Sherry, (Broker)… We spent a beautiful week on the Paradise. Ruthie and Bernie are really nice people and very professional sailors. Food was really good and the whole ambiance was suburb. We would highly recommend them. Thanks for all your help. And to Ruthie and Bernie:
THANK YOU BOTH AGAIN FOR BEING SO AWESOME!
Merry Christmas!
The Salcky’s
Bernie and Ruthie,
Stephanie and I along with Jim and Sue had a wonderful sailing trip with you both. You made the trip precious and we felt like kings and queens. You took great care of us as well as showed us some awesome snorkelling spots and experiences of a life time. We so appreciate your kindness and relationship. It was nice of you to share your passion and a little bit of your personal life with us.
You never rushed us to any of the anchorages and we got to see lots more of the Virgin Islands then we thought was possible. The food you prepared was elegantly displayed and tasted out of this world. It was so hard not wanting to help so you could relax but every time we tried to you politely declined our help. Yet when all was done you came and joined us and we really appreciated that. So thank you for the wonderful time and your friendship.
James and Stephanie B.
Bernd and Ruth
… are the most amazing people we have ever met! They both have a natural talent to make you feel welcomed and comfortable the moment you step onto their boat. And their boat was in immaculate condition, beautiful inside and out!
And Bernd and Ruth are incredible and entertaining! Their knowledge of the area, the local people and the islands is astonishing! They are very genuine, caring people. We would recommend them and their boat to anyone. We have travelled the world and have never met two people whose company we enjoyed so much; we were heartbroken to leave at the end of our trip!
Thank you so much and we are back soon!
Chris and Randy B.
Dear Bernie and Ruthie,
It was our second time aboard Paradise and again it was outstanding and truly an adventure! Sailing from the BVIs to Grenada provided us with a very different experience then sailing in the rather benign waters of the BVIs. This trip gave us everything we wanted in an extended cruise: An overnight sail, heavy weather experience, exotic destinations, entering a strange port at night, dealing with equipment malfunction etc. Learning to sail the wind "off the islands" and navigating reefs were added bonuses.
As always you were gracious host and hostess. Gourmet meals, suburb service and personal attention were, as always, the standard. Watching you work as a well-oiled team during the midnight squall on the way to Saba was amazing! Never once did we feel we were in a dangerous situation. Your knowledge of the boat and the exceptional condition of Paradise gave us comfort that no matter what might come up, you and the boat were equipped to handle it.
Thank you once again for a truly rewarding and learning adventure! We can't wait to sail on Paradise again.
Mike & Bea
Bernie and Ruthie,
Want to thank you so much for a lovely week! Please tell Ruthie that Ralph gained 8 lbs. and that means a great trip. He is now on a diet!!!!
We are both back at work, but as soon as I get a free moment I would be so glad to write you both a great write up. You both certainly deserve it.
Miss your warm weather and surely Ruthie's great meals. How beautiful was that!!!! And your shrimp dinner Bernie, was also a hit!!!!!
Hope you are both well and again, Thank you for a fabulous trip!!!!!!!
Ralph and Arlene
Bernie & Ruth,
Paradise is a beautiful, comfortable, immaculately maintained, well equipped yacht. Add to that not one, but 2 exceptional hosts. Throw in the beautiful Virgin Islands, meals that exceed all expectations and there is nothing left but to enjoy. I recommend Paradise in heaven with no reservations.
Bernie and Ruth, feel free to use that paragraph, or excerpts, in your promotions if you feel it is helpful. I want, however, to write to my new friends on a more personal level. First and foremost thank you, thank you, and thank you for a wonderful vacation. It truly was!
Cathy and I, as well as Ralph and Arlene, have travelled to many destinations in the world, but the week on Paradise will remain one of our favourites. I wrote to Lynne (Broker) separately and mentioned to her that we are not used to being waited on to the extent you provided. But as the week went on we started to get better and better at being too lazy to wait on ourselves. I suggested to Cathy that this is how I should always be treated, but I don't think it's going to happen. I have my memories though.
I also encouraged Lynne to continue to promote Paradise saying that Bernie and Ruthie will never let her down. I feel the same about her representing you. She is very professional and follows up on every detail.
Ruth, we had been planning to eat ashore at least once, but we scrapped that plan because none of us wanted to miss one of your meals. You are a fantastic chef. Then Bernie surprised us with the dinner he prepared which was also terrific. I'm going to always remember Bernie setting the table. He sets a very high standard. I'll never try to explain that to anyone. You had to be there.
Also those stories Bernie told about the ranch in BC were hilarious. I'm not sure he meant them to be, but they sure were.
Although we had some showers the first couple days, Paradise is so comfortable, and the company was so pleasant that it had no negative effect. The temperatures all week were perfect both day and night. As beautiful and comfortable as the main salon is, I don't recall any of us even sitting down there for one minute. We all just headed up on deck
Also the two kids who gave us a ride back to the boat on Jost Van Dyke sticks in my memory. Between what you tipped them and what I tipped them and what Ralph tipped them I think they earned about $55.00 for that ride which works out to about $100 per hour. Not bad for the budding entrepreneurs.
If we decide to give it another go (there I go using American slang again which confuses the Germans but I'm trying to expand your vocabularies) it will definitely be with the two of you. Your website says something like "Come as guests and leave as friends", Well put. That's how we feel!
Also we very much appreciated the fact that you took us sailing that last afternoon rather than dropping us off at the dock at noon. That made us feel like maybe we were enjoyable to have on board. We wanted to be!
Have a great season and thanks again for a terrific week. I'd love to hear what your next adventure will be if and when you move on from chartering someday.
Dick
Bernie & Ruthie:
The name Paradise is perfect for the name of this sailboat, its crew and its location. Bernie and Ruthie are the perfect hosts. From the time you board to the time you leave they are your friends for life. They know instinctually when you want to have a conversation or be left alone in your thoughts. Bernie and Ruth are not just great captains but are so bright and have had so many successful businesses. They are worldly, sophisticated, and charming.
I have chartered for many years, eaten in the best restaurants and slept in the best hotels. This is the Ritz on water!
Bernie and Ruthie anticipate every need or desire. They know all the best areas for snorkelling and anchoring. They are so experienced that you never have to be concerned about anything. All you do is rest, snorkel, lay in the swim chair and read.
The boat itself is like no other. I never hit my head or had to squat to get to my cabin. A queen size bed and shower stall. On deck I had so many places for shade or sun that it was hard to make up my mind so I went from one to the other.
If you have been on Benito’s or catamarans this experience is totally different. Imagine flush toilets that you do not have to pump by hand.
The food served to you on deck is prepared and presented with all the flare of an expensive restaurant. This is three meals a day, snacks and beverages. Be specific on your request sheet. I am a fan of Grey Goose and Amstel light and it was on board for me to enjoy. Every aspect of décor, sheets, towels, art, and place setting are the best and well thought out.
It was the best week I have ever had and I can’t wait to go again!
My 16 year old nephew had the experience that I waited too long for. My advice don’t wait- do it!
In summery I am afraid I have to give a 5 star rating and hope that I can book a charter again hoping that they will be able to fit me in with all my boasting.
Bernie and Ruth I miss you and wish you a great trip to the Grenadines.
Best wishes,
Richard
Bernie & Ruthie!
10 times we did charter in the BVI's on 6 different yachts with 6 different crews but by far "Paradise" is the best! Thank you for this memorable wonderful trip “in Paradise on Paradise” with great sailing, great snorkelling, plenty to eat and new friends, too!! Your hospitality was greatly appreciated making our stay fantastic.
Bob & Angela Mauceri
Bruce & Mary Brown
Dear Broker! Below is a testimonial for "Paradise" that I'd like you to use and share with Ruthie and Bernie. We loved the trip...in 6 short days, the experience sunk so deeply into my pores that readjustment has been terrible! As I am sure you know, there are no nicer people than Bernie and Ruthie-- and Bernie constantly sang your praises as an excellent agent. Thanks for arranging our charter and for being such a great booking agent for Paradise--they deserve it! T. Murdock
TESTIMONIAL BELOW
We just returned from a week on Paradise with another couple and are slowly readjusting to life "post Paradise". Everything about our trip was magnificent. The ship was spacious, extremely comfortable, and immaculate. The best part of Paradise however, is Bernie and Ruthie. They are amazing hosts and captains who go to great lengths to make sure you are satisfied with every detail of your trip. They carefully planned our itinerary each day to make the best of the wind and current conditions, and they anchored us in protected spots in the evening so that we would sleep undeterred by swell. As extremely accomplished sailors, their skill and attention to detail inspired our complete confidence. They were very attentive to our stated interests, sailing hard to Anegada and back one day and taking us to beautiful, uncrowned snorkelling places and pristine beaches for walking and sunning. In between sailing stints, Ruthie prepared delicious, healthy gourmet meals that were attentively and joyfully served by Bernie. Above all, Ruthie and Bernie are extraordinarily warm, caring people whose love for humanity and enthusiasm for life shine through in all they do. They made the trip more special than we could have imagined.
T. B. Murdock and B. J. Hoyt
RE: Thanks for a Wonderful Holiday on Paradise
Dear Ruth and Bernd,
Thanks for such a wonderful holiday with you aboard Paradise. The first time we ever chartered a sailboat was with you. At that time my wife said it was “the best vacation ever”. This time it was even better.
The two of you and Paradise are a perfect match for us. You are great team. It was delightful to spend a week with you. You have developed a wonderful sense of pacing with everything; including the food and sailing.
We wanted to introduce our friends, Sarah and David, to the joys of sailing and snorkelling. The Paradise was the perfect match for us. You did a great job helping to introduce them to wonderful snorkelling and cruising under sail. As Sarah was concerned about possible seasickness, we really appreciate how careful you were to find us great places to moor and anchor to assure great evenings without major swell issues. Sarah and David were ecstatic about the holiday. The food and hospitality were as wonderful as I recall from before. Both the preparation and presentation were very nice. More important, the two of you are a joy to sail with. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have been able to sail with you.
We will do our best to come back and sail with you again.
Thanks for your help.
Cordially
Bob Bernie and Ruthie,
Stephanie and I along with Jim and Sue had a wonderful sailing trip with you both. You made the trip precious and we felt like kings and queens. You took great care of us as well as showed us some awesome snorkeling spot and experiences of a life time. We so appreciate your kindness and relationship. It was nice of you to share your passion and a little bit of your personal life with us. You never rushed us to any of the anchorages and we got to see lots more of the Virgin Islands then we thought was possible. The food you prepared was elegantly displayed and tasted out of this world. It was so hard not wanting to help so you could relax but every time we tried to you politely declined our help. Yet when all was done you came and joined us and we really appreciated that.
So thank you for the wonderful time and your friendship.
James and Stephanie Missy: (Broker)
Somewhat belatedly, I wanted to give you feedback on our charter aboard SY Paradise during January 24-31, 2010.
In a word, the charter was FABULOUS. Bernie & Ruthie were delightful and a pleasure to be with. As Ruthie so aptly stated when we got off the boat in Virgin Gorda, “You came aboard as guests and left as friends”. We very much hope to see them again.
The boat was meticulously clean, well equipped and extremely comfortable for 2 couples on a charter together.
The food was amazing. We gave Ruthie ovations after almost every meal. We had no interest in going ashore for dinner when we could have Ruthie’s gourmet cooking on board. Both Bernie and Ruthie provided exceptional service and did everything possible to make us feel welcome (and special) on board. They worked together seamlessly and effortlessly. After having sailed for over 40 years, it is rare to find a couple who can do that!
The sailing was amazing and the weather turned for the better when we arrived. We had terrific breeze and had a wonderful time exploring the BVI. I was thrilled to sail the boat for long stretches, including entering the North Sound of Virgin Gorda.
Your have a great listing with Paradise and with Bernie and Ruthie, in particular. They are first class all the way. We would highly recommend Paradise and Bernie and Ruthie to those who are looking for a first class experience on a boat in the 55-60 ft. range.
Missy, we had dreamed of this vacation for 25 years. It did not disappoint. It certainly will not take us another 25 years to get back to the BVI.
Thanks so much for all of your help.
All the best,
David E. Bowe
President & CEO
Dear Bernie and Ruthie:
Pat and I didn't know quite what to expect on our first visit to BVI and our first crewed sailboat charter. After a week on the Paradise, all we can say is "Wow!" The design of the boat is so "user-friendly" that we were always comfortable, but we especially enjoyed our time around the table in the centre cockpit . . . probably because it involved so many spectacular meals, fine wine and wonderful visits with the two of you while we took in the sights of BVI. We only can offer one piece of advice: "Don't Change Anything!"
Best Wishes,
Steve & Pat Platt
Dear Ruthie and Bernie,
The 2 weeks trip we made with you through the US and BVI was truly wonderful. It was for us exactly the right mix of relaxing and pampering, and joining in the sailing of the boat. It was not our first sailing trip, but certainly it was by far the nicest!
You made us feel extremely welcome and we greatly appreciate all your efforts to cater to our every whim. The quality and freshness of the food and the love and energy you put in it for us have made an unforgettable impression. We still do not understand how you manage to keep your provisions so fresh! The breakfast was 100 times better than in the 4 star hotels where we have been before the sailing. Lunch and dinner meals were extremely delicious and at the same time healthy. It is the first time we didn’t have to make any selection from a menu, but yet greatly enjoyed the 5-star meals.
Ruthie is a very gifted chef, and the food was perfect on every single occasion. You should really write a book about provisioning in BVI and providing masterpieces from the galley: Michelin will one day provide you with the stars!
Bernie, thank you for sharing some very valuable and practical guidance on sailing: you managed to wet my appetite to get my own captains-license! You guys sure know your way around these islands, and thank you for identifying time and again a new and interesting location for exploring above, in and under the water!
Thank you for your going the extra mile, when arranging Hans’s scuba to the wreck of the RMS Rhone and arranging the SPA treatment for Kirsi. Also the special touch during the X-mas time meals was a wonderful addition!
We have had a wonderful 2 weeks, with 2 very special people with a very unique background. It was a huge pleasure to get to know you, and we certainly hope to visit you again some day.
Moi Moi !
Kirsi & Hans
THANK YOU BOTH AGAIN FOR BEING SO AWESOME!
Merry Christmas!
The Salcky’s
Bernie and Ruthie,
Stephanie and I along with Jim and Sue had a wonderful sailing trip with you both. You made the trip precious and we felt like kings and queens. You took great care of us as well as showed us some awesome snorkelling spots and experiences of a life time. We so appreciate your kindness and relationship. It was nice of you to share your passion and a little bit of your personal life with us.
You never rushed us to any of the anchorages and we got to see lots more of the Virgin Islands then we thought was possible. The food you prepared was elegantly displayed and tasted out of this world. It was so hard not wanting to help so you could relax but every time we tried to you politely declined our help. Yet when all was done you came and joined us and we really appreciated that. So thank you for the wonderful time and your friendship.
James and Stephanie B.
Bernd and Ruth
… are the most amazing people we have ever met! They both have a natural talent to make you feel welcomed and comfortable the moment you step onto their boat. And their boat was in immaculate condition, beautiful inside and out!
And Bernd and Ruth are incredible and entertaining! Their knowledge of the area, the local people and the islands is astonishing! They are very genuine, caring people. We would recommend them and their boat to anyone. We have travelled the world and have never met two people whose company we enjoyed so much; we were heartbroken to leave at the end of our trip!
Thank you so much and we are back soon!
Chris and Randy B.
Dear Bernie and Ruthie,
It was our second time aboard Paradise and again it was outstanding and truly an adventure! Sailing from the BVIs to Grenada provided us with a very different experience then sailing in the rather benign waters of the BVIs. This trip gave us everything we wanted in an extended cruise: An overnight sail, heavy weather experience, exotic destinations, entering a strange port at night, dealing with equipment malfunction etc. Learning to sail the wind "off the islands" and navigating reefs were added bonuses.
As always you were gracious host and hostess. Gourmet meals, suburb service and personal attention were, as always, the standard. Watching you work as a well-oiled team during the midnight squall on the way to Saba was amazing! Never once did we feel we were in a dangerous situation. Your knowledge of the boat and the exceptional condition of Paradise gave us comfort that no matter what might come up, you and the boat were equipped to handle it.
Thank you once again for a truly rewarding and learning adventure! We can't wait to sail on Paradise again.
Mike & Bea
Bernie and Ruthie,
Want to thank you so much for a lovely week! Please tell Ruthie that Ralph gained 8 lbs. and that means a great trip. He is now on a diet!!!!
We are both back at work, but as soon as I get a free moment I would be so glad to write you both a great write up. You both certainly deserve it.
Miss your warm weather and surely Ruthie's great meals. How beautiful was that!!!! And your shrimp dinner Bernie, was also a hit!!!!!
Hope you are both well and again, Thank you for a fabulous trip!!!!!!!
Ralph and Arlene
Bernie & Ruth,
Paradise is a beautiful, comfortable, immaculately maintained, well equipped yacht. Add to that not one, but 2 exceptional hosts. Throw in the beautiful Virgin Islands, meals that exceed all expectations and there is nothing left but to enjoy. I recommend Paradise in heaven with no reservations.
Bernie and Ruth, feel free to use that paragraph, or excerpts, in your promotions if you feel it is helpful. I want, however, to write to my new friends on a more personal level. First and foremost thank you, thank you, and thank you for a wonderful vacation. It truly was!
Cathy and I, as well as Ralph and Arlene, have travelled to many destinations in the world, but the week on Paradise will remain one of our favourites. I wrote to Lynne (Broker) separately and mentioned to her that we are not used to being waited on to the extent you provided. But as the week went on we started to get better and better at being too lazy to wait on ourselves. I suggested to Cathy that this is how I should always be treated, but I don't think it's going to happen. I have my memories though.
I also encouraged Lynne to continue to promote Paradise saying that Bernie and Ruthie will never let her down. I feel the same about her representing you. She is very professional and follows up on every detail.
Ruth, we had been planning to eat ashore at least once, but we scrapped that plan because none of us wanted to miss one of your meals. You are a fantastic chef. Then Bernie surprised us with the dinner he prepared which was also terrific. I'm going to always remember Bernie setting the table. He sets a very high standard. I'll never try to explain that to anyone. You had to be there.
Also those stories Bernie told about the ranch in BC were hilarious. I'm not sure he meant them to be, but they sure were.
Although we had some showers the first couple days, Paradise is so comfortable, and the company was so pleasant that it had no negative effect. The temperatures all week were perfect both day and night. As beautiful and comfortable as the main salon is, I don't recall any of us even sitting down there for one minute. We all just headed up on deck
Also the two kids who gave us a ride back to the boat on Jost Van Dyke sticks in my memory. Between what you tipped them and what I tipped them and what Ralph tipped them I think they earned about $55.00 for that ride which works out to about $100 per hour. Not bad for the budding entrepreneurs.
If we decide to give it another go (there I go using American slang again which confuses the Germans but I'm trying to expand your vocabularies) it will definitely be with the two of you. Your website says something like "Come as guests and leave as friends", Well put. That's how we feel!
Also we very much appreciated the fact that you took us sailing that last afternoon rather than dropping us off at the dock at noon. That made us feel like maybe we were enjoyable to have on board. We wanted to be!
Have a great season and thanks again for a terrific week. I'd love to hear what your next adventure will be if and when you move on from chartering someday.
Dick
Bernie & Ruthie:
The name Paradise is perfect for the name of this sailboat, its crew and its location. Bernie and Ruthie are the perfect hosts. From the time you board to the time you leave they are your friends for life. They know instinctually when you want to have a conversation or be left alone in your thoughts. Bernie and Ruth are not just great captains but are so bright and have had so many successful businesses. They are worldly, sophisticated, and charming.
I have chartered for many years, eaten in the best restaurants and slept in the best hotels. This is the Ritz on water!
Bernie and Ruthie anticipate every need or desire. They know all the best areas for snorkelling and anchoring. They are so experienced that you never have to be concerned about anything. All you do is rest, snorkel, lay in the swim chair and read.
The boat itself is like no other. I never hit my head or had to squat to get to my cabin. A queen size bed and shower stall. On deck I had so many places for shade or sun that it was hard to make up my mind so I went from one to the other.
If you have been on Benito’s or catamarans this experience is totally different. Imagine flush toilets that you do not have to pump by hand.
The food served to you on deck is prepared and presented with all the flare of an expensive restaurant. This is three meals a day, snacks and beverages. Be specific on your request sheet. I am a fan of Grey Goose and Amstel light and it was on board for me to enjoy. Every aspect of décor, sheets, towels, art, and place setting are the best and well thought out.
It was the best week I have ever had and I can’t wait to go again!
My 16 year old nephew had the experience that I waited too long for. My advice don’t wait- do it!
In summery I am afraid I have to give a 5 star rating and hope that I can book a charter again hoping that they will be able to fit me in with all my boasting.
Bernie and Ruth I miss you and wish you a great trip to the Grenadines.
Best wishes,
Richard
Bernie & Ruthie!
10 times we did charter in the BVI's on 6 different yachts with 6 different crews but by far "Paradise" is the best! Thank you for this memorable wonderful trip “in Paradise on Paradise” with great sailing, great snorkelling, plenty to eat and new friends, too!! Your hospitality was greatly appreciated making our stay fantastic.
Bob & Angela Mauceri
Bruce & Mary Brown
Dear Broker! Below is a testimonial for "Paradise" that I'd like you to use and share with Ruthie and Bernie. We loved the trip...in 6 short days, the experience sunk so deeply into my pores that readjustment has been terrible! As I am sure you know, there are no nicer people than Bernie and Ruthie-- and Bernie constantly sang your praises as an excellent agent. Thanks for arranging our charter and for being such a great booking agent for Paradise--they deserve it! T. Murdock
TESTIMONIAL BELOW
We just returned from a week on Paradise with another couple and are slowly readjusting to life "post Paradise". Everything about our trip was magnificent. The ship was spacious, extremely comfortable, and immaculate. The best part of Paradise however, is Bernie and Ruthie. They are amazing hosts and captains who go to great lengths to make sure you are satisfied with every detail of your trip. They carefully planned our itinerary each day to make the best of the wind and current conditions, and they anchored us in protected spots in the evening so that we would sleep undeterred by swell. As extremely accomplished sailors, their skill and attention to detail inspired our complete confidence. They were very attentive to our stated interests, sailing hard to Anegada and back one day and taking us to beautiful, uncrowned snorkelling places and pristine beaches for walking and sunning. In between sailing stints, Ruthie prepared delicious, healthy gourmet meals that were attentively and joyfully served by Bernie. Above all, Ruthie and Bernie are extraordinarily warm, caring people whose love for humanity and enthusiasm for life shine through in all they do. They made the trip more special than we could have imagined.
T. B. Murdock and B. J. Hoyt
RE: Thanks for a Wonderful Holiday on Paradise
Dear Ruth and Bernd,
Thanks for such a wonderful holiday with you aboard Paradise. The first time we ever chartered a sailboat was with you. At that time my wife said it was “the best vacation ever”. This time it was even better.
The two of you and Paradise are a perfect match for us. You are great team. It was delightful to spend a week with you. You have developed a wonderful sense of pacing with everything; including the food and sailing.
We wanted to introduce our friends, Sarah and David, to the joys of sailing and snorkelling. The Paradise was the perfect match for us. You did a great job helping to introduce them to wonderful snorkelling and cruising under sail. As Sarah was concerned about possible seasickness, we really appreciate how careful you were to find us great places to moor and anchor to assure great evenings without major swell issues. Sarah and David were ecstatic about the holiday. The food and hospitality were as wonderful as I recall from before. Both the preparation and presentation were very nice. More important, the two of you are a joy to sail with. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have been able to sail with you.
We will do our best to come back and sail with you again.
Thanks for your help.
Cordially
Bob Bernie and Ruthie,
Stephanie and I along with Jim and Sue had a wonderful sailing trip with you both. You made the trip precious and we felt like kings and queens. You took great care of us as well as showed us some awesome snorkeling spot and experiences of a life time. We so appreciate your kindness and relationship. It was nice of you to share your passion and a little bit of your personal life with us. You never rushed us to any of the anchorages and we got to see lots more of the Virgin Islands then we thought was possible. The food you prepared was elegantly displayed and tasted out of this world. It was so hard not wanting to help so you could relax but every time we tried to you politely declined our help. Yet when all was done you came and joined us and we really appreciated that.
So thank you for the wonderful time and your friendship.
James and Stephanie Missy: (Broker)
Somewhat belatedly, I wanted to give you feedback on our charter aboard SY Paradise during January 24-31, 2010.
In a word, the charter was FABULOUS. Bernie & Ruthie were delightful and a pleasure to be with. As Ruthie so aptly stated when we got off the boat in Virgin Gorda, “You came aboard as guests and left as friends”. We very much hope to see them again.
The boat was meticulously clean, well equipped and extremely comfortable for 2 couples on a charter together.
The food was amazing. We gave Ruthie ovations after almost every meal. We had no interest in going ashore for dinner when we could have Ruthie’s gourmet cooking on board. Both Bernie and Ruthie provided exceptional service and did everything possible to make us feel welcome (and special) on board. They worked together seamlessly and effortlessly. After having sailed for over 40 years, it is rare to find a couple who can do that!
The sailing was amazing and the weather turned for the better when we arrived. We had terrific breeze and had a wonderful time exploring the BVI. I was thrilled to sail the boat for long stretches, including entering the North Sound of Virgin Gorda.
Your have a great listing with Paradise and with Bernie and Ruthie, in particular. They are first class all the way. We would highly recommend Paradise and Bernie and Ruthie to those who are looking for a first class experience on a boat in the 55-60 ft. range.
Missy, we had dreamed of this vacation for 25 years. It did not disappoint. It certainly will not take us another 25 years to get back to the BVI.
Thanks so much for all of your help.
All the best,
David E. Bowe
President & CEO
Dear Bernie and Ruthie:
Pat and I didn't know quite what to expect on our first visit to BVI and our first crewed sailboat charter. After a week on the Paradise, all we can say is "Wow!" The design of the boat is so "user-friendly" that we were always comfortable, but we especially enjoyed our time around the table in the centre cockpit . . . probably because it involved so many spectacular meals, fine wine and wonderful visits with the two of you while we took in the sights of BVI. We only can offer one piece of advice: "Don't Change Anything!"
Best Wishes,
Steve & Pat Platt
Dear Ruthie and Bernie,
The 2 weeks trip we made with you through the US and BVI was truly wonderful. It was for us exactly the right mix of relaxing and pampering, and joining in the sailing of the boat. It was not our first sailing trip, but certainly it was by far the nicest!
You made us feel extremely welcome and we greatly appreciate all your efforts to cater to our every whim. The quality and freshness of the food and the love and energy you put in it for us have made an unforgettable impression. We still do not understand how you manage to keep your provisions so fresh! The breakfast was 100 times better than in the 4 star hotels where we have been before the sailing. Lunch and dinner meals were extremely delicious and at the same time healthy. It is the first time we didn’t have to make any selection from a menu, but yet greatly enjoyed the 5-star meals.
Ruthie is a very gifted chef, and the food was perfect on every single occasion. You should really write a book about provisioning in BVI and providing masterpieces from the galley: Michelin will one day provide you with the stars!
Bernie, thank you for sharing some very valuable and practical guidance on sailing: you managed to wet my appetite to get my own captains-license! You guys sure know your way around these islands, and thank you for identifying time and again a new and interesting location for exploring above, in and under the water!
Thank you for your going the extra mile, when arranging Hans’s scuba to the wreck of the RMS Rhone and arranging the SPA treatment for Kirsi. Also the special touch during the X-mas time meals was a wonderful addition!
We have had a wonderful 2 weeks, with 2 very special people with a very unique background. It was a huge pleasure to get to know you, and we certainly hope to visit you again some day.
Moi Moi !
Kirsi & Hans