REFERENCES

"What a fantastic crew from sailing to dining - everything was terrific. We did lots of sailing and lots of fine dining. From breakfast with lots of fresh Caribbean fruit to lunch to dinner, the meals were superb - great variety with many new items to enjoy. With all of Sam's fabulous cooking we could hardly keep the weight off, but with a little help from the ocean we managed. Cheers to the real Sam Malone and her husband Rich."

Owner of popular restaurants in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, February 2009

We are headed for St Maarten about to disembark from our wonderful 9 day cruise on Aurora. We thank Sam for her smile, disposition and joie de vivre and can only say that your culinary skills are amazing and every day is a discovery. As for Captain Rich, we love his understated competence and quiet sense of humour. What a wonderful way to start the New Year. We have sailed all over the world and this was without doubt the best experience we have had. We look forward to returning in the not too distant future."

Charter Guest & Owner of World renown European Resort, January 2009

"What a wonderfully intelligent, competent, interesting, multi-talented fun crew you are! We couldn't have asked for better food, better sailing, or better company. Since we have had many previous crews and trips (as you have heard - ad nauseum!) we can honestly say you are the best."

"Thanks - you are the best in 30 years of chartering"

“We have sailed all over the world and this was without doubt, the best experience we have had. We look forward to returning in the not too distant future”

Charter Guests, New Years 2008/09

(Chef) Sam and (Captain) Rich were perfect crew in every way. This was the first time we’ve sailed without our family in a very long time and they were excellent companions, as well as most accommodating at all times. Nothing was too much trouble. We thoroughly enjoyed being with them and came home feeling like we had made new friends. AURORA was in very good condition . . . tastefully appointed, clean and perfect for 2 – 4 people.

Sam is an excellent chef who obviously enjoys putting exquisite meals on the table. Her presentation was creative, beautiful and delicious! We are lovers of good wine and her choices were flawless accompaniments to the meals.

We cruised the Virgin Islands, where we’ve been many times before, but Rich introduced us to several anchorages that were unfamiliar, secluded and suited us perfectly. He quickly understood what kind of vacation we were looking for and provided us with just that.

One couple, April 10 – 17, 2008. St. Thomas to St. Thomas.

“Rich, you were the perfect captain – safe, competent and knowledgeable, fun to be with and flexible to our desires.”

“The thought and creativity that went into every meal was extraordinary. Your wine selections were excellent – and you know how fussy we are!”.

“We had a wonderful time! This was just what a charter ought to be; Rich and Sam were perfect in everyway. If there's anything we can do for them, let us know, and feel free to use us as a reference; I'd be happy to talk to anyone about them and the boat, and would give an excellent reference with NO qualifications except that Sam is a killer Scrabble player!”

“Sam’s gastronomic skills and Rich’s bonhommie are experiences reserved for the few.”

“Just wish our time aboard AURORA had been longer. Sam’s culinary expertise would surely merit at least a final, if not winning place on Masterchef, whilst Rich’s mastery at the helm coupled with his nautical DIY skills are equally impressive.”

The boat was immaculate. “A lovely yacht. It looked really great and we were very impressed.”

Richard is plainly a very experienced skipper and host. He was happy to answer questions and discuss sailing issues. Sam is a very capable cook and produced great food throughout. More than that, she worked very hard to meet some dietary issues. She is a keen wine lady and we were agreeably surprised at her selections.

I just want to tell you how enjoyable the crew made our charter experience this past weekend. You have a top notch captain who handled the boat with ease. The chef should have her own restaurant in NYC with the meals she prepared for us. My only regret is that I couldn’t bring her home with me so I could eat the great meals she prepared for us. I will recommend anyone I can to use your service. This charter was my first crewed trip. I have always bare boated in the Caribbean, but this experience was so great I may never bareboat again.

I just got off the phone with Mrs. M and she said they had a great time on AURORA. She said the crew was so much fun - a very clever and inventive captain - always making sure that everything is going smoothly with the yacht at all times. They were very impressed at his determination to make things just perfect. The cooking was fabulous and they felt the chef was very industrious about the menu, always making sure that they were eating the types of foods they requested and liked. She would bend over backwards to make the meals just what they wanted and they were all very delicious. They had some fabulous beef and fish meals cooked on the grill that they just loved. They got along really well with the crew and thought they were right up there with the best of them - and they have chartered numerous times.

The boat and crew were delightful. What a fun and energetic captain! The mate was a positive and sunny delight – and made us feel right at home. The meals were great. The boat was as promised – clean, beautiful and well provisioned. Thanks.

Thanks for a wonderful week. It was all I could have wanted for a charter in Maine. Aurora is really a fine boat, both for comfort and for sailing. And the two of you made the trip special, for your sailing abilities and good humour, and for the wonderful meals we enjoyed. I could have asked for nothing more.

We really had an amazing week and are missing it already. You are such awesome people and I hope to book with you again.

We had a great time. Everything was fantastic – Aurora, the crew and the food. Our time on Aurora was the highlight of our trip to Nantucket. I can’t imagine how we could repeat such a fun time. Susan and the children are still talking about the boat and the food. They want me to assure them this is the way we’ll always travel.