Hi Lynne, (Broker)
Sorry to respond so late. I did want to write in regards to our charter experience on Paradise. I'll start with the boat. It was extremely clean and well maintained. It is obvious Bernie and Ruthie work very hard to keep everything looking so nice. It was not just nice to look at, but it was comfortable as well. Bernie and Ruthie are extraordinary people and while I am sure the trip would have been fun no matter what, they certainly enhanced it and I can't imagine chartering with anyone else. They went above and beyond their duties to make sure we were safe and enjoying ourselves at all times. They are both very pleasant people and I think I speak for everyone in my family when I tell you that we very much enjoyed their company! Bernie and Ruthie are just amazing people and they complement each other very well. I felt safe and confident with Bernie as captain and Ruthie is very competent as well.
The food was absolutely amazing!!!!! Ruthie's cooking was incredible and I loved every single meal. She amazed all of us with what she could do with such a small kitchen. It was obvious she worked hard on preparing tasty healthy meals and I am very grateful she did. Usually on a vacation, I eat overpriced mediocre food. Ruthie's was a pleasant surprise!
I can write all day about how wonderful the trip was and praise Bernie and Ruthie but I won't use up all your valuable time. Bottom line is we had a wonderful time! Bernie and Ruthie are truly amazing people and they made a profound impact on me. I have so much respect and admiration for them both. It is rare to meet two very special people like them and I am so glad that” Dad” found them. I feel like it was meant to be! I do not know how to get in touch with them, so please forward this email to them if you do not mind. Thank you for everything and have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Andrew Feinstein
Lynne, (Broker)
This was a second charter that you arranged for me with Paradise. The boat along with Bernie and Ruth are simply put way above others in their profession. Their pride, knowledge of sailing is beyond comparison. They are the ultimate in their profession. They are wonderful host and a joy to be with.
It was my sons’ first sailing trip and I was a little apprehensive. They all told me it was the best trip of their lives.
It will not be my last trip with Bernie and Ruth. Their enthusiasm, skill and true kindness and concern for your safety and comfort is so reassuring that I could never settle for any other charter experience.
Thank you for your patience and skill putting this charter together with a second charter on Paradise. Bernie and Ruth have an extraordinary talent of making you feel so comfortable.
Sincerely,
Richard Feinstein
Maura & John’s review/ November 2011 charter
Were the yacht and crew all that they were promised?
Yes – everything was fantastic. We very much enjoyed talking with Bernie and Ruth. I had asked that they not tell Maura where we were going when they met us. Not only did Bernie not say anything, he actually put on quite an act and that was very much appreciated.
How would you describe your captain and crew?
They were extremely knowledgeable and safe. They had keen insight into various areas and were very friendly without always being around. They were extremely respectful of our space.
Did the meals meet your expectations in regards to the quality and presentation?
The meals completely blew away our expectations. I thought we would have good food, but we were served excellent food at every meal. The presentation was exquisite and the variety was fantastic.
Were the pace and itinerary of your charter as you liked?
Yes. Since we did not know what to expect and did not want to “dictate” what we did, we took their suggestions and were very pleased.
Please give an example of something your crew did to make you feel special.
They had a bottle of champagne and a happy anniversary note upon our arrival
Was there a special day or moment that you’d like to share?
There was one afternoon when we were moored at Jost Van Dyke and the weather was not good. There were high winds and a driving rain. We were relaxing on deck awaiting lunch and talking with Bernie. We saw another sailboat (a Moorings Bareboat) that was drifting towards us. Bernie handed me a video camera and asked me to video the event in case he had to make an insurance claim with the rental company (he didn’t have time to say that at the time – he just handed me the camera and said to video this). He proceeded to go out to the front of our boat and try to help the couple that couldn’t hold onto the mooring (their engine would not start either). When they started to drift right at us he was pushing them away as the husband was in his dinghy trying to run interference. The husband was not experienced enough to achieve anything from this and Bernie was able to keep them from hitting his boat. As they swiftly drifted by our boat headed for the shore (with no engine) Bernie’s “stick” that he was using got caught in their boat. He hollered for the wife to take it and yelled that he would come and rescue them. He returned to us and asked us to get Ruth from below. As Bernie went to get his dinghy, Ruth quickly maneuvered our boat so that there would be no collision. Bernie jumped in our dinghy in the driving windy rain and proceeded to come to their rescue. With the help of another sailor they were ultimately able to get this boat moored properly without any damage. While this was happening, Ruth came back up from below and served us an unbelievable Caesar Salad with grilled chicken and suggested that we “sit on the other side of the table so we could watch everything happening – sort of as entertainment” Their grace and hospitality under pressure was unbelievable. This was one of the more memorable moments of the trip. We had a lot of fun discussing what happened afterwards.
Would you spend another vacation with this yacht and crew?
Yes, definitely and would recommend them to anyone.
On a scale of 1 – 10 with 10 being excellent, how would you rate?
Captain 10
Chef 12 (Her filet mignon was out of this world. She gave us the recipe!)
Food 12
Yacht 10
Would you allow us to use you as a reference for the yacht and crew?
Absolutely
Do you have any friends that you think might enjoy a crewed charter with this yacht?
If this arises I will definitely provide your contact information.
Thank you for your time. I hope you will consider SV Paradise with Ruthie & Bernie for your next Caribbean Adventure again!
Happy Cruising to all,
Sue (Broker) Hi Bernie and Ruthie,
Thanks again for a super time last week; it is very depressing to leave Paradise! Here is our testimonial and I am faxing in a great review with broker Kevin as well.
Upon returning from our trip on Paradise, we were useless! Once aboard Paradise, it was apparent that anything and everything we needed was taken care of and/or provided.
At first, it was an adjustment to receive such pampering. Our beds were made during our 3 - 5 course breakfast with Bernie’s double filtered coffee and Ruthie's fresh fruit, meat and egg creations with warm fresh bread. Then we would set off on our adventure for the day, usually at places to which we had never been – even after 4 previous BVI sailing trips. On shore, taxis, gear and dinghy shuttling was all arranged for us in advance with German-like efficiency and with folks that Bernie and Ruthie have long standing successful relationships with. Upon our return to Paradise, dinner was in motion and was always a great culinary expedition with wine, appetizers, curry sauces, fresh ingredients and fantastic deserts. Après dinner was a comical event including great conversation on deck with the hosts over after-dinner drinks!
Sleeping on board Paradise- I can guarantee is less rocky that all the other boats because of their skill in locating the best anchor / mooring spots throughout the islands. Bernie’s knowledge of the system and how to avoid unnecessary fees saved us hundreds as opposed to when we charter our own Bareboat. Their decades of knowledge and passion for what they do are very inspirational. Getting to know Ruthie and Bernie is truly a fresh breath of air. We really treasured our time and ability for pure relaxation with Bernie and Ruthie and would highly recommend a stay on board Paradise; we'd love to join them again in the future!
Regards,
Sue, Sharon, Jen and Jason
Dear Broker:
We have been back in Atlanta for almost a week since we sailed with Bernie and Ruthie along with two teenage boys.
It was our first charter boat experience and we cannot think of any other boat or crew to have had this experience. The boat was immaculate and Bernie’s pride and joy. It was roomy and comfortable and provided us privacy when we wanted it. The bedrooms and bathrooms were cozy and clean. Bernie and Ruthie are both great sailors and work great as a team. Ruthie has a great sense of humor and is even a greater chef. The food exceeded our expectations with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner however was our favorite with cocktails and appetizers before dinner, wine during and then incredible desserts after. The boys loved the snacks that Ruthie provided. We ate most of our delicious meals upstairs in the cockpit and in the evening it was especially beautiful with the sunsets.
Bernie kept the boys busy with card games in the evening (although he showed no mercy or took no prisoners when playing cards). During the day he would take us to sites to snorkel, swim and climb the rocks at the Baths. He did a great job in recommending a scuba dive shop that would rendezvous with the boat to take us diving. Two in our party completed their dive certification. He made sure we had transportation from the marina back to the airport for our trip home with Francisca and her new car who also showed us the sites enroute and took us to a local restaurant for lunch in Charlotte Amalie.
When we met Bernie and Ruthie we were strangers and by the end of our cruise we were friends! They did whatever was necessary to ensure we had a great vacation.
Thanks Bernie and Ruthie for a great week in BVI!
The Lewis Gang
About Ruthie, Bernie and Paradise:
Darrel and I wanted to write and share our appreciation for Bernie and Ruth and their beautiful boat, SY Paradise. We had a fantastic time — thanks entirely to Bernie and Ruth. They made our trip perfect with their superb service at all times and itineraries that were the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. The boat was wonderful, very roomy and impeccably maintained. It was great for swimming and snorkelling and for relaxing in the sun or shade. It has plenty of comfortable places to sit and enjoy the sailing. It also has great space in the cabin, and a large bathroom. The boat's cabins were also very private.
Bernie and Ruthie's knowledge of the area assured you that you were seeing the most beautiful parts of the islands. They showed us the best hidden spots to snorkel. We have dived all over yet the BVI's were the best spots to see fish we have seen in the Caribbean.
I was most concerned about being sea sick prior to the trip, but Bernie assured me that would not be an issue and he was right. Ruthie’s food was wonderful — gourmet, homemade, plentiful and always with a beautiful presentation.
It is a true testament that Bernie and Ruthie provide such wonderful service yet are always sensitive to your privacy and desires. The trip exceeded all our expectations and we would encourage anyone looking for a fantastic time to go on the SY Paradise with Bernie and Ruthie. We intend to sail with them again soon!
Erin and Darrel
Bernie and Ruthie,
I can't thank you enough for the FASTASTIC sailing experience you provided. It was everything I hoped for and more. It's a joy to watch the two of you work so well together to keep everything running so smoothly.
It was a joy to realize that you didn't have water restrictions. Patti's prior sailboat experience in the Islands was restrictive of the water, thus the showers.
I loved having kayaks available, though next time we'll take advantage of them a little more often.
Ruthie you have inspired all of us to look for some new recipes, with carrot soup at the top of the list. You're skills in the galley made the trip something I'll have in my memory bank for further withdrawals throughout the rest of my years.
I will definitely recommend the "Paradise" to any and all folks who want to have an island experience with 2 beautiful, gracious and accommodating people.
BTW it sure was helpful to have your friend Francisca provide the ride to the airport, & a secure place for our luggage while shopping in Charlotte Amalie.
Hope you have a wonderful remainder of the season.
Thanks again,
Jackie S.
Dear Ed, (Broker)
We are writing to tell you of our recent charter on the sailing vessel Paradise. We have had the opportunity to experience crewed charters in the past in the Virgin Islands and this was one of, if not the best.
From the quality and well-appointed and well-equipped vessel to the extremely friendly outgoing and accommodating crew, this is an experience we will not soon forget. The attention to personal creature comforts - for example making our beds and folding our pyjamas each day - to literally waiting on us hand and foot made for a very pleasurable and relaxing trip.
Captain Bernie’s knowledge of both the vessel/systems and the Virgin Islands created a safe and comfortable voyage. Though experienced in visiting the Virgin Islands, Captain Bernie showed us new and spectacular places to snorkel.
First Mate Ruthie was a delightful hostess and cook who provided scrumptious meals. As a licensed Captain herself, Ruthie shared in the sailing duties and decision-making. Working together as a team there was a sense of security and confidence knowing that either one could handle whatever came up.
Bernie and Ruthie were outstanding host and hostess. We delighted in their stories and shared experiences. We left the boat feeling like we had made new friends!
Sincerely,
Bev and Mike Allgaier
Dear Bernd and Ruth,
I wanted to thank you both again for making our week on Paradise a relaxing vacation. Here is my review of the trip:
For the week of May 22, 2011, we had very cloudy days and no winds - extremely unusual for the Virgin Islands - and I thought the week was going to be a bust, but it turned out to be as enjoyable as any other vacation, thanks to the hospitality of Ruth and Bernd. From the moment we boarded, I had a good feeling about the trip because of their personality. Ruth proved the perfect hostess and added a balanced congruity to Bernd's humour and joviality. No matter how demanding our requests, they never failed to provide what we wanted. The boat was as immaculately kept as anyone could require, and the food was delicious and, yet, simple and healthy. I couldn't think of anyone else I would recommend for someone looking for a really laid-back, "get away from it all" kind of vacation.
Thanks again and Best Regards
Matt Serda