The end of January is a festive one in eastern cultures and Nordhavn’s Taiwanese factory partner, Ta Shing, had big reasons to celebrate. At a recent gala event, the company marked the occasion of the Chinese New Year, with 200 guests including Ta Shing staff, Nordhavn staff and distinguished guests coming together to observe the holiday. But it also was a celebration of the wonderful work Ta Shing has done, having produced several big beautiful Nordhavns the past few years while the effects of Covid still loomed large.
Pacific Asian Enterprises, Inc. (PAE)’s President Dan Streech and PAE Chief Operating Officer Sky Scott flew in from California to represent all the appreciative folks from Nordhavn, while special guests of honor Nicole and Chris Chestnut, buyers of Nordhavn 7103 as well as Gordon Turner, owner of N6839, were on hand to take part in the festivities. The Chestnuts fortunately timed the factory inspection of their N71 to coincide with the celebration and even got into the proceedings; Nicole Chestnut took a turn pulling money-filled envelopes in a sort of raffle that has become a Chinese New Year tradition.
Meanwhile, Gordon Turner, who took delivery of his second Nordhavn about a year ago, missed out on visiting the factory to see the progress of his N68 build. His attendance at the party gave him the chance to finally and personally express his gratitude to all the men and women responsible for his boat.
“PAE and Ta Shing have been partners for 46 years and we continue to be a successful, strong brand that builds amazing yachts thanks in huge part to this partnership,” said Sky Scott, who stepped in for Dan Streech after he fell under the weather. “We are pleased to be here during this very meaningful time for Ta Shing and show them our appreciation for what they do on a daily basis.”
Also representing PAE was the company’s “eyes and ears” on the ground, David Jen, PAE’s factory liaison who is based in Taiwan.
This year’s event was especially memorable because it is the first New Year’s celebration to occur since the onset of Covid in 2020. The party is an annual event, a tradition initiated by Ta Shing’s former president, Tim Juan (who was in attendance) and carried on by current president, Ross Sang, who was joined by Archie Yen, Chairman of Ta Shing, in honoring the entire Ta Shing team. The all-day affair kicks off with the office team cooking lunch for the factory workers, eventually winding into the evening’s activities, an elaborate dinner and entertainment.