GUESTS COMMENTS 2009Mark, Stephanie, Taylor and Natalie Clifford Alan, It's been the better part of a year since our sail aboard Catalyst but all of us still reminisce about the fantastic time we had. Sitting here at home watching the snow fall has me day-dreaming about another relaxing cruise through the BVI with complete confidence in our captain's skills, both at the helm and in the galley. Our two-day stop in Anegada was unforgettable as were our stops at Norman Island, Jost Van Dyke and Leverick Bay. But it was your recommendation that led us to two spots we hadn't seen on our two previous trips to the BVI, Sandy Spit and Cane Garden Bay, both of which were absolutely beautiful. These great memories will certainly last a lifetime and we all look forward to the next time we see you aboard Catalyst. Cheers, Mark, Stephanie, Taylor and Natalie Clifford Blairstown, NJ USA Lewis...Feb. 2010 Well what can I say. This was one of the best vacations I have ever had! My two brothers and I went down to the B.V.I. hoping for a good time, and ended with a great time. Our Captain, ( Allan Roberts ) bent over backward to be sure we were enjoying ourselves. Not only did he ask us what we wanted to do, but made suggestions as to what we might do, (otherwise we would have missed a lot). As well, he is a patient and understanding divemaster, ( we are qualified, but sporatic divers ) And set the dives to our abilities starting at beginner to more advanced, always making us comfortable, and being sure that the dives were enjoyable and interesting. The work that he put in to getting us to see all that was the B.V.I. in the time we were there was amzing, as was the food! You gotta try a Catalyst Burger! Breakfast lunch and dinner are worthy of a 5 star restaraunt, but consumed not overlooking the water, but on the water. Thanks Allan! Garrison Jan. 2010 Dear Gail, I just want to take a moment to thank you for getting me set up with Captain Alan Roberts on “Catalyst”. Gwen and I just got back from our second annual trip with Al. It was as spectacular as the first, and then some….At my request, we snorkeled twice a day. Never the same spot twice, and each dive more spectacular than the last. Gwen is afraid of boats, water, and fish, yet, just like last time, she came away begging me to do it again next year. One of the hard things I have a hard time describing to my friends, is the feeling you get from having a “postcard view”, in all directions, every moment, of every day, for an entire week. After dinner, we lay on the soft trampoline type bow, gazing at stars, with a balmy breeze soothing our minds, bodies, and spirits. Somehow every gorgeous bay had something special to offer. We walked the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever seen, on islands ranging from secluded, to deserted. We took the most spectacular hike I’ve ever taken, from quiet bay, to secluded polished rock shoreline, then elevating and narrowing to it’s completion atop a jagged cliff, with a 200 foot drop to wave beaten rocks, and a panoramic view as far as the eye can see….. We’re not big party animals, but when we wanted to socialize a bit, Al just set us up in a great beach place with live music, and a nice mix of locals, and fellow “happy” sailors. My lame descriptive ability couldn’t possibly do justice the food Al conjured up. By day three, I was completely embarrassed by the amount of “food worship” we were heaping on him…..Seriously, he must have thought we’d just come off a 40 day hunger strike or something. I doubt “Oprah” gets food as good as that! The swordfish with mango salsa was amazing. The mahi mahi with some crazy reduction sauce was beyond description. Snack time with Al’s famous guacamole dip, and a fruity little rum drink, always works for us as well. I just want to finish by saying that the most important ingredient on this trip, is Captain Al. He takes this amazing paradise of a location, and allows you to fully experience, and enjoy it, in your own personal way. He’s extremely knowledgeable, congenial, confident, and witty. Yet he always seems to be at the edges of your “vacation of a lifetime”. He’s not trying to be the show. He’s allowing you to enjoy the “real show”, which is this spectacular group of islands, and the waters surrounding them. He’s always there when you need him, yet he’s “NEVER” there when you don’t need him. Gwen and I think the world of him!!!!! His patience, humility, and ego-less presence, make him a pleasure to be around. He has our profound thanks, and we thank you for putting us together. My apologies for rambling, but it was all so wonderful, that I get a bit excited describing it. I am including my phone number, and would drop whatever I’m doing, just to speak with anyone interested in sailing with Al Roberts aboard “Catalyst”. I couldn’t possibly recommend him in strong enough terms!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy Sailing! March 2009 Sailing on Catalyst was an amazing, Outstanding, once in a lifetime (I hope not) experience. I can’t say enough about this trip to do it justice. The boat was beautiful, comfortable and stocked for any of our meals and then some. The itinerary was wonderfully planned and executed. The food that Alan prepared was fabulous, varied, delectable, and suited for our specific tastes. The dining was so varied and spectacular, as to be impossible to describe. But what truly made this trip perfect was the “CREW”. Alan creates an environment that is so relaxed, comfortable, enlightening, enriching, friendly and fun, that I felt I was sailing with “family” (Only way better). Not only did he treat us wonderfully, he was extra ordinarily respectful and kind to Laura (His crew for the trip). She was absolutely sweet, kind gracious and helped in every way possible. Gwen and I would recommend a vacation aboard the Catalyst in the strongest possible terms. I only wish Alan and Laura could understand the depth and richness of the experience they provided to us. It is a gift that we will always treasure!!!!!! Most sincerely and gratefully yours Gregg J Garrison March 4th, 2009 Janson,June 2009 Hi Alan- We had a wonderful time sailing on Catalyst and truly enjoyed our first charter experience. Your skill as both Captain and Chef were quite apparent as soon as we left the harbor. Your knowledge of the islands provided us with beautiful beaches, fabulous snorkeling and wonderful anchorages to just relax and enjoy the sunsets. You know all the special spots! Sailing from island to island was such a unique way to experience the beauty of the BVI. And the cuisine……expertly prepared and beautifully presented. We couldn’t believe the wonderful meals you prepared out of that tiny little galley!!! We were very comfortable on Catalyst and enjoyed lounging up on deck at the end of a busy day sailing. Thanks for giving us a special vacation week in the BVI. Truly a memorable vacation; we’ll definitely sail again and hopefully, very soon!!!! Carole and Paul Janson June 14, 2009 Laura A. Pawlow, Ph.D. Spending 5 days sailing the Caribbean on the Catalyst was the most amazing vacation my husband and I have ever experienced! Not having grown up on the water, I have to admit I was pretty nervous about the idea of spending 5 days on a boat, but it turns out I had nothing to worry about. Captain Alan's competence completely put my mind at ease and the accommodations had all the comforts of home. The ship is clean and beautiful and our host was wonderful - he spoiled us with delectable meals every night and made sure we were comfortable and having a great time - I wanted to take him home with us! Our days were spent sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and soaking up the sun, and after all that we'd wind down with a wonderful dinner, some cocktails, and conversation under the beautiful stars. We recommend the Catalyst without reservation to anyone thinking about a sailing vacation, and we can't wait to return ourselves! The de Groen Charter Dear Alan, On behalf of the whole de Groen family I would like to thank you and Ashley for a truly unforgettable sailing vacation in the BVI. From start to finish you planned a perfect trip for us. The itinerary was varied, very well organized and offered something for everyone: breathtaking beauty, incredible snorkeling, local color, an introduction to scuba diving, fantastic sailing (especially with your beautiful gennaker), enough beaching and swimming to get us through the long, cold Dutch winter and of course, incredibly delicious meals, snacks and cocktails. Anne-Elise is still talking about chocolate fondue under the stars aboard her “very own private yacht” and I marvel at the gourmet meals you magically produced from such a small kitchen! We enjoyed exploring the islands with you and appreciated your extensive knowledge of the area and the local “hotspots”. We felt supremely pampered and well taken care of and will always cherish our memories of our vacation aboard the Catalyst. With many thanks, Laura de Groen, Enschede, the Netherlands Willis Charter Q : Was the condition of the yacht up to your expectations? A : I have never been on a catamaran before and I loved it! Everything was great! Q: Did you find your accomodations comfortable? A: We were in the smaller cabin but it was sufficient considering the fact that we could go up front or sit around the table in back. Q: Was the crew attentive to your needs? A: Alan made us feel very comfortable and went out of his way to do even more than we needed. Q: Did you enjoy the meals and beverages served aboard? A: Alan did a great job and everything was delicious. Q: Was the itenerary fun and exciting? A: Absolutely - even better than I expected - we saw 6 islands in 6 days. Q: Would you charter this yacht again? A: Would love to This was probably the best vacation I've ever been on. Alan was fun, entertaining and added to the trip. He gave us information and pointed out sights as we sailed. I just wanted to drop an electronic note to tell you how great my week on The Catalyst was. Capt. Alan Roberts was awesome, and the boat was beautiful. Count me in as an extremely satisfied customer. Capt Al provided the EXACT type of week we were looking for. He was a real pro, and a joy to be around. The boat was awesome and a great home for a week on the water. Again, on a scale of 1 to 10, this week was an ELEVEN. Thanks for setting up this charter for us. I will pass your information along to anyone who asks me about my trip. All the best always- Keith We recently returned from a charter with Alan Roberts on the Catalyst. The trip was outstanding in every way! I highly recommend Alan as a Captain and Chef. The food was creative, attractively presented and delicious! My husband and I had a medical emergency and he was extremely accommodating in altering his plans to take care of our needs. We look forward to returning again for a fun filled week with Captain Alan. Carol Adelaar