Dear Bernie & Ruthie-
As I sit at home in the midst of a cold, snowy Maine winter I often think back to our second honeymoon from November 2007 which Steve & I enjoyed aboard Paradise. It had been fifteen years since our first chartering experience (and first honeymoon), and our expectations were high for this trip. I have to say that you met and exceeded our expectations in every way!
From your initial greeting to the final good bye we had a wonderful time. Ruthie is an excellent cook (we ate far too much!), makes a “mean” rum punch, and is just a lovely person. You are a skilled captain, a wonderful story-teller, and it is obvious that you truly love what you do.
We will cherish the CD of photographs that you took for us and wonderful added bonus to a relaxing vacation-as we did
not even have to worry about “documenting” the trip! Your skill as captain allowed me to sleep comfortably even during the storm complete with 45 knot winds at night. Paradise is a lovely comfortable boat, with ample room for rest and relaxation day and night.
Steve and I would not hesitate to recommend you and Ruthie without reservation to any future charter! We hope to have the opportunity to see you again and introduce you to the rest of our family.
Best-Sheri & Steve Shaw
Dear Bernie + Ruthie!
We are most grateful for all the opportunities you afforded us while honeymooning aboard Paradise. How fortunate we are to have enjoyed such fine meals, extraordinaire snorkelling, and much needed relaxation. We could not have “honeymooned” with better people than you. Your kindness and service always made us feel welcomed and cared for. God has given you a great energy and a wonderful gift. We have learned a lot from the wisdom you two have and are looking forward to take this home with us!As we reflect on our week, we will have only positive thoughts and memories. We are very thankful for what you have given to us. We look forward to another sailing adventure with you in the future.
Sincerely
Jill & Matt Haase
Dear Bernie and Ruthie,
Well it has been a busy time since returning from our vacation but we've finally had a chance to get caught up a bit.
Both Linda and I wanted to thank you both for the fantastic vacation experience aboard Paradise. It was a really unique holiday and was particularly memorable for Linda in celebrating her 50th birthday while on board.
We would like to complement both you and Ruthie for the enthusiasm and professionalism with which you run the charter and how you treat your guests. Even though you have many guests throughout the season, it still felt like a unique experience which had been customized to our preference. We also appreciated the skill and experience that both of you demonstrate in sailing the boat - we felt safe at all times and enjoyed watching the boat being manoeuvred through the narrower passages with ease.
I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending you and your boat to others who are considering a sailing vacation in the BVI's.
Keep well and keep in touch. Please look us up if you are ever in Calgary.
Regards,
Rob and Linda
Dear Bernd and Ruthie,
How do we describe to people why after 10days of leaving Paradise, we still have smiles from ear to ear. We can’t stop talking about the pleasure of exploring the BVI aboard Paradise with both of you. Although you would be embarrassed, I think the success of our vacation was due to your ability to understand the needs of your guests and then mould and respond to them. We were immediately at home on Paradise. As if we had been there many times. Most people ask us where we went. Every place we went we enjoyed and it was made more enjoyable because of the conversations and easy company.
The next question is how the food was. I always tell them we ate at one restaurant because Ruthie’s cooking on the boat was better than any restaurant. Except one night when Ruthie’s protégé (Bernd!!!) showed us that not only is Ruthie a great cook but also a great teacher! The location and service were incomparable. Playing cards every night produced more laughter than any comedy club. When Rick and I did leave the boat without our boys, they were comfortable in both of your company, a truly lovely extra for them.
In our search for a boat, we happened on Paradise quickly and could not have made a better choice. We did not have boating experience or for that matter, vacationing experience. We felt safe at all times, sailing, exploring, swimming etc. We realized very quickly that we were in very capable hands. For all these reasons, we are now looking for the next opportunity to escape to Paradise and our friends and incomparable hosts, Bernd and Ruthie!
Someone once told us “Heaven can wait! Paradise is here!”
Thanks for a great vacation!
Ann, Rick, Derek and Monte