Atlantic crossing: Cape Verde to Antigua, 2022
Sailing across the Atlantic with Micha and Cor I was impressed by several things. Firstly they knew Sorcery inside and out and understood every detail of her systems. When items onboard needed adjustment or fixing Micha and Cor worked as a team. They knew what each other were thinking and knew exactly what to do to accomplish the objective. This created a smooth and safe atmosphere during the trip.
The second thing I was impressed by was their fun/relaxed approach to life. I felt welcomed by their friendly and open-minded attitude which made it easy to have quality conversations. My favorite chats with them were on the night-watch. Part of the fun during the trip was fishing with them. We caught lots of Tuna, Mahi-Mahi and even a small 200 pound beautiful marlin. To bring such a fish in (and successfully release) whilst on a sailboat is a complicated task but was skillfully executed.
The third thing that stood out to me was the quality of the sailing we were able to do. Sorcery sails like a thoroughbred and the crew has the confidence and skill to bring the best out of her. She is so well-balanced when she sails that even when powered up driving her is the easiest thing in the world. The cabin top and deck are completely flat which made working forward of the cockpit simple, safe, and easy. Overall the systems onboard worked as they should. We were under autopilot for most of the trip but we could hand-steer anytime we wanted.
I had a positive experience aboard Sorcery with Cor & Micha. If I did not have to return to work so soon I would still be sailing with them.
Kendrick Oppenhuizen
Boat Captain, USCG Master 50 Ton
Guadeloupe to Bonaire, 2022
Of my boat experience, this has been the craziest, most exciting, most relaxing... Cor and Micha are excellent hosts with a lot to explain, ahhhh Cor is an incredible singer, Mamma mia!!!
My craziest moment was cooking during strong waves, it was quite a challenge and the incredible thing is that I managed it! Sleeping, feeling the sea almost touching my face was very special, spending hours looking at the sea was the best and so relaxing. Everything was great, even taking the shower trying to wash my hair without using almost any water. hahaha.
In short, I would repeat my experience on Sorcery many times, of course with Cor and Micha.
Jeanine, Barcelona, Spain
Atlantic crossing: Cape Verde to Antigua, 2022
Sailing on Sorcery with Cor as Skipper and Micha as First Mate was a great and memorable experience. The boat sails very well and handles smoothly in the water. The sails trim close as one would expect in a racer. That helps the boat make good speed as it glides over the water. The hydraulic auto pilot is a bit unusual but it worked flawlessly as we sailed across the Atlantic from Capo Verde to Antigua.
The boat interior was comfortable and roomy enough to accommodate the crew of six plus the Skipper. The boat is equipped with all the essentials for a blue water experience including fresh water reverse osmosis system, satellite communications for regular updates to friends/family and solar panels that provide enough power for the galley, auto pilot and deck that the engine only needed to be run once during out 19 day voyage.
For emergencies a diesel powered generator was available, but it was needed only twice during the long voyage. But what made the sail so great was Cor’s and Mischa’s personalities. As in any long sail, things go wrong and subsystems break. During a long sail across the Atlantic without a means for bringing the boat to a stop for repairs it is important to be creative, mechanical and innovative to keep the boat moving towards its destination. And the Skipper and First Mate were absolutely incredible in finding solutions to otherwise challenging problems. At no time did we feel in danger as both Cor and Mischa consistently found solutions that kept us moving and functioning. Their personalities allow them to not only get along with everyone along such a journey, but allowed them to overcome those moments when a crew member might cause problems with other crew members. They were critical to the voyage and contributed greatly to the fun and congeniality of the long journey across the Atlantic.
Their fishing skills are unparalleled. We caught a Mahi Mahi almost every other day during the trip. They gave all of the crew members an opportunity to catch major game fish. During the process they taught many of us novices how to catch and then filet large game fish. They were an integral part of the crew in everything - cooking, cleaning, repairs, night watches… everything. I highly recommend to novices and experienced sailors alike to take a sail on Sorcery with Cor and Mischa. It is an experience you will fondly remember the rest of your life.
Eric Serkin, Israel
St Martin, Bonaire to Cartagena, Columbia, 2023
I'd known Cor for 4 years working in Kazakhstan, so when he retired, bought a yacht and invited me for a trip in the Caribbean, I couldn't refuse. I flew to Antigua, then to St Martin, where I was collected in a dinghy at night and taken to Sorcery. It was the start of something that completely changed my life.
I immediately felt safe after Cor's run through of the boat, and after a few days familiarization, we set off for Bonaire. After 5 days fantastic sailing with perfect winds, I already felt the draw of Sorcery.
However, cooking on a boat in 2m waves was a new experience but after a few days, I got used to it. After a day or so, we lost the auto-pilot so Cor and I did 2 hour stags, 24/7 for the last 500nm to Cartagena - again a great experience; to sail alone by the stars (if visible) and feel the wind on your back, only the sound of the sails and waves to keep me company. Totally exhilarating.
The upshot was, I gave up my job and stayed. Now I'm a permanent crewmember of Sorcery and living the dream. Thank you Cor.
Noel Chivers, British, 2023
Cartagena, Columbia, 2023
I’ve known Noel most of my life and he’s a great guy and a superb cook, so when he invited me to stay on Sorcery for a week, I leapt at the opportunity. I had the pleasure of staying onboard and all I can say is that it was a blast! Cor is an equally affable guy and an experienced sailor with excellent technical knowledge and ability; I learnt a lot in my short visit.
Then there’s the boat. Sorcery has a lot of history and is an impressive vessel. It’s a beautiful, sleek, racing yacht, built for speed. If you’re looking for a cruise with comfortable cabins this is not it! If, on the other hand, you seek an authentic sailing adventure, with experienced and capable sailors, and great food and banter, then look no further!
I will certainly be back next summer.
Alex Lohfink, British, 2023