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GOOD NEWS - A luxury Marquises 56 catamaran catering to up to 3 discerning couples
GOOD NEWS Specifications
| LENGTH |
56ft (17.1m) |
BEAM |
29ft (9.0m) |
ENGINES |
2 X 88 HP Yanmar |
FLAG |
United States |
| DRAFT |
4ft 11in (1.5m) |
TYPE |
Sail yacht |
| YEAR BUILT |
1999 |
REFIT |
2009 |
SPEED
CRUISE/MAX |
6kts / 10kts |
|
|
| DESIGNER |
|
BUILDER |
Fountaine-Pajot |
| STABILISERS |
None |
|
|
CREW |
Captain Peter Dickens & Chef Debbie Dickens |
GOOD NEWS Accommodations
Sleeps 4 In 2 Cabins
GOOD NEWS can accommodate 4 guests in 2 cabins.
The Master cabin has a queen size bed, shower and electric toilet.
A VIP Guest cabin has a queen size bed, shower and electric toilet.
GOOD NEWS is fully air conditioned through out, with individual controls in each cabin.
Crew has a separate companionway, heads and shower.
Good News features a watermaker and an icemaker, and two 13.5 Kw generators.
She features roller-furling mainsail and jib, and electric winches.
The crew with Foxy on Jost van Dyke
At White Bay, Jost van Dyke
GOOD NEWS Crew Profile
Peter and Debbie Dickens are a unique, well rounded South African couple. Their bubbly personalities and sense of adventure is infectious and lively. Their individual backgrounds contribute to interesting and lively conversation. They are able to share the benefits of their past experiences and help you form your own exciting memories to take back with you. Peter has been sailing since 1990 and has completed over 5000 miles on Good News, he holds a master of Yachts 200 ton license. Peter was the youngest skydiver in South Africa and as a professional skydiver pioneered Tandem parachuting in countries around the world. His past experiences include working 10 000 feet under ground in the deepest gold mine in the world, a term in the South African air force where he obtained his pilots license. Peter also owned and managed a business in Mozanbique (Indian Ocean) providing scuba diving and fishing charters to Inhaca Island Hotel. Debbie hails from the costal town of Durban and had a successful career in the medical equipment industry (There is even a defibrillator on board). She has her IMM Marketing Degree and loves working with people. She resigned from her corporate life when she married Peter. They own 26 horses and have a thriving Horse Trail Riding Ranch in Northern Johannesburg. Debbie just loves to cook, entertain and socialize with guests. She prepares a magnificent variety of delicious meals from around the world and is a delight to be with.
GOOD NEWS Testimonials
Name: William
Yacht: GOOD NEWS with Peter and Debbie
Charter Dates: April 14-20, 2012
Area Cruised: Virgin Islands
We hope your charter lived up to your expectations. We would love to know some of your impressions about your yachting vacation. Please answer the following questions and add any comments you may have.
1. Was the crew friendly and accommodating?
yes
2. Was the yacht comfortable and clean?
yes
3. Was the yacht well ventilated?
yes
4. Was the food good and well presented?
yes
5. Did you like the area you sailed?
yes
6. Could we have helped you further in any way?
nope
7. May we post this review on our website?
Yes
8. Additional comments on your charter?
Guests sailing aboard Good News in February, 2012
Debbie & Peter,
First of all, thank you for such a great vacation. We enjoyed the ship, the beauty of the BVI that you shared with us, the food (outstanding), but most of all getting to know the two of you. It was fantastic. Again, thank you for everything
Thomas Dula
Sailing with Peter and Debbie on the Good News was my first trip to the Caribbean and my first time on a sailboat.
They made the trip memorable in every way. They were accommodating, the food was delicious, and they new the islands well. I felt as though I was at home (with better food). They are professional, personable, and knowledgeable, and were very gracious hosts.
Robin Sherman
Guests aboard Good News in June, 2011
I have travelled many places around the world and have fun no matter the location or circumstances...but I have never enjoyed a vacation as much as I just did on Good News with Deb and Peter! The boat - spotless and perfect... the food - phenonemal... the comradarie and friendship - a breath of fresh air... our every need and wish - attended to with detail. The best way to sum up their charm and skills as hosts is this - I smiled through tears as we waved goodbye from the dock... and they will most certainly be a big part of our wedding plans. Please do every vacationer a favor and recommend this amazing couple to turn paradise into magic.
I have to tell you that our stay on the Good News was the best vacation ever. Deb and Peter where unbelievable hosts and their knowledge of the islands was awesome. In addition, Peter absolutely made you feel safe at all times (very important) and gave us the guidance in the water to conduct some phenomenal snorkeling. Everything we asked for on our preference sheets was there plus they added some South African flair to some dishes that was incredible. They took hundreds of pictures above water and below and made an album for us!!!!!
The fact that they only have two bedrooms is a plus because the state rooms are plentiful and the walk in shower was awesome. The flat screen TVs, the Satellite TV, the A/C being on the whole time, and the comfort of the beds was first class.
I would strongly suggest that you book any guests who are looking for a "good time" with them. It is a fun boat!!!!.
If you have guests who are more laid back and stuffy then they would also have a great time but it would be a shame that they could not enjoy Deb's energy along with Peter's wit and charm.
You would never go wrong recommending them to others next year!!!
Sincerely,
Carol Lane
North Carolina
