VanSomeren, Hobbs, Mortenkotter, Agarwal and Woods Charter
April 2008

Hello and thank you.

Gina and I are now in Puerto Rico. Just discussing our trip. And we must say the 3 of you were incredible.

Derek you were always busy working and taking care of us. And most of all in the water where it mattered most. You helped me overcome a lot of my fear.

Katia your extremely pleasant personality and stunning meals are something to savour everyday.

Robert. Thanks for being a great sport. Each day started with you fabulous service with a smile and ended the same at night.

You have given us the most relaxing vacation in many years. We will cherish it for days and years to come.

Rajni and Gina.

d'Estaing Charter
March 2008
(Yacht Charter Agent Survey)

Were the yacht and crew all that they were promised? Yes and more.

How would you describe your captain and crew? Extremely friendly, open to all suggestions, they made our trip what it has been, that is a wonderful one. They are wonderful people with different personalities, a great crew

Did the meals meet your expectations in regards to the quality and presentation? Yes indeed!! Very careful choices, well thought through, creativity, good products, a true top restaurant on water!!!

Were the pace and itinerary of your charter as you liked? Yes it was. In fact we discussed the itinerary and activities each day during breakfast. A very relaxing, unstressful way to do it.

Please give an example of something your crew did to make you feel special: I do not have a specific idea in mind. We just had a lot of participation and interaction between the crew and the group: good drinks, lots of laugh, great card games…We felt like a big family rather than a crew and a separate group. This is what made the trip most enjoyable.

Was there a special day or moment that you'd like to share? There are so many moments, it is difficult to pick one. Yes!! We were in the baths on Virgin Gorda, on a beach, Late afternoon, and almost no one on the beach. Waves were quite large and Robert managed to bring the boat to the beach on a huge roll. We then all jumped in and it was really fun because the size of the waves made it actually very difficult. Lots of lough and jumping in the dingy!!!

Would you spend another vacation with this yacht and crew? Yes. In fact, I already told the captain that I would like to renew this experience in two years. I would like to visit other islands (such as St Barth, St Vincent or even the Barbados) and we could evaluate the best way to do it. It would probably be for 10 days rather than a week.

Strachan-Hostler, Knight, McCarl, Heidman Charter
February 2008

I would like to say the following:

Robert, I can't imagine another captain out there with your charisma and charm. We were all so spoiled with your generosity as our captain, bartender, server, tour guide and "gal pal". Your banter and clever retort was brilliant and there were so many of us who enjoyed being on the receiving end of your sharp wit! Thank you so much for making us all feel so welcome, less clumsy and good about our individual accomplishments as we got into shape and learned to be sailors. Nobody could have done it better.

Katia, I truly hope that a tv show picks you up to do an on board cooking show. You would be amazing! I think it is a brilliant idea. AND I hope you also put out a cookbook. Your meals are greatly missed and I am not enjoying making them myself at all! I learned a lot about healthy cooking from you and look forward to bringing your wonderful ideas into my own kitchen. Your charm and beauty was such a wonderful plus to the 2 weeks we spent together. Thank you for everything!

Derek, your strength and good looks alone were such an integral plus to the crew. You were amazingly always there when we needed you and kept in the shadows when we were comfortable looking after ourselves.

Jon, what can I say. We are so grateful for the opportunity you gave us to enjoy the Virgin Islands. You have an amazing yacht and the most incredible crew and we were truly blessed to have been able to take part in your first 2-week charter and your first charter with 8 people. We are proud to call ourselves "Team IRIE!". We cannot thank you enough for coordinating this trip and accommodating us and our many differences. We can't wait to show everyone that IRIE is the number one yacht to charter in the Virgin Islands. Its perfection cannot be duplicated!

Thank you all once again. I will gradually get movies and photos put together and sent off to you as soon as I can.

Once again, you are all so very much missed and loved.

Andy and Don
Pandy Bear's Bed & Breakfast
http://www.bbcanada.com/pandybears
(See more of Andy's photos in our photo album)

Simpson Charter
January 2008

Hello from Georgia,

Oh how we miss all of you and the Irie!!! We can not stop talking about each of you and how much fun our trip was!!! You should have a rush of reservations from Georgia because we are telling all of our friends to book the Irie.

This morning at breakfast Sam was talking about you and that you were probably up cooking someone else's breakfast. I had made him pancakes for his breakfast (the microwave version of course) and he said "Mom, no offense but Katia's pancakes are MUCH better than these." I agree with him.

He also said it was sad to leave y'all because they are our friends aren't they. I told him yes you are our friends and maybe someday we will get back down to the BVI and we will surprise you guys over the radio and say "Irie come in this is the Georgia Dawgs looking for the Irie" and I bet Robert would know right away that it was us looking for you.

Well give each other a hug and a kiss on the lips from us because we miss you dearly and enjoy your next charter but never as much as us! We will always be your favorite just lie and agree with me. (it's a southern thing)

Wendi and Frank

Ullman-Carey Charter
January 2008

Dear Robert, Derek and Katia,

Unfortunately, we did not miss our flights home and arrived in Los Angeles late Sunday night (well, early Monday morning to be technical).

Thanks again for an amazing eight days - we will truly never forget them. To be honest with you, Jane and I both cried as your dinghy pulled away Sunday morning. So, naturally, we had a Red Stripe at the bar while we waited for the taxi to take the Careys to Long Bay Beach and return to take us to the airport.

We will burn a disc soon with many, many pictures and write you a proper letter of thanks and one of recommendation. In the meantime, here are just a couple of shots we wanted to share with you. (see Irie Photo Album)

Enjoy your time off!
Love, Jane and Steven Ullman

Ullman-Carey Charter
January 2008

Dear Katia,

I cannot thank you all enough for making our trip on Irie so wonderful. I will write again soon but got back to work to find mountains to do.

I did not want you to think that, as soon as we left you, we forgot you!! That would never happen. Please pass on my thanks to those boys too!! What fun we had and we have lots of photos for you. We have some wonderful ones of the sunset from Anagada which might look good on the website!

Lots of love to you all,
Philippa and Steve Carey

Pogani Charter
November 2007
(Yacht Charter Agent Survey)

Were the yacht and crew all that they were promised? Our week aboard the Irie was one of the most relaxing and pleasurable holidays we ever experienced. We enjoyed ourselves from the time we stepped on the deck until our last moments of the trip. The crew - Robert, Derek and Katia - made us feel like honored guests and took care of us completely. Our days were spent sailing, snorkeling, exploring the islands and enjoying some the best food and company imaginable. Each night we moored in a secluded little cove, dined on Katia's gourmet cuisine and laughed at Derek and Robert's stories. The boat itself is a real gem. Designed specifically for chartering, the Irie's layout ensured the maximum of comfort and convenience. And while we basked in the warm tropical days, we appreciated the air conditioned state rooms that allowed us to sleep like babies. We are counting the days until we can return.

How would you describe your captain and crew? They were great -see above remarks

Did the meals meet your expectations in regards to the quality and presentation? Far exceeded - see above remarks

Were the pace and itinerary of your charter as you liked? Yes

Please give an example of something your crew did to make you feel special. I am a jogger, but I never expect to be able to do it on this trip, but when Robert found out that I liked to run each day, he got up early each morning and ran me ashore on the dingy and picked me up a hour later after I did my run.

Was there a special day or moment that you'd like to share? The whole thing was magical. Hard to pick one moment.

Would you spend another vacation with this yacht and crew? In a heart beat

Anders Charter
November 2007

Dear Jon:

Carol and I would like to commend you on the ownership of the vessel IRIE. We just completed a seven day adventure on your vessel. The boat is of beautiful design with comfort built in for those of us fortunate enough to travel aboard.

However, the greatest pleasure came from your crew. Captain Robert Bredeck, first mate Derek Hall and lovely talented Katia Andreeva the chef.

Captain Robert not only provided great leadership as our skipper, but was our professional bar tender with a great sense of humor.

First mate Derek was a hard worker with a sense of responsibility to perform his job and also make the client feel at home on board. He accommodated everyone's request and was patient in assisting us in having a safe snorkeling experience.

Katia, the wonderful chef, who turned out absolutely delicious gourmet meals, was so sweet and ready to meet our needs. In addition to being a wonderful chef, she is a gifted artist.

We were all disappointed that our week came to an end. We did not want to leave! We can assure you that we will recommend this experience to all of our friends and would look forward to traveling on board the IRIE again.

Sincerely,
Dean and Carol Anders

Click here to see the Guest written article: "BVI aboard IRIE", Nov 07

BVI aboard IRIE
by Julie Bremser
Date: 11/29/2007 9:20:00 PM
Location: British Virgin Islands

Reader Comments

We recently returned from our second trip to the BVI. This time we spent a week aboard the 72' ketch sailing and diving. The boat is serviced by 3 crew: captain, mate/divemaster, and cook. Accomodations are outstanding with spacious ensuite cabins. Check out the IRIE website at www.yachtirie.com.

Boat is equipped with a compressor and several sets of brand new Scubapro gear (BCs and regulators). Crew loads equipment into the tender at the beginning of the trip and you don't have to lift or move it again until it is time to pack up and go home. Typically all diving is done from the tender. Divers must be already certified as there is no instructor on board. If instruction is needed they will contact a local shop.

Diving is included in the charter fee. Dive sites vary from reef and rock formations to great wrecks like the Rhone. We did several dives on the Rhone including a night dive. Its a faboulous wreck with lots of life.

Topside the BVI offers plenty of nightlife for those looking for it. For quieter nights, enjoy a gourmet meal aboard IRIE and a soak in the ondeck hot tub! Food on IRIE is freshly prepared and beautifully presented. Katia is a fabulous cook and Captain Robert a wonderful host. Weekly fee includes all meals and beverages, including alcohol.

Sailing on IRIE is a relaxing and very enjoyable experience. Help hoist the sails or just layback and relax and let someone else do all of the work. IRIE also offers other watersports, such as wakeboarding and tubing.

The boat isn't designed for those who want to dive their brains out, but it is a great choice for a small group (4 double cabins) who want a mix of diving, sailing, watersports, and just relaxing. We did 2 dives a day and really could have done 3 if we hurried our selves a bit more or got going earlier in the morning.

I highly recommend the boat and location, especially for those who would like to combine a sailing and diving vacation.

Winn Family Charter

Just wanted to update you and let you know that the Winn Family had the most wonderful time on the Irie and both Tom and Nadine have glowing recommendations for the crew!!! They said it was their best vacation ever!

Renew Charter

Just wanted to write to let you know what a great time we had aboard the Irie. As you know, we were a bit reluctant to sail with a new crew that we knew so little about. But what a blessing we received. Derek, Katia, and Robert were more than we could have hoped for. What a wonderful crew that truly complimented each other.

Our vacation began by being met at the airport in St. Thomas by Robert, the captain. He arranged for our taxi to the marina. Derek, the first mate, met us at the marina and took us by dingy to the Irie. Aboard the Irie, Katia, the hostess and chef, met us with a wonderful lunch. After introductions to the boat, Robert started us sailing away on our adventure in the BVI.

Each day started with a delicious meal followed by snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and sailing. We ended each day in secluded spots and witnessed the most incredible sunsets possible.

Robert, the captain, pampered us and made us feel welcome. He taught each of us to steer the boat and with the help of Derek, taught us to sail. He especially appealed to my 17yo son's odd sense of humor which made his trip most enjoyable. No request was too much for him.

One day my daughter and I wanted to visit Peter Island resort but no one else in the group did. So, Robert loaded us in a dingy and took us on a tour of Peter Island. Acts like this were repeated throughout the trip. Derek, the first mate, was both gentle and patient in his care of my family. He spent a good bet of time with my two 20yo and my 17yo. By the end of the trip, they all felt like they had a new friend. One day when my 17yo did not want to go scuba diving, Derek took him snorkeling and filled his day with fun without us asking. He took great care planning our daily destinations and in choosing the perfect mooring spots. We saw that he quietly did many things that initially seemed unnoticed to make our vacation more special.

And finally there was Katia. What a talented and humble woman. Not only is she a well published water color artist but also an accomplished chef. Her artistry flows into her preparation of delicious culinary creations. She spent much time reviewing our request sheets and created meals that we all enjoyed. She also extended her warm hand of friendship and made us all feel at home. Throughout the day we spent much time laughing and playing with the crew. We also spent several late evenings playing cards, games and talking. By the end of our vacation, we no longer thought of them as our crew but as our friends, our family.

The Irie itself is a wonderful boat that was extremely well cared for, clean and comfortable. We initially thought we did not want a monohull but now I do not think we would want anything else. The boat was very stable and did not rock as much as I anticipated. The Irie was very spacious and our family of 5 had no problems being cramped. The website pictures are exactly the way the boat looks. I am very picky about appearances and especially cleanliness. I would not hesitate to vacation on the Irie again.

So how would we rate our "Irie" vacation? The Ultimate, The Best, A++, Great. We have vacationed all over the world and throughout the caribbean. We have been fortunate to stay in many 5 star resorts. But my family unanimously agrees that our time on the Irie was one of our best family vacations ever.

Thanks to Derek, Katia and Robert for a wonderful "Irie" time. Oh, forgot to mention. We were not the only ones that thought the Irie was great. The week before our trip, the television show Extreme Home Makeover chose to send the family aboard the Irie while their home was being rebuilt. They will be on the season finale May 20, 2007.

Thanks for all your help, Margaret

Dudley Charter

I can't tell you how wonderful the crew of Irie was. Our family had "the Best" time. When I spoke to you about loosing Indigo and that everything happens for a reason, I didn't really know what to expect. I don't think it could have been a better cruise for us.

The crew of Irie were terrific and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone. They were professional, extremely fun. They were interactive with the kids. Wendy is quite a chef. Every meal was a delight. They worked very hard to make sure we were always comfortable and satisfied. I would not have changed one thing about our week. I think that says a lot.

My family is unanimous that this was the single best family vacation we have ever taken and we have been on many a family vacations all over and to many fabulous places. They are a "gem". Because they are fairly new on the boat, they are just getting started. Julie if you are looking to place anyone on a charter you have a diamond in the rough here. They were fantastic.

We did everything we wanted to do and then some as far as cruising. Chad was a great captain. He was always attentive to our comfort factor and extremely confident. Wendy's meals were fabulous. She worked extremely hard and always had the meal ready when she said it would be. She whipped up some very delicious and well thought out meals!

And Derrick was a great guy and always there to do whatever needed to me done as well as things that didn't "need" to be done. He was a great "wingman". We had so much fun with them as well. Good times.

So to sum it up...It was a huge success and we would do it all over again if we could. I hope the fact that Irie is a monohull does not scare anyone off. She is a very comfortable, beautiful boat with plenty of space. We definitely had an Irie time!

Hope this is helpful and please do not hesitate to give my name to anyone thinking of chartering Irie.

We loved it that much!
Thanks, Susan Dudley