URGENT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT BOB WISE TO ALL RECREATIONAL BOATERS April 8, 2021 - Dear RBAW Affiliated Yacht Clubs,
On Monday afternoon, we learned that the State Senate Transportation Committee would be proposing to double the Watercraft Excise Tax paid by boaters, as one revenue source among many to pay for a new transportation revenue package.
While we understand the need for the state to invest in transportation infrastructure, it is extremely unfair to double the Watercraft Excise Tax. We boaters are already the only users of the state's roadways, waterways, and air space to pay a percentage-based excise tax to the state. Cars don't pay that to the state anymore, and neither do motor homes, planes, or helicopters. Doubling a tax on the one group paying a percentage tax to the state that no one else is, is completely wrong.
Northwest Marine Trade Association CEO George Harris and I strongly objected to this proposal at a Senate Transportation hearing this morning - where we only had 30 seconds to testify. Click below to view our testimony:
Bob Wise, RBAW President Testimony
George Harris, NMTA President Testimony
RBAW and the NMTA are teaming up on an Action Alert to all boaters this evening. The legislative session ends on April 25 which is in just 19 days, so we need you to act now and use your voice to object. We urge you to contact your lawmakers right away and tell them that you do not support this tax increase - to do this you can click on the link below to access the VoterVoice system. It will prompt you to enter your name and address and will send your Senator and State Representatives a message that you do not support this tax increase.
Click HERE to Object to this Increase
If you have questions please contact Andrea Pierantozzi, RBAW VP Administration or Doug Levy, RBAW Lobbyist.
Thank you, and please act now. Bob Wise RBAW President
On Monday afternoon, we learned that the State Senate Transportation Committee would be proposing to double the Watercraft Excise Tax paid by boaters, as one revenue source among many to pay for a new transportation revenue package.
While we understand the need for the state to invest in transportation infrastructure, it is extremely unfair to double the Watercraft Excise Tax. We boaters are already the only users of the state's roadways, waterways, and air space to pay a percentage-based excise tax to the state. Cars don't pay that to the state anymore, and neither do motor homes, planes, or helicopters. Doubling a tax on the one group paying a percentage tax to the state that no one else is, is completely wrong.
Northwest Marine Trade Association CEO George Harris and I strongly objected to this proposal at a Senate Transportation hearing this morning - where we only had 30 seconds to testify. Click below to view our testimony:
Bob Wise, RBAW President Testimony
George Harris, NMTA President Testimony
RBAW and the NMTA are teaming up on an Action Alert to all boaters this evening. The legislative session ends on April 25 which is in just 19 days, so we need you to act now and use your voice to object. We urge you to contact your lawmakers right away and tell them that you do not support this tax increase - to do this you can click on the link below to access the VoterVoice system. It will prompt you to enter your name and address and will send your Senator and State Representatives a message that you do not support this tax increase.
Click HERE to Object to this Increase
If you have questions please contact Andrea Pierantozzi, RBAW VP Administration or Doug Levy, RBAW Lobbyist.
Thank you, and please act now. Bob Wise RBAW President
Love Notes from the Coast Guard: Engine Cut-off Switch (ECOS) March 30, 2021 - Have a dingy? Have a motor on your dingy? While most of us would agree that an ECOS, along with a handy lanyard, is an excellent idea—generally only pirates and ne’er-do-wells might disagree—the U.S. Coast Guard reminds us that as of April 1, 2021, operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length will be required, by law, to use an ECOS and associated ECOS link.
USCG press release: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/2c7a930
FAQs: https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/engine-cut-off-switch-faq.php
Ahoy, Chefs! March 23, 2021 - 
• You don’t need to be the original creator of the recipe. It just needs to be “galley tested” – that means a recipe other PANNTOA members can make aboard, with gear and ingredients often found in our Nordic Tug galleys.
• Enter the contest & share your recipe with your fellow Panntoa members by posting it on the PANNTOA website, in our Members’ Forum under “General Chat.” A photo of your culinary creation is welcome, but not required. The contest deadline is April 30, but go ahead and send your entry right away – we’re eager to see (and try) your creation!
• One recipe entry per Panntoa boat.
,
Presenting Panntoa’s First Galley Chef Recipe Contest
• Submit recipes April 1-30.
Contest rules? Only 3:
• You don’t need to be the original creator of the recipe. It just needs to be “galley tested” – that means a recipe other PANNTOA members can make aboard, with gear and ingredients often found in our Nordic Tug galleys.
• Enter the contest & share your recipe with your fellow Panntoa members by posting it on the PANNTOA website, in our Members’ Forum under “General Chat.” A photo of your culinary creation is welcome, but not required. The contest deadline is April 30, but go ahead and send your entry right away – we’re eager to see (and try) your creation!
• One recipe entry per Panntoa boat.
Prizes?
WIDELY-ACCLAIMED,
1-VOLUME GALLEY LIBRARY!
• 800+ recipes ready to make with readily obtainable ingredients. Perfect for galley cooking. • Tips from experienced boaters re ingredient substitutions, preparing & cooking freshly caught seafood & shellfish, galley equipment & provisioning, storage, and more.
• Panntoa-embroidered tote bag –
the perfect companion for that run to:
• Kings Market, Friday Harbor
• 49th Parallel, Chemainus
• Town & Country, Eagle Harbor
• Townsite, Powell River
• Thrifty Foods, Ganges
• Heriot Bay Tru Value, (Quadra)
,
• Commodore Gary presents the final two prizes: the custom cutting board he crafted himself, and a chic apron with its embroidered Panntoa logo.
Judge?
Our celebrity judge, Laura Domela!
Many of you already know (or know of) of this multi-talented Panntoa member:- Owner (with husband Kevin Morris) of Airship, Nordic Tug 42-076
- Co-leader (with Kevin & Panntoa member Sam Landsman) of Slowboat (cruising, flotillas, and blogs about boating, restaurants/food, etc.) https://slowboat.com/about/
- Land voyager as well – formerly via Airstream – chronicled in http://www.riveted-blog.com/ (even more about travel, restaurants/food, and life). Also: https://cruisingodyssey.com/2017/04/12/which-is-better-34-nordic-tug-or-27-airstream-an-owners-report/
Professional photographer – https://domela.com/; https://www.lensculture.com/ldomela
Questions? If you have any questions about posting your recipe, contact Sandra P. via web@PaNNTOA.com.
Commodore’s Corner – February 2021 February 8, 2021 - Well, here we are in 2021 already. I hope your holidays were filled with joy and good health. It’s been a tough past 12 months, but I know that we’re working toward a brighter future this year!
A Board Meeting was held on February 3rd to discuss the Rendezvous, budgeting for the coming year, and to develop new ideas for interactive activities on the website.
Rendezvous News
After much discussion and research into what is occurring with the Covid pandemic and vaccinations, the Board made the tough decision to push the Rendezvous from June 2021 until possibly September of this year (if that becomes feasible). This allows us to take another look at the developments in the pandemic situation and re-assess timing as needed. If September becomes viable, the 2021 Vous will likely be held in US waters due to the continued closure of the US/Canadian border. That said, holding a Vous will still be dependent on our ability to gather, finding a location that can be scheduled with short notice, and everyone’s willingness to get together. It’s not looking promising that the border will be open to get to Sydney this year, so we have pushed the Sydney location forward to June of 2022. We know that you are looking forward to the Rendezvous as are we. It’s always a highlight of our year and we hope to be able to give you a successful and safe Rendezvous when the time is right.
Other News
As you know, we held a photo contest this last November which was very successful! There were a lot of great photos entered and we thank all those that did enter, and those who took the time to view the photos submitted. I would like to again thank Seattle Yachts for their support and prize contributions. We are working to develop additional ideas for online activities to keep you clicking on the website and getting the value from your association that you expect. We are always looking for content to add to the website so if you have an idea and/or a story that you think would be useful or entertaining for our members, please feel free to forward it to one of the Board members.
I had a brief conversation with Dave Allen at the factory recently and he told me they have an additional 44 and two more 40’s about to be built, so the factory is busy cranking away at boat building! There are lots of smiles and happy workers. Seattle Yachts Manager Cory Gracey also informed me that they’ve sold several used NT’s and have a couple of stock boats coming up in case you’re interested in moving up to a 40 or 44. He also told me they are providing one year’s PaNNTOA membership dues to anyone who buys a new or used Nordic Tug through the Seattle Yachts dealership. So, if you’re looking for a move up (or down!) it might be a good time to give them a call.
The Board reviewed the budget for 2021 and has agreed that we will increase the support for the website as we feel it is an especially important communication tool and an asset to our membership. We are doing a review of the website and related services to determine how it can better serve you. If you have comments, ideas, or suggestions, please forward those to one of the Board members. We would certainly appreciate the input!
The PaNNTOA family has now grown to 169 active memberships. That’s up from 125 a year and a half ago! Kudos and many thanks to Chris Sodeman for a job well done! Chris is resigning from the position of Membership Director due to selling his boat and other pressing family commitments. If you are interested in taking on the role, please contact me directly. It’s a fun position if you are a people-oriented person as it entails reaching out to new members with a Welcome and resolving any problems with membership renewals. The Job Description can be found on the website under About Us/Job Descriptions. We encourage your participation in your organization.
In closing, I know that even as we look out the window and see the monsoon-like rains day after day, better boating weather is approaching! I hope you can get out and enjoy your tug, share some camaraderie, and take advantage of the beautiful Northwest waters that most of us are fortunate to call our home!
Happy Tugging!
Gary White PaNNTOA Commodore
Rendezvous News
After much discussion and research into what is occurring with the Covid pandemic and vaccinations, the Board made the tough decision to push the Rendezvous from June 2021 until possibly September of this year (if that becomes feasible). This allows us to take another look at the developments in the pandemic situation and re-assess timing as needed. If September becomes viable, the 2021 Vous will likely be held in US waters due to the continued closure of the US/Canadian border. That said, holding a Vous will still be dependent on our ability to gather, finding a location that can be scheduled with short notice, and everyone’s willingness to get together. It’s not looking promising that the border will be open to get to Sydney this year, so we have pushed the Sydney location forward to June of 2022. We know that you are looking forward to the Rendezvous as are we. It’s always a highlight of our year and we hope to be able to give you a successful and safe Rendezvous when the time is right.
Other News
As you know, we held a photo contest this last November which was very successful! There were a lot of great photos entered and we thank all those that did enter, and those who took the time to view the photos submitted. I would like to again thank Seattle Yachts for their support and prize contributions. We are working to develop additional ideas for online activities to keep you clicking on the website and getting the value from your association that you expect. We are always looking for content to add to the website so if you have an idea and/or a story that you think would be useful or entertaining for our members, please feel free to forward it to one of the Board members.
I had a brief conversation with Dave Allen at the factory recently and he told me they have an additional 44 and two more 40’s about to be built, so the factory is busy cranking away at boat building! There are lots of smiles and happy workers. Seattle Yachts Manager Cory Gracey also informed me that they’ve sold several used NT’s and have a couple of stock boats coming up in case you’re interested in moving up to a 40 or 44. He also told me they are providing one year’s PaNNTOA membership dues to anyone who buys a new or used Nordic Tug through the Seattle Yachts dealership. So, if you’re looking for a move up (or down!) it might be a good time to give them a call.
The Board reviewed the budget for 2021 and has agreed that we will increase the support for the website as we feel it is an especially important communication tool and an asset to our membership. We are doing a review of the website and related services to determine how it can better serve you. If you have comments, ideas, or suggestions, please forward those to one of the Board members. We would certainly appreciate the input!
The PaNNTOA family has now grown to 169 active memberships. That’s up from 125 a year and a half ago! Kudos and many thanks to Chris Sodeman for a job well done! Chris is resigning from the position of Membership Director due to selling his boat and other pressing family commitments. If you are interested in taking on the role, please contact me directly. It’s a fun position if you are a people-oriented person as it entails reaching out to new members with a Welcome and resolving any problems with membership renewals. The Job Description can be found on the website under About Us/Job Descriptions. We encourage your participation in your organization.
In closing, I know that even as we look out the window and see the monsoon-like rains day after day, better boating weather is approaching! I hope you can get out and enjoy your tug, share some camaraderie, and take advantage of the beautiful Northwest waters that most of us are fortunate to call our home!
Happy Tugging!
Gary White PaNNTOA Commodore
PANNTOA Covid Cruze Photo Contest Winners! December 16, 2020 - Wow! We got a boatload of photos from all over Puget Sound, the Gulf Islands and beyond! It was a treat to see all the places our members cruised this summer in spite of the Covid restrictions. We are all winners to live in such a spectacular part of the world!
It was a great pleasure to sort through all the entries and review some familiar places and preview some new. But due to the quantity and quality of the photos, it was hard to choose just three! If you have not done so already, please log in and take a look at all the great photos.
Seattle Yachts sponsored this contest and generously provided the prizes for first and second place winners. The third-place winner gets to choose from some priceless PANNTOA swag!
FIRST PLACE!
Julie Irwin took this photo of their kids while cruising for a week in the San Juan Islands! What a memorable sunset to enjoy as a family on the stern of High Drama II! Seattle Yachts will be sending them an Impulse A-33 In-Sight Auto Inflatable LIfe Jacket valued at $225!
SECOND PRIZE!
Second prize goes to Mark Leopold for submitting this photo taken at Matia Island this past summer. Here we see First Tracks stern tied in a small cove just SW of Rolfe Cove where they found three days of quiet. An HX40 6W Ultra Compact Marine Handheld VHF Radio valued at $125 will be shipped to them by our friends at Seattle Yachts!
THIRD PRIZE!
Dave Rankin submitted this beautiful photo of Princess Louisa Inlet with Formilo (NT37) in the foreground. For his efforts, he gets a selection of PANNTOA SWAG! Check out his new sportswear at the next Vous!
Thanks to everyone who participated and to those of you who logged in to enjoy the views.
And a special thanks goes out to our sponsor, Seattle Yachts!
It was a great pleasure to sort through all the entries and review some familiar places and preview some new. But due to the quantity and quality of the photos, it was hard to choose just three! If you have not done so already, please log in and take a look at all the great photos.
Seattle Yachts sponsored this contest and generously provided the prizes for first and second place winners. The third-place winner gets to choose from some priceless PANNTOA swag!
FIRST PLACE!
Julie Irwin took this photo of their kids while cruising for a week in the San Juan Islands! What a memorable sunset to enjoy as a family on the stern of High Drama II! Seattle Yachts will be sending them an Impulse A-33 In-Sight Auto Inflatable LIfe Jacket valued at $225!
SECOND PRIZE!
Second prize goes to Mark Leopold for submitting this photo taken at Matia Island this past summer. Here we see First Tracks stern tied in a small cove just SW of Rolfe Cove where they found three days of quiet. An HX40 6W Ultra Compact Marine Handheld VHF Radio valued at $125 will be shipped to them by our friends at Seattle Yachts!
THIRD PRIZE!
Dave Rankin submitted this beautiful photo of Princess Louisa Inlet with Formilo (NT37) in the foreground. For his efforts, he gets a selection of PANNTOA SWAG! Check out his new sportswear at the next Vous!
Thanks to everyone who participated and to those of you who logged in to enjoy the views.
And a special thanks goes out to our sponsor, Seattle Yachts!
Commodore's Corner
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