A reference from the Boat Manager....

Sent: 13 December 2013

He is one of the best, if not the best, I have worked with in my 10+ years in management. 

Kind regards

BOAT MANAGER

A reference from one of my engineers...

From: Chief Engineer

Sent: Friday, December 13, 2013

As a professional seaman of 25 years at sea (15 years on Yachts) I have never worked with a Captain as good as Simon Johnson. His way of handling problems on board as far as any matters technical, crew issues, etc, his door is always open for any crew member for any personal or professional issue. He is always protecting the Owner interest and his property which is something very hard to find today in this industry. This is why I stayed on this Yacht so long because of my respect for the Captain and most of crew.

Kind Regards

CHIEF ENGINEER

"A professional manner"

I would like to thank you for a sensational cruise on SOUTHERN CROSS III.

Simon and the crew are absolutely charming and couldn't be more accommodating. I was very impressed with the level of service. While maintaining a professional manner they all know how to have fun. That is the sign of a truly great crew. Although everyone was top class, an outstanding mention must go to Becky and the girls for their spirit, sense of humour and willingness to please.

My stateroom was delightful and I give an “A" rating for the linens. The water pressure was excellent and every amenity throughout was freely at my disposal.

The meals were all prepared with great care. Pierre's fresh breads and baked goods were a highlight at every meal. The variation of the food for every meal was perfectly suited to satisfy all tastes.

The mini cruise afforded me the opportunity to experience the yacht and see for myself the terrific time that I know my charter clients had. The trip reinforced my complete confidence in referring any future charter clients to SOUTHERN CROSS III.

Once again I would like to thank. Mr. Richie, the entire crew of SOUTHERN CROSS and you for 3 glorious and memorable nights on board SEIII.

"Professionalism shown by you"

Dear Simon,

Just a brief note to thank you and the rest of the crew for your fantastic

hospitality during my visit. You could not possibly have made me feel more

welcome and I thank you sincerely for that.

The yacht is amazing and the professionalism shown by you all was brilliant to

witness. Please pass on my best wishes to everyone and tell them I look forward

to catching up again sometime in the Med this summer.

On the business front, I will be writing again in the next couple of days with

details! confirmation of the topics we discussed. I will also be dropping Rena a

line this week.

Once again a heartfelt thank you to everyone - it was a visit I will treasure for a

very long time.

[MF, 2000 UK]

"Awesome"

Dear Simon,

"Awesome" is the only way to describe the time we had on the Southern Cross III; the crew, the service and the food were exceptional. Thank you for everything! Beginning in Antibes, cruising the Riviera to Portofino, with one of the highlights being the fireworks and the latin band on the back of the boat was on the realm of reality! Look forward to another wonderful experience on the Southern Cross III in the near future.

[NB 1999, USA]

"we will talk about it for the rest of our lives"

Dear Simon,

This has truly been the most wonderful adventure of our lives. The crew made this trip the one we will remember and talk about for the rest of our lives. We will never forget the fun we've had. Thanks for everything.

[RD 1999, USA]

"We will never forget"

Dear Simon,

We've had an unbelievable trip on Southern Cross III - the service and staff are tremendous on this gorgeous ship. We feel that we have seen so many beautiful ports and enjoyed every step we made. Thanks to all of you for making this a trip we will never forget!

[BW, 1999, USA]

"The greatest vacation ever"

Dear Simon,

This has been the best time ever! Thank you so much for everything. We have had a ball. The food, the service, the friendliness - it was all fabulous. Thanks fo rmaking this the greatest vacation ever.

[RC, 1999 USA]

"Best trip ever!"

Dear Simon,

Thanks for the best trip ever! Our week was as close to heaven as you can get. You are all awesome and we loved getting to know you. Hope to see you again very soon.

[LB 1999]

"Your graciousness"

Dear Simon,

We only wish we culd take you with us (seeing that we must leave). It was a wonderful week and the beauty of the Italian coast was exceeded only by your graciousness.

[DB 1999]

"Trip of a lifetime"

Dear Simon,

I can never thank yu enough for making this the most fabulous trip of a lifetime. Each and every one of you spoiled me rotten and I will never forget you. May God bless and safe journeys and maybe our paths will cross again some day. You're the best.

[SB 1999]

"Excellent Seamanship"

To Whom It May Concern

Subject: Recommendation of Captain Simon Johnson

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the owner of S5 Wireless, an 84' steel pilothouse ketch, which we

purchased in late May 1998.

In late June 1998, I hired Simon Johnson as captain to see us through a

refitting and prepare Wireless for the winter season.

Simon immediately took charge, hired an engineer and mate and

organized a work plan with the Derecktor yard in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

The pace of activity improved dramatically under Simon's leadership. As

a result, six weeks later, we were able to move north to Rhode Island.

Simon demonstrated at least five noteworthy skills. First, he represents

the owner well. Second, he organizes work well. Third, he hires excellent

people (and fires when necessary). Fourth, he is an experienced sailor and

captain, demonstrating excellent seamanship. And fifth he has good taste,

preparing and presenting a boat well to guests.

[WP 1998]

"The perfect manager"

This is to confirm that Captain Simon Johnson was employed as Captain on board of the 77m motor yacht "SAMAR", when I was working as Senior Yacht Administrator at Fraser Yachts. I was in charge of the yacht between June and December 2007.

I would qualify Simon as a "perfect manager": before the yacht came in management with Fraser Yachts, he was on his own to deal with both the financial and technical sides of the vessel, and all other difficulties a yacht the size of "SAMAR" could face. The first time I arrived on board I was really impressed by the perfect organisation displayed on all levels.

Under our management, the yacht cruised from Barcelona through the French Cote d'Azure, Capri, Sicily, Istanbul and Russia. During this cruise with the very demanding Owner, all was really well organised and resulted in a perfect synergy between the Captain and the office.

I can sincerely recommend Simon and I definitely look forward to working again with him.

[RD 2009]

"Thorough, efficient, caring..."

Captain Simon Johnson came to my 77m diesel-electric propelled vessel in December 2005, during the last six months of her completion. During this time Captain Johnson, completed the build, hired all crew, commissioned the vessel and prepared her for an immediate six month cruise with myself and guests aboard, covering almost 11,000 sea miles. Captain Johnson worked tirelessly to have all procedures and certificates issued for this commercially registered vessel.

During the following 8 months, he undertook an extensive warranty schedule of works and then immediately began another 10,000 mile cruise with myself and guests into the Med and Black Sea.

During his tenure, I found Simon to be extremely thorough, efficient, caring, knowledgeable, and an excellent navigator and ship handler. Simon accomplished all this without the aid of an outside management firm, establishing all budgets and setting into place the accounting and managements systems.

Simon has an outgoing personality, yet remains professional at all times. He was well liked by all my guests and crew. Simon departed the vessel due to health issues that required him to take a prolonged period of rest, thankfully now rectified, and I was sorry for him to leave. It is without hesitation that I offer this reference and would be happy to offer further comments. Please feel free to contact me.

[KA 2008]

"Gracious hospitality"

We all had a wonderful time on our sailing holiday and would like to thank you and the crew of the TS Robert Gordon for makingit so special. Memories of beautiful days, equisite sunsets, exciting sailing, snorkeling, jumping off the cabin, New Years Eve on Jost van Dyke, delicious 4 o'clock teas, outstanding meals, and stimulating conversations sharing many other moments will always be with us. You all extended to us kindness, gracious hospitality, and expert talent in your individual services. Our only regret is that our friendships were so brief. Please always feel free to stop and visit our home if you ar eever in the good old mid-west USA.

[TF 1998]

"An inspired leader of others"

Simon Vaughan Johnson has been engaged for the last 5 and a half years as professional Captain aboard TS Robert Gordon. At the outset he was responsible for the complete fitting out and conversion of the craft from a somewhat basic training ship into a gentleman's yacht and charter vessel.

He engaged a crew for the Transatlantic passage from England and thereafter, after a successful crossing, has been solely responsible for the signing on and off of crew members and for the running of the the vessel, and its charters. Additionally he has acted as ship's engineer, and has maintained the main engine, the ship's two generators, water-making equipment, charging systems, radar, GPS and other navigational equipment single-handed.

Simon is computer literate and is well versed in keeping proper accounts and has a wide knowledge of marine engineering and equipment.

From the charter guests' viewpoint, his command of the ship has always been an air of prefessional competence, combined with an easy charm of manner and guaranteed perfect service aboard (to which many letters attest).

He is someone who is totally committed to the task at hand, resourceful, scrupulously honest, and an inspired leader of others and someone who I would not hesitate to recommend for any position requiring integrity and leadership.

[BL QC 1997]

"We loved it"

Thanks for everything! You are the best! All the members of the our company are so excited to be aboard for the trip. All of us look forward to stay with you again. Thanks again. We all loved it very very much!

["the Russians from Moscow" 2001]

"An amazing voyage on Southern Cross III"

Dear Captain, I would like to express my sincere thank you for an amazing voyage on Southern Cross III. You and your crew were a true pleasure to spend our holiday with. We wish you the absolute best and look forward to seeing you all again soon.

[ER 2001]

"We had a tremendous vacation"

Please let Captain Simon Johnson and the crew know that thanks to their combined efforts, we had a tremendous vacation on the Southern Cross III. The yacht was beautiful and the food was great - we sincerely had a lot of fun and enjoyed ourselves, The crew, especially Captain Johnson, really went out of their way to see that we had a good time and wer able to relax. they made it a very special experience and I am very grateful for all they did.

[VN 2001]

"Our experience was truly wonderful"

Dear Simon an crew, Now we know there is such a thing a s aperfect week! We had an amazing time and will never forget the sights, the smells, the food and the luxury of it all. Thanks for making our experience truly wonderful.

[DY 2001]