More than 20 Nordhavns have already signed up to participate in the first-ever Southwest Rendezvous. Hosted by our sales office in Dana Point, California, the rendezvous is slated for  October 23-25 and will include entertainment, educational seminars, food, fun, and above all, lots of Nordhavn camaraderie.

What’s different about this Rendezvous from Nordhavn rendezvous past – aside from its abbreviated duration – is the significant owner presence in the coordination and planning of the event. The gathering is actually the brainchild of Nordhavn 43 co-owners Kurt Antonius and Steve Stroud, who, together with their wives, routinely gather with a group of local Nordhavn owners on Catalina Island. Taking a cue from the success of the Northeast and Northwest fetes, Kurt and Steve decided it would be cool to take their impromptu get-togethers to the (Nordhavn) masses.

PAE was immediately on board, as were fellow Catalina rallyers Dan and Whitney Ahearn on Nordhavn 43 “Island Magic”. Dan, an accomplished graphic artist, designed the SW Rendezvous logo.

Bringing the event to the Dana Point Yacht Club will provide greater accessibility and keep costs at bay, not to mention offer terrific protection via the Dana Point Harbor. Great grassroots support from our owners – as well as many of our vendors whose reliable products are used to build our Nordhavn yachts – has been key to the planning of this event.

Sponsors so far include Alcom Electronics, Tradewind Inflatables, Motorboating Magazine, Yachting Magazine, Lockton Insurance, Village Marine Tec Watermakers, Ocean Navigator, SeaFire, AGIES and Steelhead Marine.

Some sponsors will be also be on hand in the exhibit tent to answer questions about products as well as showcase the latest items available.

In keeping with the theme of 2009, participating boats will be rafting up, thus eliminating expensive docking fees.

Registrations are still being accepted so if you are interested in joining in on the fun, click here. Those without Nordhavns can get a glimpse of all the festivities, and see up close what Nordhavn camaraderie is all about by attending the Open House on October 25. Click here to RSVP to the Open House.

With just two months to go until the start of the Southwest Rendezvous, plans continue to be firmed up, and we have to admit we are excited about the weekend’s itinerary. For a schedule of the days’ events and activities, click here.