Smooth Passage Yacht Delivery

Testimonials

"Captain Richard Bard was Master of my newly purchased "BONNIE", a 1998 69-foot Bluewater 680 Custom Series motoryacht, from December 13th to the 21st, 2009 and from January 3rd through the 21st, 2010. In the former period he assisted me in the drydocking and partial refurbishment of this yacht. He advised me as to the additional repairs required and worked hard for long hours in executing some of the repairs himself. During this period, it became clear to me that he is a very practical and experienced Master mariner who dedicates himself totally to any task which he undertakes.

During the latter period, he assisted me in finalizing the drydock/repair work at the shipyard, and he commanded this yacht during the delivery voyage from Miami, Florida to Key West and on to its final destination, Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, which was the main purpose of his engagement. He protected my interests in advising as to the safe weather conditions for the prosecution of this voyage, which he conducted in a safe, cost effective and professional manner.

I thoroughly recommend Captain Richard Bard to any yacht Owner."

---Angelo Mouzouropoulos 11 March 2010

"If you're considering hiring a professional to deliver your vessel, I highly recommend Capt. Richard Bard. I hired Capt. Bard in June 2009 to deliver my Catalina 36 sloop from Eureka CA to Oak Harbor WA. His quiet professionalism gave me a feeling of confidence from beginning to end of the trip. He provided me with invaluable training and experience along the way. He cared for my boat as though it were his own, took care of minor repairs and maintenance along the way, and delivered it on schedule with no damage. On top of that, he was personable and interesting to spend time with. I would definitely hire him again."

---Bruce Gordon Coupeville, Washington

"My wife Donna and I contacted Richard Bard in June 2009, via the internet, to captain our 48-foot Navigator, with twin Volvo engines, down to Vallejo, California for us. We asked if we and members of our family, including children, could accompany him down the coast for the journey. He agreed if we made sure we all had survival suits and life jackets and knew how to use them. He was diligent about safety and very informative about what we could expect on the trip.

We departed Portland and cruised to Astoria. In Astoria the weather did not look good due to rough seas. The children and one adult departed and on Saturday Richard, my wife, and I traveled out of the mouth of the Columbia River and south. The seas got rougher and we pulled into Newport, Oregon that night. Projected weather conditions did not look good and so we left the boat in Newport.

Richard checked on the boat a week or so later as he brought a boat up the coast from California. On July 13th, he and a first mate brought the boat down from Newport to Bodega Bay. On July 18th my wife and I rejoined the boat for the final leg of the journey, from Bodega Bay to Vallejo.

Throughout both legs of the journey, Richard stayed on top of the changing weather conditions via computer. He allowed me to drive the boat many times and provided instructions on the boat's systems. His competency never made us feel unsafe. We enjoyed the time we spent with Richard. His quiet, easygoing manner was relaxing and we enjoyed some good laughs playing games and telling stories.

Richard knows the western coastline and we were very satisfied with his work."

---Jay and Donna Fox Vacaville, CA

"I would highly recommend Capt. Bard. From the first phone conversation he was very thorough and professional. It's clear his knowledge and capabilities are tremendous. I participated in the delivery of my vessel, a 38' Carver motor yacht, and felt very comfortable. He's an easy-going type person, and my friend and I got along with Richard quite well. He doesn't compromise on safety! He also helped and performed mechanical procedures to ensure a trouble free voyage prior to departure."

---Richard Santos Winchester Bay, Oregon

"I had an opportunity to help Richard relocate a friend's boat (a 43' Ocean Alexander) from Seattle to San Francisco in the fall of 2007. I have boated most of my life on the Puget Sound but this was a new experience of boating off-shore for me. I found Richard to be extremely knowledgeable of the waters, navigation, and ports between Seattle and San Francisco. he took good care of the boat, his crew, and was very thorough with his planning of the trip. We arrived in the Bay area on time and the boat was in good shape."

---Mike Haistings, former Commodore, Puget Sound Yacht Club