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 A amily Affair that spreads across three generations.
Back in the early 1990s, Eric Cressy and his new bride Lori visited Bitter End Yacht Club on honeymoon. At the time, Eric was publisher of Sail Magazine, and he saw an opportunity to mix business with pleasure. He had a photographer from the magazine chronicle their waterborne activities for publication in the magazine, including the cover, and graciously allowed us to also use those photographs in our literature as well. The signature shot of Eric and Lori aboard a Freedom 30 is not doubt familiar to many of our repeat guests.
Fifteen years later, they are now in more of a family way, with sons Dylan, 14, and Reed, 12, but still enjoying Bitter End every bit as much. We had a chance to catch up with Eric during a recent visit.
BEYC: How many times have you visited Bitter End since your honeymoon?
EC: This was our 8th visit, and the last time was 5 years ago.
BEYC: What has changed since the last time? What has stayed the same?
EC: The food has improved dramatically, while the staff is friendlier than ever--the excursion trips with Kinto, Bernie and crew are better than ever!!! The overall condition of resort is a 10! Staff is the same as I remembered – they even remembered my kids' names!
BEYC: Bitter End was/is a bit of a family affair for you...why? 
EC: Because we had our honeymoon here (see photo at left!), BEYC has a lot of sentimental value. Now, we are enjoying watching the kids grow up and use the island in different way than they did at age 2 (playing naked in the sand) versus today at ages 14 and 12 (playing pool and watching Sportscenter in the Pub).
(Note: Eric’s father Norm was also a featured and regular attendee at the MidWinter Regatta of Champions throughout the late 1990s, so the family affair spreads across three generations.)
BEYC: In the early days, you were the poster couple for romantic BEYC vacations...could you still see it that way if you weren't traveling with kids?
EC: BEYC is the ultimate romantic getaway - with or without kids.
BEYC: Did you try anything new or different this visit?
EC: We finally went to Anegada - loved it - incredible beaches!
BEYC: Do you prefer a certain time of year to visit?
EC: April vacation is perfect as we are totally sick of winter by then (the Cressys hail from Marblehead, MA) and Virgin Gorda and the BVI is not crowded.
BEYC: What's your favorite watersports toy?
EC: Hobie Wave
BEYC: Favorite excursion?
EC: The Baths/Devils Bay!
BEYC: Do you usually prefer Beachfronts or North Sound rooms?
EC: North Sound - I like the view and AC!
BEYC: Anything you’d like to add?
EC: BEYC is the best place I have ever been for sailors.
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