SAYANG   GUESTS COMMENTS December 2005 - Seasons Greetings! Instantly you are humbled by the ominous…and assured of its humility because from the time you set foot on this yacht, which might we add is second to none; life changes only for the better. The sun sets slowly and vividly as to remind you that there is no other place in the world that can come close to the brevity of this moment. The crystal water gently rocks you and a fresh breeze compliment the already perfect setting. Keep in mind at this point that your journey has just begun. Get ready to be overwhelmed by the graciousness of your crew. Your confidence in an exhilarating experience is immediately instilled by the finely tuned team of Ratna and Paul. If you thought you knew what good food was then I’m sorry to say you haven’t yet visited Sayang and the delectable dishes prepared by Ratna. Even if you are efficient in the ways of sailing, we believe Paul could make you smoother. Never will you feel more comfortable faster or more accounted for than you if make the wise decision to see exactly what we mean. Not only have we obtained customized as well as unforgettable life time memories, we are all the more fortunate for gaining friends. Suan Family Charter Dear Paul and Ratna, Eighteen years ago when we first chartered in the BVI’s we could never have imagined returning with our two children and having such an amazing experience. This past “Spring Break” was in quoting Preston and Ashley “ the best vacation ever!”. We cannot say enough about our week on Sayang. She is a beautiful vessel….and can only be compared to a fine hotel. Beautifully appointed and decorated, and that classic look that we would have selected if she were ours. Touring the Islands with such a knowledgeable captain was perfect. Paul selected wonderful anchorages that kept with the feeling we wanted for the charter. We avoided much of the hustle and bustle and enjoyed snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring many secluded areas. A true gentleman, Paul went above and beyond the call of duty to be certain that we reached our destinations safely, and assisted us in any way he could. His professionalism was truly matched by Ratnas charm and culinary talents. We honestly felt like we were on a European holiday, with a menu that was interesting by design, and fabulous to the taste. She also went out of her way to accommodate our son who has a number of food allergies, and succeeded in winning him over. Sailing on Sayang is an experience to be savored. We are hopeful that we will return to that paradise again in the future. All the best, The Suans Pamela, Eric, Preston and Ashley David and Stacy Our vacation was by far the best one we have ever taken. It is hard to describe the level of relaxation you can experience on a sail boat. The view looking in at the islands as opposed to looking out at the ocean is amazingly different, and in our opinion, much better. We have been to numerous luxury resorts all over the caribbean and mexico, and have never enjoyed ourselves as much as we did on Sayang. The boat is incredible. Immaculately well maintained. Spacious cabins, salon, and cockpit. Plenty of room for everyone. We spent most of our days lounging in the cockpit, chatting, reading, enjoying the sun and one of Ratna's special recipe pina colada's (make sure to try one!). The sailing was fantastic. As someone interested in learning, Paul let me help out in any way I wanted to - I got to help raise the sails, trim them, lower them - he even let me pick up moorings by the end of the week. He taught me knots, and I was actually allowed to "take the helm" on our sail from Virgin Gorda back to Cooper Island - that was amazing. Stacy, on the other hand, enjoyed sitting back and relaxing - a perfect fit for both of us! Paul and Ratna were amazing. They were there for your every wish, but had the ability to feel when some alone time for us would be best. We enjoyed many long chats as the waves lapped against the boat, but also had plenty of time to spend together as if we were the only two on the boat. They were extremely easy-going, and in a matter of minutes, you feel as if you have known them for years. They're number one priority is making sure you enjoy your vacation, and they succeeded with us!!! They have a local knowledge of the best places to put in for the night, were to go ashore (if you can ever tear yourself away from the boat) and we felt incredibly safe and lucky to be with them in waters which can be tricky to navigate without their special expertise (for example, the little reef near the Last Resort - we actually saw a boat ground on it while we were moored for the night - Paul knew it so well he could easliy navigate the reef at night in the dinghy on our way to and from dinner!). The food was amazing - everything exactly as we had requested - from the food preferences to the beverages. Ratna has breakfast ready every morning - ice cold Coke for me (I know, but I just never got into coffee) and coffee for Stacy - drinks all day - ice cold beer, wine, mixed drinks, sodas, juice - couldn't have been better!!! The food was amazing - I think we each gained 10 pounds in the 5 days we were on the boat!!! Perfectly prepared, exactly what we like, and the view was to die for!!! Ratna can do in the galley of a sail boat what many people could not do in a huge gourmet kitchen - simply amazing!!! They were always making sure we didn't need a drink or a snack - you will feel like they can sometimes read your mind (especially after a long sail when Ratna brings up a nice cold beverage). Our days were easy going and since we had only one real request (the baths) we pretty much planned our days each morning. We looked at the weather, talked about what we felt like doing, and then planned our journey for the day!!! I usually got up pretty early - Stacy slept in. We would have breakfast, and then often go for a snorkel or swim. Sometimes Stacy would just read. We then set off for our first sail, and usually sailed most of the morning. We would find a place for lunch and anchor/moor. Another swim/snorkel/book, then lunch. After lunch, often another shorter sail and then we would moor for the night around 4 or 5 pm. We would sometimes go for a ride in the dinghy with Paul to find that "out of the way reef" or to see the sites (Bitter End, Saba Rock, ect). Sometimes, just some more reading or maybe a quick swim around Sayang. Dinner, dessert (don't skip it, belive me!), drinks, and relaxation - we spent one night ashore at the Last Resort for dinner and music - highly recommended - ask them to play the Sunsail song - you'll die laughing!!! Retire for the evening - I was usually asleep before my head even hit the pillow - then get up and do it all over again!!! We can't thank Paul and Ratna enough - we will definintely be back!!! We have been raving about our experience to everyone who will listen, so if you get even busier, you better keep a week open for us!!! David and Stacy Raleigh, NC June 2007 Dear Ratna & Paul, Our charter on Sayang was booked with a mixture of excitement and angst. As travelers, we delight in the occasional adventure but relish our creature comforts. We have traveled extensively and recognize that we are indulgent; when we finally have time off from our hectic and stressful lives, we see no shame in treating ourselves well. Very well. As our travel date approached, the questions in our minds concerned the comforts we would forego to balance the adventure of a week at sail aboard Sayang. We need not have worried. A few days before our trip, Ratna and Paul called us at home to answer our questions and get last-minute information about our likes and dislikes. Immediately we sensed that they were interested in us more as guests than as passengers. Their message was clear; their intent was to ensure that this week was an exact match to our wants and needs, alone. How well they did. When Ratna and Paul welcomed us aboard Sayang in Road Harbour, we immediately felt that we were with caring friends. We realized quickly that the yacht Sayang was luxurious but more importantly, we learned that we were in the presence of superlative hosts; our bags, our cares, and trepidations, were quickly stowed for a week that we will always remember. Each day, Paul took pains to be certain that the itinerary was focused on the experience, not the trip. Each day, Ratna made sure that meals were dining experiences, not just food. Together they made sure that each days adventure topped the previous one. Our memories of the islands, the water, and being under sail, are palpable. But these are experiences that anyone who sails the BVI's can understand to some extent. What made this trip truly memorable was the opportunity to sail aboard the yacht Sayang with Ratna and Paul; impeccable hosts who crafted the experience to our specific desires and who made us feel like old friends from start to finish. Was the experience an adventure? Unending! Was the experience indulgent? Superbly! Will we be back again? We can't wait! Darby & Doug Atlanta, GA A Guest Drawing Paul and Ratna, Thank you for the most relaxing vacation we have EVER experienced!! Your warmth, hospitality and friendship made for an amazing week. Thank you for sharing your home with us. Cheryl and Rick The Caywood charter Paul and Ratna We would like to thank you both so much for a wonderful sailing vacation on Sayang. We had such a great time and appreciate all your efforts in making our dream vacation come true. We look forward to seeing you both again in the near future. The Sayang is a gorgeous yacht, complete with all the modern conveniences. The service you both provided was fantastic. The culinary treats were just as requested and we’re so thankful that you took our requests to heart and accommodated us with expertise. Paul, the sailing was superb, true “proper sailing” as you put it! The fact that you were both so flexible and willing to work around our requests and desires shows your commitment to customer satisfaction. As you know this wasn’t our first sailing experience and it was so nice to visit and experience new locations. We appreciate your recommendations and knowledge of the region. We appreciated your attention to detail and you both have a keen sense of just what we wanted. We enjoyed our many conversations and also appreciated our privacy, a perfect balance. We know that you will have a long, well-respected career in sailing the Virgin Islands and know that we’ll be seeing you both again! Once again, all our best and thank you again for the vacation of a lifetime! Best regards, Ruth and Cary Caywood Monterey, California March 2006 - Vacation for 6 Paul & Ratna went out of their way to take care of everything we needed or wanted. We could not have been more pleased with th emeasure of care they took to make sure we were all happy. Their planning was perfect-just the right amount of sailing in perfect conditions. I am sure Melanie and I gained 5 pounds; food was plentiful, frequent, tasty and nicely presented. We give Paul and Ratna the highest possible recommendation for both level of service and delightful and charming personalities. Ronnie and Louise Robertson After spending four days with family and friends who attended our wedding on St. Thomas it was time to get away for some quiet time with my new bride. I was very excited about meeting Paul and Ratna and getting underway on Sayang. Normally they begin their charters from Tortola but in our case, they picked us up at the yacht harbor at St. Thomas. Paul showed up at the fuel dock right on time. First of all, the boat is beautiful-long, sleek and with blue painted sides she stands out nicely among all the white boats that are so common. Ratna welcomed us aboard and Paul ran through the safety drill. It was finally time to play. For the next six days Paul and Ratna waited on us hand and foot. Ratna is an awesome hostess. She moved around the boat so quietly sometimes we would forget she was there, until she would appear with another drink and delicious snack. Every night we anchored at a different island. Upon arrival I would look around at the neighboring boats. We always had the best looking boat! Paul is constantly maintaining the boat when not on charter and it shows. I could go on and on about how nice she is but rest assured, she really is perfect…and fast too. On the second day of our charter, we talked about sailing to a new island (I forget which one) and the weather wasn’t exactly the best. It looked a little like rain, the wind was blowing at about 24 knots and the waves were 7-8 feet high. Paul asked us what we wanted to do and Louise and I said, “let’s sail.” It turned out to be a very exciting part of the trip. The boat was healing over almost to the rails but she felt as solid as a rock. No shudders or bangs and very smooth and dry. We loved it. As for the customer service we received from Paul and Ratna…you won’t find better at the Ritz. Ratna is very accomplished in the kitchen and Paul knows sailing and boats. They make a perfect crew. They were always focused on our needs. We wanted to participate in the crewing and Paul was eager to show us how to do things correctly, always with safety in mind. It was obvious by the way Paul goes about doing things that he is very talented. Paul told us we would be their last guests on the boat until after the hurricane season. Sayang would be at dry-dock until sometime in October and then re-launched with new bottom paint and everything gleaming and ready for her second season. Louise and I plan to join them again next year. In the meantime, we have a lot beautiful pictures to remind us of our trip and of Paul and Ratna…our new friends. Ronnie and Louise Robertson Dallas, Texas Miller charter 1. Was the crew friendly and accommodating? Paul and Ratna could not have been friendlier or more accommodating to us! There was nothing that we needed or asked for that was not immediately handled. Rick was extremely interested in the actual "working" of the boat and Paul patiently answered all his questions and showed him how the Sayang operated. 2. Was the yacht comfortable and clean? The yacht was very comfortable and extremely clean. We were amazed at how Paul and Ratna were able to keep it so clean - even the dingy was spotless! 3. Was the yacht well ventilated? Yes. 4. Was the food good and well presented? Absolutely! I was amazed at what Ratna was able to accomplish working out of the galley. It was apparent to me that she was well organized and very efficient and, of course, an excellent cook. The meals were beautifully presented and very tasty. When discussing our trip with friends, Rick speaks as much about the presentation and quality of the food as he does the incredible scenery! 5. Did you like the area you sailed? We may have been somewhat unusual in that we arrived without any preconceived ideas or plans on where to go or what to do. As a result, we relied on Paul and Ratna and their knowledge of the area to guide us. They did not let us down. We sailed, saw incredible beaches, interesting small towns, amazing natural formations (the Baths) and great snorkeling. Paul was also very good about mooring in the evenings at locations were we were protected from wind and waves. 7. May we post your review on our website? Absolutely! Also, if you have future potential guests that would like to talk to us via email or phone, we would be happy to do that as well. 8. Additional comments on your charter. Again, as we had no preconceived ideas of what the week would be like, we were thrilled with every aspect of our trip. We travel quite a bit and generally return from vacations tired - needing a vacation to recuperate from our vacation! However, this was the most relaxing trip that we have ever taken. We lost track of time, days of the week and world events. We were treated royally and yet felt completely comfortable with Paul and Ratna. I am not a "sailor" and boarded the Sayang a little tentative about the sailing portion. After watching Paul handle his boat, his concentration and attention, I relaxed and never felt uncomfortable with the sailing. Paul and Ratna were synchronized in their working of the boat, whether setting the sails, mooring or preparing a meal. They also took us to interesting islands and each seemed to have its own special charm. We loved our trip, have great memories of the week and fond affection for the Crossby's. If we decide to charter a boat again, we would definitely book with the Sayang.