May 18, 2010

Spring Migration

Just a few weeks ago, the last of four Nordhavns arrived in the Marqueses islands, each having successfully completed the 2,500-nm jump across the Pacific. More than 200 boats participated in the crossing, formally known as the Pacific Puddle Jump, which is described as the “annual migration of sailing yachts from the Americas to the South Pacific.” Despite the “sailing yacht” attachment to the rally, there were a half-dozen powerboats that took part, nearly all of which were Nordhavns: two 64s, Oso Blanco and Mystery Ship;a 62, Lone Wolf; and a 46, Emily Grace. We are so proud of the accomplishments of these Nordhavn owners and of other owners like them. The faith they have in themselves and their boats allows them to achieve the cruising itineraries of their dreams…and is awfully inspiring to those of us looking to someday follow in their wake. To keep those cruising juices flowing, we’ve dedicated a bunch of time and space to their achievements. Check out Jeff Merrill’s three-part series on N62 Lone Wolf as he grades the crew and the boat’s abilities to prepare for and handle the challenges that a crossing like this brings. There’s also the Home Page preamble on nordhavn.com written by PAE president Dan Streech, who uses the latest Pacific crossings by these four boats as an assessment of the remarkable successes had by Nordhavns since 46 #1 shipped from Taiwan more than 20 years ago. Then there’s also the forthcoming ad running in marine publications this summer that features the Bloomquist family who, just a year ago, had planned on crossing an ocean on board their boat Oso Blanco. Only, it was the Atlantic Ocean they’d had in mind. “Having our Nordhavn gives us the freedom and luxury of making and changing plans to go virtually anywhere,” remarked Eric Bloomquist.

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