Hi, Bernie: Thanks for the quick and painless delivery to Sag Harbor. In addition, we just noted today that you adjusted and correlated the compasses - - for the first time since we've owned this boat (2 years), the GPS, the fluxgate autopilot, and the magnetic steering compass all agree. Now "Three G's" knows where she's Going.

Goldie G, 55' trawler Go Go Going

You are the ONLY delivery captain to whom I refer boaters, because you do everything properly, by the book, plus some. Your fees may be higher, but are well worth the professionalism, experience, and peace of mind.
 
David D., Yacht Broker (CPYB), Essex, CT

Bernie and crew: I want to thank both of you for the professional, yet enjoyable, delivery of my new yacht from Great Bridge VA to Old Saybrook CT. Being with you, it was a great opportunity to learn and to experience new places and situations, especially as we went through NY Harbor and the East River. I'm sure these have improved my skills as skipper, which will make us safer and happier in our years ahead on the water.

Steve L, 40' trawler Satisfied 'n Tickled Too

Bernie, you did a great job with me and my boat. Your knowledge, professionalism, and skills were exceptional, and I thank you for providing a wealth of information to me during the trip. For future delivery referrals, I will highly recommend you.

Mike C, 36' sloop Dauntless

Hi, Cap. Thanks for helping us move "Elegante" from Charleston to Newport. We especially appreciate your instruction on the navigation electronics and the tips on maneuvering during "close encounters." We'll invite you again, next time as our guest!

Allison J, 105' motor yacht Elegante

Dear Bernie: Thank you for a spectacular job. You definitely deserve five stars. Not only did you prove yourself knowledgeable, but your personality made the entire trip very enjoyable. Whether driving my 50' Carver from Connecticut to Rhode Island and back, or driving my dinghy from boat to restaurants and back, you made the trip fun and safe. I thank you for the memories.

Elaine D, 50' Motor Yacht Stowe Away

Bernie, I was truly impressed with the pre-delivery prep work you did to insure a safe and stress-free transit from New Rochelle NY to Portland ME, especially when I could not be there. And during the delivery you showed professionalism at all times. Being a yacht broker (Casco Bay Yachts, Freeport ME), I look forward to recommending you to my clients as well. Your knowledge and experience are super, bar none!!! There are many who should take advantage of the education and training you provide.

Chris E., 44' Sloop Easy Rider

Bernie: Thanks for the prompt delivery to Edgartown, as promised. Also, I must confess, I found the boat in better condition than when I left it for you. Everything worked, your set-up for the chartplotter made it real easy to use, and the whole boat was clean and shiny! And also, thanks for off-loading the trash and filling the tanks.

Ray G, 49' Tri-Cabin Sedan Sirius

I'm glad you convinced me to join you for the delivery from Miami to Norfolk. I got the experience I sought, and we all benefited from your tutelage. Where do I sign up for your GPS workshop?

Walter J, 68' Ketch Persevere

It was a great learning experience, bringing the new boat from Stamford into Fisher's Island Sound. I learned so much from sailing with you for 12 hours. People often ask how I learned such and such. I tell them that I got to spend a day with Cap'n Bernie!

Mike G., 30' Sloop Oasis

That trip to Hilton Head was our first experience on the ICW, and we're so pleased that you were with us to explain the boating protocols, the best over-night marinas, how to maneuver the boat in close encounters, how to "baby" the engines, etc. However, we're still not 100% self-confident, so we want to reserve your time in the Spring, for when we return to Narragansett Bay.

Rea and Peter L, 55' Trawler Rea-Pete

It was alternately terrifying -- and then exhilarating -- the nasty business with the squall in Hampton Roads. But our concerns were misplaced. You're a real pro, and thanks for sharing your confidence in the boat as well as in us, your still-sodden and exhausted crew.

Joel and Barbara C, 54' Motor-Sailer J & B

Bernie: It was truly a pleasure sharing our time on the boat together. I'm glad that the professional captain we always knew we would want on board for the trip, turned out to be you. The calm and professional way you led us home, and then assisted in the "Commissioning Ceremony," helped create a perfect start.

Howard L, 36' Sloop All Wet

Captain Bernie, we miss you!!! We really respect your professionalism and will always remember you as our Captain, leader, and confidence-builder to help us enjoy and get to know our new yacht. You will always be the first mention and first memory in our ship's log. 

Sandy F, 42' Trawler Hafa Dai

". . . and later - - unable to continue alone - - we had to hire another captain. I can't tell you how much (in your absence) we learned to appreciate you, your knowledge, your sea-going experience, your navigation skills, and generosity with your time. 

Ray S, 56' Ketch Sallye 4th

As you warned us, this marriage contract was valid only for the duration of the cruise. But it was great while it lasted! Thanks, Captain Bernie!
 
Bunny and Bucky F, 65' trawler Time Out

. . . Thank you for organizing and conducting our re-naming ceremony. . . . Your extensive nautical knowledge plus your great sense of humor made it a beautiful and wonderful experience.
 
Leslie and Stewart N., 34’ Sloop Desirée

. . . My son announced that he and his fiancée wanted to be married on the family boat, but not in Stratford. She wanted the ceremony to be in New York Harbor, directly in front of the Statue of Liberty, so that wedding photos would show the Great Lady in the background. I said OK, and then I yelled, "Quick! Call Captain Bernie." It was a great wedding, and you got us there!

Bill D, 40' Trawler Moonlight Lady

Bernie, our memorial service in Long Island Sound would not have happened without you. Thanks for making the arrangements, counseling us on the procedure, organizing the fleet, offering the appropriate prayers, and especially, thank you for your dignity during the scattering of the ashes.

Jennifer W, 30' Sloop Dutch's Treat

Bernie, I am thrilled. Your personal on-board diesel engine tutorial was just what I needed. This morning my engine wouldn't start, but I remembered your checklist, your demo, and your instructions: I checked the fuel line, changed the filters, bled the air from the fuel system, and voila! The engine started. Thank you so much.

Adrienne T, 36' sloop Nomad

Bernie: My family and I wish to thank you for three things: First, of course, for getting us to Point Judith through the "dark and stormy." Especially after the electrics and electronics shorted out in the storm, your battery-powered GPS, spotlight, and radio - - and your local knowledge - - were great comfort, indeed. Second, your corrections to the steering compass resolved one of our nagging worries with this new (to us) boat. And third, most important, your piloting and seamanship lessons instilled in us the courage and the confidence that we can manage the boat ourselves. We certainly jump-started our learning curve! Even the boys were impressed!

Sam B, 42' trawler, B-Leave

Bernie, thank you. It's our first big boat, after having sailed bathtub toys for most of our lives, and we have sooooooo much to learn, and you are so tolerant and understanding when we make mistakes.  The best part, NO YELLING!   Second best part, we're getting the practical education along with the classroom instruction.  On with the show !

Maxine and Milton P, 49' Ketch Celebration

Bernie, You really are the best.  What a great resource in my back yard.

Rand S, 33' Sloop Elixir

It's confession time, Bernie. We hit the dock last night. Literally. Not much damage (neither to the boat nor to the dock), but very embarrassing. I neglected to take your advice: "Approaching the dock, reduce speed early, go very slowly, go no faster than you want to be going when you hit the dock." Mea culpa ! Because I didn't equip this boat with brakes, I learned your lesson the hard way. Next time you offer advice I'll be more attentive!

Sam T, 44' Motor Yacht Legal Ease

Hi, Bernie: Yes, we sold the boat ONLY because you are not with us in New Jersey. I was very disappointed to leave Long Island Sound. For the first time in my life, because of you, I was really enjoying boating. It is next to impossible to find someone with your patience, expertise, enthusiasm, attitude toward safety, teaching ability...shall I go ON & ON & ON?

Miss you, Captain Bernie!

Darlene F, 28' Express Cruiser Sue Sea

Hi Bernie, Thanks again for today. I appreciate the praise, as well as the training. I feel much better about the whole boating thing (even though I still have a lot to learn). You are a very kind and patient teacher.

Sandee K, 29' Picnic Boat Bitter Rabbit

Not only were you highly recommended, I was told that you are the best. "They" were right. Thanks for your training, your demonstrations of docking and getting under way, your advice on maneuvering and navigating, and your standing by in close proximity when I was at the wheel!

Kay S, 68'Custom Motor Yacht Sweet Patootie

. . . and now that our boat is out of the water, I just wanted to say thank you. You really made our first year as "stink potters" most pleasant. You taught us well.

Debbie and Jerry F, 26' Picnic Boat Sal Do Mar

Bernie: Your "Truth About GPS" lecture was wonderful! You are a great teacher.

Fred W, New York City

Hi, Bernie - - Jack and I thank you for today's GPS seminar and want you to know how much we learned from it. Your content and organization were outstanding, and the real life examples made it particularly informative. Great job!

Leon T, Armonk NY

Dear Captain Bernie, thanks much for the GPS seminar. Manny and I were delighted to learn, at last, how to use our GPS, and most importantly, how to avoid "operator errors" that lead to navigational disasters. We will definitely sign you up for personal on-board instruction when we install our new GPS chartplotter.

Laurie M, Southport CT

Cap’n –  Thank you for an enlightening seminar yesterday. I am now far more confident than previously. In fact, I was at my boat this afternoon looking the engine over and reflecting on your topics yesterday,  which now make perfect sense to me. Thanks again for a very worthwhile educational program.

Tom K, New London CT

Hi, Bernie, I loved the workshop, I've been looking for a diesel class like this for years. Your format was perfect, your small class kept everyone in the game. Thank you for a very helpful 31/2 hrs!

Stuart L, Scarsdale NY

Captain Bernie: Thank you for your outstanding lecture this past Saturday.  Sarah and I learned an unbelievable amount which we will definitely be putting into practice this season. Your  approach and explanations were excellent and we're both very glad we came.
 
Chris F, Greenwich CT

Sir:  I would sail with you any day, any time, with the utmost confidence. In my short time at sea as a novice, I have already had the pleasure of a great learning experience.

Joseph H, Stamford CT

Bernie, thanks for your "Diesels For Dummies" workshop - - this particular "dummy" learned how to winterize her engine, and I DID IT MYSELF! You gave me all the confidence I needed. Thanks!

Angela L, Bridgeport CT

Bernie, your workshop on diesel engine maintenance was terrific. I'm glad I dressed accordingly. I'll tell my friends, who will be taking your next engine workshop, to bring a change!

Margo T, New York City

Compliments on a great presentation. I never leave your classes without learning something, which is good for the gray matter.

Ray F, Brewster NY

Thanks, Bernie. You were great. I always learn from you.

Steve A, Stamford CT

Hi, Cap: Your diesel class was all I had hoped it would be. The content, organization, and delivery were all done very well. I learned answers to a half dozen questions that were important to the maintenance of my engine. In addition, I now feel confident knowing the whole diesel engine system and how it works.

Nick A, Greenwich CT

Bernie! In just 4 hours, you de-mystified GPS for me and taught me how to navigate. Amazing! I should have taken your class three years ago before I bought my boat.

Jill P, Westport CT

For me, you certainly took the guesswork out of coastal navigation. My whole family thanks you!

Porter W, Old Greenwich CT

Bernie: Thanks for a great diesel workshop! You've inspired me to go spend a lot of quality time in my boat's "holy place" !

David L., White Plains, NY

Hi Bernie, just wanted to thank you for a most informative diesel course. Though I had already conducted some maintenance on our Yanmar, viz,.. winterizing, commissioning and oil changes, there was so much valuable insight in your course. Any one of the helpful hints or procedures you presented would more than justify the tuition. I highly recommend your course to all boaters."

Paul R., Stamford, CT

Bernie, thank you for coming out with us yesterday to "box" our compass and make the adjustments. It's really nice to know that when all else fails, we'll be able to find our way to port with the traditional method: a reliable compass, a paper chart, and binoculars.

Will and Mary G., 41' sloop Black Beauty

. . . Thanks for solving our compass problem. Having more than one gave us a dilemma; they never agreed. We usually argued over the steering course. But now the autopilot compass agrees with the magnetic compass on the bridge, and they both agree with the compass in the cabin. Awesome!

Samantha and Rick P., 54' motor yacht Summer School

Hi Cap, and thanks again for your advice on Elixir's compass. It was and still is badly compromised, because of close proximity to the stereo speakers. But we'll suffer with it because we have GPS! But your personal service and guidance are much appreciated.

Rand S., 33' sloop Elixir

As I mentioned when you were with us last week, we've been living with this cockamamie compass for 4 years. Not that we ever used it. But it's a different story now, and I thank you for fixing it. It's really nice to have reliable back-up. Even the autopilot's compass works better. Thank you!

Woody K., 45 cruiser Fir Keeps