One of the biggest pros of owning a Nordhavn is becoming part of a family that is eager and willing to support, bond, share their knowledge and their friendship. The Nordhavn Owners Group (NOG) is one of the most robust and active online owners groups in a sea of boat brand communities, and it’s a huge draw for power cruising newbies and seasoned pros alike.
Using the popular NOG as a cue, two Nordhavn owners had a hunch that their idea of holding the Pacific Northwest chapter of an in-person NOG offshoot of sorts would be a popular one. With the number of owners continuing to home base and cruise in the Vancouver Island area, they figured there might be enough locally positioned owners who would be interested in getting together for a luncheon hang-out.
Their hunch was right.
They put the call out for owners to join them at the Surly Mermaid, an eatery in Sidney, B.C., and to their delight (although probably not to their surprise), they received RSVPs from the owners of 30 Nordhavns.
“I was inspired by an article I read about the ‘Shed Movement’ where people get together with a similar interest to talk and connect,” said Ross Clarkson, owner of a Nordhavn 60. In this case, it’s to discuss anything Nordhavn. “Whatever people want to chat about. Mechanical, cruising plans and places, local service providers, fishing techniques.”
Clarkson, along with fellow owner Alan Hannebauer, plan to make it a monthly happening, and maybe even evolving the scope of the event if interest permits, bringing in speakers if there is overwhelming desire to learn about specific topics. “We shall see how the event grows over time,” said Hannebauer, an N57 owner. The theme for February’s event: Dumb mistake I made. Already he has amassed an invite distribution list of more than 40 different interested owners.
Both Clarkson and Hannebauer emphasize that they’ll continue to hold the Nordhavn luncheons whether they have two or 20 people in attendance. Given that 18 hearty souls braved a huge snow storm to make it to the first-ever event bodes well for the future. Popular topics at the inaugural effort were – appropriately enough during the winter weather – summer cruising plans, with many of the folks planning to circumnavigate Vancouver Island, while some will head further north. “The newer owners are looking for advice. Old hands are happy to help out,” Clarkson said. “Within the group someone has done it before or been there so it will be great to get that exchange of knowledge.”