Richard and Nancy,
J. joins me in again thanking all of you for your very personal and energetic contributions to our recent Alaskan Adventure. We have literally been unable to stop enthusiastically discussing every aspect of the fabulous week that we experienced with you. It is very easy to recall the gorgeous scenery; the unprecedented displays of wildlife; the fantastic stories and explanations which you offered; the magnificent cuisine; the beautiful and comfortable Alaskan Song; our engaging sailing companions; and the memorable disc of video, pictures and music which you produced for us. None of these would have achieved the clarity of presentation which they did without the passionate involvement which each of you offered to each of your guests – we feel truly blessed that we had this opportunity in the Summer of 2008 to join you in your home for an experience which we will vividly recall forever.
We have had the good fortune to have lived abroad and in many parts of the United States, and we have traveled extensively – always seeking novelty, experiencing the grace and charm of a destination, and enjoying the hospitality and customs offered by the people of the world. Our week with the three of you is simply at the top of our list. We could have neither asked nor expected more, although you provided much more than we had any right to anticipate. We are gratified beyond description that it was our good fortune to have been able to benefit from your hospitality and friendship.
All the best,
JW - Captain US Navy Retired
"The five guests and myself, having never visited Alaska, were thoroughly spoiled by Richard's hospitality and knowledge of the area. We visited different harbors each day and saw remote spots where other pleasure craft were not even visible. The cuisine was unmatched by any five star restaurant and varied with each meal. I would be privileged to recommend her without reservation to any potential charterer who might be interested in my opinion."
Joe Bartram - Newport, Rhode Island
I am able to give Richard Friedman, his crew, and his boat my wholehearted endorsement. Last August my wife and I along with our four children (29, 27, 24 and 23) had the marvelous experience of cruising for six days from Sitka to Juneau. Everything was perfect. The unseasonable weather was in the 80s every day and not a drop of rain (very, very lucky). We were able to be as active or as relaxed as we chose. Each of us set our own pace. Activities included fishing, shrimping and crabbing with excellent results. Some kayaking, hiking and whale watching were also lots of fun. A couple of the kids even jumped in for a very quick dip in the frigid waters (not recommended). We took an optional “flight seeing” excursion over the glaciers in a seaplane and it was breathtaking.
Our only complaint was the food! We all made pigs of ourselves and put on a few pounds. All kidding aside, the menu, the variety, the preparation and the presentation were all first-class. The wines that were provided were well chosen and very impressive. The salon where we had our meals was cozy but very comfortable. We only used the salon for meals and a few after dinner movies on DVD. If, however, you encounter some bad weather it would be a very comfortable place to bide your time reading, playing cards or watching movies. Richard and his crew were always very attentive to our desires and needs without hovering, getting in our way or interfering with our “family bonding.”
My wife and I have always wanted to see Alaska. We’ve been on ten different crewed charters for six people aboard catamarans in the British Virgin Islands. The thought of being on a big cruise ship does not appeal to us. As our kids are getting older and “involved” we figured that this might be the last trip that just the six of us would do together. We asked the agent that we use for our BVI charters to recommend a boat in Alaska. She did her homework and came up with Richard. There were other options and there were definitely cheaper options but I couldn’t be happier that we went first-class with Richard. I wouldn’t have changed a thing. The rest of the family feels the same.
One final point — while I’m normally not a photography nut, I took over 700 digital pictures on our trip. Pictures of the beautiful natural scenery; pictures of ourselves relaxing and enjoying each others company; picture of us catching fish; pictures of the exquisite meals; and pictures the wonderful crew that became part of our extended family by the trip’s end. I have selected about fifty of my favorite pictures and have put them into a slideshow on my computer and added some music. Whenever I want to relax and bring a smile to my face, all I have to do is play that slideshow for a few minutes. What fantastic memories! I hope that you and your family have the same wonderful experience as we did.
George Schaefer - Chicago, Illinois
"Bellisimo! Very pleased to recommend this experience to our friends. My only suggestion is: Please come to the Mediterranean"
Enzo Zannini - Milan, Italy
"Best Boating experience of my life - and I have had a lot. Totally professional, eminently personal."
Richard Thiel
Editor in Chief - Power and Motor Yacht magazine New York, NY
"The best vacation of my life! The boat was extraordinary, the captain and the crew were great, the food was unparalleled, the fishing was hot, the whales were everywhere ....My notion of heaven would be waking up every morning to discover there are three days left on the cruise."
Chuck Sheridan - Redwood Shores, California
"Incomparable - Extraordinary - Memorable - Educational - Fattening ...There was altogether too much hilarity on board. This was an exceptionally wonderful week. I loved every minute of it ...I can't say enough about the fabulous food."
Cissy Van Stone - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
"Without a doubt the best yachting experience I have ever had in my many years of boating. I can suggest this cruise very strongly to anyone seeking an ultimate experience in adventure, exploring in safety and comfort with privacy … A very special way to experience the action, grandeur, and beauty of Southeast Alaska."
Bob & Franny Haws - Kaneohe, Hawaii
"This has been an experience of a lifetime. It was a real vacation – no stress, very relaxing and exciting. It was the greatest vacation I have experienced. Your crew, everything and everyone was just great."
Craig and Kathy Keith - Petaluma, California
"We saw glaciers, whales, sea lions, dolphins, bears, bald eagles, and great scenery. What more could you ask for? But on top of that they provided fantastic cuisine in a warm, friendly environment. This is a trip I would highly recommend to anyone."
Roy Moss - Huntington Beach, California |
