~~~~~~~~~~~~ Our 2002 Season ~~~~~~~~~~~~

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December 9-16, 2002

Thank you Curt & Victoria for orchestrating some of the most wonderful week/memories of our life's.

Willy T's - I got the shirt and more!  Virgin Gorda - Little Dix!  Bathing off the stern of the boat, swimming, snorkeling and the food - Delicious!!!

Thanks for going first on the bar ~ you gave me courage. Thanks Curt for all the beautiful pictures.

Watching the sun go down, beautiful beaches, yes, we took it all off.

Thank you for opening your home to us and letting it be our home - you two are the best!!!!

Dan & Peg Fennell, New Jersey

December 1-8, 2002

The food aboard Sailing Yacht Billy Jean, rivals the best restaurants in the Caribbean! Our cruise rating for Curt & Victoria's cooking was a Michelin 3***'s.

Curt & Victoria's knowledge of the area gave us a decided advantage over other charter and cruise tours. We experienced the best of USVI and BVI without crowds. Even the weather was perfect for the itinerary, Curt chose for us.

We all say~~~ Never going to bare boat again-SY Billy Jean gave us greater value at a reasonable cost-what more could we ask.

Warnings for future Guest!!!

1. Snorkel daily to work off those delicious meals

2. If you fling your shorts, use side and rear exits only!

3. Do not wear your watch - you are now on Island Time!

4. This yacht and it's owners will give you an experience that is definitely addictive!

5. Prepare for unexpected life changes that may follow!

Tom Potter & Joyce Freedman , PA

and Tim Hoff, TX

 2002 ~~~ November

To whom it may concern

We took a crewed charter with Curt and Victoria Dieterle on Billy Jean in November 2002.

We had a great time and highly recommend the experience. Our comments follow.

Food

We were fed excellently. The menu changed constantly. We never had the same thing twice except for toast and bagels. Everything was delicious. The backgrounds of our hosts provided a range from bratwurst and kraut to Puerto Rican rice. The wine choices were good. Portion sizes were large at first but our hosts quickly adjusted the quantity to suit our desires.

Sailing

I wanted to sail. I requested an itinerary that stressed sailing and not partying. In particular I wanted to go to Anegada. My wishes were granted. We had relatively long passages. Billy-Jean handled very nicely. She was easy to work. The roller furling jib and the in-mast roller furling mainsail made sail setting very easy. All sheets and halyards were lead to the cockpit. It was seldom necessary to go on deck for any maneuver. I was allowed to help out and was allowed ample time at the helm. I found Billy-Jean to be a nice sailor with no vices. She went nicely to weather. Helm
increased with heel angle but never in an overpowering way. She was reasonably fast, We could easily average 5 knots which is not bad for 42 LWL loaded with a good amount of provisions and people. She had a comfortable motion under sail and power. She sat well to the mooring without thrashing about. All in all it was a very pleasant sail.

Punctuality/Organization

Curt and Victoria were highly organized. Everything went as scheduled as much as possible. All of the details of customs and immigration were handled efficiently. I realize that Island Time is part of the experience but they had just the right amount of structure. Everything was ready when we arrived and we left on time. The days were split nicely into sailing and mooring times. We were always moored well in advance of sunset. We had a structure within which to do what we chose. We did not have to do anything but there were many things suggested

Safety

Our hosts had firm control of the situation at all time. Their boat handling skills were excellent. Their knowledge of the area was extensive. They knew where the reefs and rocks were and when areas were safe to sail; knowledge that is important as the waters were not very well buoyed. Most of the sailing was by pilotage with the passage to Anegada by dead reckoning backed up by handheld GPS. I never felt the least bit of doubt about the successful outcome of any maneuver or part of the trip. They were also concerned about our physical comfort, reminding us to put on sunscreen and insisting that we wear tee shirts for the first few days while snorkeling to avoid sunburn.

While in Anegada I had a medical emergency unrelated to sailing that cut our trip short. Curt and Victoria were wonderful in their response. They decided quickly that I needed medical attention and were decisive and professional in their use of the available facilities to get me to medical care. They rejoined us at Road Town, Tortola and were a great help in rearranging our travel plans for an early departure including insuring that we were properly processed by Customs and Immigration.

Ambience

Curt and Victoria are a delightful couple. They are very easy going and friendly. We got along very well even though we are a lot more stodgy than their usual acquaintances. They're easy to talk to and have a wealth of stories to tell. They were acutely aware of the need for personal time and space both for them and for us. They were casual and relaxed however everything was done in the proper manner and time. They were probably better dressed than we were. There was an attitude of body acceptance that was comfortable. In such close quarters an overactive sense of modesty is not convenient. We are not nudists but we don't mind getting rid of bathing suits when the conditions are right. It is also nice to be able to change to a suit in the cockpit when necessary and to be able to shower on the rear deck. I did not feel as though I constantly had to watch out for offending our hosts with a bit of exposed flesh.

Dwight and Gloria Davis
Andover, Massachusetts

November 11, 2002

Curt & Victoria

Thank you for the VI / BVI sailing experience  ~ The sun, sailing and adventure were the best

Steve & Marcia Meleleu, Dallas, TX

September 10, 2002

 Returning to the Billy Jean is like coming home again.  Everything's familiar, warm and cozy.  Everyone's so happy to see you, and so glad to have you back that there's a special celebration planned to welcome you.  That's how it feels to be with Curt and Victoria a second time.  We saw some favorite places again this time and visited some new ones.  We had some new taste sensations from the galley, but the quality was still A1.   And all of the things we came to expect from this captain and crew on our last trip were again met and surpassed on this trip.  We'll be coming back again as soon as we can! 

Tom and Sharman Wilson     Kansas City, MO
 

August 24-31, 2002

Dear Victoria and Curt,

Chartering (ten years for Laurant and five years with Sylvie) boats all around the planet (boats up to 140 feet), we had the best cruise of our life. We love you both, you are marvelous host and the Billy Jean is a great friendly sailboat. Hoping to come see you soon and to do a new fantastic cruise.

Love Sylvie and Laurant,  Paris, France

September 16, 2002

We are very much looking forward to our next yachting adventure! Our 1 year anniversary with you on Billy Jean. Thank you for helping us celebrate our honeymoon!

Hurricane or no hurricane, the Billy Jean Sails!

Mark and Courtney Story, CO

July 26, 2002

Victoria & Curt

       In my world it is hard to relax and kickback. The past week I learned to relax and not think of the job. We will be seeing you again next July. Thanks for all and needless to say I enjoyed.    

Roy Bullington, FL

Getting back in a sailboat was a joy, bringing back a flood of memories: thank you both for making it all so easy.       Ann Bullington, FL

July 12, 2002

Dear Curt and Victoria,

      What an incredible way to spend our 25th wedding anniversary ~ and to be able to be with my sister and brother-in-law as well! Our snorkeling trips, kayaking and skiing were certainly exciting and memorable.  We especially enjoyed your wonderful culinary delights for dinner.

       You were wonderful host and made every effort to personalize our trip. We will never forget the many beautiful shade of blue of the Caribbean Sea, identifying star constellations, and viewing breath-taking sunsets from the "Billy Jean"

Fondly,

Doug and JJ Ebelhar, TN               Karen and Doug Hunter, CO

June 28, 2002

      This has been a vacation to remember. Your boat is wonderful and you two are the perfect hosts with witch to experience sailing in the Virgin Islands. We truly enjoyed your company and your regional insights. The food was wonderful, even if it was a bit healthy in size. Wish you all blessings, safety and success for all the future holds for you.

Thanks again, Josi Franks, MO

Dear Victoria & Curt,

     You two are a blast! Its been fun to be with such a well functioning team. The food was fantastic and respect on local info great.

      Thanks for setting the tone of relaxing. I won't forget the twinkling lights and island view while gently rocking in the evenings.

       Great snorkeling and lots of great pictures to take back home. So glad Josi found you on the internet.

                                        Teresa Franks,    MO

June 14-22, 2002

Curt & Victoria~

     Thanks just doesn't cut it. The snorkeling was fantastic & the sailing was awesome ~ even the squall was impressive. Loved all the sports.

     The conversations under the stars... Willy T's... The Green house... the ribs, thanks for it all... not to mention the food which was beyond compare!

It was all "DEVINE"!

looking forward to do this again!

Holly, Shelly & Jeri

June 11, 2002

Curt & Victoria, living at sea

K*I*S*S*I*N*G!

Here comes Susie, Bo, Sally and Kay and our fabulous adventure got underway.

From the *B.O.B.'s [Breathing Observation Bubble {not included in package} (day one)] to the Caves (last day) we kept pretty busy, and some times drank enough to get quite dizzy! (smiley face)

From breakfast juices to beer and rum at night, each day was packed: snorkels, skis, shops~ we didn't miss a sight.

The "fight" at Foxy's and the jumps from Willy T~ so many great photos we can't wait to see.

Now heading home in a rolling sea so blue, God speed to all and a big Thank You!

Susie Soper & Bo Holland ~ Georgia

To Curt & Victoria ~

     Thank you so much for this 6 day trip!! It was the best! It was so nice to have ya'lls view on so many things that are happening in our world today. The food was top notch and Willy T's was no where near what I had expected! Thanks so much for a wonderful experience.   ~ (heart) ~ Kay Holland ~ Georgia

You're the Best! We will miss ya'll terribly (smiley face)

     ~ I am so sad to be leaving such an incredible place and two of the most spirited souls I have ever met. All my thanks to ya'll Curt and Victoria ! and of course the notorious "Billy Jean"! What a cleansing and uplifting trip! The food should be on the cover of "Food and Wine"! 

With lots of Love Sally Benedict ~ Georgia

May 30, 2002

To Curt & Victoria ~

     We thank you for taking a couple of land lovers and transforming them into sailor in a matter of one week! (Unfortunately, it took Bill an hour or so to "settle down"!)

      Thank you for your suggestions on things to see ~ you were always correct. Your Billy Jean Restaurant is definitely ****'s!! It was a great week and we certainly enjoyed every minute!

We wish you all the best!     Carla & Bill     

May 18, 2002

Curt / Victoria - Thank you guys for an experience of a life time. We will never forget it! We hope  to see you both real soon and will we planning our next trip! Food and Fun and Sun were wonderful! Willy T's will never be forgotten and can't wait to get back!

Hoorie Hoo!            Take Care!     Julie & Keith Burran

May 18, 2002

To Curt & Victoria, we had a wonderful time! Hope to sail away with you one day. Great food, fun places! Willy T's again (before we get to soggy) ha-ha. Get up to N. GA Mountains, please come stay with us! Only can say Southern cooking but am going to start trying new items   Thanks again!  Karen & Bland Burrah

May 5, 2002

Dear Curt & Victoria ~

Four days in Paradise! Great Company, great food, great weather, great scenery, astronomy lessons I'll never forget, incredible snorkeling & going natural ~ that is a great vacation.

We'll be back!!      Jane & Jim

April 20, 2002

Dear Curt & Victoria

Thank you for welcoming us into your "home" and for all the hospitably. I enjoyed getting to know you both and being able to have an adventure with my sister. It was great seeing new places and learning about new things. Thanks again! Hope to do this again soon.

Best wishes, Francesca

Dear Curt & Victoria

Thank you for the wonderful week aboard the " Billy Jean". This week was the perfect way to make my "BIG" birthday - and fulfill a dream to sail the Caribbean. I will treasure this time with my sister and our adventure for the rest of my life.

It was a pleasure getting to know you both! May the weather & winds of life always be fair - and may all your dreams come true! :)

All the best! Kirsten

April 5, 2002

Victoria & Curt

Thank you for the FABULOUS vacation. It was truly perfect - everything -the sailing lessons, the beautiful spots, the warm hospitality and of course the wonderful food!!

This was the most peaceful, relaxing and fun vacation I ever had. I too enjoyed sharing the shooting stars and show tunes with you.

I wish you both huge success and happiness ~ Treasure the time & remember you are the lucky ones!!

Love, Julie & Ed

March 27, 2002

We are entirely grateful to the fates for leading us to you & this place. It has been a perfect week of blessed relaxation in this paradise. You two are the reigning angels in this paradise - if we ever sail away again, it will only be with you, Curt & Victoria - and pray God that won't be too long from now.  Tom & Sharman

5* Food          5* fun          5* accommodations

Que siga la fiesta si Dios quiere!

(Here is the letter Sharman & Tom wrote to the Broker)

Sailing away with Curt and Victoria, they took us to the very place we wanted to go, a place we had only dreamed of, a place painted with colors so vivid we didn't know their names, a place where time and space stood still and the rest of the world faded into the distant horizon. They served us with grace, humor and delicious food and beverage. (Victoria's Puerto Rican Steak melts in your mouth and Curt's bolle is the nectar of the gods!) They alternated anchorages that either relaxed or energized us. We were entertained and pampered, sometimes left to our own desires, sometimes directed to new experiences. It was the very best vacation we've ever had. Re-entry into the real world was difficult, but now all we have to do is close our eyes and once again, we are sailing away on the Billy Jean.
"Thanks" is woefully inadequate, but THANKS!
Tom and Sharman Wilson
                                

March 9, 2002

Christmas Cove...  Another beautiful morning in southern Paradise. A lovely cool breeze, quick swim and juicy mangos for breakfast. Thanks for a wonderful week - good company, good sailing, good food = a great time.

Thanks for showing the sites and sounds of the BVI's. A wonderful time and great host!

Jim & Pat Shotton,

February 20, 2002

Dear Curt & Victoria,

We are going to remember you both all the days of our life. Spending this past week with you both was the best vacation that Marcia and I have had. I except to be here again soon, and hope to bring our boys Stan Jr. and Matt. Your food and service was memorable, as all of the sites we encountered together (Up all night at Willy T's was the icing on the cake). Your friends forever, Stan & Marcia Pilawa

Three cheers for the ship Billy Jean

And her crew who are a great team

They're in the know of the best places to go

They'll wine you & dine you & put on a fun show

Of reef fish, fashions, photos & more

When you sail with them, the best time is in store

On the sparkling, enchanting Caribbean shore!

                                                          fAnne Norman

fff

Having given romance a chance through dance

They are now in the same boat, Curt from a country remote

Victoria from nearby shores, together they are enjoying chores

Voyaging to many places "where all is but order and beauty, luxury, calm and desire" Baudelaire

Merci Beaucoup et au revoir!

                                                             fOlav

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