• Dennis Johns, S/V Libertad

To Whom It May Concern,

I am the owner/captain of a 46’ Amel Maramu cutter-rigged ketch, s/v Libertad.  I had Libertad shipped by freighter from Phuket, Thailand to Marmaris, Turkey to avoid a confrontation with Somalia pirates and desert sand storms known to blow across the Red Sea.  Before leaving Thailand, I knew I needed new house batteries, and I had received a recommendation to contact Riza and EMEK for a quote.  I was satisfied with the quote and indicated I would purchase them when the boat arrived.

What I did not know was that the price included installation.  Not only that but also the EMEK staff drove from Gocek to Marmaris to install the batteries.  The staff did an excellent job of installation and they happily disposed of the old batteries at no charge. 

Libertad had been partially disassembled for the trip to Turkey and would need a coat of antifoul, so I was planning to spend time in a boatyard to reassemble and prepare for a season in the Med.  I decided EMEK would be the place to go.  Riza was very thorough in helping us determine what might done while on the hard.  We came up with quite a lengthy laundry list which our budget could not completely accommodate but Riza accomplished what we could afford with speed and attention.  
Riza and EMEK know Amel yachts well and recommended we install a bow thruster.  We declined and eventually regretted that decision as we repeatedly struggled with Med-mooring for the next eight months.
EMEK was a very good choice not only for the quality of the work but also for the convenience of the location.  The facilities (restroom/showers) were a short walk in the boatyard and there were excellent restaurants and markets only a short bicycle ride along the water front.

Nothing is cheap in the Med but getting value for your money can be challenging.  Since our arrival in the Med we have heard nothing but good reports from those who have used Riza and EMEK.  I am pleased to add my voice to those who have appreciated the attention and quality of work they provide.

Dennis Johns, s/v Libertad