GUESTS COMMENTS Welcome to Chris & Julie's Guest Page Comments! Please note that we have recently moved from s/v Blu Moon, where we provided charters for our guests for 10 years. As we will start chartering Yacht Felicia in November of 2008, we don't have any guests letters as such...but we plan on updating this site as soon as possible. We've provided guests letters below from our Blu Moon guests. Rest assured that we plan on providing the same kind of service aboard Yacht Felicia and look forward to meeting our new guests! Culley - Roberts Charter Being welcomed aboard Blu Moon by Chris and Julie is much like visiting two old friends who have moved their lives to this magical place, and are now your personal hosts and guides. They are always anxious and excited to show off the local secrets they have discovered. From taking us to the best secret anchorages to the most fun restaurants, from the most fascinating snorkel explorations to the best hikes and outings, Chris and Julie provide all this while making us feel like we are the most pampered guests afloat. The accommodations and the cuisine are first class, with every detail thoughtfully maintained and prepared for the delight of the guests. We consider it one of the very best vacations ever! Scott Smith & Mary Culley Dear Chris and Julie, How are our favorite bennettoes? We just had too damn much fun, relaxation, great food, and great company, and are happier than ever to be alive. Our greatest memory banks are now replete with the sights and sounds of a beautiful but all too quick Blu Moon Caribbean stay. Nowhere (land or sea) can there be found better service, better food, better atmosphere, or more fun performed in an effortless and casual way...all the things you look for in a GREAT vacation! Thanks so much for being such wonderful hosts. Have a great season and sail safely (is there any other way with Captain Chris and first mate Julie?). Buz & Kate Roberts Vaul Family Charter Our charter on Blu Moon with Chris and Julie was fantastic. The crew was wonderful with the kids, even organizing a treasure hunt which was an unexpected and special thrill for Adam. The yacht was comfortable and well maintained, the area we sailed beautiful and the food absolutely fantastic. We definitely recommend this boat and crew and have in fact already referred friends! Joanne & Frank, Lindsey & Adam Hoffman Family Hi Julie and Chris, Sorry this took so long to get to you guys. Things here have been busy (too busy) and we wanted to send pictures along but took a while to get developed. First of all, we wanted to thank you so very much for the awesome trip you gave us. The pictures turned out so well. There may be people calling in the future for a trip! The food was wonderful ( I gained 7 pounds!), the company was great and the trip was relaxing. We came back refreshed and with tans that everyone was jealous of. Things here have really picked up - graduation / prom / yard work. Bethany wrote an article for the school newspaper about our trip and we thought you might like it. Chris...how do you like Adam's new hat? He wears it all over the place. You have made quite an impression on him. When he grows up he wants to be a sailboat captain! We hope this card finds you both well and happy. We talk about you guys often and really miss you. Take care and we hope to talk to you again soon sometime. Love, The Hoffmans...Mark & Kerry, Jeremy, Lindy & Adam and friend Bethany (April, 2004) THE VIRGIN ISLANDS BY: BETHANY GUTSCH "When I was first asked to write an article about my last Spring Break of high school, I didn't know exactly what to say. I thought about how Spring Break becomes an event that gets increasingly important as a person progresses through childhood and into their early adult years.This Spring Break, the last of my official childhood, I got the amazing opportunity to go sailing through the British and U.S. Virgin Islands with the Hoffman family. This was an experience I will never forget, and a fantastic way to end my childhood Spring Break career. The captain of our boat, Chris, and his wife (and first mate and chef), Julie, were the ones who made our vacation unforgettable. Throughout the week, they took us to some great snorkel spots, where we saw stingrays, sea anemones, and all different types of fish and coral. They also took us to see Michael Bean, a singing pirate. We went to the island of Virgin Gorda and saw The Baths...humongous rock formations on the edge of the ocean, complete with a white-sand beach at the end of the path. Chris and Julie took us to an island full of ruins of a sugar factory from the 1700s. When we weren't exploring these exotic places, we had plenty of time to suntan (or sunburn, in some cases), shop, go to dinner on the islands, and simply relax and unwind. This vacation was unlike any other I have taken because we didn't have a schedule chock-full of certain things to accomplish. Instead, we got to be laid back and enjoy the gorgeous island weather, scenery and each other's company. I don't think my last childhood Spring Break could have been any better. Thanks to Jeremy, Lindy, and the Hoffmann family, I had the experience of a lifetime and came back with a ton of great memories (and a pretty good tan too!). Zimmerman Family Charter Dear Julie and Chris, Thank you very much for making our vacation great!! :) :) We got to see a lot of cool things that we may never see again. Another thanks is for helping us have an opprotunitie that not a lot of people get to have. You taught us cool rope tricks and kept us well fed with a positive attitude. We still have not told our parents how to do the rope trick. You are the best captain and first mate. I will never forget the wonderful time we had with you. Thanks again. Yours Truly, Cassidy P.S. :):) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) (Never stop smiling!) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) Dear Julie and Chris, I had an awsome time on the Blu Moon! My favorite part was when we went to the baths and when we found the tresure. I also had an awsome time just sailing and watching the waves. I enjoyed the dolphin at the front of the boat. There are so many intresting fish to see like the tarpin, stingray,and even the squid. Thanks for everything. Yours Truly, Haley Zimmerman (Pirate Girl) Jo & Bill Charter Dear Julie and Chris, What a wonderful week!! The best part was the two of you. Thank you for being so gentle with the old folks, to say nothing of being out of shape. What a wake up call!!! We now have a goal...Wait until next year. Question--- how many dominoes? I'm having a hard time finding a set like yours. We have to practice so we can become Captain (we know Admiral is out of the question!!! The gang (Bill Jo Mackenzie and Flo) leave for Florida tomorrow for 2 weeks. We know the weather will not be great but we have a lot of work to do. Maybe we can take the Stink Pot out for a little cruise. Chris, it will not be the same, no adventurous sailing, no fine tuning the sails, and no straw hat!!! We will take our CDs and think of our new friends on the beautiful Blu Moon and drink a little wine and think of planning our trip next year on her! So much to say . so little time!! No----Jan did not get a Willie T tee shirt-----'MOM, I jumped, but the boys were with us'!!!! Julie I wish I had taken pictures of every meal.. Your presentation was beautiful..I would like any or all recipes. I have my screen saver with all our wonderful pictures and think of you two and remember our wonderful trip everyday. Thank you again for a wonderful week. We miss you both..take care. Love Jo and Bill Fasken Fodchuk Charter We got home to 6' of snow!! Wish we were there with you! I found my driver's licence. We had a great time...thank you so much. The food was fabulous and the sailing was amazing, although Jenny thought Chris should keep his hands on the steering wheel more. Now it's back to fixing teeth so we can come back. We truly enjoyed ourselves...thanks again, John and Jenny Lowery Taylor Charter To "Broker": We thoroughly enjoyed our sailing trip with Blu Moon. Everything was above and beyond what we expected. Chris and Julie have the experience, the personality, and the knowledge of how to take care of you while making the trip an experience of a lifetime. I had always wanted to take this trip, but my wife was skeptical about spending 7 days on a boat. I had to use my 40th birthday as an excuse to make her go. Now, after our trip, she wants to return for her 40th birthday. Everything was better than advertised. The boat was not only in great sailing shape, it was the cleanest vessel I had ever seen. Chris really takes pride in the appearance of the boat and his sailing skills. Likewise, Julie is proud of her spectacular meals. She makes everything, even snack time, an event. They really know how to make you feel comfortable and fulfill any need. We did all the touristy stuff as well as visiting some private areas that Chris and Julie only seem to know about. They know how to have fun and join in, as well as letting you have some private time, while catering to your every need. I can go on and on about the meals, the scenery, the customer service, the sailing ability, the guide and knowledge of the area and the private areas that only they seem to know about. I wanted this to be the trip of a lifetime. Not only was I not disappointed, I was able to get my wife to sign up for a second trip of lifetime. Great work, Blu Moon, Chris and Julie. Thanks to "broker" for pairing us with the right boat and crew. Thanks for everything. Mark Rotenberg Charter Dear Chris & Julie, From the moment we first met we only experienced an increasing level of appreciation for your warmth, hospitality and skills. If Blu Moon was merely a junk yard sloop, you would have more than compensated for whatever the boat lacked. However, as a sailor, we must say that Blu Moon lacked nothing and in fact far exceeded our expectations. Not only was she immaculately clean upon arrival but continued to be so throughout the cruise. It was special that a spinnaker was on board. While most other boats were motoring or flopping around during a light air day we had a wonderful sail. Chris you must have read our minds by taking us to the exact type of anchorages we hoped far. The "hot" spots you took us to visit (like Willy T's, where Amira earned her T shirt), the secluded anchorages, and the best places to swim and snorkel were just perfect. We won't forget your free dive lobster hunts that rewarded us with a phenomenal lobster dinner. Julie, there is no way to describe what you do in the galley. The food was totally gourmet, presented as if in the finest of fine restaurants. The decor that you put together for Blu Moon could not have been nicer. Thank you again for the perfect vacation and we'll see you next March. Milt & Amira Parker Charter Aboard the Blu Moon... When we had made our decision to spend our Honeymoon aboard a crewed charter in the Virgin Islands we had to do some work to find the perfect boat and crew. Not only did we do our homework correct, we scored a perfect 10 with our choice! When it comes the best times in one's life you can't beat the time we spent with Chris and Julie aboard the Blu Moon. From the moment we boarded and were welcomed with a drink and a casual briefing, we felt as if we were at home. The boat is in amazing condition and flawless from bow to stern. Chris and Julie's knowledge and hospitality were far superior to anything we could have expected and just what we dreamed it would be. Shortly after we had settled in, we gave the reins to our crew to plan the activities and destinations base on some simple desires. We then set sail for a week of non stop enjoyment and camaraderie, the trip was fabulous! We were amazed at what the islands had to offer and how our crew presented them in five star fashion with a touch of class. It was the perfect combination of relaxation, romance, adventure, and did we mention the food...WOW! Between Chris and Julie they have truly found what it takes to offer their guests the best in class and a truly memorable time. As for us, our Honeymoon was something that we will always cherish due the absolute fantastic time and plan on returning for anniversaries in years to come with our new found friends. Sincerely, Stu & Georgeanne