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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wild Thing II, May 2007

Simply put: Great boat, great crew, great weather, great vacation.

George R.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Liahona, December 2005 / Jan 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.

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.