Client Reviews & Feedback

What our clients say after their charter experiences 

Rating: 5 / 5
We had a Lagoon 52 for our sail out of Grimaud, France. The boat met our needs and expectations and was in excellent condition. Not a great sailing vessel but very comfortable and enjoyed by our non-sailing wives. The charter company was good. Our skipper and hostess were fantastic and highly recommend for sailing in the area. Very knowledgeable and accommodating.

Enjoyed the French Riviera, it was a 10. Went to St. Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, Antibes and took side trips inland to Eze and St Paul de Vence to name a couple.

Your service was excellent and everything was terrific. Thanks for all your help in insuring a memorable vacation.
Destination: South of France
Yacht: Lagoon 52
Dave, USA, September, 2018
Rating: 5 / 5
The boat was amazing. We did have an issue with the water maker which couldn't be fixed on the run, but DYC happily reimbursed us for water that we had to buy and in addition compensated us more than fairly for the inconvenience.

The scuba diving and snorkelling was amazing. Being able to pull up the boat wherever you want on these amazing sites was also fantastic.
The boat sailed like a dream and we made great time on all our inter-island passages (it helped that the wind was on our side too!)

Your service was in line with the rest of the holiday. Trouble free, professional and a pleasure to deal with.
Yacht: Lagoon 52
Dean, Autralia, January, 2020
I just wanted to say a big thank you to you for your services since we booked our Tahiti charter. In particular Robert I really appreciated the time you took to talk with me on the phone to offer advice just before we left. Also your swift assistance with our torn UV sail strip was greatly appreciated. The charter went very well aside from the minor technical issues we encountered. The water was incredible and the weather was fantastic. (An unexpected error occurred: #52396) Anon, New Zealand, November, 2019
Good breezes that provided just the right level of challenge. Not super crowded - no troubles berthing / mooring / eating / etc. Fairly chilled - at least compared to Croatia. Patmos was very good.
Destination: Greece
(An unexpected error occurred: #52397) John, Australia, August, 2019
Rating: 4 / 5
The boat was very good, in good condition, very clean and tidy and well equiped. Only one small problem, we had a lot of rain and the only table that would seat 8 was outside so having dinner inside meant that someone had to stand. Dificult to pick one place above the rest. We were a little disappionted at the Isle of Pines that the locals have the place sown up. But we enjoyed the whole trip. Navigation was not as difficult as i was led to believe. The watermaker on the boat made a huge difference and because there were eight of us we had a party every night.
Destination: New Caledonia
Yacht: Bali 4.5
Lionel, New Zealand, August, 2019
The Wave was wonderful! We had 3 couples and the skipper so we each had a berth. We cooked several meals in the kitchen and kept a fresh mint and basil plant in the the window! Our skipper and my husband are both sailors so we sailed the boat as much as the wind and time would allow and very much enjoyed that. Of course the black water issue is not great, but we managed.

All the islands along the coast of Croatia are worth checking out. We had 2 weeks to explore the beautiful towns and coves and recommend hitting the towns during the day to sightsee and pick up supplies then find a quiet cove to anchor for the night. Split was very crowded and might have been better visited in the fall after the cruise ships taper off.

Sail Connections' service was really great! We felt guided through the process, of which we knew nothing about before. We were met in Slano by Cristina, who was so good to help us. Our skipper was excellent even tho we had a bit of a language barrier, He was careful, fun, and joined us on all of our excursions and was willing to explore and find places he had never been.
Destination: Croatia
Yacht: Astréa 42
Joyce, USA, August, 2019
We had a great time in the Aeolian Islands, and I highly recommend them as a destination. The beauty is that the islands each have a different character and are close to each other. The longest ‘passage’ is about 10 miles, and some are a lot shorter. Two of the largest islands, Vulcano and Lipari, are only 800m apart, but very different! The marinas are well located and were reasonably priced (€70-100 per night) and at Panarea there are only moorings but for €70 you also get a 24/7 water taxi service which was perfect. We found mid / late July to be superb.
Destination: Italy
(An unexpected error occurred: #52398) David, New Zealand, August, 2019
Had a great time. The wind was terrific - good fun, but nothing too hairy - exactly what we were looking for to take it up a notch or two from Croatia last year. And the Dodecanese were really good - nice ports, not too crowded (esp compared to Croatia) - just felt a bit more out of the way. DYC were fine - a little bit more on the 'smell of an oily rag' end of things compared to the very efficient German-run scene at Trogir, but it all worked and no real issues. Excellent recommendation Robert - boat and destination - you nailed it!

Destination: Greece
John, Australia, July, 2019
Sue!!!!

I can't believe we're a few days from departure! It was a priviledge to work with you. Buying an Italian charter through a broker in NZ with a crew through a UK broker could easily be worrying when you are in Canada. Your presence made me feel reassured all along the way. Thank you so much.
(An unexpected error occurred: #52399) (An unexpected error occurred: #52400) Eric, Canada, July, 2019
Yacht was brilliant, 10 years old but everything worked brilliantly. Biggest we have ever hired and loved it. Esp water maker.
Got it up to 14 knots! Both you and DC were so good to work with. Definitely coming back.
Destination: New Caledonia
Yacht: Catana 55
Lou, New Zealand, July, 2019
Rating: 5 / 5
We sailed for two weeks in the Leeward Islands of French Polynesia in late May, 2019. The Dream Yacht Charter team was fantastic. Our boat, the 52' sloop ARZ, was a delight, very much up to the job of carrying our crew of 8 from island to island. Every minute of the trip was life-changingly dynamic, charged with beauty in land, sea, and people. We experienced the deepest peace combined with the greatest excitement, including a passage from Bora Bora in the midst of a suddenly appearing, un-forecast gale with 2-3 meter breaking wind waves slamming against directly opposing 2 meter swells. The boat performed beautifully in these challenging conditions.

Really, we couldn't imagine a more wonderful trip and greatly appreciate Sail Connections as our agent, who smoothed our way and was instrumental in our choice of charterer and vessel, and Dream Yacht Charter, who made it happen. Had taken an earlier cruise in Tahiti and had experienced some problems with the charter service. Robert talked to me in detail about those issues and reassured me that Dream Yacht Charters was excellent, and that he and the Sail Connections team would back us up and do all they could to smooth over any difficulties. Without this, I doubt if we would have taken the cruise. Both teams, Sail Connections and Dream Yacht Charters, were meticulous in making serious promises and keeping them. Ten out of ten.
Yacht: Dufour 520
Paul, New Zealand, July, 2019
Rating: 4 / 5
The boat was well maintained with everything in good working order. Sail systems are easy to use, especially with the electric winch and the Catana sailed beautifully. Personally I do not like the steering stations at the stern of each hull as visibility to the opposite side is poor. But I knew that before we booked. The GPS is located inside the saloon which makes navigating more difficult compared to having a map alongside the steering. Overall a very comfortable sailing boat for 2 families.

Vanilla tour of Tahaa was amazing with Noah. Bora Bora is beautiful, though of course very touristy. Managed to swin with many reef sharks, eagle rays and a manta. Taputapuatea is worth the effort to visit being the centre of Polynesian migrations.

Your service was great. Quick responses to most questions and patience during the many changes.
Yacht: Catana 41
Craig, New Zealand, July, 2019
Robert, I wanted to follow up and let you know we very much enjoyed our charter in Corsica. Thank you for arranging the charter, and answering my questions about the charter in Corsica. Corsica was a new experience for us and there were many unknowns. It was helpful to have you available to answer those questions. We would choose to use you as a broker again.
Destination: Corsica
Holly, USA, July, 2019
Rating: 5 / 5
The southern lagoon of New Caledonia is absolutely beautiful. We didn't get to the Isle of Pines but the overnight anchorages in the lagoon made up for it. We also spent a couple of days in the Bay of Prony in some very pretty anchorages. The wind was constant from the SE which provided champagne sailing for us. We only caught one decent sized fish but we let it go.
Destination: New Caledonia
Yacht: Bali 4.5
Bruce, Australia, November, 2018
Rating: 5 / 5
"The water in Bora Bora was amazing. We found the Bali 4.5 to be an excellent boat for cruising the lagoons around Bora Bora, Taha'a and Raiatea."
Yacht: Bali 4.5
Glenn, Australia, November, 2018
Rating: 5 / 5
We found the boat to be nicely designed and very comfortable. The sails were near new and a treat to sail with. The highlight destination was Capri where because of unsettled weather we stayed in the marina. We found a brilliant restaurant in Ana-Capri and enjoyed strolling the narrow streets. San Michelle villa was delightful. Service was 10/10. Mario at the marina went out of his way to help us with ideas advice and making sure we wanted for nothing.
Destination: Italy
Yacht: Dufour 412
Peter, New Zealand, October, 2018
Sail Connections service was as always excellent. (An unexpected error occurred: #52401) (An unexpected error occurred: #52402) Darren, Hong Kong, September, 2018
A truly memorable experience, thank you both for all your help and guidance in getting us there! (An unexpected error occurred: #52403) (An unexpected error occurred: #52404) Tony, Australia, August, 2018
Rating: 5 / 5
Practically new boat, so was in great shape. We liked the design, equipage, etc. Everything was as advertised and cannot think of anything serious to complain about. Quite comfortable. We would go back to the Leeward Islands of Tahiti in a speedy minute. Spectacular scenery, not at all crowded, felt private in all our anchorages. Nice, friendly people.
Yacht: Lucia 40
Robert, USA, July, 2018
Rating: 5 / 5
The cat performed well with everything working as expected. The only issue was batteries not lasting a night and having to run an engine both in the morning and again in the late afternoon when sailing and not motoring. Sails were easy enough to hoist and the electronics worked well. Lipari was a great spot to stop with a nice town to explore. But the nicest island I found was Panarea. Less tourists with very friendly locals.
Destination: Italy
Yacht: Lagoon 400
James, Australia, July, 2018
First rate service in all respects. At the end of the charter we were practically ready to adopt our skipper and hostess. We truly enjoyed their company as well as high level of competence and knowledge. Checking in and out was a snap. We had such a great experience with Sail Connections, our boat and itinerary.
Yacht: Lucia 40
Robert & Pat, USA, July, 2018
Rating: 4 / 5
The Aeolian islands are a beautiful part of the world with many highlights. The standout was watching Stromboli erupt at night from nearby offshore. Sail Connections service was as always excellent.
Destination: Italy
(An unexpected error occurred: #52405) Russell, Australia, July, 2018
Sailing to Isla de San Francisco and Isla de San Jose were great places for hiking and aquatic exploration. Really enjoyed the waters and many inlets around Espirtu Santos on a Dufour 455.
Destination: La Paz, Mexico
Mike, USA, April, 2018
"What a truly magical trip it was! The islands were stunning, the crew was amazing. We had an amazing trip and truly kicked back. We snorkelled so much in such amazing underwater coral gardens and reefs - outstanding! The local Champion in Raiatea is as good as any grocer here in Toronto. Good supplies in Bora as well, and pizza too! The base crew in Raiatea were great, most knowledgeable and helpful It was a most amazing time. Thank you for all of your help in making this all come together."
Yacht: Catana 47
Patti, Canada, November, 2017
The Lucky Clover was fantastic. We travelled around the Saronic Islands which were beautiful. A new adventure every day. One day we hired scooters and explored the islands. Great service thank you. 10 out of 10, a trip of a lifetime!
Destination: Greece
Deborah, New Zealand, August, 2017
Just returned from a great sailing holiday in New Caledonia. The Catana 47 and crew were really excellent. I can't praise Dream Yachts enough for the excellent presentation of the yacht and the high quality of the crew. The sailing itinerary was magnificent (far more adventurous than I could have managed myself) and the food was cordon bleu. We were blessed with excellent weather including good sailing each day. Thanks so much for making the arrangements. When spending that amount of money it is important everything goes well.
Destination: New Caledonia
Yacht: Catana 47
Simon, New Zealand, November, 2016
Once again another cracker charter. Croatia was fantastic, with a six-day circuit through Kornati National Park, Prvik (a brilliant coastal town) and Sibenek. The yacht was brand new and best we have ever had. Good winds up to 20 knots in afternoons and dead calm in mornings. Kornati National Park was definitely the highlight. Sincere thanks for all your help.
Destination: Croatia
(An unexpected error occurred: #52406) Lou, New Zealand, September, 2016
Just a quick note to say we had a fabulous holiday and fantastic charter. The boat was perfect and the skipper Salvo and hostess Lucia were excellent could not fault anything. Salvo took us to some amazing places, always had our comfort and safety in mind, and was a lovely guy, Lucia was an amazing cook we ended up having most of our meals on board she was so good, also great company and very friendly and helpful. Everyone at North Sardinia Sail were also helpful and very friendly.
Destination: Italy
(An unexpected error occurred: #52407) Tony, Australia, August, 2016
Excellent internal layout for cruising, spacious living area, opening rear panel made for al-fresco living, closed only when in port, for security. The old cities of Dubrovnik and Trogir and Split with their history and achitecture, the beautiful anchorages in secluded bays, the clear warm water for swimming, the island walks. Your service was very good.
Destination: Croatia
(An unexpected error occurred: #52408) Keyran, Australia, July, 2016
We are home and Tahiti seems a distant memory. We had a wonderful time away - it was warm and the water was lovely. Cynthia our skipper was awesome, incredibly respectful and such a lovely woman. Thanks so much for all your help and assistance for a great holiday. WOW Tahiti is so different to sailing in the Med, but we loved it and had a really relaxing time. And of course it's such a bonus to be only a 5½ hour flight away. (An unexpected error occurred: #52409) Anna, New Zealand, July, 2016
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