(Glowing) Reviews of the Abby Normal To
You'll notice a theme in our guest reviews: People *really* love our incredible crew of two, Richard and Shannon.
Enjoy the BVI without the crowd!
Dec 2020
We've been chartering in the BVI for since 2008 and our recent two week trip (starting Dec 1st) may have been one of the best yet. Yes, the entry, testing, and quarantine protocols were inconvenient. On the flip side, we felt safe with how the BVI Gov was handling the reopening and the protocols Moorings has in place. The gov was/is still getting the kinks out of testing and notification logistics, but Moorings was behind the scenes working with them to make it easy for us. Out sailing catamaran, ABBY NORMAL TO, was in tip top shape and ready to go. We spent the first 5 days "quarantining" (??!) on a beautiful boat in lovely uncrowded bays while enjoying exciting day sails. On Day 6 we had The Baths to ourselves! The ABBY NORMAL TO crew, Richard and Shannon Hallett were awesome and took us to places we'd never been before. Shannon's meals were 5-star! We really felt the BVI Love. Everyone we encountered went out of their way to be friendly and welcoming. We are planning our next trip already.
Awesome New Year’s Charter
Jan 2020 • Family
Sailing vacations are the best way for our family to be together, to relax, enjoy swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking and great scenery. Our family had a wonderful vacation on Abby Normal Too with Richard and Shannon over New Year’s. Shannon prepared great food and Richard provided endless entertainment and great advice on where to go and what to do. The BVIs are a great place to go with lots of beach bars and fun anchorages. Can’t wait to go again.
Happy Canadians on “Abby Normal To”
Jan 2020 • Couples
Outstanding in every way. Richard and Shannon felt like family by day one and went out of their way to make our holiday more than we could have imagined! With a group of 7 including several “wanna be” captains, Richard taught us a lot about sailing and showed his amazing patience numerous times. Shannon’s not only an amazing chef but her sailing experience and tips were very valuable.
Shannon’s meals were outstanding-when you can wow seven adults for seven days in a row- you are one talented chef.
They took part with us in many activities, from snorkellng tours, videoing, story telling, just great hosts!
I have been in the travel industry for many years and have seen and visited many destinations. As a senior travel consultant I can guarantee you that this is a trip of a lifetime and Richard and Shannon made the difference! YIP. YIP!!
Thank you Richard and Shannon for a fantastic trip!
Jan 2021
Like most people, we desperately needed a break from COVID. Although we were a bit anxious before arriving, we were instantly put at ease as we met our crew for Abby Normal To. Richard and Shannon greeted us warmly and adhering to all reasonable precautions. The boat was in perfect shape. Richard and Shannon are a great team ensuring a safe, comfortable ride through the warm turquoise waters of the BVI's. We ate like royalty thanks to Shannon. We spent a glorious week on board with our three teenaged kids and were so sad to leave. We can not recommend them more highly.
Abby Normal To
Apr 2021
This was our first trip to BVI. Our crew, Richard and Shannon were fantastic. Shannon's cooking was amazing, and Captain Richard saw to our every need. They were fun and made sure we were comfortable at all times. Even though we were not allowed on shore due to COVID restrictions, Richard made sure to plan lots of activities for us - snorkeling, paddle boarding, swimming and sailing. It truly was the trip of a lifetime for us!
Superb charter in the British Virgin Islands
Oct 2021
We were on a chartered 50 foot catamaran "Abby Normal To," for 6 days and 5 nights in the British Virgin Islands through The Moorings. Our crew were married; Richard and Shannon Hallett. We had an absolutely fantastic time seeing way more than the normal itinerary because they spent long hours making sure that everything we wanted to see was included and then some. Our Captain, Richard, was a very nice and kind person and very experienced. Shannon could easily have served as Captain with her knowledge and she provided us with ongoing delicious meals three times a day in addition to snacks. Both Richard and Shannon made sure that our charter was the best possible and we alway felt safe and secure with them at the helm. They had incredibly interesting stories that kept us all captivated. They have traveled around the world and have the kind of marriage that we can all aspire to. The Moorings is very fortunate to have them. The boat was beautiful. Our berth was great as was the bathroom. We never felt the least bit crowded. Highly recommend The Moorings and Richard and Shannon Hallett.
How Do We Love Richard and Shannon?
Mar 2022
Let me count the ways. When the BVI impounded boats in late March, we were reassigned at the last minute to the “Abby Normal To”. The name seemed PERFECT for us. Richard and Shannon prepped and provisioned the boat and was ready for our late arriving group. Shannon’s dinner was scrumptious, and it was a harbinger of meals to come. Shannon modified her breakfast plans to accommodate a non-egg-eater. Breads were warm, meals were always hot and plentiful. Meals started with either a fruit variety or green salad. And dinners included shrimp pasta, snapper with a carrot-curry sauce with quinoa, steak and potatoes, and salmon with fresh vegetables. She served a beautiful chicken salad for a guest that had to limit his seafood intake. And to top it off, homemade desserts every night, like apple cake with custard sauce and chocolate mousse. Richard was the master of the sails. As we requested, he took us to Soggy Dollar and Willy T’s. Been there, done that, didn’t get the t-shirt. Then, we let Richard set the course. He took us to fabulous destinations and coordinated our land excursions. An amazing skill of Richard’s – he always got us to a destination before anyone else. It was so nice to beat the rush at the bars and beaches. At Cooper Island, we swam to a waterfront club for a few beverages and a nice view. At Virgin Gorda, Richard hired Sweet Ice to bring us around the island. We went to The Baths for a water and rock adventure; we ate the best conch fritters at Mad Dog; we stopped at vistas overlooking the waters and surrounding islands; and finished the day with a Pirate Show at the Leverick Bay Marina. Anegada Beach Club was a treat – lounging on the beach, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, then having drinks by the pool. Richard made a request of us – design a t-shirt worthy of “Abby Normal To”. That t-shirt now hangs proudly at Potter’s By The Sea. Look for it when you dine on lobster with Richard and Shannon. On Jost VanDyke, we did the pub crawl that included One Love, Foxy’s, and lunch at Hendos. Richard tended to our safety based on our abilities. He provided tender rides or swam with us to make sure everyone made it ashore. We would recommend sailing with Richard and Shannon, “Abby Normal To”, and The Moorings. They make it Abby Normal-ly fantastic.
Abby Normal To
Apr 2022
We just returned from a wonderful crewed charter in the BVIs on the "Abby Normal To" hosted by Richard and Shannon Hallett. Over the years my wife and I have done 7 bare boat charters in the Caribbean,starting with the BVIs in 1972. My goal for this trip was to introduce my family to the pleasures of sailing in beautiful places. We were a very diverse party, ranging from my 10 year old grandson to an 80 year old great grandfather. Although I might have qualified as a bare boat skipper, I chose the crewed option to reduce the stress on the entire party. Boy was I right!!
Richard was a competent sailor who was very flexible about our itinerary and was willing to teach and share duties at the helm. At one point when we were anchored at Anegada we rented a small Hobie cat and Richard volunteered to give each of the two boys individual sailing lessons. Richard also helped us find a local fishing guide for a half day excursion to Horseshoe reef. The boys had a great time catching bar jacks,grouper, and barracuda. Just as we were leaving, my son hooked a very large fish. After a 15 minute fight on very light tackle he finally managed to land a 15 lb Mutton snapper
Shannon was an exceptional chef. Every meal was an event!!. beautiful presentation and fine dining flavor. In addition she was willing to provide matching quality alternatives for my youngest grandson who did not eat meat. Because she knew the local vendors she was able to obtain the freshest ingredients for each meal.
I can't finish this review without mentioning the boat. A 50 ft, 5 cabin catamaran. What a treat for an old sailor! New additions since my last charter 15 years ago included a desalinization system which allowed for freshwater flushing in the heads,state of the art navigation electronics, power winches which allow single handed sailing from the helm, an elevator for launching the dingy, and great performance under sail. We averaged 10.5 knots on a reach from Virgin Gorda
to Anegada with a 17 knot wind. In addition I would like to note that the boat was designed to be friendly to us seniors who may have a bit of a problem with balance. There was no place that I could go on the boat where there was not a secure hand hold.
Amazing escape to the BVI
May 2022
A perfect vacation sailing the beautiful BVI with wonderful friends! The ‘Abby Normal To’ was in tip-top shape with all the amenities and gear needed at our disposal. Each day was smooth sailing, snorkeling, swimming and a new adventure…from the Bubbly Pool splash to the sparkling Anegada beaches. We enjoyed every minute of our vacation, including flamingo sightings and fun visits to Willy T’s, The Bitter End, Saba Rock, The Bee Line and the Rum Distillery at Cane Garden Bay. Another highlight was an exciting adventure with Kelly’s Tours to Conch Island and incredible snorkeling at Horseshoe Reef. Aside from the all the fun adventures, we still had plenty of time for rest and relaxation aboard the spacious and comfortable ‘Abby Normal To’. A huge shout out to our exceptional and engaging crew! Richard & Shannon provided valuable and interesting insights, accommodated our every need and delighted us with the most delicious meals. Best trip ever!
Abby Normal To
October 26, 2022
Our Moorings experience, delayed 2.5 years by Covid, exceeded all expectations. Of course, BVI has glorious sailing grounds, but our Captains, Richard and Shannon, crafted out custom adventure, refined by years of experience and skill. BVI provided the canvas & pigments, “Abby Normal To” was the brush and Richard & Shannon were the artists that carefully apply the brushstrokes to create a perfect vacation masterpiece for us.
The beautiful vistas surrounding our vessel each day were varied & dramatic. We experienced a few rain showers, each lasting only minutes & mandated calling “all-hands-on-deck” for rainbow watch. We were frequently rewarded. I personally most remember the colors of sunrise and sets, cloud formations and the infinite hues of the waters as we sailed.
Three, five-star meals + snacks were crafted by Shannon, then presented by Richard each day. Chicken, salmon, shrimp, calamari, duck, etc. as well magnificent salads, homemade & fresh-baked, crusty sour dough breads plus delicious desserts flowed from the galley; the products of Shannon’s skillful hands. Repeatedly, our crew raved over the cuisine, finally exhausting our superlative vocabulary, leaving us with just “WOW”.
We are now planning our next R&S Sailing Adventure!
Date of experience: October 2022
Abby Normal To
May 2022
We chartered The Abby Normal To, a Moorings 5000 for a week. Our 2 Captains, Richard and Shannon Hallett were absolutely the best! We will be lifelong friends. The stories, food and snorkeling were better than expected. The islands we visited: Scrub, Virgin Gorda, Little Jost, Jost, Anagada, Norman, Peter were spectacular. Some coves were completely private while others had only a few boats. The people we met on the islands were friendly and genuinely happy. A big shout out to Sam at Potters in Anagada. We ate the largest lobster ever and danced the night away with him. The Full moon party at Trellis Bay was so much fun with drinks, food and more dancing. We spent a delightful afternoon at the Be Line playing Corn Hole and more snorkeling. The trip would not have been complete without a stop at Soggy Dollar bar (home of the Pain Killer) and a rest in one of the beach hammocks. A real treat was the lobster nachos at One Love (steps away from Soggy Dollar) We hiked up to Mad Dogs after the Baths for the home made spiked lemonade and the most delicious conch fritters. The owner told us stories of Mad Dog and his service to the USA and his love of the BVI. There were trips to other coves and hikes along beaches and rocky coasts. All of our expectations were exceeded in every way. It truly was the trip of our lives and one we will never forget!
BVI Sailing Adventure – The Moorings
Aboard “Abby Normal To” with Captains Richard & Shannon Hallett
This was a trip of a lifetime with friends of 50 years. The Abby Normal To is a great sailing vessel and Richard was a top notch, Captain. I felt that he was in total control of the yacht and his knowledge of the area was complete. Shannon was not only a totally competent First Mate, but also a five-star Chef. Richard and Shannon treated us like family and were easy to share our experience with. I highly recommend Richard, Shannon, The Moorings, and the BVI for a fantastic trip.
Abby Normal To with Captain Richard & Shannon
Nov 2022
Our 3rd BVI charter, this time with our adult kids and spouses. Best experience yet!! Richard and Shannon made us at ease from the get-go. Weather was a bit iffy . . . Richard made sure we got to the places we wanted to see and dodged some of the rain clouds. Shannon's culinary skills are simply . . . amazing!!! Portions were perfect, presentation was gorgeous and the all important taste . . . DELECTABLE!!!
Beverages of choice were a plenty and excursion suggestions were on point. Really enjoyed spending an evening at Saba Rock with them! Well done! :)
Wonderful crewed catamaran in the BVI
May 2023 • Couples
We had a wonderful trip on board the Abby Normal Too with Captain Richard and his wife Shannon who was our amazing chef. Rich did a great job of balancing some of the fun stops we had seen online prior to visiting the BVI and quiet secluded coves where it felt like we had a private island to ourselves. I would highly recommend a crewed trip with the Moorings.