Recommendations
The following recommendations were voluntarilly provided by past clients. If the job that I’ve completed for you has been more than satisfactory, I will be very grateful if you’d leave your recommendations for others to utilize when they make their decisions. Simply enter your message in the “Leave a Comment” box below, followed by “Submit”, I will then publish it. Thank you for your business, I’ve enjoyed working for/with you.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
To Whom It May Concern,
During the period 8-11 October 2009, we engaged Captain Jerry Vander Veen to provide instruction in powerboat cruising while underway in the San Juan Islands area in a Selene 40.
We found Captain Vander Veen to be an excellent instructor with a method of instruction keenly linked to the students’ ability to process. He instinctively understood our strong and weak points and developed those subject matters as appropriate.
Captain Vander Veen displayed a passion for sharing his knowledge while remaining firm in the need to perform the tasks correctly. His instructions were clear and concise when necessary yet challenging wheen the situation allowed.
We also found Jerry to be an excellent companion, which is terribly important in the context of the space limitations of a 40′ motor vessel.
In summary, we highly recommend Captain Vander Veen to anyone desiring professional instruction or other Captain’s services.
Sincerely,
Karl & Karen Poulsen
North Richland Hills, TX
(817)766-1613
Engaged Capt. Van der Veen in 2007 to deliver my 49ft. Jeanneau Deck Salon from Anacortes to San Diego. Not only did I find him extremely competent under big wind and big seas, but he was a great boat mate to boot. I would recommend him to anybody looking for a fair price for excellent delivery.
Richard Stroud
Owner Sotto Voce
San Diego, California
817-366-0645
To Whom It May Concern,
I was hired by Captain Van der Veen to be the cook/solo stew aboard a 72′ Landing Craft “St. George” from November 19-22, 2012. “St. George” set out from LaConner WA as a pleasure vessel for three men and one 12 year old from Moscow, Russia on a sea trial.
I did not know Captain Jerry prior to my hire, but was lured in by his good nature congruent to his informative and detailed email communications. Upon meeting Captain Jerry, it was his adamant concern for safety, attentive listening skills with his ability to foresee the comforts and concerns of the owner, crew, and project manager that officially hooked me.
While the owner’s needs continued to change Captain Jerry’s positive attitude did not. Captain Jerry only handled every decision, change and request with grace and answer (even with a bit of comedy). He kept myself, and those around him, upbeat and motivated while ensuring we cared for the boat as if it were our own/his own. Underway, he maintained this same nature exemplifying an acute awareness to all our surroundings, course and safety.
As a member of his team, I felt included in all necessary communication in terms of itinerary, team management and our course of navigation. Captain Jerry was able to pick up on my uncertainties while encouraging me with patience, understanding and instruction to execute through. He was a pleasure to work for and to learn from. My desire to do my best was driven by the desire to not let Captain Jerry down…
I would not hesitate to work with Captain Jerry again.
Heather E. Carey
Independently Contracted Crew
[email protected]
Due to a last minute ship schedule change, Captain Jerry Vander Veen came to us only a few days before we needed delivery of our new American Tug 435 from La Conner, Washington to Victoria for shipping to the East Coast. From first contact where he covered his qualifications, experience and plan (we on East Coast and he in Washington) we had confidence in a professional and safe delivery. He met with the factory reps to refresh systems and operation and ensured necessary Coast Guard equipment was aboard. Captain Jerry closely coordinated with the shipping agent in Victoria and delivered the boat on time without incident. Also important to me, he kept me in the loop through every step of the delivery. This included boat performance, arrival and marina information, schedule updates, pictures and links and a mission complete debrief. I highly recommend Captain Jerry Vander Veen and if we are lucky enough to have another boat delivery requirement in that part of the country, he will be our first choice.