Illusion II Reference Letter

" Dear Roger and Ellen: Thank you for everything you did to make this a truly memorable vacation for our family. We all agree that there isn't a thing that we would have rather done differently (except stay longer).
The things we liked the most were: diving and snorkeling, being under sail, Roger's stories and Ellen's cooking. The two of you do a very good job of determining what your guests want and then delivering that plus a little more. We were looking for a vacation where we could relax and spend time together as a family before the boys started going their own ways. Thanks for providing the  perfect setting for that to happen. We hope to see you again in the Islands or in California." Randy, Nancy, Crawford & James, March 2002.

"Thanks soooooo much for a truly wonderful, memorable, fantastic experience!!!  The consensus is that it was the greatest vacation!!! This just doesn't describe it in proper detail.  Our sincere appreciation to you both for your efforts and attention the details that made it so extraordinary. None of us will ever lose sight of the specialness of the week  aboard Illusion II and her fantastic crew.  We would all join you again in a blink and hopefully that will be a possibility -- it's true, really.
Thanks too for locating and sending Barrett's travelers checks - he was heart sick.  I guess we all have to learn one lesson at a time.
We are all reluctant to face the "real" world - tomorrow.  It's been hard to "get into anything" since we've been home...and that includes shoes. Trevor leaves for Seattle tomorrow - Barrett will be around for a couple more days -
I get to face rush hour traffic  :-( and most likely a pile of mail and lists of emails.  I'd/we'd rather be snorkeling.
O - by the way -- we've already had the "pleasure" of shoveling snow- couple of inches came down Saturday night.
And - tonight we're trying our version of Ellen's pork loin and Rogers rum punch :-) Thanks again for ALL -" Jane, Bill, Jason, Jen, Barrett, Trevor - New Year's 2001 - 2002.

"Hi Ellen and Roger,
    I just wish to say to you, that the Ingvardsons have returned the Charter Report with excellent remarks for you. They have been most satisfied and happy with all you did for them.  I will come to the BVIs for 2 weeks from 21 January and I will bring a copy of the report for you.
Thank you very much for your fine job. Hope you are well.
Best Regards
[Broker]

"This was our first crewed charter yacht vacation. We found the yacht to be clean and ready to go upon our arrival. Our accommodations  were kept clean throughout our stay, we thoroughly enjoyed the space and privacy on board the Illusion II. The crew did a wonderful job. Ellen's cooking was excellent and very healthy just as we had requested. Roger's jokes were also excellent. We used many of Ellen's & Roger's suggestions to plan our itinerary, they had some very good ideas.  But what we enjoyed most about our trip were the calm and relaxation provided by the crew. You are the best! Thank you from all of us!!" The Ingvardson Family. New Year's 2001   

March 5, 2000

Charter Guests: Don & Carol Wolniak

Naperville, IL 60540

Dear Carter:

My husband and I just completed our fourth charter with Roger Perkins and Ellen Hochman on the Illusion II. I have been remiss to have not written before, but I wish to make up for that now.

Friends referred Roger and Ellen to us. Our first charter was in the spring of 1993, with our two teenage sons. We were concerned about how two teenagers would adapt to the confinement of a sailboat for a week. We didn’t need to worry…. Between the snorkeling and the swimming every day, the beautiful sails, energetic guided hikes on the various islands, and the great wind-surfing lessons that greatly improved our sons already decent skills on the windsurfer…. The week flew by. I didn’t even mention the delicious meals that Ellen magically prepared. Needless to say, we couldn’t wait to another trip, which we did in 1995.

The next trip included five adults…. Another couple, a good friend and us…and was as great as the previous trip. The other couple has returned for a charter with their family.

Our third trip, Christmas, 1998, was again with our boys, but also included their wives, so there were six adults. There was the added challenge for Ellen of planning meals around two vegetarians. Again, everything was wonderful.

Our last and most recent sail was February 2000, with only the two of us. We had a fantastic sail everyday. Roger and Ellen were still able to show us new and different areas to explore and beautiful secluded bays for anchoring and snorkeling.

We are over-due in letting you know how much we have enjoyed one of your Charter boats. We look forward to our next voyage.

Sincerely,

Don & Carol Wolniak

We have just returned from our second voyage aboard Illusion II with Roger and Ronnie. Illusion II is a very nice boat, clean, comfortable and well-maintained. However, the real attraction is Roger and Ronnie. They are wonderful people, gracious, lots of fun, and so kind to our daughter Sarah. Ronnie is a wonderful cook and Roger is always ready to provide entertainment any time things slow down a bit. We felt like guests in their home and left feeling that we were leaving old friends.

One of the things that we most appreciated about Roger and Ronnie is that they were willing to structure each day to do exactly what we wanted to do. Most of the Captains with whom we have sailed have had a plan for the week and we have just gone along with it. This was almost like bare-boating, in that we planned each day, except Roger's boat skills, Ronnie's terrific cooking and their knowledge about the special anchorage's and snorkeling spots - the best of both worlds.

Jim and I have chartered in the Virgin Islands nine times over the years and enjoyed each trip (although we haven't always had a happy experience with the crews of our boats). However, the two trips we have made with Roger have been the best. They have been relaxing, harmonious and happy. We will surely return to Illusion II! You couldn't possibly go wrong by recommending this boat to anyone. We give it our highest recommendation.

Sincerely,

Cathy Gray"

Dear [Broker],

This is just a brief note to let you know how much we enjoyed our vacation on Illusion II with Roger Perkins and Ronnie. First, the accommodations were outstanding. It is a very roomy vessel and one that would accommodate families or couples very comfortably. Second, the food was outstanding. I have chartered vessels on a half dozen occasions in the Caribbean and Ronnie was by far the best chef.

Perhaps, most importantly, Ronnie and Roger made us feel completely at home and made our vacation totally relaxing as well as interesting. He was more than willing to teach us how to wind surf and he knew the best snorkeling areas. I really believe that in rating the Illusion II and Roger and Ronnie, they deserve a perfect 10. Thanks for setting us up with such a great boat and especially the crew.

Very Truly yours,

Phillip M. Davis