Broker provided feedback for 2 week New England charter
So where do I begin?
We started in Newport first loading our gear and then having lunch ashore. We departed from the fuel dock at the Newport yachting center as perotti’s were not accommodating despite dirk having cleared it with them the night before!
Our itinerary week 1 was block island to cuttyhunk to menemsha to Hadley’s harbor to Nantucket and then MV. Weather was perfect except for a lack of wind! Lots of swimming, paddle boarding, card games. Fun cocktails, meals as requested - lite, healthy and delicious.
We were able to bring my dad’s scooter which allowed us some mobility for meals ashore. Several days my dad requested to stay put instead of eating ashore as he tires out. sandy and Dirk graciously accommodated. They are both welcoming and generous people. My dad tried to reciprocate by splicing a few worn lines! It felt like we had known them for a long time. We shared travel logs, pictures and videos. Dirk was forever offering activities and Sandy would participate in all the evening card games with the girls! Very sensitive to our needs and anticipating desires!
Dirk is a knowledgeable and skillful captain... my dad (also a captain ) always attentive to these matters spent wonderful hours together with him at the helm. Dirk was always up for adventure and exploration whereas other skippers we’ve have always seem to take the easy route where less effort was required! (Philippe now wants a drone!)
Week 1 was very family like, we ate lunch and dinners aboard together.
Week 2 with 6 people, it was more difficult to all be together at mealtime for space reasons but we enjoyed cocktails and long boating hours together.
Week 2 we went to Provincetown and literally went whale hunting and paddled with the harbor seals! We stopped in wellsfleet to see the French semifinals. Stopped in pocasset For incredible lobster salad and an exciting navigation thru the narrows and shoal! Back to Hadley’s for the night. Then to Nantucket (again! My cousins hadn’t visited yet) for more good food at the Pearl and Dune. Last night in cuttyhunk before Newport! Lunched on board in Breton’s cove next to my dad’s mooring. We offloaded again at the NYC which was perfect!
The trip was everything we were looking for and more!
Thanks for arranging it for us! They are to be highly recommended!
Best regards,
Laurel
April 2018
Dirk and Sandy -
Can’t tell you enough how much we enjoyed the trip. From the sailing lessons to all of the wonderful spots you took us, it’s been the trip of a lifetime. We are already trying to figure out when we can return. Catatonic is an awesome sailboat with an even awesomer owners/crew :-).
Good luck to you two sailing on!
Brad and Nyssa
March 2018
When we arrived it was apparent that we all were in need of a vacation, however what we got was so much more. Over the last week we received a plethora of memories, 5-star meals and incredible scuba dives. From lobster to turtles to Natalie's lobster tan, the islands have offered us wonders of nature and in return we hope to bring help in any way we can in order to rebuild this beautiful place. We are truly thankful for this adventure.
Natalie, Juliette, Christine, and Gene
February 2018
Thank you so much for an incredible trip, very sad to leave! The girls first sailing experience was one the will never forget. Looking forward to booking another trip with you VERY SOON!! The water is colder than yesterday:)
Thank you for everything,
Matt, Taylor, Katie, and Libby
January 2018
Dirk and Sandy,
Thank you so much for an amazing 9 days on your beautiful Catatonic 500! The hospitality that you show us every time we get together makes us feel so like family!
Bananas Foster, Key Lime Pie, Ice Cream of many flavors - so amazing!! Swimming pigs, dolphins off the bow and friendly sting rays- how cool!! Karaoke, friendly card games, and charades - what memories are made of!! Kite boarding, water skiing, and snorkeling a reef - pure island dreams!! GTC poker run - how fun!
Jeff and I will always treasure our times spent with you both!! Cannot wait to spend more time in the islands we all love so much. In the immortal words of KC - "Life is a lime, and from time to time I got to get my fix, yeah. We roll with the flow, friends come and go, usually by the edge of the dock!"
Until our next adventure together!! You guys will always have a place to stay in Texax. Thanks again for a wonderful introduction to the Bahamas!
See you at the next dock,
Jeff and Shawna
January 2018
Trip of my dreams came true! So happy the Lord brought me to you and Cat 500! And what a surprise to have my mom at my side too. That piece is the best! Nevertheless, the trip would not have been this comfortable and fun without you, Sandy and Dirk, and the rest of the boat family you brought. Thanks for helping me find such wonderful people to come along! Dirk - thanks for answering my numerous questions about boats and boat language. Sandy - as everyone said your cooking - superb! Also, you opened up your home and allowed us to make it ours too! Thank you!
Christmas 2017
Christmas on a sailboat in the Bahamas with blue seas and palm trees. A most memorable vacation for us and our 4 children. Thanks to Sandy and Dirk for your hospitality, great food, tender rides to shore, and anything else we needed! Sailing offered a completely different way to experience a vacation. We are completely relaxed! Can't think of a better way to end 2017 and begin a new year. We enjoyed game nights - every time we watch American Idol, we will think of you!
Best wishes,
Janet, Paul, Andrew, Katie, Ashley, and Alex
How Do We Top This Vacation?
Our family can't thank you enough for recommending the Catatonic for our vacation. We had the most incredible time, each day was a great adventure that I really can't describe appropriately. Each snorkel spot was a little different than the last. We docked in cool spots with exactly the sort of the things we like to do. Snorkeling with huge Tarpon, bouldering and jumping off big rocks or big boats, colorful fish and coral, hiking and playing on pristine beaches, etc.
I can't say enough great things about Captain Robert.. Robert's knowledge of the islands from a historical standpoint as well as knowing where the fun stuff was amazing. He just knew what we would love and gave us a bunch of it. We did so much it's hard to write it all here however some highlights besides the great snorkel spots was taking a great cab ride for dinner from Levington Bay to Hog Heaven which ranked as my favorite spot.
This was topped the next day of course when we rolled into Cane Garden Bay and had a great sunset, happy hour and night listening to exactly the type of music from a one-man band which, ironically, is much like my favorite guy near my beach house which I had
described to Robert. Captain went beyond any expectations we had for our trip, I have already spoken to several of my friends to refer them to the Catatonic for their own family vacations.
The chef's meals and everything she brought to the table was amazing and she fit right in with the family. She was always figuring out what would make each day a great experience with local flavor. Our preference sheet was far exceeded with great meals every day and night.
The tough thing going forward from here will be, "How do we top this vacation?" Truly nothing will compare thanks to the great boat and crew. They made us feel so comfortable and right at home from the moment we stepped on the boat until we stepped back off. It was great to make 2 new friends while vacationing with the family.
Grins and Memories for a Lifetime!
We enjoyed being on the boat, going to the different spots, letting me sail a bit (absolutely loved that return from Anegada to Marina Cay), and generally taking our foot off the brake for a while as we had fun down there with you all. You showed us so much from the busier anchorages in Jost Van Dyke to the more remote spots like Brewer's Bay, it really checked all the boxes. Like I said, it was a wonderful feeling mid-week to wake up and not know what day it was.
Being on a charter boat as crew is a tough job, but you both completely exceeded our expectations. I can't say enough about that. We had great laughs, but with your calm confidence and how you both professionally executed the job and made it look effortless, you both enabled us to have a spectacular week aboard Catatonic and leave with grins & memories for a lifetime!
Additionally, I really appreciate the recommendations for our post-charter time on St. John. Morgan's Mango was terrific and we just loved the different flavors of the different dishes there. We rented a car, drove the island, and spent a little time on some of the North shore beaches. And yes, a Skinny Legs burger was consumed!!
We Loved Every Single Minute of It
Absolute best vacation ever! Not sure how we will ever top it! The crew were the perfect match for our group! Captain really knows everything that there is to know about sailing and the BVI's! They could not have been more accommodating.
We took tons of pictures and had tons of fun. We can't thank you enough for your suggestions and help along the way. It truly was the best way to spend the week and experience all that the BVI's have to offer. From Willie T's, to Soggy Dollar and all the drinks, bars, fun and games in between, WE LOVED EVERY SINGLE MINUTE OF IT!! Thanks for the best vacation ever!!"
August 26 13
We are still on a high from our trip on the Catatonic. I have to say for me it was one of the best vacations and definitely the most exciting birthday weeks of my life.(50 years-The big one)
All of us cannot thank you enough for your hospitality, patience and friendship towards all of us. They were like family to us. They are an excellent crew together and I hope to see them again on the Catatonic.
I would rate this trip a 10.
Crew rate a 10
Boat- Loved the layout and the size. The beds, seating area and stereo were great. I look forward to another trip on the Catatonic. ~Richard and Annette and Guest
February 2009
Guests
March 2009
Thank you very much for making the trip amazing. I had a lot of fun learning poker and eating the amazing banana dessert. I had an amazing time! Thanks you!!! - Sophie (Age 13)
I really liked the hamburger and the banana pound cake. I also liked learning to play poker! - Conrad (Age 11)
May 2009
Being with you on Catatonic has been like a dream come true! We could not have asked for a better captain or chef! You truly pampered us beyond belief. The stops were fantastic - loved Norman Isle, the bubbly pool, kayaking, snorkeling, trunk beach! And the food was incredible. You are truly our favorite restaurant chef ever! You have the perfect balance of allowing family time and yet when we are with you, you feel like faimly too.
Thanks for the best vacation ever! We will never forget our week on Catatonic of the happy memories together. - Laura
June 2009
We had a blast on Catatonic - kayaking and snorkeling right off the back of the boat, reading on the trampoline, watching the horizon from the captain's deck, and just catching some sun. THIS is how a vacation should be - totally relaxing, amazing food, great tunes, awesome sailing, WOW! This is the first time I've ever seen my husband not wear a watch - THAT's how relaxed we were! We can't wait to come back!
March 2009
I want to take you home with me...For many reasons. But since I can't I will miss you but I will remember how good you guys were to us. Thank you so much for everything. -Matt
Thanks you so much for a Lazy Sunday...what?! Chronicles of What...Narnia!?! You are by far the best crew an East coast Canadian could hope for. Thank you for the food, the booze, brownies, and memories. -Anita
It started as a surprise birthday week for a 60 year old geezer & finished as a week of renewal for our family. You allowed us all the renew our friendship and create new ones with you both! Life is a journey of various components, building credibility & credits as we plan for the future! A trip such as we have enjoyed gives us the opportunity to pause & appreciate each other. Thank you both for the memoriies! - Jack (birthday boy)
It started as anticipation of my Dad's surprise and turned into a week of fun & laughter. Not only am I continously surprised & enamored by my family, I was thrilled that our crew was part of the group. We had a week of fun & sun as we as a great dive in the islands. At this time, I cannot find the words to describe the adventure we were able to take. The food was another love and the presentation was artful.I look forward to the next time our family can be together. I also look forward to the next time we can enjoy your crew, as they were instrumental in making it happen. They truly showed us the Virgin Islands & allowed us to have an incredible experience. Thank you! - Tevis
Thanks so much for an absolutely fabulous week. Sometime when you look forward to something for such a long time and then when it happens it is never what you expect. This was more than any of us could have wished for. Thanks for taking such good care of us. Food was better than a 5 star!
Thanks you two! - Bonnie
Thank you very much for making the trip amazing. I had a lot of fun learning poker and eating the amazing banana dessert. I had an amazing time! Thanks you!!! - Sophie (Age 13)
I really liked the hamburger and the banana pound cake. I also liked learning to play poker! - Conrad (Age 11)
July 2009
We have been reflecting for the last couple of days on what was absolutely one of the most enjoyable weeks/vacations of all time. Thanks again.......you were both absolutely great and we consider you both special friends. We definitely plan to find a way to visit with you both in the VI again soon. Lot's of unbelievable experience, exceptional camaraderie, fantastic food, and lot's of laughs (yeah, no, yeah, no, yeah, no......................).
Sorry that we haven't had an opportunity to forward the photo's we promised. Our home system crashed, but Deb and Cody will try to send the shots to you manana.
Enjoy your time off and please stay in touch.
Warmest personal regards,
Curt
P.S. We had a great time in St. John and the Skinny Leg burger was epic! Remind us to share our travel saga for the return journey........23 hours of hell! Unbelievable!
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