Who better than Jimmy Buffett captured the magic of the sea and the allure of cruising? He showed us how to lead a lifestyle of fun and adventure and music, embodying everything the boating lifestyle is about. In fact, every Nordhavn owner I know and every Nordhavn I’ve ever been aboard has – at one time or another – had Jimmy Buffett’s music playing in the background. His songs were embraced by so many, offering lyrics that captured the best times of life.
At PAE, this was especially true. Jimmy was part of PAE’s history and culture and personality. When he sang about living lives of adventure, we believed he was singing about us. In the 1980s and 90s, we would have Jimmy Buffett parties at my house and then as a group drive up to his concerts.
Then one day in 1998, he walked into our office and purchased N62 #2 from our long-time salesman Larry Gieselman. He re-christened the boat CONTINENTAL DRIFTER, and Larry and I got to spend two fun days with Jimmy on board in Florida. They were two days I will never forget.
That boat traveled many miles with – and for – Jimmy, and was seen up and down the Eastern Seaboard and the Islands. While he never publicly referred to his boat being a Nordhavn, his unspoken ownership and continual use of the boat was one of our most treasured brand ambassadorships.
This is a sad day. We will miss you Jimmy. Thank you for so much
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=386a0K1CrII Turn the volume up high.
JIMMY BUFFETT
1946-2023
REST IN PEACE
–Written by Nordhavn/PAE president, Dan Streech
This Post Has 12 Comments
Dan,
Thanks for sharing the information about Jimmy. We always had Jimmy’s music on board and ended all of our offshore sails by playing Lovely Cruise on the way into San Diego Bay as well as other ports. His Sirius FM channel is the only one I listen to in my car. He is greatly missed but his music and spirit live on.
Don Panek, ex N35-22
The World was truly Blessed to have Jimmy aboard all the years he is still present and always will be Gods Blessings always Jimmy thank you for everything
NJ1
Just can’t believe the man has gone but love that there are so many tributes and remembrances from so many people. Boaters surfers and just plain folks. Going to really miss him.
Jimmy was a great inspiration to all those who knew him wether in his personal life or his fans I enjoyed his music,his great sense of humor and love for life. As the waters reflected on his life, Jimmy’s life is reflecting on all of us. To the Buffet family and friends may his life and legacy live on. RIP Jimmy Buffett.
Any idea where continental drifter is now?
With over 100, 000 miles and more than 20 years of ownership. The now Bonne Vie summers in Falmouth Mass and winters somewhere south!
After Jimmy’s ownership, N62#2 (inside of PAE we always refer to the boats by hull number because names change) had a succession of owners and some hard times. She was owned by a Japanese gentleman from Texas who died.. then someone from California who enjoyed her for awhile but subsequently donated her and then a young clueless guy who stripped out some of the interior in a quest to do something which none of us understood. Finally, she was rescued years ago (maybe 15? I have lost track) by a wonderful couple from Massachusetts who lovely restored her. She is called Bonne Vie and is still owned by them to this day. Bonne Vie travels up and down the East Coast with the seasons.
OMG… 20 years!!?? Where has the time gone? Note to old folks… when you are estimating time, double it….
I have no idea what prompted me to look up my old stomping grounds, but you couldn’t be more correct about time flying. Maybe bc youngest is off to start UCSC and now that I just moved to Texas, I am missing California and my youth 😂. Hope all is well with everyone and you remain the best boss I ever had!
First met Jimmy when he ⛵ sail in the harbor of Christiansted. ST.. Croix. A laid back as we all were at that time if our lives. Never knew he would become part of our daily listening on our life’s journey.
RIP Cap.
I recall seeing the boat in Menemsha tied up to the end of the dock. It caught my eye because it was so beautiful. I wandered on down with my sister, young niece, nephew. I didn’t realize at the time who was in the stern talking on the phone because I was in awe of her beauty. After a bit I saw Buffett talking and waited for him to finish so he could give us a picture. We gave up after a while and walked back to the main street. He drove by as we got there and gave us a little nod and a smile. I think this was in 1999
This man knew no bound.s as I have discovered while surfing the net with his name in the search bar. And his last new songs as well as those who have recounted their various onnections, some coincidental, most memorable, haunt my thoughts and inspire my soul.. Love back at you and all parrotheads.