Ursa Minor Reference Letter Page

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Ursa Minor References

Hello [Broker],

Carey and I just returned from a most wonderful charter with Bryan and Judy Lane aboard Ursa Minor. What a great experience!

Ursa Minor is an amazing craft. She is a beautiful boat, extremely well-maintained. It's obvious that Bryan and Judy both take a great deal of pride in keeping her in top-notch shape.

Judy is truly a gourmet chef and an excellent hostess. Every meal was wonderful. Her experience and talent serve her well. We enjoyed a wide variety of dishes throughout our charter and soon came to anticipate her next creation. The large teak cockpit table was beautiful; ingeniously designed and really functional, with plenty of room for four to dine.

Bryan conveys a rock-solid sense of sailing competence. It was evident from the start that our safety and comfort were very important to him. I must have asked a million questions about Ursa Minor and about sailing, and Bryan answered each patiently and clearly. Being able to understand the 'what and why' really enhanced my experience on board.

We'll mail the follow-up questionnaire in soon, but I wanted to let you know how impressed we were, both with Ursa Minor and with Bryan and Judy. This was a perfect vacation.

Carey and I are already dreaming about our next charter on Ursa Minor. You'll be hearing from us.
--
Fred Mills

Bryan and Judy,

What can we say? You guys did it again! Our 5th cruise and it was as full of fun, excitement, and discovery as the 1st.

Bryan you have to be the consummate sailor. It was a lot of fun letting the other boat leave first, and then leaving them in our wake. "Ursa Minor" is a great, fast sailboat, not to mention being very comfortable in the cockpit. The new personal touches you guys have made, really added to the hominess as well as the attractiveness of the boat. It was also nice that you had the Dolphins come by to play almost every day.

Judy you continue to amaze us with your new recipes and keeping track of our favorites. The chocolate chip cookies were a special treat. While we consumed everything like there was no tomorrow: Sandy claims she did not gain a pound.

Russ was really impressed with the private rendezvous dive boat. That is really a great way to go, rather than 40 of your newest, closest friends gathered on a reef. Sandy really appreciated Judy's help on finding so many unique shells on the dives as well as the many snorkels. She is amazed by your knowledge about the variety of them, and where to find them.

Again we thank you for a wonderful time. We are looking forward to our next adventure with you.
Steve and Sandy Divan. December 22, 2001

February 28, 2001

Dear [Broker]:

It is now apparent that the glow from our sailing trip through the BVI with Bryan and Judy aboard URSA MINOR will be with us for some time. We would like to extend our thanks to you for a job done well and completely.

A distinctive boat, URSA MINOR is a boat that causes other yachtsmen to approach with compliments and questions. It is stylish, comfortable, and an efficient sailor. Bryan and Judy are pleasant company, and a very effective team combining seamanship, safety, knowledge of local culture and conditions with dedication to the tastes and priorities of their guests.

We ate, drank, and were quite merry, but did not gain a pound, due to well- paced and varied activity. As well as the gourmet flair, we enjoyed our hosts’ willingness to share their experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Careful planning and evaluation of options helped us maximize what we could do in a week. We routinely arrived at anchorages with plenty of time to snorkel, explore, kayak, or relax as needed.

Like exclamation points reinforcing our decision to go, we’d see a shooting star after a great evening, a particularly rare or interesting fish while snorkeling, the escape of a secluded beach, or a flourish at mealtime. (That seemed to happen quite often). In short, the English noun "vacation" has been re-defined for us, and we would recommend an URSA MINOR charter confidently, and without reservation.

JOHN & DEBBIE CARTER

April 5, 2000

Dear Bryan:

I would like to thank you for making our vacation on February 26- March 2 so memorable. While we expected a truly wonderful trip, the level of excellence that you achieved in every aspect of the charter was a delightful surprise.

The URSA MINOR is absolutely immaculate and beautiful, and very exciting under sail. She is also an exceedingly comfortable sailing yacht for two couples plus crew. And speaking of the crew, you and Judy were wonderful company, and went far beyond expectations to make our trip truly special. Judy’s skill as a gourmet chef is outstanding. We enjoyed every delicious and creative meal.

We also enjoyed each of the lovely spots where we anchored for the night. Your thorough knowledge of the islands allowed us to see special and secluded places that we will always remember.

You have really put together all of the ingredients to create a truly outstanding and memorable cruise. You can be assured that we will be back!

Sincerely,

Nancy and Murray Bern

Dear Bryan,

This note is a tad later than I intended, but I definitely have to tell you what a wonderful experience Pam and I had aboard Ursa Minor. I can’t begin to tell you what a wonderful job you and Judy did. The food was fabulous, your assistance on the scuba front was more than helpful as Pam and I completed our certification, the anchorage’s were nothing short of perfect…What can I say…For the first time in years time actually slowed down.

Chemistry, too, is a very interesting phenomenon. When Pam and I were readying ourselves for our cruise, we couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to be with people we didn’t know, in a somewhat confined environment. The two of you made the adventure far more enjoyable than either of is could have imagined. That’s good chemistry!! We’d do it again in a heartbeat!!

Pam and I want to express our sincerest thanks to you and Judy. I hope your business continues to grow. Be assured that we won’t hesitate to recommend the ship and crew of Ursa Minor to any and all.

Sincerely,

Bob and Pam

March 8, 2000

Dear Broker,

About to land at O'Hare after a terrific 10 days in BVI and USVI. Wanted to first of all thank you again for being so responsive and putting us together with Bryan Lane and Judy Knapp. The boat was immaculate, Bryan is a very obviously-proud new captain, Judy was an excellent cook, and is obviously very knowledgeable. The trip was safe, the weather was perfect, the company was great. We had some real highlights: swimming for 1/2 hour with a friendly Porpoise at St. John's, hiking the hill behind Great Harbour (?) at Jost Van Dyke, and getting some great underwater pictures of a Spotted Eagle Ray. Well worth the trip, and a great way to spend a vacation. You're representing a great boat and great people in Bryan and Judy. Thanks for all your help. Please let us know if you need a reference for Ursa Minor.