Big crowds and boat sale cap off successful Open House

December 8, 2011

The staff at Nordhavn’s Southeast sales office are extremely pleased with the success of last week’s Open House which featured nine boats on display, more than 100 guests in attendance, and a pending boat sale as a result. The Stuart, FL-based sales team put together a terrific effort once again by unveiling an impressive exhibit of boats which, this year ,included the iconic Around-The-World (ATW) Nordhavn 40 as well as a brand new N60 and several high-quality brokerage Nordhavns during the two-day event which took place last Friday and Saturday. Terrific weather greeted guests who not only got the chance to climb aboard a vast array of Nordhavns, but were also able to pick the brains of current Nordhavn owners who were on site to give first-hand accounts of what Nordhavn ownership is really like. “We had a fantastic turnout last year for our first Open House and it was very encouraging to see that high level of interest continue for this year’s event,” said Southeast Sales Manager Andy Hegley.

The weeks before Christmas traditionally provide a lull in an otherwise packed fall/winter boat show season, so timing for the Open House was perfect. Plus, the casual mood was more akin to what the cruising lifestyle is all about. “It’s a different and relaxing way to see so many different Nordhavns in one place,” said Hegley. “Other advantages of an event like this are  that it’s structured to allow clients more individual time with staff, in addition to providing a chance for them to speak directly with owners who will talk candidly about all aspects of their boats including running costs, benefits of stabilization, places cruised, conditions encountered, safety, and the like.” Regardless of which stage of their boat search guests were at – whether the initial research phase or having already narrowed down the perfect candidate for purchase, there was something for everyone to learn. And the owners seemed to really enjoy sharing their experiences. “There’s an absolute element of pride that comes through as you listen to the owners discuss their Nordhavns,” remarked Hegley. “You can tell they enjoy reliving the times spent on their boats.”

Amongst the owners on hand were Bill and Debbie Bradshaw, current owners of the ATW boat, called Finally. The Nordhavn 40, hull #21 in the series, which took PAE staff and guests around the globe in 2001-02 was part of a research effort by the company. Upon completion, the ATW boat set a record for fastest circumnavigation by a production power boat and at the time had elicited scores of publicity and fanfare. With her ATW decals intact, the Bradshaws note that Finally is still an attention-getter, no matter where they go – a point that was well illustrated during the Open House.

Lots of interest was also had in Nordhavn 57 KeelWorks, a boat that’s only been on the market just over a week. She’d been well looked after by her owners and showed extremely well. In fact, by the end of the Open House, KeelWorks had an accepted offer.

“I’m a firm believer that Open Houses are an ideal showcase for every brokerage Nordhavn,” said Nordhavn southeast salesman Ted Robie.

Other Nordhavns of significance were N46 Satchmo, the last of the Nordhavn Atlantic Rally (NAR) boats to leave the Mediterranean and Nordhavn 35 Searcher, which represented the smallest boat ever produced by Nordhavn. This semi-displacement yacht gives seamen the ultimate in versatility – her sturdy, seaworthy hull and range allow for considerable cruising while her compact size affords an owner to have her trucked long distances: think fishing Alaska in the summer months, then transporting her cross-country in time for a winter of snorkeling in the Bahamas.

If you missed the Southeast Open House, you can still make an appointment to view boats by contacting the southeast office at 772-223-6331. The next Florida-area Nordhavn exhibit happens February 2-4 at the Fort Lauderdale Trawler Fest. Visit the Calendar of Events page for details on this and all other Nordhavn displays.

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