| GUESTS COMMENTS |
| December 27, 2011 NY\'s charter |
Rik and Ann
This was a trip of a lifetime, the best ever! Fabulous salads, entrees and desserts...that Pad Thai salad woohoo! And the sailing, so perfectly timed. We all had a blast taking turns at the helm.You are marvelous hosts and we can't thank you enough for this wonderful trip through the BVIs!
we expected great sailing, magnificent food and first rate accommodations but found good friends. The best compliment I can offer is that we will return enthusiastically. thanks. Mark and Marsha
Rik and Ann,
For novice sailors we had the trip of a lifetime. Your hospitality and accommodations were beyond all expectations. We couldn't have had a better time - the food and drink were amazing and I'm glad we have pictures to keep the memories alive! And my heartfelt thanks for taking the time to teach me to snorkel as I'll continue to learn and next time I won't need a belt. We loved your stories and thanks for all the good ideas for future reading. So many memories...thanks and best regards, Barry and Paula
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| Xmas 2011 |
Rik and Ann,
Thanks for a great week. The weather may have been a bit variable the experience was consistently great! The accommodations were perfect-just the right amount of space & comfort. The food - amazing!! The libations - ditto!!
This trip was exactly what we wanted thanks to your great service and hospitality! Many great memories for all of us and lots of laughs, including [this is from a game like charades] "toupee + fast cars = Burt Reynolds" and "sunrise Duck"! Thanks for everything!!
The Thomas'
Great way to turn the big 7-0!
Rita
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| Chads 60th Birthday sail - 4 guys from St Louis 2011 |
They created the bucket list for a reason. The ranking went 1 to 10. You both made this a 12. Beyond expectations! Thank you both for the Captainship, stewardship and friendship which you provided both above and below the seas! Chad
Rik and Ann- thanks for a perfect getaway well beyond expectations. Everything was perfect, especially you two. Bob
This week way surpassed my wildest expectations. The memories will [last a lifetime]. Hope to see you soon.
Art
Perfect! Arrrrrgh! Terry
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| Duffy party - June 2011 |
Ann & Rik-
Thanks for an amazing week! It was the best vacation EVER!! You both are so gracious and made us so comfy. The food was out of this world delicious! We will forever remember your warm hospitality, and don't forget the heated games we played at night, they were so much fun! I will miss the smoothies and painkillers. We have made some everlasting friends!- Patti and Sam
It was truly an amazing week and more than we could ever dream of. [You] taught us a lot of things we need to know and how to do them safely. See you in the winter! What a great time, you are both so good at everything you do and you have made it a great trip. Thanks for everything!
-John and MJ, sailboat owners
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| Hesney charter - 2 couples from New England |
The perfect choice, we were so fortunate to have found Rik and Ann and their gorgeous sailboat. We have been in the BVI so many times but this was truly like seeing it for the first time. each anchorage was so special. Our captain Rik is a master at choosing just the right spot for the night with calm water. Our chef was superb and each dish was a savory delight and the presentation like a 5 star restaurant (special thanks to our napkin folding captain). Many thanks for a wonderful week and so many memories. Wishing you the best! Maureen and Dennis
What a great way to see the BVI. The captain knows the places to go for calm anchorages and Ann is a bottomless well of knowledge about the fish to see and where to see them. Not to mention that she's a wonderful chef and open to any whims of her guests. And we love the waiter! Many many thanks for a great week and some wonderful sailing - Bob can now go home to his powerboat with wonderful memories of wind and sails and his time at the helm. Thanks for sharing it! We'll remember you both with great fondness, Bob and Josie
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| June 2011 - 3rd charter on Sandcastle |
Dear Rik and Ann-
Yet another spectacular voyage on the Sandcastle! The anchorages were absolutely perfect for your hermit-like guests. The meals were, well, bordering on decadent! The laughs and fun at night were amazing. I enjoyed Bananagrams, the Name Game, and Trivial Pursuit. The dives were incredible and I feel I am leaving the BVI a better place for our capture of all the lionfish!! The storm on Deep bay was an adventure and not to be forgotten!
You both as always are amazing! We are grateful for your tireless efforts on our behalf and your warm hospitality! We love you guys lots! and look forward to returning again- maybe with the kids, then again, maybe not! Thanks for everything! David and Joanie, TX
Rik and Ann,
What can I say?Once again you have provided us with a "perfect" vacation. The anchorages were ideal, the food to die for and the evening games were a blast! We'll never forget the lionfish hunts! What fun! It is hard to return to the real world after this week, but we'll be back...Thank you for everything. You are both such special, kind, patient people. Rik- you need to chill a bit - hee hee! We love you guys! See you again! Lisa and Jamie, TX
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| March 2011 |
Nothing like a last minute trip to paradise ... Thank you for accommodating us with your warm friendships, smiles, gourmet cooking, sailing, hiking, snorkeling and sharing or your time and talents.
With oceans of love,
Bob and Jill
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| October 31, 2011 Halloween cruise |
| [for] our second voyage aboard Sandcastle there are no words that could ever express the peace, joy and tranquility that come from such a journey. Adventures are meant to be shared. It has been wonderful sharing our time with Captain Rik and first mate Ann! with love and great appreciation for all you do- Don and Diane |
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| Our 12th wonderful vacation on Sandcastle 2011 |
Thank you for our 12th wonderful vacation aboard Sandcastle. We enjoyed seeing our favorite anchorages and exploring new ones. The new main sail is a great addition. We enjoyed all of the delights that come out of Ann's galley. Rik's creative mudslides are dynamite. Sandcastle looks beautiful with her new paint and as always, the varnish gleams. It is such a pleasure to be with you both on the ever-elegant Sandcastle.
Barb & Murray |
| January 2011 |
What a great place to celebrate three birthdays, two of which were mile stones at 75 yrs. It doesn't seem possible that we've been on the Sandcastle 10 or more times. Each time has been a joy and especially with good friends Ann and Rik who are outstanding hosts. Thank you.
Lowery and MaryAnn
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| March 2011 |
I can't say I have ever had a more relaxing time in my life, At first you fall in love with the beatiful boat and islands. But that is not what makes it special for me, It's the two of you. I wish you nothing but beautiful sunsets and I know we can't wait to come back and share them with you.
Drew, Carol, Tom, Megan
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| CHRISTMAS 2010 |
Rik and Ann were just fantastic. The food was great, they were both amazing with the children.
Ann always had ideas for what the kids could do next, which given their age was perfect.
We would be very happy to recommend Sandcastle and with a bit of luck we will have the chance to enjoy another trip sometime.
Best wishes,
Tonya (family from Ireland)"
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| December 2010 |
Thanks for the pancakes and fresh air! Another wonderful sail!
Keiran and Marty
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| January 2011 |
We came to the BVI to sail.....and we made friends! Ann and Rik made a dream come true in the most lovely way. We learned basic sailing principles, the kids practiced sports and leaned English and we had a marvellous family time together.
Henry, Katia, Peter, Vivian
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| November 2010 |
Another wonderful adventure on the yacht Sandcastle. Our favorite parts were snorkeling, fire on the beach, the food and relaxation and our first moonbow.
We just want to say thank you and we can't wait to come back.
Micheal, Jackie, Kiersten, Alexa, Dion and Dianne
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| A fantastic week March 2010 |
Thank you so much for a fantastic week. The food and drinks were 4 star against a backdrop of sea and sun. Totally enjoyed it!
Debbie & Bill, Jackie & Mike |