June 2025
Sincere thanks and appreciation for everything you have done for us this past month. You both were beyond amazing, you are both so great at your jobs, and you are also such nice genuine people who really take pride in everything you do. We are so grateful (and lucky) that we landed you two as our crew this past month. As I’ve told you multiple times, you both made our trip special. So special, that when we come back for a month next year, we can’t imagine not having you with us.
We have so much respect for you both, and for how hard you work all day every day. As we wrote in the Borrowed Bounty book, you represent your company so well, they should be very proud and appreciative to have you on their team.
We view you both as friends at this point and look forward to staying in touch between now and our trip back to BVI next May. We wish you both the very best, and if there is every anything we can do for you please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Thanks again for making this trip so memorable!
May 2025
Thank you for an amazing charter. You are the best team!
Stijn – your food is out of this world. You have a true gift for combining flavors while accommodating allergies and preferences with ease.
Evanne – we couldn’t have asked for a more skilled and patient captain. You took us to fantastic locations, and we always felt safe.
Together, you are a power team!
May 2025
Dear Captain Evanne & Chef Stijn,
Sincere thanks for making our charter so memorable and special. Evanne, your positive attitude, constant smile, and exceptional customer service made it an absolute pleasure to sail with you. You are a highly knowledgeable and competent captain, and we always felt completely safe with you at the helm.
Stijn, your food was impeccable. We looked forward to every single meal. The way you combined flavors and presented each dish made us feel like we were dining in a different five-star restaurant every day. Thank you so much for taking such thoughtful care with our daughter’s food allergies as well—it meant the world to us.
Evanne and Stijn, over the course of our month-long stay, you became more than our crew—you became our friends. Every day brought something new, and you graciously adapted to our last-minute plan changes. The month flew by far too quickly.
We highly recommend you to anyone lucky enough to have you as part of their crew. Your company is incredibly fortunate to have you representing them. We wish you both all the very best, and if there’s ever anything we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
May 2025
Evanne & Stijn
We can’t thank you enough for your outstanding hospitality. The amazing meals, top-notch service, and your warm company made our trip to the BVI unforgettable. We truly hope we have the privilege of sailing with you again on future adventures.
May 2025
Dear Evanne & Stijn,
Thank you both for an amazing week in the BVI. From the moment we arrived, you made us feel like family and true members of the crew. You both did an incredible job in every aspect of our trip. You’ve made me even more excited to return to the BVI in the future.
May 2025
Evanne & Stijn
Our experience on this boat was amazing! I’ll never forget waking up and smelling the delicious food Stijn has prepared. As for Evanne, you always brought us different places and ensured that everything is fun and exciting. Both of you have incredible knowledge about the boat. I don’t know how you do it! My favorite thing that Stijn made for dinner was the lobster. So good! Also your desserts are the perfect thing to come after a meal, they are delicious! Finally, thank you for making sure we felt safe on this boat. My family felt safe and secure and had an incredible time. Thank you for taking amazing care of us!
May 2025
Evanne & Stijn
Thank you for another great week in the BVI. You planned an excellent itinerary and worked diligently to make sure we had the best experience. The Borrowed Bounty was a new boat for you as a crew, and when there were A/C and generator issues, you never gave up and worked hard to resolve them—all while still making sure we were well fed and enjoying each location!
Evanne, you always found the best mooring spots and you are both kind and joyful.
Stijn, your meals were incredible! We felt like we toured the world through your cuisine. You catered excellently to dietary restrictions while maintaining variety and incredible flavor in each meal.
Overall, we loved how well you worked together. It was a blast getting to know each of you—we look forward to more trips in the future!
April 2025
What an adventure!
Pre-trip communications were easy, thorough and excellent. Stijn and Evanne organized a Zoom permeating to meet/greet, discuss menus and preferences regarding activities and destinations. They arranged reservations for meals out, transfers and logistics. They incorporated our preferences and provided alternate suggestions.
Evanne’s professional ability and maturity are beyond her age. Winds gusting to 30 knots were abnormally strong. Her seamanship and marine critical judgement exhibited a calm professional demeanor. Her ability to manage many things at once was demonstrated during the maneuvering of the boat in open waters, tights spaces and high winds.
Stijn’s passion for feeding people shines. His scratch cooking with fresh ingredients showcased his culinary knowledge of international cuisine. He adjusted menus to accommodate dietary restrictions. Our group of well-traveled fun-loving seniors have eaten at some of the finest restaurants around the world and have not had such consistently superb meals. He deserves a Michelin star!
Evanne and Stijn worked as a seamless team. They supported each other and the passengers. Their hospitality created a tabling experience that was inviting and inclusive.
We’re coming back to charter with Evanne and Stijn wherever they are!
March 2025
Had the most amazing week on Ad Astra with Evanne and Stijn. We were a party of 10 and the level of service they provided was outstanding. So impressed with both of them. First - Stijn’s prowess in the kitchen is unmatched - we have used chefs before - he is #1 in our book. Evanne’s knowledge and professionalism as our captain was impressive. Not our first charter - would sail with her again.
Their suggestions for excursions were awesome. We had so much fun and I feel they gave us the best of the BVI.
This Boston crew will follow Evanne and Stijn anywhere.
March 2025
Thank you to Evanne and Stijn for an amazing week in the BVIs!
They were absolutely top-notch. The food was incredible, and everyone was happy.
The yummy cocktails offered throughout the trip were a great touch of service, and they truly went above and beyond. Evanne was always calm and confident, making everyone feel safe.
They took us to amazing spots—both off the beaten path and the well-known gems—and we appreciated both.
We’ve done a similar trip before, and we all agreed:
Evanne and Stijn are the very best of the best!
Thank you from all of us!
February 2025
How lucky are we to experience the best crew in the BVI with an incredible boat the Ad Astra.
We are a group of 10, who always felt comfortable and safe while onboard. Evanne is caring, adventurous and so fun! She shared her knowledge and experiences with us and allowed us to experience the best of the BVI. Stijn knew how to amaze us in the galley! We had no idea we’d be eating in a 5-star restaurant each day! He kept our taste buds gong by taking us all around the world with his dishes! Spain, Greek, Italy, plus pops of Korean, wow! Amazing.
Together Stijn and Evanne were at their best. They worked together providing us with a trip that will remain one of our very favorites.
Thank you for the most amazing week, your kindness and care and for sharing your talents with us!
February 2025
Evanne & Stijn
We loved our first sailing adventure—thank you!
Your care, professionalism, and hospitality were unmatched. We feel so fortunate to have had you as our hosts.
Our BVI trip was hands down our best vacation ever!
We had no idea we were in for the most amazing culinary experience.
Evanne and Stijn’s professionalism and hospitality made us feel welcome and safe.
Thank you for making our first BVI trip unforgettable!
January 2025
Evanne and Stijn, Thank you for making this one of the best trips of our lives. Stijn is the best chef I have ever experienced. His food is incredible! Evanne made me feel safe on our boat, and she was also the best party coordinator. Every single day was filled with adventure and more fun than I can put into words. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
January 2025
Thank you to Ad Astra, Evanne, and Stijn for a wonderful week. You allowed old friends from St. Paul, Milwaukee, and Boston to relive some of our favorite college memories. Your hard work kept us well-fed, safe, and constantly in awe of the beauty of the BVIs. We’ll be telling our friends and family about what a great experience this was—largely because of you!
P.S. No restaurant could ever rival Stijn’s cooking talent! As a team, we especially appreciated Evanne and Stijn’s easygoing approach to life on the water. A perfect week in every way.
January 2025
Our week in the BVI was truly the trip of a lifetime, celebrating 30+ years of friendship. Evanne and Stijn provided such an amazing experience—wonderful hosts of the islands. Every meal was a visual delight, with no detail overlooked. Stijn’s creations will forever change how we approach dining out.
Don’t be fooled by their youthful appearance—they are true experts in the field of hospitality.
Thank you for a wonderful week!
January 2025
Evanne & Stijn,
Thank you for an amazing week in one of the greatest places on earth. The meals on the boat surpassed all the restaurants with amazing healthy variety and detail. You guys make a fantastic team and we wish you a great season of boating! A few more thoughts. You work so well together. You are calm and cool all of the time. Your knowledge of sailing and the islands were so appreciated. We always felt safe. You were both so friendly and nice. We would recommend this vacation to everyone!
January 2025
Evanne & Stijn were the ultimate hosts!
Super friendly, working seamlessly together, patient with our questions, and always smiling!
The food was beyond our expectations—absolutely fabulous. Safety was clearly a top priority, which made us all feel secure and at ease.
Thanks for a thoughtful trip—we’ll never forget the BVI!
Plan on seeing us again.
Well done!! (Superior service)
December 2024
Evanne & Stijn -
The very best crew in the world!
Thank you for the best week ever. You spoiled our family of 10 and contributed to our joy filled and memorable trip. Not only were you both very talented and professional crew, but you did it with such a great attitude and brought such joy and happiness to our adventure.
Our family of 10 can be challenging to deal with at times but your patience and understanding were fantastic.
Thank you for the best week ever! We love you and thank you for the best food, the most fun and the greatest adventures we've ever had!
April 2024
Grant & Ulrika,
This trip was my favorite trip I've ever been on. The food was absolutely incredible, words can't describe how much I loved it. Tubing was soooo much fun but I was scared for my life. I wish I could never leave. I hope you remember us!! We will be back. You made this place feel like home.
You guys were so kind and were so fun. Grant going tubing with you was the best you were whipping us around and we said many things while tubing. Ulrika I don't even know how to start with your cooking. It was the most/best food I have ever had. Going on this boat was the best thing I've ever done. I had the most fun in my life ever. You guys were so interactive and were so nice. I loved to be able to tell you stories of our days and set the table which I wish I did more. I hope you will be able to make more memories with you guys.
Thank you for an amazing week! Our family had a wonderful time, everything was perfect. You outdid yourselves from the hospitality, itinerary and delicious food. We hope to cross paths with you again soon! Please stay in touch and find us in Annapolis!
You guys are THE BEST! You created such an incredibly memorable trip! Thank you for everything!
March 2024
Broker Feedback:
THANK YOU for a fantastic charter for my clients last week! The clients were delighted with their charter with you. They said it was a “10 out of 10”, you “were great" and they "would love to sail with you again”, AD ASTRA was “absolutely” comfortable, clean and well ventilated, and the cuisine you provided was “maybe the best part”! Overall, they said “It was a great experience”!
- Charter Broker, March 2024 for 7 nights with 10 adults.
February 2024
The most incredible memory of a lifetime to celebrate my sons 30th birthday with our whole family! All was perfect, super clean and extremely comfortable. Plenty of various places to relax, had a very homey feel. The meals were outstanding. Ulrika was by far the best chef we have ever had. They were so attentive to our needs. The crepe birthday cake was magnificent! And sushi nigh....WOW!
Grant and Ulrika were not only an amazing crew, we truly felt like we formed a new friendship. They were incredible!! We miss them already!!
February 2024
Ulrika and Grant - A special thanks to the two of you for a wonderful week, you both made it all so special. The food was fabulous. What a chef! The sightseeing and Grant's captaining the boat was the best. Grant - I give you a special thank you for getting me on and off the boat. Wishing you both the best in your future.
Ulrika and Grant - I wish you many more travels. You both have provided to us a warm, wonderful experience. You should be most proud of your hard work. You make it seem effortless. I couldn't have felt more cared for. A vacation to treasure.
January 2024
Ulrika & Grant,
The "10 Topp 'G' Crew" had an awesome family trip in the BVIs! You 2 exceeded all our expectations. This was our 3rd catamaran trip and the boat & crew was by far the best of any! Grant & Ulrika, thank you so much for treating each of our family members and making them all feel so special! Food was innovative & Creative and we thought we were in a Michelin star restaurant! Drinks were awesome! Thank you for our family Christmas trip!
January 2024
Thank you both for guiding our family of seven through the BVI's. It was our first long trip with kids, and thanks to your generosity and wonderful service, it will definitely be a trip we look forward to repeating very soon. Amazing food and so much fun for the kids! We all loved it more than we hoped! Happy New Year!
December 2023
We have enjoyed the most fabulous week as three generations age 8 - 72. It has been, without a doubt, the best experience that we could have hoped for. Thank you.
Ulrika, your hospitality and sweet nature have been a pleasure. You are a talented chef and how you baked fresh delicious bread at sea is a mystery! Amazing!
Orlagh, your calm and patient nature and experience was so valued. You know the best places to see and we quickly learned to take every recommendation.
November 29 - December 6, 2023
Ulrika - Thank you for the wonderful creations we were treated to during this trip. The tuna bowl was amazing! Then there was the lobster. Everything beautifully presented. Sorry we did not meet Grant on this trip, hope you have a great season!
Hugo - What a refreshing presence you have been! Quick thinking in our medical issues! Great bartender, conversationalist and sailor. You are wiser beyond your years, with a talent to keep everyone happy no matter their age and interest. Thank you!
May 2023 - Broker provided survey
Name on Your Reservation: Dennis
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Yacht Name: Ad Astra
Yacht & Crew
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the yacht you chartered and the crew.
Rating of Yacht & Crew: 5
Was the yacht comfortable and clean?
Yes, very.
Was the yacht well ventilated?
Yes.
Was the crew friendly and accommodating?
Yes, very.
Was the food good and well presented?
Yes, very.
8. Additional comments about the yacht and crew?
Our crew was absolutely fantastic. Everyone on my family had wonderful things to say about them. I would recommend them to any chartered.
Cruising Area
Did you like the area you chartered in?
Yes.
May 2023
Captain Tom & Ms Mollie,
We have done this trip multiple times in the past with a crew and cook and we can honestly say this was head and shoulders above all the past charters.
Captain Tom, your easy going directions and Mollie's incredible cooking made our charter a great delight. We came with 4 children and you made us all feel safe, fed and happy.
Our sincere thank your for making our charter so memorable.
Kindly,
Chris
PS I love Mollie & Tom
-Katie
Also, Ms Mollie and Captain Tom work together so well, while they are working hard in the kitchen and the whole boat, they still manage to keep us entertained.
PS Ask Captain Tom for magic card tricks
-Kiera
May 2023
Ad Astra Friends Charter
May 2023
It's hard to put into words how awesome and amazing our experience was onboard the Ad
Astra. The boat itself is gorgeous, stylish ,and truly functional. There is no better way to
navigate the BVI's and experience the beautiful islands. The service, food, and ease of travel
was all top notch. As soon as I arrived home on land my only complaint was not being back on
the Ad Astra!
If you want a trip of a lifetime, book Ad Astra. Not only was the scenery amazing and the island
hopping one of the most fun things we have ever done, but the boat was also a dream. It was
clean, spacious and had an upper deck area that was perfect for playing games, sunbathing, and watching sunsets. I am not exaggerating when I say that the food was some of the best I have EVER had in my life – sushi buffet, fresh fish, pasta, and more! The crew were top notch – they were fun, laid back and provided everything that we needed. We would go back in a second! Book now!
Ad Astra, my new 2nd home. What an amazing experience we had touring the British Virgin
Islands from this absolutely beautiful catamaran. Tom and Mollie added a lot of little personal
touches that made our time on the Ad Astra so special. You also can't beat the BVI's for short
sails and being able to feel like you are truly on your own adventure. We island hoped, wake
boarded, snorkeled, hiked, paddle boarded and explored everything that the BVI had to offer
and the Ad Astra had all the perks and tools we could have ever dreamed of needing to help us
along our adventure. The Ad Astra seemed brand new, and we felt like we were on its maiden
voyage. Everything was so clean and orderly and the finishes and little touches that make the
Ad Astra what it is were top notch. When we were in passage or simply anchored the Ad Astra
has so much free space for you to enjoy. From the fly deck where we played games to the hard
deck at the bow that made for comfy lounging and perfect spot to take in some sun and enjoy
the killer views and the stern and the spacious and open aft deck, the Ad Astra really felt like
our home away from home. Tom knew all the best spots to share with us, and every meal was
an absolute treasure. Fresh fish, sushi, pasta, fresh fruits, yummy breakfast, you name it, and
Mollie has you covered! It was the perfect mix of relaxing, activities, enjoying the beautiful
surroundings, action, party and rest that we could have hoped for. Everywhere we went we felt
like we were arriving as the envy of everyone around us! I can't wait to book the Ad Astra for our next adventure!
April 2023
Tom & Mollie,
Thank for for the most memorable week!
-Steve
Tom & Mollie,
What a memorable, beautiful, fulfilling week long adventure! We loved the sailing, the extraordinary meals, the adventures! You compliment each other so well and it's obvious you love this work. We are grateful for the experience!
-Val
I couldn't imagine a better experience with anyone else as our crew. Thank you Tom for allowing us to watch and help you with sailing - definitely the best day for sailing. Mollie, the food was all 5 star, plus your warm ness made all of us feel like each meal was the best meal!
-Kevin
Good food, very welcoming!
-Keaton (child)
April 2023
Mollie & Tom,
We thank you for your hospitality and kindness during our week on Ad Astra. You were perfect hosts, taking care of all of our needs and wishes. You are gifted with all you do Tom. You are a cool and calm captain. You always made sure we hit the best spots!! Mollie your love shined through cooking and over all the meals, snacks, and lattes you served us. We will miss you and we hope to sail again with you in the futures.
-Eric, Stephanie, Sophie, Lily, Brigg and Larry
April 2023
Mollie & Tom,
Thank you for giving our family such a dreamy week on the Ad Astra! The food was amazing and your hospitality second to none. Please keep in touch on your travels and adventures in the coming years. Perhaps we will meet again in the Med!
-Stacy
April 2023
Thank you so much for the most amazing week. Our family (grandparents, kids, grandkids, and of course the in-laws) had the greatest time. Your knowledge of everything - from the local seas, to cooking capabilities, to our family's varying preferences on everything - made it especially remarkable experience. We had the greatest time because of you two. We will share below some thoughts from our own children/grandchildren, to whom you were particularly amazing.
James (age 6): I love Mollie and Thomas. I had a great week with them. Thank you a lot from James.
Charlotte (age 8): Thank you Mollie and Thomas! This has been the most amazing week of my life. I will never forget you guys! PS best week ever!
With the utmost thanks and highest recommendations!
April 2023
What an amazing week we have had aboard this beautiful vessel! Our quarters were so comfortable and luxerious! Thank you so much for your over the top hospitality and catering - and favorite food! This is a trip we will never forget. The iguanas, the turtles, the sharks(!), the pigs, the beautiful beaches, the kayaking, the sunsets! Do we really have to leave you???
We have SO enjoyed getting to know you both, and we know your futures, whether yachting or doctors, will be bright!
Please, please, come see us when you come to New England! It is beautiful during hurricane season
We'll never forget either of you
-Judy & Alex
February 2023
Our family had a dreamy week on Ad Astra and Tom and Mollie were the most wonderful hosts, catering to our every need in the most comfortable, gracious manner. The boat accommodated us all so comfortably and was perfectly appointed so that we could take full advantage of relaxing among the natural beauty around us. We were so well taken care of from start to finish, from our fabulous itinerary, our sails, our excursions, and the amazing food and drinks, it was a week we will never forget. We are already thinking of when we get back on board with Tom and Mollie!"
February 2023
Tom & Mollie,
Thank you so much for all you have done for us this week! It's a sign of a great tip when by the end we all call our crew our friends. I'm so happy we could introduce your to the Flabongo for the first time! Extra special thank you for taking care of your "difficult passenger" (with all my sea sickness/hangovers/injuries). I wish we could join you for the next 2 weeks, but since we can't, I hope you both have some relaxing down time together. We will see you in Amsterdam!
-Melissa & Bart
February 2023
Client Review
January 4, 2023
Thank you so much for a wonderful trip. It was a delightful experience, being your guests, and even more delightful having Alan and I aboard in great company. Highlights include many braids, a puffer fish, schools of fish, some bright purple coral, and the smell of maple butter pancakes via a candle, the white beaches and Foxy‘s! We will certainly be back for more!
-Abby & Allen
January 2023
Client Review
January 2023
Client Review
January 2023
Client Review
December 2022
You did an amazing job, making Ad Astra an idyllic vacation destination. The boat is beautifully redone, and so comfortable! But the best part was you two; your welcoming spirit and enthusiasm for making our family vacation and Christmas so memorable! Tom, you are so calm & confident, we loved our sails this week! You take such meticulous care of the boat! Mollie, the food was absolutely amazing, and every day blew us away! We came away with so many memories from barracudas, amazing lattes, backflips, the caves, tubing, snorkeling, the sail from Anegada and Soggy Dollar. You guys are the best!!
-Carey, Dan, Cooper, Bradley, & Ben
December 2022 Charter
Client review
Tom/2022
He knew his stuff, he explained sailing questions we asked, he helped set us up with great reservations, experiences and great fun! I definitely say he is 5 star!
Tom/2022
Tom is amazing. He’s a really cool guy, always supportive and all the time willing to help and explain. Highly recommended
Thomas is the best skipper ever, so helpful with our crew and the other boats. Just compliments 😁😁😁
Tom was the best! So kind and accommodating of our requests. Truly went above and beyond. Will request him again
Tom/2022
Above and beyond, he did everything to make the experience amazing. Tom organized everything as well as taught us about the islands and a lot about sailing!
Mollie/2022
10/10. Mollie is also a legend. She cooked the most amazing meals, kept the place super tidy and became one of the crew. Will def miss her.
Mollie/2022
10/10. The most amazing food I’ve ever tried, meal after meal. Kept the boat super clean and tidy, was very organized, everything was on time and also loved to party with us which made the experience amazing
Mollie/2022
10/10. Hands down, one of the best culinary experiences I’ve ever encountered. Molly exceeded any expectations I had prior to boarding. Seriously, such a gem and a sweetheart through the entire trip.
Mollie/2022
10/10. Had to be the best ever!!! Mollie was kind, fun, engaging, an incredible cook, overall a wonderful person to be around. Would ask for her on any future yacht week bookings.
Mollie/2022
10/10. I have no words. I was absolutely blown away by Mollie. Everyday was another beautiful meal, and everything was so delicious. I wish I had a fraction of her cooking skills. She made things that I would never have chosen for myself, but I loved every single meal. She kept each day fun and fresh and creative. Not to mention, she was so organized and tidy. Our boat was definitely one of the cleanest and well kept after seeing a few other boats, and this was definitely because of Mollie. She had the best attitude all week and made sure we were well taken care of and always had fun! I never would have guessed she was new this year, she seems like she’s a veteran and definitely top tier!
Mollie/2022
10/10. Mollie was the best! Every meal was absolutely delicious, and she took great care of us. On top of that she spent ample time with us and is a great person to be around. She works and she plays, in the best way possible!
Mollie/2022
10/10. OMG her food was amazing and tended to our preferences, communicated very well, helped with tips about yacht week, different places, cleaned very well and fun overall! She is 5 start and recommend her if we could choose.
Dreamy Vaction
Our family had a dreamy week on Ad Astra and Tom and Mollie were the most wonderful hosts, catering to our every need in the most comfortable gracious manner. The boat accommodated us all so comfortably and was perfectly appointed so that we could take full advantage of relaxing amongst the natural beauty around us. We were so well taken care of from start to finish, from our fabulous itinerary, our sails, our excursions, and the amazing food and drinks, it was a week we will never forget. We are already thinking of when we can get back on board with Tom and Molly!
-Carey & gang
