Nordhavn Owners Rendezvous
Date: May 9-12 Location: Poulsbo, WA

NOR 2024 breaks records en route to smashing success

When you put a bunch of Nordhavns and Nordhavn owners together, it’s always a recipe for a good time. It’s what Nordhavn “noodles” that pop up all over the world are known for. But when you put a record-breaking number of Nordhavns and Nordhavn owners together over a 3-day weekend, you get non-stop laughter, enjoyment, and beaming smiles that don’t dissolve off faces until the last boat leaves the dock 72 hours later. And probably even longer than that from re-living the memories of an amazing event still fresh in mind.

That was the case last weekend when 58 Nordhavns amassed at the 2024 Nordhavn Owners Rendezvous in Poulsbo, Washington– two short of original figures due to a couple of last-minute drop-outs. Nonetheless, that number, as well as the total amount of boats represented by attendees gathered – 70 – was the most ever. And every single person who was there had the time of their life.

Not only was it the biggest Nordhavn party ever, it was probably the most smoothly run event

Nordhavn owners have ever been a part of – thanks in part to some unbelievable weather: well-above average temps, abundant sunshine, and cloudless skies that highlighted the majestic Mt. Ranier during the day and the incredible Aurora Borealis at night. But the three-day hitchless affair was mostly the result of the incredible efforts of the trio of Nordhavn owner volunteers who have worked tirelessly to organize the last three rendezvous, striving to best their own successes with each passing one. Jill and Don Bernard of N47 Slow Burn and Bill Baker of N62 Roxia achieved their goal with the 2024 celebration. “I thought the event went flawlessly due to the efforts of so many,” said Jill Bernard. “The vendors, local businesses who catered the event, the Sons of Norway’s facilities and the Port of Poulsbo’s new marina all played an integral role.”

PAE president Dan Streech, who had to miss the 2022 Rendezvous in Victoria, British Columbia, due to COVID restrictions, was thrilled to take part in this year’s event. “This was nothing short of a three-day Nordhavn love fest,” said Streech, who was there from start to finish. “There are a lot of reasons a Nordhavn rendezvous is a triumph. Most notably, the owners in attendance let their enthusiasm for their boats take center stage. Last weekend it was evident in the way they embraced the itinerary, each activity meant to enhance their Nordhavn ownership experience.

“It was also evident in the great care Jill, Don and Bill took in tackling the details it takes to put something like this together. They are clearly motivated by their love for their Nordhavns and the Nordhavn community, and we are all so lucky because of it.”

A cast of presenters was arranged on a myriad of topics from engine room know-how, to stabilization, interpreting wind speed, and overall boat troubleshooting. There were also a few savvy owners who went off-itinerary and initiated break-out groups of their own: N47 owner Dave Morris led a discussion on cruising Alaska; Cori Wensley offered painting instruction from the cockpit of her Nordhavn 60; Eric Bescoby talked to some owners about his completion of the North American “Big U” route on his Nordhavn 40; and marine consultant Steve D’Antonio traded in his technical slideshow for an impromptu how-to on photography.

The festivities were capped off by a dinner and the highly anticipated raffle which has come to be a major highlight of the Rendezvous. Owners vied for sought-after prizes donated by sponsors, a couple of which were submitted by two of their own – a custom-created knife by Bill Baker of N62 Roxia and a handmade quilt by N41 owner Stephanie Leuthesser.

The 2024 Rendezvous was exactly the sort of event that would-be Nordhavn buyers dream about someday having access to: a camaraderie of owners who come together to take part in the greatest kind of mutual admiration society there is. Whether you attend in your new Nordhavn 80 or your 30-year-old N46, the bond is Nordhavn ownership, and like the boat itself, there is nothing stronger.

Northern lights photo: Mike Chin

Owners rendezvous expected to set record

At least 60 Nordhavns are slated to converge in Poulsbo, WA, next week at the Nordhavn Owners Rendezvous, marking the largest number of Nordhavn yachts ever gathered. An additional dozen more boats will be represented by owners who are attending by land or air. The numbers easily top previous attendance records set at prior rendezvous in 2021 and 2022 with 37 boats and 48 boats respectively.

The weekend will include educational seminars, dinners, and dock parties, but the centerpiece of the 2024 Rendezvous – as it is with any Nordhavn gathering no matter the size – is the intermingling of owners who will invite each other on their boats, swap stories and maintenance tips, and share in the delight of all things Nordhavn in general.

The northwest owners rendezvous started in the 20-teens, a small convergence of Nordhavns that were in the PNW area, organized by N55 owners Kevin and Alison Jeffries. They dubbed their annual congregations NAPS for Nordhavns Across Puget Sound. The Jeffries got the ball rolling, but once they began world cruising, the baton needed to be passed. Cue N47 owner Jill Bernard, her husband, Don, and fellow N62 owner Bill Baker. The trio took the informal NAPS hangs and boosted them to full blown multi-day Owners Rendezvous with speakers and sponsors, and with this, the boat numbers doubled and owner participation tripled.

Since then the NOR has been an unmissable event for those owners who have the ability to make it, by boat or otherwise. Organizer Jill Bernard ponders the growth the event has undergone since taking over the helm in 2020. “A rendezvous is the perfect vehicle for a Nordhavn owner,” she said. “It encourages camaraderie and friendships which is the foundation of the Nordhavn lifestyle. In general, Nordhavn owners just really love to see each other!”

While other yachties tend to visit with each other at the dock, it’s not the case with Nordhavn owners. Since they typically are out cruising to parts unknown and rarely in their slip, it takes a bit of organization to get them to meet in the same place all at once. At this time of year, the PNW is littered with Nordhavns as they prepare for summer cruising to Alaska and British Columbia, and this certainly plays a part in the participation numbers. There’s no doubt the enjoyment of each other’s company is the biggest draw, but for many owners the NOR tends to be a hands-on research opportunity disguised as a three-day party. “It’s a chance to network, be exposed to the latest trends, and get advice from folks who have already done the reconnaissance,” said Bernard. Case in point: at this year’s event, a group of owners is coordinating an informal advisory sidebar on Alaska cruising.

Another perk unique to a Rendezvous is the opportunity to climb aboard so many different boats. At this year’s Owners Rendezvous, 18 different Nordhavn models will fill slips at the Poulsbo Marina, from an N35 all the way to an N96. “It’s really fun getting to see how different everyone’s Nordhavn is,” Bernard muses. “As they say, if you’ve seen one Nordhavn, you’ve seen one Nordhavn!”

The chance to cultivate the adventure bug within and to see the world on their own time and by their own accord is why people buy a Nordhavn in the first place. But in the second place, they will tell you it’s to become a part of the legendary Nordhavn family. And for as long as that’s the case, it’s likely the Nordhavn Owners Rendezvous will be a valuable experience that continues to break attendance records with each passing one.