The Grand Prize goes to Mark Leopold and his 37’ Nordic Tug, “First Tracks.”
Mark wrote, “We love to use our Nordic Tug as our base and paddle by kayak to explore the many hiking trails that abound in the San Juan Islands.”
Snoring Bay is one of 6 different protected anchorages on Sucia Island, one of the most popular islands in the San Juan’s. With COVID restrictions and not being able to cruise North to Canada or Alaska, Mark has enjoyed extensive exploration of the San Juans. This past season, he anchored in all 6 different anchorages on Sucia, in addition to time spent at other favorite islands. Snoring Bay is quite small, typically a two or three boat anchorage, as compared to other larger Sucia Island coves like Echo Bay, Fossil Bay, or Shallow Bay which typically see dozens or even up to a hundred vessels at anchor. It is very cozy, quiet, and the perfect jumping off point to access many hiking trails. In this photo, Mark’s dog Moxie anxiously awaits for his return. In the kayak is Mark’s granddaughter Harley. Mark says, “We love the spacious accommodations on the Nordic Tug that allows us to share new experiences with extended family.”
Congratulations Mark and thanks for sharing your photo. The Grand Prize is a ticket for two to the 2022 Vous in Sidney, BC.
First Runner-Up is this photo taken by John Hall on his 37’ Nordic Tug, “Flying Tiger.” John’s home port is in Whittier, Alaska, and this photo was taken this past summer in Prince William Sound.
According to John, “Barbara and I took possession of our 2006 NT37 at Cap Sante Marina on May 31, the day before the start of the 2017 PaNNTOA Rendezvous. In the spring of 2018 we began the trip to bring the boat home to Alaska. After two and a half months of leisurely cruising up the Inside Passage, including two weeks in Glacier Bay National Park, we crossed the Gulf of Alaska and finally arrived in Prince William Sound. Prince William Sound is really a dream place to cruise; we have been cruising these waters since 2003 and there is still so much left to explore. We take full advantage of much of what the Sound offers – great fishing, shrimping, kayaking, beach combing, and hiking. The NT37 is our ideal “waterfront home,” whether for just the two of us, or even better, when joined by any of our grown children and their children.” According to John, Prince William Sound is truly a beautiful, remote, and delightfully undeveloped treasure. If you venture up here, be prepared to fall in love.
Second Runner-Up is this photo taken by Jeff Morris on “Adventure-Us.”
Jeff Morris and first mate Kate got their Nordic Tug 37 Single Cabin new in 2006—and every summer they just move aboard. “Typically we meander for six weeks in the Gulf Islands and Victoria, and then head north for six weeks in Desolation Sound and beyond, but we’ve also cruised from Olympia to Port MacNeil, and around the outside of Vancouver Island to Tofino. Our Nordic Tug is the perfect cruising boat for us, especially as the single cabin version has two freezers and a fridge! Our two folding bikes fit down in the lazarette, and our dinghy nestles topside. We’re honored to have been the start/committee boat for the last four Victoria to Maui Yacht races.”
John and Jeff will both receive $150 gift certificates to West Marine complements of our sponsor, Seattle Yachts.
The judges had a tough job because all the photos submitted were good examples of tug life, having good local fun and show how great it is to be in the Pacific Northwest. The judges want to thank everyone who submitted photos. And remember, it is not too early to start shooting your tug adventures for next year’s contest!
1. Get vaccinated and have your original record(s) with you when you travel. Not only will you add those to the ArriveCan app in advance, but you will need to have the originals with you to enter any restaurant or show a customs agent if they request. Canadians have a QR code on their original vaccination paper document(s) and BC has created an app specifically for using that QR code for BC residents.
2. Get a Covid PCR test (this is not the same as an antigen test) within 72 hours of either takeoff if flying or checking in at customs. The test requires that you to go to certain specific testing locations in your county. You can see locations at the site below, but do note that some locations ONLY offer the antigen test, others only take symptomatic or ill patients, and many require an appointment. You can look up testing sites here, but again be sure to determine if the site will do travel testing. Results are usually back in 24-48 hours. Ours were back in less than 24 hours, and we went to the Bellingham airport location. https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/TestingforCOVID19/TestingLocations#region4 .
3. Determine which Canadian ports of entry are still allowing boater check-in. For example, Poet’s Cove and Montegue are closed for entry, however you can go to Van Isle or Sidney to check in if that’s on your way north. You can also look at this site and sort based on your entry point. https://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/do-rb/openpoe-temp-pdeouvert/marine-maritime-eng.html .
4. Download and fill out the information in the ArriveCan app. which requires all information be entered and transmitted, prior to your arrival. The app is available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The ArriveCAN iPhone app is compatible with any iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad running iOS 12.0 or later. On Android, the app requires Android version 6.0 or newer.
You will be asked about:
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• Covid symptoms, if any
• Your vaccination status and which brand you received • Your Covid test which is currently needed within 72 hours of entry
• Your boat’s registration #, hull number and other specific data for your boat
• The same personal information you gave previously when traveling to Canada
• Your Port of Entry, and make sure this is where you want to go. Again, not all entry points are open, thus a reduced alphabetical listing in the app from which you can select the correct location
• A quarantine plan if they require you to quarantine for 7 to 14 days
• Nexus or passport information
• Last, but not least, a copy of your vaccination card. This is quite simple as the app allows you to hover over it with your phone or iPad, just as you would if submitting a check for deposit. The camera will focus and do the work for you
If you don’t have 100% of the information the first time, the app allows you to save your information, and come back later to finish entering. You do need to submit the information on the app as soon as you have it all loaded, and prior to entry into Canada
5. When arriving, don’t expect to see a customs agent on the dock. You will need to use the phone on the customs dock (not your personal cell) to call an 800# listed on the phone station. Be prepared to wait! Holding on the phone for up to an hour was not unusual just after Labor Day, so dress for the weather, grab a folding chair and a bottle of water. And above all DON’T hang up or you will lose your place in line on the phone.
They will ask some of the usual questions about:
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• Where are you going, how long will you be in Canada, and the purpose of your trip.
• Do you have any guns and how much money are you bringing in.
• They will remind you that marijuana, THC and CBD are illegal to bring to Canada and ask if you have any.
• Specific food items don’t seem to be a problem any longer, as long as all the food you bring is for your personal consumption and not for resale.
• It is recommended that you leave meat and other previously forbidden food products in their original containers in case you do get inspected.
• There were no questions about pets, though you should have a current rabies certificate or other documentation you previously supplied.
The mini rendezvous at Swantown in Olympia was a great success! We had 14 boats represented. A big thanks and shout out to Denise and Russ Nichols for organizing the event. Also to all those others who volunteered to help during the three days!
We already have tentative plans to hold at least one additional mini rendezvous next year. If we can get volunteers to assist in others, we will certainly look forward to holding several in addition to the large rendezvous planned for Sydney in early June.
Jeff Gleckler from Seattle Yachts has been appointed the brand manager of Nordic Tug‘s for Seattle Yachts. Many of you know Jeff from dealing with him in previous Rendezvous and/or purchasing or selling your boats. He is a great resource and will be a helpful and friendly face to keep us connected with both the factory and Seattle Yachts, a major sponsor of Panntoa.
We have now completed a couple of Board Member transitions. Mark Malnes has assumed responsibility for Membership. Denise Nichols has taken Communications responsibilities from Mike Young. A big welcome to both of them and thanks for volunteering! Also a great big thank you to Mike Young who has been an excellent Communications Director for the past two years! His insight and contributions were a great help.
Although fall is upon us, I know that most of us will still be looking for those weather windows to sneak out and use our tugs as often as we can. Fall is also a good time to review, repair and replenish what we have used over the past cruising season.
Stay safe and have an enjoyable Fall!
Gary White PaNNTOA Commodore
Commodore's Corner
PaNNTOA Burgees For Sale
PaNNTOA burgees are $35, check or cash, available for pickup in Anacortes or mailed directly to you. Please email Mike Russell, treasurer@panntoa.com
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