AKKA Testimonials
March 2011 Two Week Charter
Capt Jon Westmoreland and Gundren "Spike" Greve-
We are writing to say a heartfelt 'THANK YOU' for a truly memorable experience aboard AKKA'
From the moment you greeted us at the Saint Marten airport for pour taxi ride to the harbor where AKKA's dinghy was waiting, through each day of the dreamlike two weeks of sailing, we experienced one of the most exciting, exotic and fun vacations ever. It was obvious your many years of experience and great familiarity with the Caribbean, on both land and sea, all contributed to the quality of our chosen activities. It truly seemed that whatever we wanted to do you made happen. From the morning coffee, quietly and beautifully laid out, to choosing special anchorages for privacy and perfect snorkeling, to hand-picked guides for our island tours, it was all geared toward our ultimate enjoyment. We'll never forget Spike's superb cooking talents, creating delicious dinners coupled with lovely French wines or those mouthwatering lunches under full sail.
We all appreciated Jon's willingness and careful guidance in allowing us to participate in the sailing experience. It was also so special to learn about the marine life from Spike, the best snorkeling guide ever!
Many thanks for it all. We will be back.
Best regards from the high country of "text-decoration: underline;">April 2011 2 Day charter (St Barths)
Thank you for taking such good care of our guests on the tour. They all came back and said they had a fantastic time! Thanks again.
Otto and Alina
April 2011 Two Week Charter
I want to thank you both for absolutely the best vacation ever! I have never really considered myself a 'boat person', but our recent sailing trip on the AKKA was one of the most memorable and enjoyable of my life. Jon's experience and constant attention to safety kept me completely relaxed and un-stressed. I was so impressed by his connections on every island we visited; with taxi driver, guides and dealing with the clearing authorities everywhere. It made our time completely stress-free and entertaining. The variety of activities from sailing, to snorkeling, exploring different islands, shopping and dining out was fascinating throughout the entire trip - which we didn't want to end even after two weeks!
I can't say enough good things about Spike's cooking either, we all concluded that the food on the boat was better than any of the restaurants we visited. You were both incredible hosts and I will encourage everyone I know to go sailing with you on AKKA.
Thank you again.
Best Wishes ever,
Lynda
Location: St. Maarten Date: Dec. 16-23, 2011
How did you enjoy your cruising vacation? Our seven days on AKKA were beyond all expectations
How would you describe your Captain and crew? Were they courteous? Attentive? Knowledgeable?
. In the past, we avoided crewed charters fearing we might not enjoy spending time in close quarters with strangers who might not fit with our group. To our delight, Jon and Gudrun became instant friends and part of our family. They work very effectively as a team with a well organized approach to dealing with the combination of sailing, safety, housekeeping and catering to lots if different needs. Some examples:
· Gudrun would not let our 5 year old grandson out of her sight when he was on deck without a life jacket.
· Jon gave very good briefings on what to do and what not to do, including one immediately on boarding and one prior to sailing.
· Hearing signs of a cough in our grandson, Jon took the initiative to arrange a prescription and accompanied spend an hour ferrying and accompanying our daughter to the pharmacy to ensure it came through.
· When we organized a dinner at our son?s place onshore, Jon and Gudrun shuttled us to and from in their personal cars
· They have a very nice arrangement with a local car company, which resulted in our always having transit on shore exactly when needed and in a clean, safe vehicle with a courteous driver.
Gudrun and Jon each have precise, standard routines that took all the uncertainty out of handling the boat, sails and lines. They happily allowed and taught others how to help or do the tasks themselves, and would then quietly correct anything that was not done the right way.
Both Jon and Gudrun have terrific situational awareness. They could spot our concerns or needs prior to our saying anything about them. And we were THE priority. They both worked extremely hard yet never gave even a hint of exasperation if they needed to provide help or give attention to us despite their being fully engaged in another task. I have rarely seen such total commitment to customers. And they did this in a way they we never felt as if we were imposing on them. Quite a comfortable environment that could easily spoil you.
Both are very well organized and prepared. Throughout the week, there were no surprises, no drama, no oversights and no situations where there was any risk. And this was in some strong winds and swells. It was clear that they would not compromise safety or put us in jeopardy.
Jon stayed very current on weather and set the entire itinerary accordingly. I suspect we were one of the few boats where those onboard slept comfortably during a week of swells and rolly anchorages. They know how conditions in each of the harbors will be given wind and sea conditions ? and they kept us in very calm anchorages. This required some important decisions regarding what not to do, which proved very sound.
Tell me about your meals? Did the menus meet your group?s expectations?
This was another highlight. Gudrun is a master at finding and preparing delightful meals, all from fresh ingredients and always with variety and very high quality. Plus, she always met our timetables and had no complaints if breakfast stretched out over the morning as various folks awakened. And there were always extra portions and surprises that added to the pleasure. So very, very high marks on meals, all of which we ate on board.
How is the yacht? Is she clean and well maintained? Were your cabins comfortable?
Immaculate and extremely well maintained. I never found a speck or rust, dirt or an area of cracked or chipped paint. AKKA is a high quality boat with excellent sails, fittings, lines, anchors, dingy, etc. It is the Four Seasons of boats. All equipment operated flawlessly throughout the week. This was no accident.
How did you find the pace and the itinerary of your vacation?
Timed and set just right for us. It became tricky given the winds and seas, but Jon knew exactly how to adjust so that we got to and enjoyed the places we wanted without jeopardizing our comfort or safety.
Would you charter this yacht again? If not, please explain. If yes, what are the key reasons?
Absolutely. The main reasons are Jon and Gudrun and the quality of the boat.
Additional comments:
Folks with physical limitations should talk with Jon regarding their needs. This may not be the right boat for folks unable to navigate ladders.
