Cat-tastic New Year's Eve Sailing Cruise in the BVI

Back to reality, Our trip home took almost 24 hours. That's the bad part about going to the Caribbean from California. The good part - no, the truly amazing part - was how well worth the long trek it was to spend the week on the Ragamuffin with you. We've both been swamped at work trying to catch up - but again, well worth it! I'll write more later and send more pics (or maybe even mail a slideshow and some of the videos on a disk to you), but wanted you to know how much we enjoyed the boat, getting to know you both, Squeak, the islands, the sailing... What a perfect way to celebrate Scott's 50th birthday - and our engagement! After 28 years together, it seems impossible to believe we can actually get married now. We've set the date for August 9. I doubt you'll want to leave the boat during hurricane season, but if by any chance you're in the states then, it's going to be one hell of a party! Invitations will go out in June. Thanks for the trip of a lifetime! Charlie Creasy

What a week! Seven days of pure relaxation, and entertainment. Good food (Jo is a Wonderful cook), good company, new friendships, perfect water, beautiful foliage and amazing underwater life…we could go on and on. Jo and Loren are experienced sailors, casual, fun and knowledgeable hosts. We learned historical information about the islands, current island life happenings and met lots of Jo and Loren’s friends, both island inhabitants and others who now also live on their sailboats. We felt like special family members. The Virgin Islands area is one of the most beautiful in the world. Ron had never sailed before and really enjoyed the experience and opportunity to learn some of what sailing vessels are about. Having been there before, bareboat chartering, I would truly recommend sailing with Jo, Loren and Commodore Squeak to be a truly care free and fun experience. No worries, no planning…they took care of everything…and it was all great. Now, that’s living! Tracy Hoffman and Ron Wiedeman

Dear Jo and Loren: Rob and I have had the most wonderful experience of our life on the trip with you. I can’t say anything better about the hospitality, food, comfort, fun and the historical knowledge we gained from you both. We felt so comfortable with your sailing abilities; never a moment was there any fear that anything was to go wrong as we had complete confidence in your handling of the Ragamuffin the most photographed sailing vessel in the BVI. Our group had a blast everywhere we visited, at every island. Shortly after leaving St. Thomas, we felt like you were family and had made the greatest friends of a life time. We are definitely coming back and we would never choose another company to go with. We were so fortunate to find the best on the first trip. We are so looking ahead in the near future for a returned adventure trip sailing in the BVI on the Ragamuffin... It was beautiful and exciting every day; just relaxing and listening to Loren tell stories about the islands were intriguing and educational. We are recommending this trip to anyone who thinks fun in the sun and water is in their future coupled with knowledge of the BVI you both possess I could not say enough in recommending this trip. It was Fun! Fun! Fun! We send all our love to our great friends and we will continue to stay in close contact with them until we sail with them again. Sincerely, Rob and Linda Reed---Michiganaarrr’s!!!!!!!!

Hi Jo & Loren, Here are some memories to share...I've put this picture of the IndiansIndians on the desk top of my computer so I can see it everyday and pretend I'm with you sailing on the Ragamuffin. Good food, good laughs, wonderful swimming and snorkeling - we did finally get the hang of climbing in and out of the dinghy! Thank you for teaching us so much about sailing and sharing so many of your favorite spots with us. One highlight was the stingray jumping up out of the water as we were sailing to Anegada. And how about the dolphin circling the boat so many times! It really was a magical 10 days. Hopefully we'll all return. Take care and best always...till we see you again. Jim, Susan, Manson and Laura