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GUEST COMMENTS
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All the below comments are from our guest book and a written with out editting:
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Rick, Eileen, Meredith, Billy - "Fabulous, fantastic & fun, all words describing our wonderful time in your lovely, floating home. Thank you so much for your warm and gracious hospitality and showing us the beautiful sights of the BVI. KC, your meals were sumptuous, ample, nutritious and delicious. The daily delight of freshly baked bread, fresh fruit and vegetables as well as incredible main courses were appreciated with gusto! Your talents and creativity in blending flavours and colors are the signs of a true gastronomic artist. Thank you, thank you! Andy, we always felt safe and well taken care of under the watchful eye of our captain and guide. Thanks also for showing us the hidden treasures of the islands. These were experiences each of us will treasure. We were all thrilled by our trip and thank you both for our many happy memories. You were great and we will be so pleased to share your good fortune in finding you with our friends! Many, many thanks, Rick, Eileen Williams Lafayette, CA
Thanks so much for everything. We had a great time. When you get your Mega Yacht, Bill & I would love to be your crew, so call us! The food was the absolute best, we would be very interested in the Stenella Cookbook!! I think that I may have beat your record for # of pounds gained – I’m scared to go home and get on the scale. We look forward to sailing with you again!!! Thanks, Meredith & Bill
Orleans (Cape Cod), MA
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Jeff, Kim, Ryan & Jared - "This just wasn’t a vacation, it was a true adventure! We had a marvellous time!! The meals were gourmet. I felt like we were eating at a five star restaurant every day! Andy, thank you for giving us many options along our destinations. You both put in 100% in making sure that we had a wonderful time. Thank you!! We truly experienced a beautiful BVI vacation! “Ya’ll stay safe” The Millers
This trip was the best spring break we ever did. The food was the best I have ever had! Remember, I will work for you in the summer for $10 dollars a week! Thank you! Love, Ryan & Jared
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Below is a letter that Jeff wrote to his booking broker:
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Thank you for all your help in arranging the Stenella charter and for the champagne. It was a nice touch. The weather was great indeed, but the crew and the boat were even better.
Since I think that this may be the first time you have booked Stenella. I wanted to make sure you where aware of the jewels that we discovered onboard Stenella, Captain Andy and KC. It is difficult to describe the manner of perfection in which they carried out their jobs but here is a feeble attempt.
Andy made us feel completely safe while sailing – even while we were racing (and beating) other yachts. Sailing was introduced to me as a truly exciting sport. He attended every snorkel trip; not just to ensure our safety, but also because he thoroughly enjoyed snorkeling, pointing out marine life and taking photos for us. He was fantastic with the kids and made a lasting impression. Now when we want them to do a chore all we have to say is ‘Who wants to be Capt Andy and put away the dishes?” and they leap from their chairs.
KC’s cooking and personality made us feel we were eating three meals a day in the best restaurant in town – with our best friends. I often travel to Europe and Asia and I’m pampered in many of the leading hotels in the world. I could easily compare many of KC’s meals with the best I’ve had in my travels. I had no idea going into this charter that the quality of the food combined with the relaxed atmosphere on the yacht would put my family in such a euphoric state. I’d be very reluctant to charter with another crew, knowing I’d be extremely disappointed. It is not a question of IF I would charter Stenella again, but determining WHEN I can schedule another vacation with Stenella.
This all may sound a little over the top but the Stenella holiday was just that. I thought you should know in case you wish to have others discover the secret treasure onboard Stenella.
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Len, Linda, Brendan & Hunter - "Dear Last Minute Friends,
As quickly as we put this little trip together- it’ll certainly go down in our lifetime memory book. While the 4 of us will never forget our last spring break together- y’all have far surpassed our expectations. Andy’s calm & assured composure (with his interjections of British humor) “K-Sea-Cuisine” was simply incomparable. I anticipated & treasured every culinary delight, as did my boys (never a dirty plate) You have set a new standard in their expectations, not only for tasting & trying & enjoying new dishes, but enjoying the presentation. You are a marvel (as most southern women Are!) The snorkelling was a cousteau experience. Hope the “Grits” will enlighten others unknown to our “special food”. Ya’ll compliment each other in many ways & we will always have a special place in our hearts for you and your food!!! Ya’ll are the BEST! We hope to return again one day. Linda, Len, Brandon & Hunter King, Fairhope, Alabama
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Joann, Michael, Mike, Paula, Mary Anne & Dave -"I said “We’ll be back”! Our first trip was so amazing I couldn’t imagine it could get better. But Stenella has once again shone….. The boat looks great with all the subtle improvements. And, KC, your cooking has somehow surpassed itself! Once again, I’ll say “We’ll Be Back”!! Please visit us in New York! Love Joann
You guys are my heroes! You cover it all & really make Stenella feel like home. Andy, you own the waters of the BVI. KC, you’ve trained Andy well. Thanks & We’ll see you next March! Mike & Paula
Who would have thought that the outing I thought I’d “give a try” would turn out to be such a life changing event. Our skills, knowledge and friendship made this one of the best experiences of my life. Hope it’s only the first of many and I wish you happiness and success always. See you Soon!! Love, Mary Anne
What an experience! First time at sea on a sailing yacht turned out to be more enjoyable than I ever imagined. Your knowledge and skill in sailing and keeping us well fed made each and every day special. Getting to see so many differenct islands, settings, and the snorkelling were experiences that will stay with us forever. Hopefully this is the first of many visits and sailings with great friends and terrific hosts on Stenella. Wishing you a stiff breeze, good health and success.
Andy, You’re the 'baddest' captain that ever roamed the BVI. When it’s time to cross the Atlantic I want to crew! KC, I don’t know how you do it “down there”, it’s always excellent and full of surprises. We’ll be back! Michael"
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Tom & James - "You have created a truly exceptional experience for your guests on Stenella. What a wonderfully relaxing six days my son James and I had aboard. Yet it was much more than that! Andy, your yachtmanship is first rate. Your commitment to sailing is exemplified by deep knowledge of boats , the waters, sailing etiquette, and an abiding patience to explain and instruct us in the basics of sailing.
You and KC have worked hard to make Stenella a fine and worthy sailing vessel with comfortable accommodations for all. She had an ability to surcharge the voyage with a special aura, a release of spirit, and a feeling of safety and a sense of fellowship. What more can a man want from a boat!
KC, your culinary productions are extraordinary! They outperformed the kitchen of many large motor yachts I’ve been on, by a fair measure. You have a unique and special talent in this regard. By every criteria one may employ to evaluate the quality of cuisine, you achieved a level of excellence which is very rare and much coveted. It is a genius which can be refined by learning but is essentially innate. We were lucky tto experience it!! Thank you.
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Ramona, Steve, Dave & Alison - "Wow! Thank you so much for the trip of a lifetime!! Turtles, sharks, rays and all the beautiful fish during our snorkelling adventures were fantastic….. and the Whales were incredible… 20 feet from the dinghy!!!! To top the previous entry – we had multiple “C.O.’s” – Culinary orgasms!! We enjoyed Andy’s superb sailing skills as we overtook every vessel we saw… ARRRR! Everything was first rate! Please come see us in Colorado. “The Night Life”
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Trish, John, Fred, Lucy, Cliff & Lee - "For me this was a decompression dive- and it worked wonderfully. Best of all we got to know you two and enjoy your company, hear your stories and eat KC’s wonderful food – along with a stop over at Mai’s during a driving rainstorm – perfect! I enjoyed sailing in 38 knot winds with 10 foot swells, along with riding in the front seat. It was great to conclude the trip with KC’s award winning Pork Tenderloin and my 52nd birthday party. We hoist our mainsail to you two as we “Grace”. Until our paths cross again, thanks for a great trip and hold high the mission! Light and Life, Fred
I don’t know what I can say that hasn’t already been expressed – But, my heartfelt thanks to both of you for a most fun, relaxing week. What great sailing! Unless you won’t have us, WE WILL BE BACK! Let us know when that cook book comes out; there’s not one think I tasted on this trip that I wouldn’t want to emulate. What a great week. Great friends, food and sailing & laughter, can’t wait for the next one! Love, Lucy
Our best trip yet to the Caribbean! We ate, drank and relaxed all our cares away. YOU made this trip special. We’re ready to sail again and will start planning our next adventure on the plane back! Andy, we’ve never seen such dexterity and maneuverability on land or seas. And KC, anytime you want to restart your catering business, we’re your marketing team! We’ll tell everyone far and wide what a great time we had. You’ll be booked solid- just save us a date for our next trip! Fondly, Lee and Cliff
Grand sailing, sunning, snorkelling, company….. and magnificent culinary delights. One of our best trips yet to the Caribbean! We definitely plan to sail again with you to Dominica. We loved hearing of your wonderful travels and hope your continued adventures on Stenella are perfection. By the way, please share my mother’s saying of what we experienced in the dining arena. All meals fantastic and many were absolute “C.O.’s” – Culinary Orgasms! Hope to see you Soon! John & Trish
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Jim, Mary, Dave & Kathie - "Kathie and I had a wonderful week on your boat. The sailing was GREAT and exciting. As was the snorkelling. The food was out of this world and we are both sure we have gained 10 lbs. You are always welcome on Grand Lake, Oklahoma. Good luck and good sailing!
Thank you both for showing Mary and I a fabulous time in the Caribbean aboard Stenella. Every day was adventure, a pleasurable sail, a quite read, a relaxing drink, wonderful food, but most of all great hospitality. The weather, Carib’s BBC’s (we will drink these forever!) water and atmosphere were outstanding. We were lucky to have the two of you as our crew and we will highly recommend you to our friends back in Tulsa. Mary and I envy your life, be we could not imagine you doing anything else! Your friends and “lazy guests” Jim and Mary"
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Fred, lori, Patrick, Jennifer, Sarah and Jay - "This has been an awesome trip. KC. You’re meals were gourmet. It was like eating at a fine restaurant daily. Andy, thanks for taking such great care of us. If your ever in the Midwest, give a call. Be safe and keep the wind at your back. Love, Lori and Fred
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Rick, Sharon, Nikki, Ben and Matt - "Thank you for the best vacation we’ve ever had! We are expecting to immediately experience withdraw from Stenella and her crew. We have become Stenella groupies- look for us in your dinghy (aka the sin bin). We are very lucky to have the perfect crew and boat for our first Caribbean Pirate Vacation. We will miss the fabulous food, the gentle rocking of the boat, the tropical weather, the blue water, the kitchen spyhole, KC’s BBC’s and our conversations with the two of you.
Matthew will be back to resume his duties as dinghy captain and Mom will return to her happy place, Ben will come back to reclaim his title as the hoover king, Dad will be back to reclaim his title dinghy flip specialist and island therapist, and Nikki will be back to raise a glass (of BBC) with her mates and tell tales of Australia. We ae very grateful for everything you had to offer and will never charter any other crew (but we’re keeping it a secret). We look forward to our return. You guys are awesome! Love the Carlsons P.S Don’t worry, I will definitely be back to be dinghy captain…..Matthew. And I am going to starve…Ben"
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Bob, Andy, Sami and Michael - "Thank you, thank you, thank you for a wonderful vacation. We feel very lucky to have found both of you & Stenella! We enjoyed getting to know you and we hope to see you again either in British Columbia or back on Stenella! Everything was just perfect and like everyone else before us, we are rolled off the boat from KC’s great cooking! Take care and have a healthy happy New Year. With love, Bob Andy, Sami and Michael
Thank you so much for the adventure. The food was amazing!! The snorkelling was so beautiful. You are the best crew because you are such wonderful people. I really getting to know you both. Love, Sami"
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Laurie and Chris - " Wow! That’s the best way to describe our 10th anniversary. This was our best vacation EVER! The boat was great, the weather beautiful, the water very blue, the Captain very capable and of course the chef….. the BEST! We can’t thank yu enough for our great time…..very sad it has to end. But we’ll be back! Until then remember, WOO WOO! You guys have found your niche! With Love, Laurie and Chris."
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Jehuda, Shula, Yali, Naomi - "We couldn't imagine a better way to celebrate Jehuda's 60th birthday and our 37th wedding anniversary. Thank you so much for also making a great Caribbean Thanksgiving and most of all thank you for all the snorkelling and hiking opportunities - just what we wanted. And most of all, KC, thanks for making Callah for our Friday evening ceremony. Everyone knows that Andy is a great sailor but he is also a great man who always accommodated our every whim. We grew to love Stenella. Andy we were very impressed by your ability to recap dozens of movies. Good luck to KC in your research - if there is anything we can do to help please let us know.."
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John, Kathryn, Gaines, Kyle & Hill - "We knew we would have fun... but we had no idea we would have THIS MUCH FUN!!! John & I had been counting down the days to this trip... and now we count down the months until our next one, with you, in your beautiful home, with gorgeous scenery & amazing culinary treats. LIFE IS GOOD!
“What an unbeleiveable trip! We can't thank you enough for your hospitality and generosity. Off the charts luxuary and fun."
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Tom & Donna - “Thank you for fulfilling our lifetime dream! The trip played out better than we could have imagined. Tom celebrated his 60th in the style and company of the best - Stenella, Captain extrodinaire and gourme chef KC. Not only was the sailingsuperb but the tour of the BVI was so perfect we savoured every moment. Its hard to say goodbye but we will be back. " |
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Tony, Cindy & Chris -
“Needless to say, the boat, food, entertainment and crew was exceptional!" |
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Jenny, Paul, Sue and Andy - “This Holiday exceeded expectations in every way, all thanks to you. The BVI are a spectqcular place to be, especially on such a wounderful boat and in such great company. Looking forward to next time already. Must remember to diet before we come in preperation for the fantastic food".
"Take 2 poeple, find 2 mates, book 1 week (wish it was 2) on Stenella, eat 2 much, drink 2 much, see 2 many interesting and exciting place with 2 great crew and all this make 4 a fantastic time. We cant thank you enough" |
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Bob, Louise, Ernest, Mary Lou, Bob and Jan - "There aren't words to describe the experience, so we'll just say THANK YOU - the BEST sailing and the BEST food, what a wounderfull week
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Suzanne, Joseph, Sally, William & Elizabeth - Following is a letter to their broker:
Dear Sherry,
Our trip on "The Stenella" was a dream! My children said it was the best trip they ever had, and it certainly ranked up there for the rest of us, too!
Andy and K.C. could not have been more gracious and more professional in every sense of the word, from the gourmet-quality meals three times a day, to knowing exactly where to go and what to do, to handling little emergencies. They went beyond just "doing their jobs" by making us feel welcome the moment we met, and with their enthusiasm the entire trip. They truly took great care to make sure we were having fun, as well as helping to make sure everyone was safe when in the water.
Andy is most knowledgeable about sailing, he is keenly aware of the water conditions(we had some rough days), and he went out of his way, accompanying us on our snorkeling excursions. He kept a close watch on our seven-y.o. Elizabeth when snorkeling, as she became tired before everyone else the first day out. He promptly swam back to the dinghy came over to where we were, and retrieved her. He supplied her with a foam rubber noodle each time she went out thereafter. It worked beautifully.
K.C. is an excellent cook. We were exchanging recipes, and recommending she write a cookbook. Her "painkillers" are the best, too!
Andy and K.C. are first class, and deserve clientele on their boat that would truly appreciate their efforts. And, to top it off, it was a privelage to be aboard the Stenella. From the teak deck, its graceful lines, spacious parlor (and Playstation!), t.v.s in each cabin(great for the children), and various places to sit in her upper deck, she is a stunning boat.
Thank-you, Sherry, for booking us a boat of beauty, and with a crew who went out of their way to help create one of the most memorable experiences of our lives.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
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Richard, Joy, Jeff, Stephanie, Chris & Martine - Following is a letter to their broker:
I wanted to drop you an email to say how superb the charter on Stenella
was. Andy and KC made it a fantastic holiday for everyone, exceeding
our expectations in every respect.
Stenella is an excellent sailing yacht - fast and comfortable. The
cabins are well-sized and well-ventilated, and the fact that they are
pretty much equal helps a lot on a charter with three couples! The yacht
is attractive and in very good condition, and I know that Andy and KC
are working on it to get it even more to their liking (e.g. putting
electric pumps on the heads). The cockpit layout is also very effective -
in effect there are three cockpit areas, one for crew and two for
guests, so that the main area is free of winches etc. Andy was more than
happy to adjust the biminis to create the right amount of shade in each
area.
The food on board was also well above the norm - we're a pretty well
travelled group with sophisticated tastes, and not one of us was
disappointed in any way with a single meal. KC served up a good balance
between healthy food and indulgence, with excellent presentation and a real
flair for appealing flavours. The boat was extremely well-stocked and
nothing was too much trouble.
Above all, though, it's the crew that makes a charter, and I can't
speak highly enough of Andy and KC as professionals and as gracious hosts.
I've been sailing in the BVI 6 times now, and I can honestly say that
this was the best crew I've sailed with. Andy is way more mature than
his age would suggest, a superb yachtsman (as his America's Cup
experience would suggest), and an excellent guide to the islands. KC is not
only a great cook but quick to offer a cocktail (not always the case on
charters!), intelligent and fun - delightful to talk to. Both are
excited about their chosen profession, and that enthusiasm is infectious.
Both struck exactly the right note between being friendly, accessible
and proactive in suggesting activities, and knowing when to leave the
guests to themselves. Some crews seem to have their own agenda; Andy
and KC clearly have only one: to make sure that their guests have the
best time possible. I can't speak highly enough of them.
I'm thrilled that we were able to spend time on Stenella, and my thanks
go to VIS for your assistance with this charter. I would be delighted
to act as a referee for the yacht and its crew, and for you to use this
email with prospective clients.
All the very best,
Richard Barkey
CEO, Imparta
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Bob, Debbie, Alex & CJ - “We had a ball! you were great to all of us and the food - the food was Superb! Thank you for everything, you will be our friends for life! |
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Claire: “Thank you for a truly woundefull vacation, excellent food cooked with love, care and attention, superb! STenella is beautiful! You are a delight and a treasure and thank you for taking such woundeful care of us”
Richard & Fredda: “Three guys and three girls from Key Biscayne escaped to Stenella for a fabulous vacation and KC and Andy made it the best!”
Geoff: “Amazing week! amazing food! amazing service! Special thanks for taking care of my needs - jogging, internet, email! ”
Susie: “Thanks for making our 1st sailing trip such a great experiance! Our preference list was fulfilled with flair and a smile! We enjoyed your creative cooking and cheery service - thanks for everything. Looking forward to a return trip”
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Mandy: “Don’t loose my details – I’ll be back. Everything I hoped for from this vacation has been fulfilled – what a fab week. You guys are professional, fun and have a beautiful yacht. Thanks so much.”
Kathy: “The beauty and wonder of this spectacular place was enhanced even more by your kindness & hospitality. The little touches you both added were noticed and greatly appreciated. Thanks for everything.”
Sam: “Thanks for everything you did to make this week wounderful. You should have a long and successful life given your approach to the charter business. We will return and recommend!”
Andre: “C’etait une semaine fantastique peut-etre la prochaine fois je pouvais nager. Et la bouffe extraordinaire. Merci pour tout.”
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Joanne: “Thank you for the most amazingly awesome time, we’ll be back. Thank you for the best vacation ever”
Leigh Ann: “Thank you Andy & KC for the best vacation ever”
DJ: Thanks Andy & KC for a terrific trip with no worries. Keep saving the day!”
Michael: “On top if it all you put me on the Bonefish! Extraordinary! In the movie Andy is played by a young Harrison Ford and KC is played by Jennifer Anniston. Don’t miss it!!”
Donny: “You are the best! Thanks for your hospitality and support. KC, you are a great person and Andy you are a super hero. All the best and I will be back soon to stay on Stenella!”
Mary: “You guys are great! Even through I didn’t sleep on your boat [on tandem charter] you guys still made it exciting and fun for me”
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Steve and Pam - We really had a great time, thank you guys so much. Thanks for accomadating our diet needs. we never knew the Atkins diet could be so good! We will see you again soon.
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John and Joanne - "The Cruise of the Tropical Cyclone. Absolutely wonderful week aboard Stenella, swimming, snorkelling, eating and eating and the warmth of hospitality of KC and Andy! We saw shark, moray eel, spotted eagle ray, turtles, tarpon, octopus, thousands of fish and many varieties of coral and sailors.
The sailing was the best.
Thank you Thank you – we will be back for sure!! Did we mention eating???”
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