Testimonials
"This book is amazing..." - Marcella Fondas
A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments, or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.
—Richard Bach
If you’ve ever dreamed the impossible,“There’s a Yacht More to Life” will open your eyes to the possible. The true story of a baby-boomer couple who chuck their San Diego corporate life style, then morph from life in a bamboo hut on a tiny Caribbean island to running mega-yachts for billionaires, this memoir is not only full of fascinating adventure, travel and romance, but it’s also the most informative book you’ll ever read on the subject of exciting and original late life career changes.
- Lenor Madruga Chappell, international lecturer and author of “One Step at a Time” and “The Next Leg of my Journey.”
I am Julie Emmons and I just finished reading your book. My husband Brendan Emmons & I are working on a yacht now & your story had great insight for what the future might hold for us. It was very relatable as we are going through many of the same experiences. We just started our yachting career about a year ago, so we are excited to see where it might take us! I loved reading your book! Hope you guys are still enjoying life on the road!
-Julie & Brendan Emmons
There are those who live their lives focused on safely maintaining their social image, finances, or stuff. And then there’s Cynthia and Winston. In this delightful story of two lives lived wide-open, may you find permission to fulfill whatever dream you hold deep inside.
- Laura Melvin, former circuit court judge, accomplished skydiver, motorcycle enthusiast and successful author of "Footprints on My Soul: A Journal of a Circuit Court Judge."
A delightful story of a couple of real people who did what most of us aren’t brave enough to do.
November 10, 2018
If you have ever enjoyed (or wanted to enjoy) an adventure in the islands..........or if you can imagine following through with your dream of saying goodbye to hectic life as you know it to live in paradise.....this is a must read. This couple did what most of us would love to do but would never actually follow through to make it become reality. I felt as if I were right along on their journeys experiencing the delights and mishaps. I did not want our adventures to come to an end. Now I am back to my reality. 😁
- Norma Cooler
Excellent book told by a creative & enthusiastic
Such a great book to read if you are searching for your first yacht job or already working on yachts! The story and experiences they encountered were so relatable! From the good times to the bad, it is all part of the adventure. I recommend anyone who is interested in a yachting career to read this book, as it has many helpful tips & stories to guide you through the process. I laughed at many of the charter stories they told because if you work on a yacht everything is so relatable & true. Overall, excellent book!
- Brendan
Very well written band enjoyable
March 5, 2020
"Great escape from reality and it really showed how island life is. Makes me want to buy a boat and live abroad."
- Eric Wilhelm
November 12, 2018
We all been there, thought about it doing it and coming up with all the excuses for not doing it. Winston and Cynthia did it! Great fun read guys!
- Tim E
November 15, 2018
Love this book. A must read for us who love adventure.
- Roxie Graham
April 27, 2021
"I loved following Cynthia and Winston on their journey to live their dream......Most people wouldn't have lasted more than a year or two, but it was fun and entertaining to follow along on their hits and misses with the sailing business. I was in awe of their stamina and determination to not give up! I would recommend this book to anyone who just enjoys a good story. And I sincerely hope that their journey is continuing and that we get to hear about it!"
- Susan McClintock
Fascinating story of two people that chucked it all for their dream
November 19, 2018
Never boring personal stories of what's it like to live their dream of living and working in paradise with all the ups and downs that come with it.
- Kenneth Corrigan
June 6, 2021
"I got the chance to talk to WinCyn for two interviews and read their book. Its a fun look at the mobilke lifestyke as told through the eyes of a wonderful couple. And their interview about the book on The Author's Exchange is blast to listen to if you want to hear the stories behind the book."
- Christopher R German
This is a fun...interesting...want more book!
December 8, 2018
Loved it and the adventures and misadventures of such a fun and interesting couple ..... down to earth, honest, wish you had been along for the ride, must enjoy book !
- Lynn Campbell Kitzmiller
"There's a Yacht More to Life" is an exciting must-read for some and a should-read for everyone else. The storyline, about living life on your own terms, is compelling but the writers impressed me for the courage of their openness and honesty. While reading, I felt I had gone through so many adventures I must be near the end of the book. When I looked, I was only 1/3rd of the way through the book. The Hoveys puts Indiana Jones to shame for adventures.
Having met Winston and Cynthia one time in passing, my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this loving couple. They are genuine and as a person who normally reads mystery novels, I was driven to read their book. "There’s a Yacht More to Life" makes me a much more informed ocean traveler and also makes me feel I personally know the characters and many of the locations on their travels. Having been to 6 Caribbean Islands thus far, I now want to go back and see them again through more knowledgeable, Hovey-informed, eyes and mind.
"There’s a Yacht More to Life" is a must-read for (a) anyone wishing to visit the Caribbean, (b) anyone who enjoys adventure and freedom, (c) any senior that needs to get rid of “stuff” (their children do not want it), (d) anyone considering a career change, and (d) boaters and sailors that want to follow the path the Hoveys blazed and make a living at it. It also makes a great gift to people we all know who would enjoy the wisdom and courage shown by the Hoveys.
- Jim White
December 13, 2018
This bright and fresh read is like a vacation in a box. While I can’t see myself shedding all my stuff and living in a hut, it was so much fun to hear from someone who did. Hilariously funny too. This book can help you get through a winter in the city, that’s for sure.
- Amazon Customer
Everyone will enjoy this adventure! We didn't want it to end!!
January 7, 2019
This book is amazing, whether you're looking for some great laughs or a life lesson in going after your dreams! My wife used to work on yachts and it brought back amazing and funny memories of cruising the Caribbean and New England. We live in the Bahamas and the authors captured the mystique and joy of tropical life, as well as the hassles that invariably come along for the ride. If you like island life, or yachting or travel or adventure, or whether you're a dreamer or that person trying to downsize your lifestyle, you should read "There's a Yacht More to Life!"
- Marcella Fondas
January 21, 2019
Cynthia and Winston have written an inspiring and delightful read! Their use of words painted vivid pictures in this reader's mind and left me wanting to learn about more of their adventures! These authors prove what can happen when one is willing to take risks and follow a dream!
- Suzanne Lagomarcino
Captivating If you love adventure read this book
December 17, 2018
If you love adventure read this book. I couldn't wait to get to each new chapter. You felt like you were right there with them experiencing all the ups and downs of their life in the islands.
- Maggie Heinsz
January 24, 2019
Loved reading about Cynthia and Winston's adventures, living in paradise, and learning even paradise has it's ups and downs (and very strong winds) - this book should inspire others to ditch their normal 8 to 5 work/life and grab on and hang on tight for a life few get the opportunity to experience. Way to go, Cynthia and Winston - happy sails and happy trails to you both as you head off on your next adventure.
- Jamie Newsham
I couldn't put this book down! This book made me rethink my course in life!
January 29, 2019
This was a great book! I loved reading about Winston and Cynthia's adventures towards reaching their goal of running charter boats in paradise for a living. It was funny and well written from both of their points of view. Lots of missteps along the way but I found myself cheering them on as I read about their journey to ultimately landing the perfect job!
- Michelle Berg
What a Great Story
March 23, 2019
Can hardly put the book down to fix my martini. I loved it. The antics of the yacht owners are
beyond belief!
- Mick Mauer
After Reading this book over and over 5 times...
March 26, 2019
"...I did not feel so alone and crazy. Makes me know things are the way they are and just keep being me! Thank you two for writing an amazing book!"
- Ramona Caouette
Inspiring!
March 27, 2019
"Dont take life to seriously! This is a great story and a unique positive perspective on life. Even in
the face of hurricanes...."
- naljpora
Fun Read
May 29, 2019
"For those of us that feel like misplaced islanders, this book is great escapism and road map to dream big dreams. I loved it!"
- Roy Davis
"I used to charter in the BVI for 17 years and am now living in Belize and working on a charter yacht here. A few weeks ago one of our guests came on board with your book and left it for me to read, I was so excited because I had seen it on a few of the FB pages and wanted to order a copy. Great book Cynthia and it was very special for me to read knowing Saba Rock from old days and all the places mentioned. I have it at my home and will cherish it forever - loved the photos too!! All the best xx"
- Angie W.
September 10, 2019
"I loved this book! Having been sailing in the BVI many times in the last 7 years and finally deciding to buy our own boat it was so fun to read a book about places I’ve been, things I’ve seen and issues I understand. Wish my husband and I were in a different place in our lives and could just go live on our boat full time!"
- Catherine Linn
September 7, 2019
"I really enjoyed this book. It really spoke to my own dreams. Planning to retire soon and sail off to Panama. Cynthia and Winston made me feel I was right along on thier adventures with them.
I felt myself wanting to quite my job and start my own adventure with every page I read."
- Richard Higgins
July 11, 2019
"What amazing travels with Cynthia and Winston! I felt like I was right along side them in their travels. I enjoyed every moment and recommend this to everyone!!"
- Linda Kuepfert
July 11, 2019
"Fun book to read and relate to as we have sailed our way through the same waters many times! I recently suggested this book to an ex-BVI yacht charter Captain and First Mate I met on the ferry ride back to St Thomas. I felt like I was having a conversation with Winston and Cynthia on that ferry!"
- Brian Kihnke
Lives well lived!
November 17, 2018
"So enjoyed reading about two successful people who decide to live an adventure rather than harbour their dreams. Bravo to Cynthia and Winston; you are an inspiration to everyone. Looking forward to the next instalment....."
- Didi