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2011 Rendezvous Summary

MANTOA’s rendezvous was held in beautiful Solomon’s Island, Maryland, June 5-8th.   Our venue this year was the Holiday Inn- Harbor Marina, where all of our beautiful Tugs stood proud throughout the docks.  The weather was absolutely delightful with sunshine and low humidity.

2011 MID ATLANTIC NORDIC TUG OWNERS’ RENDEZVOUS

 

MANTOA’s rendezvous was held in beautiful Solomon’s Island, Maryland, June 5-8th.   Our venue this year was the Holiday Inn- Harbor Marina, where all of our beautiful Tugs stood proud throughout the docks.  The weather was absolutely delightful with sunshine and low humidity.

 

Sunday night, everyone gathered around the “Tiki Bar” for a “WELCOME” round of drinks and appetizers.  It was wonderful to see all our friends a.k.a. owners once again.  This was a nice relaxing evening for all to have time to visit, catch up and talk about their adventures since last year’s rendezvous.  It was very nice that Bob Shamek, with Nordic Tugs Factory, was able to join us for this year’s event.  Many owners had spoken to Bob over the phone, but not had the pleasure of meeting him in person.

 

Monday morning started early with a group breakfast.  Our first seminar speaker was, Cary Wiener, President of Panaenius Yacht Insurance.   A slide show consisting of pictures of boats (ones which you are very happy you don’t own) damaged or wrecked by human error, greeted everyone as they geared up for the morning seminars. Cary’s presentation was informative on what boat owners should look for when shopping for yacht insurance.  (I’m sure we have all read our policies and added or deleted features needed or not needed.) Afterwards Bob Shamek gave owners insight on all the exciting news from Burlington, WA.   Bob discussed new features like windows, molded fiberglass headliners, Sapele wood and explained why Nordic Tug changed model names from 32 and 37 to 34 and 39.  Again, it was great to have Bob join us this year.  Ken and Sally Hohmann, Nordic Tug owners, followed with “Cruising Your Tug” and answered questions about all their different travel routes and destinations.  The Hohmann’s shared a collage of pictures from of their travels and favorite destinations.  The afternoon was free for owners to shop, visit the local Maritime Museum, clean boats, tug crawl or simply enjoy the fun and sun at the pool.  A cocktail party, with our nightly raffle, was held outside at the Tiki Bar and Afterdeck.   A sit down dinner followed inside at Issac’s Right.

 

Tuesday morning’s speakers started right after breakfast. First up was John Norton, owner Annapolis Harbor Boatyard.  John discussed proper Gel cote and engine care then answered questions on all sorts of “evils”.  One of our favorite speakers, Wes Denton of Chesapeake Cummins, talked about generators, main engines, new products and answered questions. Next up was Al McKenney, Nordic Tug owner, who gave a very intuitive session on “Tips & Tricks” every Tug owner should know.  The afternoon was spent doing incredibly fun activities like touring Elliot and Joan Kocen’s beautiful home, Rousby Hall, lounging by the pool, and taking different tours of interest in varies locations around Solomons.  Later cocktails and appetizers were happening once again at the Tiki Bar and Afterdeck.  Happy faces were seen every time someone won a raffle.  Dinner was held again inside at Issac’s Right.

 

Wednesday morning was our “Farewell” breakfast.  Lots of laughter, hugs and exchanging information between owners was going on.   Our “new” rendezvous attendees, Steve and Shirley Ackerman,

Pete and Debra Dula, Bill and Ann Rowen ,  all departed feeling very welcomed and part of MANTOA.

 

Until next year, I wish all my fellow Nordic Tug Owners, blue skies, smooth water and a soft breeze.

 

Terri Pennebaker

Annapolis Sailyard, Inc. Crew & BEBE’, Nordic Tug 26-177, co-owner