"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

Travel Blog

Captain Valerie Weingrad welcomes you aboard for your Custom Sailing holiday.  Offering “Tailor made” sailing vacations in New England, the Caribbean and the Greek  Islands, our aim is to develop unforgettable journeys for our customers.  Holding a USCG 100T Master Merchant Marine Officers License  and current STCW for operation in international waters Valerie is also an ASA certified sailing instructor. Born into a boating family, she has been on the water, in one form or another, her entire life. Her experience includes extensive sailing in the Greek Islands and treks along the entire eastern seaboard, from the last lighthouse in Newport to the tip of Florida's keys.  She also brings more than 14 years of experience sailing throughout all of the Caribbean, including the British Virgin Islands, the Grenadine Chain, Trinidad, and Tobago. Between her chef wizardry, her boundless enthusiasm, her far-ranging knowledge, her love of sailing and her distinguished professionalism, you are guaranteed of having fun on Valerie's watch.  Her skill and passion for sailing is contagious and will undoubtedly leave you with remarkable memories. 

Custom Sailing is pleased to offer you the best of safety, quality and comfort. Our Captains are U.S. Coast Guard licensed, ASA certified, and offer more than 20 years experience in the Greek Islands, the Caribbean and New England. 

Whether you want to explore the islands of the Mythical Grecian Gods, bask in the sun of the Caribbean or sail the playground of the rich and famous in New England remember, there are no limitations with “Custom Sailing”.  We will help you choose the right yacht, crew and itinerary to meet and exceed all your expectations.

Here are a few words from our past guests about their experiences with Custom Sailing, Ltd...

Also read about Custom Sailing, Ltd. in the news.

ASA Sailing Journal Article.  Pink Magizine Article.

Newly added Slide shows for the Caribbean and Greek Islands.

                                     Maya Salon                                                                 Aft Cabin

..."The name CUSTOM Sailing says it all. Valerie made our trip
feel like we planned it ourselves.  They were always in touch with what we wanted to do, how we were feeling and our comfort level for the conditions that we encountered.  It felt like we were on a vacation with good friends, not us as the customer and they the crew.  We all had great fun getting to know each other.  Sharing a relaxed breakfast at whatever hour we woke, to a wonderful dinner escorted and entertained by them.  At the same time we felt relaxed to make our own schedule.  It was a great vacation, very relaxing and comfortable, definitely a must do journey." 

John, Las Vegas, Nevada

Antigua, Falmoth Harbor

Capt Valerie Weingrad did everything possible to make our trip an experience we would remember for a lifetime - from sharing her treasured favorite places on earth with us; the hidden jewel seaside towns and local fish taverns to scrumptious local baked goods. We were mezmorized by the exquisite sunsets and quiet morning sails along side dolphins. Valerie is an exceptional and experienced captain and she knows the locals, is knowledgable about the islands and best spots and we especially loved that she genuinenly enjoys sharing her favorite things with us. She was a delight to be with!! 
Read more here

Cynthia Good
CEO, Pink Magazine

"My Custom Sailing Ltd. voyage around the Cyclades Islands in Greece was a dream come true. I knew from the moment I boarded the Maya that our trip was going to be memorable. The crew (Captain Valarie and First Mate Celia) did everything in their power to make us comfortable, including numerous trips to various island markets for more white wine. Every moment of our trip was unforgettable, from down-time lying in the sun on deck to evening adventures on the islands. From day one I never felt as though I was on a "traditional cruise." Captain Valarie's numerous connections and keen knowledge of the islands gave us a taste of real life on islands like Kythnos and Syros.  Aside from having a tremendous time with great friends, I think our experience was so wonderful because of the service Valarie and Celia provided us. Not only did I leave with vacation memories to last a lifetime, I left with two new girlfriends! I can't wait to explore more with Custom Sailing Ltd. in the near future. "

"Thanks for giving me the most memorable experience of my life!

Becky, Atlanta, GA

"All I can say is that my trip to the Greek Islands with Custom Sailing was one of the BEST weeks of my life. Everything was great! The friends, the food, the scenery, the crew. How could you improve? Take a longer trip! It was fabulous."
Nancy N. Columbus, Ohio

...."I was somewhat apprehensive as this was my first sailing experience. But after the first day I realized that the people at Custom Sailing knew how to vacation on a sail boat.They took care of everything for us and it was one of the best vacations of our lives.When the sails filled with wind and we were cutting through the water, it felt like nothing else on this earth.  And what a feeling when Captain Val invited me to take a turn at the helm.  Priceless.   Sailing with "Custom Sailing"  was a truly peaceful and magnificent time.  Valerie and the rest of the crew were always checking to see if we needed anything and they always made sure that we were enjoying ourselves. We did.  I can't wait to do it again.  Thanks Val,"

             Michele,  Park City, UT

"We do not know where to begin to say thank you for the most incredible trip ever! This sailing trip through the Greek Islands surpassed even our wildest dreams in terms of relaxation, beauty, food and the company that we were in. From the initial planning phases with you guys to deciding where to anchor for lunch, you were all so accommodating and helpful.  We cannot express properly how much fun we had together as a couple. We had three kids at the time and a crazy paced lifestyle in Atlanta and that all came to a halt once meeting with George our captain in the marina in Athens. George was a scholar and a gentleman as well as a true friend throughout the entire trip. He indeed went the extra mile in every instance.  We quickly learned that island time is essential and very addictive.  As of 3-17-05 we experienced the wonderful birth of child # 4. She is really special because she is the direct result of our 10 year anniversary trip to the Greek Islands. Island time definitely got us in a relaxed mood. Again, we sincerely appreciate the professionalism as well as the custom nature that Custom Sailing stands for. We are going to make sailing with Custom Sailing an annual event and I would recommend you guys highly to anyone."

Clay and Jennifer, Cumming, GA

"Sailing around the smaller Greek islands with our Custom Sailing team, where we could take a quick dip, snorkel to our heart's content, or swim to shore for a visit with the locals, was an incredible experience.  Our crew invited us along to some incredible restaurants and our
on-board lunches were fabulous! "

Susan , Boulder, Colorado

" What a great week...great food, drink and crew!!!"

Randee & Bill,  Atlanta, GA

...."Best travel experience I've ever had!!!!" "I travel to the Caribbean several times  year, and have never had so much fun, and opportunity to visit the local establishments and sites, as I did with the Custom Sailing.  Our trip to the BVI was terrific.  Our Captain, Valerie Weingrad, was knowledgeable of the islands, and did a wonderful job of getting us to all of the sites (she's also a great cook)!  I go out of my way to stay off the large cruise ships, but this I would do again and again."

              Judi,  Atlanta, GA

 

"You never know what to expect when you sign up for a trip to a place you
have never been  and with people you have never met before. But I can tell
you from experience it is a wonderful way to meet great new friends and see
incredible , breathtaking views!  My trip with custom sailing this past October to the Greek islands was a trip of a lifetime! Our captain Valerie and first mate  were very professional and safety conscious and at the same time warm and friendly hosts. Our boat was quite comfortable and top of the line. We enjoyed sunny and windy days cruising the Aegean sea. We enjoyed all the wonderful treats Greece had to offer, the food , the people and the scenery!

If you have the chance, don't miss this one!!!"

Kathy, Boston, MA

"Kithnos- Aegina: 65km, Sounio- Kithnos 8 beaufore, wonderful sailing, expert sail trimming, and of course the "local knowledge".  What more to ask for?? Some of Yorgos' fantastic white wine!

Jean Christophe & Yota,  London, UK

"We really don't have words to tell you how very much we enjoyed our trip.  Your arrangements for dinner and your orchestration of activities and recommendations for places to go was marvelous. ...and fun to boot....it all made for a top notch experience....you'd have to be dead not to enjoy sailing with you both!"

Cathie and Gerry,  Millsboro, DE

 

 

...."I enjoyed sailing with Custom Sailing immensely.  Not only did we have an great time sailing the boat itself, but each day's sailing took us to an interesting new location, where our host, George, introduced us to the Greek way of eating, and drinking...not just a meal, but an experience to savor.  The boat was modern and quite roomy...well thought out and engineered to maximize the use of space.  The whole experience gave us the best of both worlds...the opportunity to experience serious sailing, but offered a safe, relaxed and friendly environment in which to do it.  We are going again next year!"

               Des,  Duluth, GA

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Custom Sailing, Ltd.
3595 Canton Road A9-147
Marietta, GA 30066
(770)517-2992
info@customsailing.net