You will notice the high level of design given to this literary masterpiece. No simple words or plain piece of paper could describe the special quality of the week on board Ad Astra. The stain represents the multiple tonnage of wine we had on board and happily shared together. The wine represents the happiness I felt in sharing my 60^th birthday with close friends on board and the Moors. Your relationship in every respect is contagious to all!!! Your total caring for Ad Astra including cleaning the bilge when the generator “burped” is amazing!!  We look forward to a return visit. We also look forward to drinking Haber family vineyards Cabernet together. Thanks for trying to fix my troublesome mask!!  Penny – my buoyancy has been changed by your food, quick – inflate the BCD!!!!  Not over the hill at 60!!

 The Habers and the Hals

Words can’t explain how thankful we are to both of you for such a wonderful vacation. We will treasure this trip and your friendship forever.

The food was awesome as well as the company. By the way make a cook book and mail it to us.

We had so much fun doing things we would probably never have done. The scenery is great and the voyage across the many islands memorable. We will miss everything about it, including you both. You made it great!  You will always be welcome in our home. Thank you for taking care of us so well.

The Lewis family

I don’t know where to begin. This trip far exceeded my expectations. The time flew by so quickly, it seems as though we just got here! . If we were starting all over again I wouldn’t change a thing!  The week was nothing short of fantastic! Between all the gourmet meals, appetizers, perfect little Cays, diving spots and the chilled champagne in the evenings – it was the perfect vacation. You both made us feel so welcome, at home and relaxed that we hate to leave. Your knowledge of the islands is unbelievable, along with the marine life.  From “Barry” the barracuda to “Remy” the remora, the underwater adventures alone were worth the trip! 

So much attention to detail is what makes this trip so much more personal and one I know I will never forget. I could write a book about this fabulous experience. And on that note I’ll just end by saying “Thank you for making our family vacation one of the best we’ve ever had”

 The Grigas family

Words are inadequate to describe the exhilarating experiences you shared with us. Penny, each meal was a glorious performance with multiple mouthgasms!

Colin, the way you read your guests was evident in your special treatment and attention to detail. You both personalized our experience in a way like no other vacation.

We can’t thank you enough for all that you extended of yourselves to all of us. Most of all, we’ve grown to love you and we know we will remain friends forever.

Until the next time, which we’ll look forward to gleefully, we wish you, Blue Skies and Gentle Breezes. We are forever your Beacons of Restraint. With love always,

 Janet and Fred Lundquist

Although our little family was just another family on the long line of guests you’ve had and will have, I hope you know how wonderful of a vacation this has been.

Thanks Penny for making me feel at home every minute in every way. Thank you Colin for showing us and teaching us to ski!  We’ll miss you – Take care

Anna McCann

Thank you both soooo much for the best vacation that I have ever had! I never thought that I would be able to kneeboard, much less do a 360 turn.  Penny you food was soooo wonderful and I loved being able to try foods that I have never eaten before. Both of you are such wonderful spirited people and I just loved being around you guys.

I will never forget all that I have learned from you while on this trip. You guys are 2 of the best Brits I have ever met.  I hope that I will be able to sail Ad Astra once more.

I had fun!

 Baker and McKinnon Forbes

You made our 10^th anniversary trip very special, a dream come true. Everyday was amazing. Thank you for your warm and sunny hospitality, you are wonderful people.

We have made true friends – if your travels ever bring you to Texas, please give us a call and let us host you! Thank you again. God speed!

Bobby, Mica, Rachel, Amber and Arlee Pryor

Thank you for letting us stay here it was very fun. I loved the food and snorkeling.   

Arlee Pryor . Age 8

What an incredible vacation! I didn’t think we could have a better vacation than last year, but I think it was topped. The beaches were awesome, the diving was great and the food was scrumptious. Thank for making Michaels’s birthday so special (Arr..Arr!) for tolerating Morgan’s head spinning and Michaels’s “hands on” approach to everything. Michael and Morgan adore these vacations and the two of you as you can tell by the way they hang out at the galley and fight to drive the dinghy. Tim and I appreciate the time to relax as well as the great company you provide. We’ll have to do this again sometime!

 Margaret, Tim, Michael and Morgan Daly

Geri Bacu

Thanks for the wonderful memories…!  You opened your home and hearts to us and we will be forever grateful.  We had the most fabulous vacation, you guys did that for us – you’re the tops!!!  We love your spirit!! We can’t believe how fast the time went by. We are not ready to leave, but we have to and will return again for sure.

Thank you for all the extra special care we received. We had the time of our lives. You guys really are the best. We love you!

 The Newmans and the Trianos

Colin and Penny, 

This has been a truly wonderful vacation for our family. We have really enjoyed being in the BVI again and spending time with you on Ad Astra.

We have loved the many experiences we have had – snorkeling, swimming, being pulled behind the boat – especially the Hotdog!, learning to dive, sailing, playing on the beach, napping, watching the stars, reading, eating awesome food, sleeping to the rock of the boat, having wonderful conversations with new friends.

Thank you for all that the two of you did to make our time with you so enjoyable and relaxing. You are both amazing! We hope to have the opportunity to sail with you again. God bless you. Love, 

Gary, Candice, Laine and Joel Klopfenstein

Our friends Penny and Colin, 

It was a “Beautiful Morning”, afternoon and evening all week long! And it was all due to your marvelous hospitality. Thank you for making your home, our home!

Thank you for a terrific week of relaxing, sailing, diving, eating and enjoying fine wines…for your concern for a quality trip, for our personal well being and for your friendship. There was never a loss of theme or steam on your part. Most of all,thanks for being two of the most genuine people that I have ever encountered. You’re the best!

Gratefully,

 George and Cookie Schaefer

Johnny and Karen Byrnes

Luke Lyons and Maria Gac

It is true – it is better the “second time around! “ Couldn’t have appreciated your unending hospitality more – you just never cease to keep us fed, watered

and entertained – we loved every minute and then some!

Top Ten Reasons We Know We Aren’t On The Ad Astra

1. We can’t “swoodle” …the term created for “swimming with a noodle.”
2. No goat on the menus at our local restaurants.
3. We’re wearing shoes!!!
4. We sit at the breakfast/lunch/dinner table and no one serves us.
5. There is NO such place compared to Willie T’s that we’re aware of.
6. Wearing a sarong over a swimsuit is months away (at least in Boston).
7. We can’t sit on our back porch stoop and shower.
8. Our ocean water is only clear up to our shins.
9. The closest we get to a Soggy Dollar Bar is, well, leaving a soggy dollar on the bar.
10. NO COUNTING TO TEN WHEN WE FLUSH!!!!

 ENJOY!!!

Kris and Bubba Southard

Ad Astra’s first Canadians hailing from Ottawa, Canada had an amazing time. Our trip of a lifetime was stupendous. Penny and Colin, thank you for exceeding our expectations. We felt so at home, yet in another world.

Each day was unique and full of wonders. The snorkeling was the best we have ever done - we have seen so many species of fish and coral. Thank you for being such wonderful guides and telling us about the wildlife. Thanks for planning our week to meet all our hopes and wishes and for the “special day” for Joanne and Michael’s 25^th anniversary. You have provided us with special memories.

 Terry and Linda Hamilton

Michael Crawford and Joanne Charlebois

Eric and Michele Steigerwald

So, we come back from a few hours at Virgin Gorda and the boat is decorated with all the trappings for a birthday celebration. How fabulous!

Another special trip with Colin and Penny has gone by in a flash, but again so much fun. To be in the presence of Miss December made the week even more enjoyable.

We look forward to the next time.

 Thanks again

Clarke and Christy Linders

Dear Penny and Colin,

Well, here we are again at the end of another great vacation. Coming on board the Ad Astra with the two of you is like coming home to family. Toni and I will be back again & again & again. Until next time, thanks for the memories.

 Marty and Toni Newman

How do you express the feeling of appreciation we have for all your kindness and warmth you both have shared with us? Thank you just is not enough.

This has been my dream vacation and now that it comes to an end, my only dream is to return soon with the Newmans or maybe some of my friends and family.

I love the boat, it sails so smooth. Penny, each and every meal was delicious and I will try to entertain as well as you do.

 Thanks until next time

 Diane and Bill Ensley

Thank you Colin and Penny for a wonderful trip. The sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, water sports… were all fantastic. The meals were spectacular!!!

Thank you for accommodating all our requests and for giving Chase a great 16^th birthday.

Many, many thanks

 Jim, Lisa, Chase, Liam and Connor Burrell

Dear Colin and Penny

 We came exhausted and left rested and happy. You are wonderful hosts, who took everything in your stride and helped to make out Christmas very special.

Thank you for your gracious and warm hospitality. Penny you are a five star chef. You and your mate are a perfect couple.

Christmas on the sea - we will always remember the bright stars above and those aboard Ad Astra.

Thank you and much love.

 The Vukalcic/Tomera family

Penny and Colin, 

How lucky we are to be back here so soon!  We loved it in March with our friends, but nothing beats being here with our kids. What a way to spend a 60^th birthday!

What could be better than a week on the sea with your family and two of the most wonderful and down to earth people I’ve met!  Your love for one another is a beautiful thing to witness. I truly would like to maintain our friendship. Colin thanks for all the line tying lessons and for letting me tie up Penny. Penny thanks for my new stomach. You meals were fabulous and presented beautifully.  You both are so special. Please call and stay with us if you come to the Washington, D.C area.

 Ike, Jane Isaacson and family

Colin and Penny,

 Thank you for a wonderful week. The diving was fantastic – Colin you are a great leader. Penny, your cuisine is not to be topped and your videography unsurpassed. There is no doubt that we will return (is that a promise or a threat?!!)

 Joan and Barry Waters and friends

Colin and Penny, 

We can’t begin to thank you enough for such a fabulous week full of wonderful memories. What can I say other than it was perfect. Your patience, kindness, enthusiasm and always being ready for more fun was endless. Kyle caught fish and Courtney loved the scuba diving along with the snorkeling, wind surfing, jumping waves as we sailed. The food was wonderful!  You two have a true talent for welcoming guest, making them feel totally at home and giving them the time of their lives. You did just that for the whole Jenkins family. We hope to do it again sometime soon.

 Ricky, Carolyn, Courtney and Kyle Jenkins

To Penny and Colin,

 I would compare you to some of the great couples in history.

1) Tarzan and Jane - the way you both went to help the young couple when they had problems tying up to the mooring ball – Penny at the wheel, while Colin dove under with his knife in his mouth to cut the rope around the prop - the snorkeling and teaching me how to go underwater.

2) Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers – For your dancing, even though Penny leads like my wife!

3) Cap’n and Tenille – For your singing even though you don’t know Muskrat Love!

4) Jacques Pepin and Julia Child – For the great meals you both prepared – the cocktails were also great.

Overall, you’re the best. You made me feel at home and it was great to see a couple that was so happy enjoying what they do together – living their dream.

 Rick Grochowski (aka Coffemate)