moon Shadow, March 2006
The trip was great! Kaisi and Martyn were terrific. We can't wait to go
back. The boat was better than we could have imagined. Thanks for all of your help in setting it up.
Mike L.
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Yacht Demoiselles
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Demoiselles, March 2006
We had a wonderful vacation! Captain Joerg and the Demoiselles crew were the best. I can't imagine sailing in the future without Joerg, Guillian, Laurent and Michelle. Demoiselles was in very good condition. The food prepared daily by Michelle was better than the dinner we had at a very nice French restaurant in St. Martins. Creative salads, entrees and deserts!
We went wherever wished and all was good. I thought the number of people vacationing in the BVIs was down from previous years.
Burris S.
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Yacht Amicus
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Amicus, January 2006
Thank you so much for an absolutely wonderful holiday. I didn't think that I could enjoy being 50 years old so much. Amicus was absolutely spotless and your professionalism outstanding. I will remember forever the truly wonderful snorkelling and the amazing variety of fish and the fun of identifying them afterwards. We both enjoyed your company. The cuisine Deb, and the massage and exercise were fantastic. We loved the stunning scenery, crystal clear waters and just chilling out and always felt safe with John's care and attention. We both have had great fun and enjoyed everything. Thank you both so very much and we will carry the memories forever.
Cindy B.
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Catamaran Liahona
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Liahona, December 2005 / January 2006
We had just a wonderful time. Everything was perfect, Allen and Nelly were super, the boat was beautiful and the islands, well you know they are the best!
Allen and Nella were great. They were a delight to be around, positive, energetic, happy, and very accommodating. Everything we wanted were at our finger tips. Also, Allen was very concerned with safety, which Karen and I both appreciated very much.
The boat was beautiful, clean, spacious and perfect. As you know 8 people in a small space like that can get too much, and we all felt we had plenty of room. I also like that they did not have it cluttered at all, we had room on the shelves in the main cabin to keep glasses, ipods, etc.
We all talked about how pretty every meal was! I did forget to get the baked cheese cake recipe, it was to die for! They also did a great job making sure out odd ball eater had a great meal if we had fish.
The itinerary was what ever we wanted, Allen would ask us every day if there was something special we wanted to do, and then he might make a suggestion, which we always liked.
Jennifer N.
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Catamaran Double Feature
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Double Feature, December 2005
Ben and Melissa Heslop were not only friendly, attentive, and accommodating, they spoiled us rotten! Yes, we do have some new friends. Actually, we want to adopt them. Our daughter's in-laws were on a Mooring's boat along with us (they crewed their own boat), and Ben and Melissa were lifesavers! They welcomed them on board with us and helped them anchor their boat-they helped to keep peace in the family! It was kind of embarrassing with all the family dynamics going on. We also had on board our dear friends Bill and Sissy Cecil, and we all haven't stopped talking about our great trip with Ben and Melissa. It was the best New Year's we have ever had!
Double Feature was calm, cool, comfortable, and immaculate. Ben and Melissa treat that yacht as if it is their own. We loved the A/C at night, the bathrooms were cleaned every day, clean towels, sheets, and lots of clean wine glasses which we needed very much! They both were always cleaning and tidying up-they are an amazing team. It was decorated for the holidays with great class.
The food being enjoyable and well presented is an understatement. I think Martha Stewart could learn a few things from Melissa-actually, Bill and Sissy own a small fine dining restaurant and they were blown away. Melissa and Ben were so accommodating in pleasing everyone. From the sushi to the conch fritters to the seared tuna to the tuna nacoise salad to the rotis to the filet mignons to the lamb chops to the chocolate mousse to the tiramisu to the tempura asparagus-Melissa has an incredible talent. We were amazed what came out of that galley! The meals are so very well planned with very fresh vegetables you can't help but feel healthy. The presentation of her meals is outstanding - can't say enough about them. Breakfast was always wonderful (one of our daughters never eats breakfast but she did that week!) Ben's napkin folding is a very special touch.
They were very accommodating in getting all of our special requests - including great wine.
The itinerary and the area we sailed was perfect. We learned a lot of new areas from Melissa and Ben-they are so much fun. We are BVI junkies!
We cannot thank you enough for pairing us with Melissa and Ben and the Double Feature. Ben is an excellent captain and we felt so at ease with him at the helm. Melissa is also an excellent first mate. We are hoping to sail with them again. We were very happy with Sailing Directions' service and guidance - we booked this trip a little late, but did we ever hit the jackpot, thanks to you! Thank you so very much for providing such a great service.
We loved the big screen TV with the great selection of movies; the cabins are beautiful; love all the teak; all the snorkeling gear, etc. on board was just great - everything!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for a great and relaxing trip. We love Ben and Melissa and you are so fortunate to have them on the beautiful Double Feature!
Terry and Debby W.
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