Nordhavn Owners Gather for Record Rendezvous in Poulsbo

Bill Baker stood at a podium inside the Sons of Norway Lodge in Poulsbo, Washington, and looked out over the crowd. “What I see here is community,” he said, capturing the spirit of a gathering that marked the largest single assembly of Nordhavn yachts to date. The builder reported 58 boats at the event, which drew owners and enthusiasts to the waterfront city known for its Scandinavian heritage.

The three-day rendezvous, which ran from May 9 to 12, attracted owners from a wide geographic area. Hundreds of boaters came to celebrate long-range cruising, compare experiences and forge new friendships. In total, organizers estimate that owners of around 70 Nordhavns were represented and that roughly 206 people attended, making it the biggest meeting yet, according to event planner Jill Bernard.

For many attendees the appeal goes beyond the boats themselves. Baker, who helped plan the event and owns a Nordhavn 62, emphasized that community is one of the most valuable parts of ownership. “All of us need community,” he said. “It’s something that we all want in our life.” That sentiment resonated throughout the weekend as owners traded stories, technical advice and cruising routes.

The Nordhavn rendezvous grew from modest beginnings. Kevin and Allison Jefferies, owners of a Nordhavn 55, began hosting casual potlucks for local owners around Puget Sound. As interest grew, the gatherings evolved into a more formal biennial rendezvous that now draws members of the global Nordhavn community.

Attendees ranged from long-time owners to newcomers who purchased their first Nordhavn specifically to extend their cruising horizons. Jennifer Greer, owner of the Nordhavn 40 Symphony, described taking her boat to Alaska and Glacier Bay, proving the boat’s reputation for seaworthiness. “The boat can take way more than I can,” she said, describing the confidence that comes with a capable, well-built vessel.

Other owners shared personal journeys that led them to Nordhavn. Tom and Linda Hamilton recalled first encountering a Nordhavn at a boat show and later falling in love with the design. Their Nordhavn 57 has since hosted family weddings and extended cruises with grandchildren, enabled by modern connectivity like Starlink that allows owners to work remotely while at sea.

Many participants described a sense of kinship among Nordhavn owners—a group they see as adventurous, practical and supportive. Todd and Sheryl Hannah, who keep their Nordhavn 55 Seeker at Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, meet monthly with neighboring owners to swap tips and stories. “Whatever we want to do, the world is our oyster,” they said, noting the unexpected breadth of cruising possibilities since upgrading from a small day boat.

Other couples recounted long-term cruising paths. Lance and Stephanie Leuthesser logged thousands of nautical miles before buying their Nordhavn 41 Tavee in 2006, while Penelope and Benjamin Pierce recently took delivery of a brand-new Nordhavn 68 and cited the owners’ community as one of the key attractions to the brand. “Everyone has been generous, open, willing to share,” Benjamin said, describing the online and in-person connections that supported their transition to a larger boat.

Reliability and craftsmanship were recurring themes. Robert Conold, who owns the Nordhavn 68 Zorro, shared how he long admired the boat from afar before finally purchasing it. “I love that every time I get on the boat, I know things are going to work,” he said, contrasting that confidence with prior ownership experiences.

For Angela Burke and her husband, life aboard a Nordhavn 68 has been a complete change of lifestyle. After selling their home and car in Florida, they bought a boat in Mexico, brought it north through Alaska and arrived in Poulsbo for the rendezvous. Planning a future Pacific crossing, they described themselves as “modern nomads” who rely on the generosity and knowledge of fellow owners along the way.

Nordhavn’s owner-driven culture stands out in the eyes of many attendees. Burke, whose background is in corporate branding, pointed out that the brand’s community wasn’t manufactured by marketing teams; it grew organically from owners who first connected online and then met in person to form lasting bonds.

At the factory level, Dan Streech, owner and president of Nordhavn, credits a wider team—particularly designers like Jeff Leishman—for the boats’ recognizable appearance and technical capabilities. Streech acknowledges that while some focus on a few individuals, the boats themselves are the central feature. “If you’re looking for an ocean-crossing production powerboat, there are almost no other choices,” he said, underscoring the niche Nordhavn occupies.

As Streech contemplates the next phase of his career, he took encouragement from an event that was organized and sustained by owners themselves. The rendezvous serves as proof that a brand community can be self-sustaining: owners volunteer time and energy to celebrate the boats they love and to ensure the culture continues into the future. “This is all about owners doing it on their own volition to just express their love of the brand,” he said.

This article was originally published in the August 2024 issue.