EXCESS

Singularly Wonderful!

Art Director

We had the most amazing time on Excess! Ben & Michelle made it a singularly wonderful experience! The open sea and wonderful coves made it an extraordinary journey. Ben led us on some wonderful snorkeling excursions, including the most amazing dive off of St. James island. We saw loggerhead turtles, sting rays, triggerfish, cow fish and a black tip reef shark.

Michelles meals were so enjoyable. She killed it with the chicken curry, tuna poke bowl and soba noodles.

My family and I are so thankful for the generous hospitality and graciousness!

March 2019 - New York, New York

So many adventures!

Art Director

We chartered Excess for a week. All seven of us agreed it was the best vacation that we have had. Our group was adventurous and the crew on Excess showed us things that we would not have normally seen. We snorkeled a 150 year old ship wreck, jumped off rocks, hiked on the islands and much more. We hit 11 islands in the week and never felt rushed. The food and drinks were outstanding as well. I am typically a picky eater but all of the meals prepared were amazing. Anything we needed Ben and Michelle were there before asking. I highly recommend chartering with this crew!

You Two Were Certainly The Highlight!

Art Director

We have traveled the world and discovered our favorite place - under the sea! thank you for taking us to special reefs and sharing your knowledge of fish and flora. Ben, we loved watching you free dive and point to the unusual. We appreciate your patience, especially when rescuing Owen off the coral reef. Michelle, we loved your warm welcome and excellent meals. Your wonderful food was the start and end to each special day. When we look back on this trip, you two are certainly the highlight!

Grateful and Appreciative

Art Director

Our weeklong cruise to celebrate Amy's 60th birthday came with many unexpected gifts: family, camaraderie coral reefs with exotic fish, sting rays, sea turtles and dolphins, hiking and snorkeling to curious ruins, excursions to local-establishments and a variety of water activities to happily keep us in the Caribbean for hours.
But it is your hospitality, your exceptional meals, your attentiveness, you companionability and your willingness to indulge us in all of our requests that made this trip memorable for a lifetime. We are grateful and appreciative.
Until we meet again, travel well our friends of the sea!

May 2019

Art Director

Ben & Michelle,
What a week! Thank you for being so incredibly hospitable and helping to make this a trip of a lifetime. We will never forget the experiences we shared with you and the memories created on AND off Excess. There were a lot of firsts! Ben, thanks for going night diving for Meg's cellphone, and for teaching us all how to scuba dive! Can't believe we saw a frog fish, or that you and Tyler saw that octopus! We were beyond impressed with Michelle's cooking, it was absoutly delicious! We snorkeled through caves, swam off cliffs, saw extraordinary sunsets, and we will never forget any of it. You both have not only been amazing hosts and guides, but you have also become friends and we look forward to staying in touch. We will miss you!
Love,
Katie, Tyler, Meg, Ricki + John

June 2019

Art Director

Ben & Michelle-

Where to begin... the week has been so very special and fun for our family!! Your hospitality and kindness from day one helped our family settle in and relax immediately! This has been the most relaxing and peaceful vacation ever just watching all the sunsets and cruising along from island to island@ The snorkeling spots were amazing with the most beautiful and colorful fish and sea turtles. Thank your for creating such an incredible diving experience and the really cool lobster eating!

The week of allowing bananas on the boat will never be forgotten by us or you I'm sure!!

Thank you for the many firsts and great memories that surely our family will remember for a lifetime.

Please get in touch if you are ever this way. We would love to treat you both to some mid-west hospitality!

Hopefully we will meet again, but until then...safe travels!

All the best,
Tom, Toni, Tyler, Taylor, Trevor & Tanner.

June 2019

Art Director

Dear Ben & Michelle,
We really cannot thank you enough for rescuing our vacation! What a great vacation it was! You both helped to make this week all we had hoped it would be! Thank you for your patience, accommodation of even the slightest request, and mostly for the sweet friendship! Lucy and Andee will always remember this time, as will Shawn and I. We wish you both much success and happiness in the coming years and hope to sail with you both again soon! Best anniversary ever!

Love,
Stephanie, Andee, Shawn & Lucy

November 2019

Art Director

Dear Ben & Michelle,
From meeting you guys at BEYC ti the best libation ever with great friends was the week of a lifetime. Everything was better than we expected! See you in California!
Bob & FS

November 2019

Art Director

Dear Ben & Michelle,
Thank you so much for hosting and cooking and dealing with our crazy audibles. It was an incredible vacation. Once in a lifetime. Please come to SF soon. Thank you again for an amazing & unforgettable trip. We will miss you and EXCESS!

Bob AKA Google Bob

New Years 2019/2020

Art Director

Dear Ben & Michelle,
Where do we begin...can we just start his amazing trip on Excess with the two of you all over again? Starting 2020 with you made for the best New Years day ever. Beyond! In every way. Dolphins (4) leaving our way to paradise to way too many passion fruit orchids...but who is counting? Scuba diving with sharks, over indulging in Michelle's amazing meals and the best hospitality with you two. You saved us on a daily basis with the perfect remedies to insure our trip was beyond our highest expectations. We loved every minute and hate to leave. Ben as captain, was the best we have ever had on a cat in the BVI. (This was our third time...so we know a stand-out!) Thank you for every minute. We can't wait until next time! You 2 have huge hearts and made Excess feel like home. Thank you

Marty, Megan, Lily & Isabel
Greenwich, CT

January 2022

Art Director

Michelle & Ian,

Thank you for a wonderful week. Your teamwork, collaboration, kindness, competence and calm made the week a delight and memorable experience. May you have a joyful season ahead! With Gratitude, Stephanie.

January 2022

Art Director

Michelle & Ian,

What a wonderful, relaxing trip with such beautiful scenery. The food and itinerary were excellent and fun. And Marley was great fun to. Thank you for an amazing trip. With Love, Steve, Katia, & Peter.

February 2022

Art Director

IBM,

Thank you so much for a wonderful, relaxing, and much needed vacay! The food was amazing, only to be out done by the scenery. We will always remember this special week.

March 2022

Art Director

Thank you so much for the most amazing vacation! We truly loved every moment. The food, beautiful water and beaches and especially the crew are simply the best. We will never forget this wonderful time. See you in Philly, Tahoe soon!

March 2022

Art Director

It's with love and gratitude that we thank you for your attention to detail – your attention to our needs and wants! Sincerely – thoughtful and fun! I could not imagine this trip with any other crew! With peace and love!

May 2022

Art Director

Was the yacht comfortable and clean?
The yacht was exceptionally clean and comfortable. We were shocked at the space in our rooms and bathrooms.
Was the yacht well ventilated?
The yacht was incredibly well ventilated. It was cool and smelled of the delicious meals being prepared.
Was the crew friendly and accommodating?
The crew was the best part. They gave us the local knowledge and guided through the best vacation we’ve ever had.
Was the food good and well presented?
The food was unbelievable. It was like eating at a 5 star restaurant every meal.
8. Additional comments about the yacht and crew?
Michelle, Ian and Blair were amazing. I cannot wait to go on a charter with them again.
Cruising Area
Did you like the area you chartered in?
Yes!

The fun never stopped

Art Director

From the moment our trip began on Excess we have laughed, smiled, screamed (in a good way) and enjoyed every moment of our week. We all have collective favorite memories as well as individual moments and experiences that will stay with us for many years to come. Ben and Michelle are excellent hosts and awesome people! Their friendship will remain long after the delicious food, stories and spectacular views begin to fade.

April 2018 - Louisville, Kentucky

Thank you!

Art Director

Thank you for hosting us in your lovely home and showing us around the neighborhood. Your gracious hospitality made me feel comfortable and welcome. I don't think I could have asked for anything more during this trip, except for maybe a whale sighting! May all your seas be calm and your journeys safe.

Our Time on Excess Was Truly Special

Art Director

Our time on excess was truly special. You both took such good care of our family and for that we thank you very much. The meals were delicious! The tours of the BVI's spectacular!....each bay became our new favorite. Ben having you in the water snorkeling with us made it all the more fun - thank you for sharing your BVI world with us.

5 stars!

Art Director

We chartered Excess for a week. All seven of us agreed it was the best vacation that we have had. Our group was adventurous and the crew on Excess showed us things that we would not have normally seen. We snorkeled a 150 year old ship wreck, jumped off rocks, hiked on the islands and much more. We hit 11 islands in the week and never felt rushed. The food and drinks were outstanding as well. I am typically a picky eater but all of the meals prepared were amazing. Anything we needed Ben and Michelle were there before asking. I highly recommend chartering with this crew!

June 2019

Art Director

Ben & Michelle,
Thank you for all the incredible adventures, experiences, fun, laughter & memories created on this amazing week. You both have made our vacation extra sweet an special. You've become friends! We look forward to our next journey with you next summer and you are always welcome to come visit us in Big Sky.

All our love,
Tracie, Chris, Kylie & Jaiden

Captains of the Year

Art Director

Ben & Michelle-

Words can't even begin to describe our experience on Excess. The boat is absolutely gorgeous! From the moment we boarded we were welcomed warmly, and it continued throughout the entire trip. Your hospitality was beyond amazing, Michelle - the food was seriously delicious, and you were wonderful dealing with a variety of tastes! As Sarah said "the best cheesecake in the world!' Thank you both for being warm, kind & patient. You are truly amazing at what you do and we honestly could not have asked for two better people to make our vacation beyond memorable. We can't wait to come back!!

Emily, Michael, Sophie & Sara

November 2019

Art Director

Ben & Michelle,
"Thank you" hardly seems sufficient, but I suppose it is a good start. This trip started as just a big dream that I wasn't sure we'd be able to pull people together for. The fact that my friends and family indulged me for my bucket list 40th birthday celebration is not something I take for granted.
Everything about this trip was amazing. I truly do not think it could have been any better. The boat itself is obviously beyond beautiful...but to be honest it's the two of you that make Excess so special.
We will never forget the kindness and personal care you showed each one of us. You two were made for this and we not only hope to do it again some day, but to do it again with you both.
Thank you for your hard work, your special hearths, your amazing talents...and the best trip we could've ever asked for!

Love your biggest fans & friends for life,
Lauri & Chad
Brandon & Nikki
Mike & Kelly
Troy & Kris

November 2019

Art Director

You guys and this incredible yacht checked an item off my bucket list that I didn't even know was on it!! The most amazing and memorable boat trip of a lifetime. Thank you will never seem to be enough. One day again soon..
Christina & Elen

Christmas 2019

Art Director

Dear Ben & Michelle, we had the best week on the Excess!! You guys are an incredible team. Michelle, you are the best cook ever. We will fondly remember all the incredible dishes you served us. Ben, thanks for being an awesome Captain and keeping our family safe on the seas. We will never forget your wishes and you for the New Year!
-Sabrina

Thank you for an awesome week on Excess! You guys are an incredible team! I won't forget the delicious meals and fun water sports. What a time! Thanks for everything
-Sasha

Thanks for an awesome, relaxing, and DELICIOUS week! We will always remember these experiences, endless peach mojitos, and Sarabeth's pina coladas! Sorry for the constant bombarding of questions; you guys are great!
-Gabby & Melissa

Thanks so much for making this trip so wonderful/fun. I had such great food. You really are professionals. Many fun times in the water and great sailing experience, I value your dedication you guys have for Excess! I'll never forget! Hope to see you soon! I will miss your pina coladas!
-Sarabeth

January 2020

Art Director

Ben & Michelle,
Thank you for a fantastic week filled with amazing food, great adventures, beautiful scenery, great hikes, scuba and snorkel trips and endless fun! We really enjoyed our time with you aboard Excess.
-Mark & Kathleen
Des Moines, IA

We had an absolutely amazing time. We loved everything from snorkeling, diving and sailing. The service and the food were terrific. The service and the food were terrific. Thank you for taking such good care of us. We were delighted that you guys were our Captain/First Mate/Chef.
-Glen & Sharon
National City, MI

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for such an amazing trip! We couldn't have asked for such a better Captain & Chef. We enjoyed every minute. Can't wait to sail with you again!
-Chris & Sham
Las Vegas

Ben & Michelle,
Thanks for another trip of a lifetime!!! We had the most amazing time aboard Excess! I'm ready to do it again! You took amazing care of us! Food, drink and sun in the fun!
David & Janice
Brentwood, TN

January 2022

Art Director

Michelle & Ian,

This has been a vacation of a lifetime! The food is incredible, the accommodations very comfy of course. Michelle and Ian, you are now part of our family and part of wonderful memories. Thank you for all you have done to make this so wonderful! Fondly, Chris & Tom. PS. Thank you to Marley too!

February 2022

Art Director

Michelle & Ian,

The two of you could not have done a better job. Just the best! Thanks so very much!

March 2022

Art Director

Michelle & Ian,

OMG! You both made what we knew would be an incredible trip OVER THE TOP. The food was insane. EVERY MEAL. The captaining was at the same time so professional and FUN! Now the problem is we can only go on a catamaran trip if you both are on it! Please stay in touch! We loved having Marley on board and will miss sneaking her sausages.

March 2022

Art Director

Thank you for the most amazing vacation! The locations, food, and company were the best! Look forward to sharing our memories with friends and family. Spreading the good IBM word wide and far! Xoxo

March 2022

Art Director

Michelle & Ian,

You two were absolutely the best. We came in with high expectations, and this exceeded all of them. The food was beautiful and delicious, especially all the vegan creations that could be served in a Michelin star restaurant. Nothing will beat waking up in the most beautiful bays. You both were so kind and flexible – giving us space to have a memorable father – daughter trip while also laughing at the dad jokes and entertaining our stunts. Thank you so much and hopefully see you back soon! Clare, Dana, and Kev.