Yvonne, Mike, Jim, Sue, and Sandrine USA and France
We are so grateful that we have sailed yacht Ichiban in the Stockholm archipelago. Truly one of the best sailing adventures of our life. We have chartered many catamarans in several of the popular warm weather destinations such as the Bahamas, Croatia, and the Fl Keys. We get the warm places are appealing but we were looking for something different and unique for this charter. We wanted a destination with consistent wind where we could have some good quality sailing and with peaceful and quiet scenery. It lived up to all our expectations and more! We were on a beautiful 70' Swan monohull sailboat with Ichiban's wonderful owners, Captain Janne and his wife Kerstin. This boat was BEAUTIFULLY maintained. Janne was a very experienced sailor and a very patient sailing instructor, showing us all the ropes. We really felt like we were part of the whole process of sailing. Kerstin prepared us three course gourmet meals 3x a day. This was by far the best food we have ever had on a boat. We all had different food preferences and she executed all our meals perfectly. We sailed for a majority of the day, stopped at remote islands, and saw the beautiful Stockholm architectural charm along the coast. If you are looking for a remote and peaceful destination, sailing on a beautiful sailboat for a week, in a unique area, we highly recommend sailing with Janne, Kerstin, and Ichiban. Truly, the most unique experience with amazing people on the most beautiful sailing yacht we have ever seen.
~ Yvonne, Mike, Jim, Sue, and Sandrine USA and France
The Kullenberg family, Singapore, Spain, Sweden
We were originally considering visiting Stockholm for the typical urban stay, but we decided to cruise the Stockholm archipelago in style instead-which turned out to be a spectacular experience indeed. The Kullenberg family is profoundly grateful for the week we spent on Ichiban. Janne the consummate sailor was a fantastic instructor, we enjoyed the many learning experiences greatly. Kerstin's culinary skills tickled our taste buds many a time, keeping us extraordinarily well fed from early morning into late night. Ichiban stole the show however; fully equipped with a cosy saloon, a delightful aft deck settee, and smashing grinders-what a beautifully maintained sailing superstar! For anyone considering a northern sailing experience par excellence, team Ichiban is an absolute must!
~ The Kullenberg family, Singapore, Spain, Sweden
Max, Lara, Eva and Roland Haas, Austria
What an amazing adventure sailing Ichi Ban! This beautiful boat and its dedicated crew are a guarantee for an incredible and unforgettable experience. Ichi Ban is a beautiful yacht, sailing with such an elegance and grace! Her wooden interior is renovated with love and sense for details. Every feature proves the huge and constant commitment of the owners, Janne and Kerstin.
We spent 2 weeks on Ichi Ban, exploring Stockholms archipelago. Thanks to the familiar atmosphere we quickly became a part of Ichi Ban´s energy, including active sailing, taking part on daily routine, resting in beautiful harbours and natural anker places, having fun with kayaking, relaxing in sauna followed by refreshing in the beautiful sea. And on top of that we could enjoy Kerstin´s exquisite cuisine, which left us speechless but definitely with few kilos plus as souvenir.
Dear Kerstin, dear Janne, once again thank you so much for giving us the possibility to be part of the unique Ichi Ban spirit. As you said: “We came as guests, and we left as friends!”
~ Max, Lara, Eva and Roland Haas, Austria
Three couples from Royal Yacht Squadron, England
We had a wonderful time on Ichiban, with Kerstin conjuring amazing feasts from the galley. Janne was always the calm, good-humored and resourceful skipper. He organized the best itinerary taking us to some of his favorite spots and maximizing our time sailing. We went to all sorts of island harbors and anchorages in the archipelago, and had time onshore to explore some of the islands which varied from being wild and uninhabited to Swedish chic. We were charmed by all the bird life, the red rustic buildings, the rocks rolled smooth by glaciers punctuated by craggy trees hanging on for dear life. We keep telling everyone how amazing our trip was and trying to describe it is hard, in that it was so good no one really believes us.
~ Three couples from Royal Yacht Squadron, England
Monique and Carlo, Giovanna and Gregorio, Italy
Dear Kerstin and Janne, we could have uploaded tons of pictures of the superb Ichiban but instead we thought it would be appropriate to pay homage to the incredible good cooking of Kerstin. Sailing on Ichiban has been really special and we still have in our eyes the beautiful Archipelago which the from time to time bad weather did not succeed in spoiling....but below deck a miracle three times a day occurred!
So... thanks to both of you and rest assured that soon we will be part of the Ichiban crew again
~ Monique and Carlo, Giovanna and Gregorio, Italy
Family Hans Gut
The 7 days on Ichiban were extremely enjoyable for me and my family. Janne and his wife Kerstin spoiled us. The sailing area is uniquely beautiful. The yacht Ichiban offers impressive sailing experiences. Whenever possible, the sails were set, always with the active help of my family. Janne also handed over the helm to us when we wanted it. We learnt a lot about ocean sailing without Janne's missionary approach of turning us into professional sailors. Kerstin's culinary delights left nothing to be desired, which was not easy as four of my family were vegetarians.
~ Family Hans Gut
Louise Eliasof and James Sollins, New York
We had an extraordinary week on the beautiful Ichiban discovering the Stockholm archipelago with Janne and his wife Kerstin. Janne is an experienced captain who wisely had us split our time between harbors and mooring, as well as sailing and motoring. Kerstin is an excellent chef whose delicious food was fresh and diverse, especially her homemade bread. We visited picturesque villages, charming harbors, isolated islets and rugged landscapes. On board, we enjoyed long chats about everything under the sun, and learned a lot about Sweden. We relished the complete comfort of the yacht and can’t wait to be back on her again!
Louise Eliasof and James Sollins, New York
Ann & Brad Willauerd, Maine, USA
THE CRUISING CLUB OF AMERICA
Ann and I and three other couples enjoyed an extraordinary sailing vacation over the last two weeks aboard ICHIBAN throughout the Stockholm Archipelago. I say extraordinary because you sailed as often as possible, always in comfort. Owning a J-46 myself, maintaining and racing it transoceanic, I see your skills are the very best. Add to this your kindness, your modesty, and humor, the result is a really exceptional experience. This is all made even better by your wife - Kerstin’s - know how and pride in the galley. She runs an excellent operation. In addition, you helped 25 other Americans find bare-boat charters from various sources near Stockholm, making this cruise the best ever for the Cruising Club of America.
All of us involved in the organization of the cruise are extremely grateful for your special assistance.
~ Brad Willauerd Commodore CCA
Harriet & Pete Pallette, California, USA
Janne & Kerstin,
I'm late in getting this note of gratitude to the two of you for hosting us on an incredible adventure sailing the Swedish Archipelago. Harriet and I were privileged to accompany such accomplished mariners aboard your beautiful IchiBan. Janne - your unsurpassed sailing talents and knowledge of the area are exceptional. And Kerstin - your galley skills left us in awe of what can be accomplished with the limited resources of a small food preparation and storage facility. Not only did we thoroughly enjoy your company, we also learned a lot about beautiful Sweden and its wonders. To simply say "thank you" to each of you seems inadequate, but it will have to do. Thanks, again, for a truly memorable - and educational - experience.
Kindest regards and fair winds, Pete & Harriet Pallette
~ Pete Pallette
JENNIFER AND KURT EVE, CALIFORNIA, USA
We sailed as a family on Ichiban in June of 2015 out of Bergen through the picturesque Norwegian Fjords. Everything about the trip was amazing. The yacht was in excellent order and we enjoyed both sailing and being under power. The hospitality was truly warm and friendly. Janne went out of his way to ensure that the trip exceeded our expectations, and the meals prepared by his chef were so delicious and elegantly prepared that it was difficult to believe that she was working in a small galley. We look forward to our next trip in Ichiban.
~ JENNIFER AND KURT EVE, CALIFORNIA, USA
Louise and Per Berggren, Oxfordshire, England
" In July 2015 we where lucky enough to spend one week on Ichiban, a great adventure, sailing around the beautiful Lofoten Islands, above the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway.
Ichiban is a fantastic yacht, with all the luxuries and comfort you can expect. Fantastic food, always trying to capture local specialities, prepared by the resident top chef and eaten on a beautifully decorated dining table. Little things like change of bed sheets midweek makes you feel pampered and as if you where in great hotel more than onboard a sailing yatch.
All supervised by Captain Janne, who is always ready to accommodate our wishes, running a highly efficient and safe ship."
~ LOUISE AND PER BERGGREN, OXFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND
Ingela Evans, London, England
The archipelagos in Sweden, Finland and Denmark, the fjords in Norway and last but not least our trip to the very north of Norway. All different, but equally beautiful and exciting. Complete comfort and every meal is a culinary experience. The trips are beautifully planned and organized into the smallest detail, but there is room for individual wishes.
A journey on board Ichiban is all you can possibly wish for on a holiday.
~ INGELA EVANS, LONDON, ENGLAND
CG Wallin, Saltsjöbaden, Sweden
When Janne, the skipper, welcomed me onboard S/Y Ichiban I immediately felt that this was a happy ship. The feeling stayed during the entire sailing trip and a comfortable relation established onboard which gave us all memories that will stay for the rest of our life.
~ CG WALLIN, SALTSJÖBADEN, SWEDEN
Isabel Sicat, Rhode Island, USA
The Scandinavian fjords are breathtaking in of themselves, but seeing them from the Ichiban is an altogether different adventure. To awaken on the boat, have a delicious meal, and enjoy sailing through the most beautiful parts of Norway is like nothing I have ever experienced. I was constantly in awe. The Ichiban is a beautiful sailboat, but it is made all the more extraordinary by the professionalism and friendship of Janne and Kristen. It was incredible, and it was a journey I will not ever forget.
ISABEL SICAT, RHODE ISLAND, USA
Lynn Glaser, Berkeley, CA, USA
“I have experienced three remarkable trips on the Ichiban with family and friends in Sweden and in Norway. Sailing in Scandinavia was exhilarating and beautiful whether in breezy sun or big seas. It’s a wonderful boat with plenty of room on deck and below for relaxing, meals are a treat, and the general atmosphere Janne creates is always comfortable. In addition, he finds magical mooring sites that include plenty of fun onshore.”
LYNN GLASER, BERKELEY, CA, USA
Barbara and Thomaso Poggio, Massachusetts, USA
We have been spending memorable summer vacations in the Swedish Archipelago and in Norway on Ichiban. The more we did it, the more we had a desire to repeat the experience.
A combination of gorgeous nature in the northern summer sun and sailing experience with elegance and wisdom: Janne and his collaborators are such amazing sailors, cooks and human beings. It is a perfect experience for a range of ages: from elderly to teenagers, we all learned how to have fun, to enjoy and respect a most remarkable sailing boat.
For me personally, a morning jump in the frigid waters and a day of sailing and exploring together with family and friends - all so well taken care of - are the best dream!