100 invited guests attend Private Open House for PAE’s latest offering

It was a gloomy, overcast day but the Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot shone brightly as potential buyers got their first chance to see the newest addition to the Nordhavn line-up at a private Open House held Saturday. About 100 invited guests climbed aboard to inspect and seatrial the brand new coastal cruiser and experience what is shaping up to be Nordhavn’s next great success story. The 59CP hull is Pacific Asian Enterprises, Inc. (PAE)’s second offering in the semi-displacement “fast trawler” series and she received high marks from all who attended. Citing her performance, quietness, thoughtful layout, superior workshmanship and exceeding comfort, Nordhavn prospects called her a compelling complement to the brand’s existing full-displacement line. “Walking through the boat, she had the definite look and feel of a Nordhavn”, said one current 47 owner who attended the event. “But getting up to 20 knots felt so fast, so different from our boat!”

Members of Nordhavn’s design and engineering team stood by to answer questions while attendees explored in and around the Coastal Pilot. Many noted her huge engine room with separate outside access door, but it was comments about the 59CP’s size overall that impressed people the most. “People were amazed how much bigger the boat felt in person than what they visualized by looking at the drawings,” said Chief of Design, Jeff Leishman.

The model’s impending popularity seems imminent with commitments already made on five of the first hulls.

This past weekend kicked off a coming-out period of sorts for the model, which began with an afternoon cruise for several marine journalists last Friday. The press event commenced with a presentation on the new design at PAE headquarters followed by a tour and seatrial of the 59CP. At both of the weekend events, guests were treated to lunch and mingled with members of PAE’s expert staff.

Thursday marks the official public debut of the boat which will exhibit at the San Diego International Boat Show through June 19. If the Open House is any indication, the reception to the N59 CP will make her a stand-out at the show.

“The Open House reminded us that any gathering of Nordhavn aficionados is always fun,” said PAE president Dan Streech. “There were smiles and laughter in the PAE patio and bar as guests arrived and enjoyed the delicious food and great camaraderie while waiting for – or having just returned from – their seatrial.

“The star, of course, was the magnificent Nordhavn 59 CP, which everyone loved. We received compliments on everything from the look of the boat, the visibility,  flybridge, speed, ruggedness, and most importantly, an appreciation that – despite the departure from her full displacement sisters –  there’s no question this boat is a Nordhavn.”