Month: September 2021

Commodore’s Corner – September 2021

Greetings from Sucia Island and the China caves overlooking Shallow Bay.  Carole and I just returned from our last long cruise for the season. I hope you all were able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather and wonderful Pacific Northwest waters in your tugs!

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

PANNTOA Mini-Vous A Success!

Denise Nichols reports fourteen Nordic Tugs participated in this year’s mini-Vous held September 9-11 at Swantown Marina in Olympia. The weekend began with a Thursday night potluck where PANNTOA members got a chance to meet one another and indulge in great food. Throughout the Voux, folks chatted about everything from their favorite anchorages to tips and product recommendations for maintenance. Several folk gathered for an impromptu “Furuno Support group,” swapping tales of trials and tribulations.

Friday morning started with a gentle four mile walk around Capital Lake with stops for coffee at the local coffee roaster, Dancing Goats (coffee shop not petting zoo) and a visit to the Olympia Farmers Market.

Highlighting Friday afternoon was a Croquet Tournament that at times, got very competitive. Everyone drew for partners which resulted in fun, laughter and cheering. Seven teams competed for the top prize of wine and chocolate. But in the end, 1st place went to Carter Barns and Carol White. Mike Young and Barb Hartley came in a close second.

A barbecue Friday evening and a continental breakfast Saturday wrapped up the weekend festivities. Good boating stories were shared and lasting friendships made with the hopes of seeing each other on the waters soon. PANNTOA hopes to offer more mini-Vous’ in the future and would welcome volunteers to host these type of gatherings.

Check out the related forum post https://panntoa.com/forums/topic/olympia-mini-vous/ for more photos!

A ‘Voux into Fall … and sneak previews

The south sound promises beautiful late summer and early fall cruising…and there’s still time to use the PaNNTOA south sound mini rendezvous as a kick-off starting on September 9th. Crisp mornings, warm(ish) afternoons, and photo opps everywhere you look.

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And speaking of photography, after a greatly successful inaugural event last year, PaNNTOA will be hosting a second annual photography contest later this fall. Contest details to follow in a month or so.

Later this month, Commodore Gary White will post his quarterly note which will include a few changes around the clubhouse. Rumor has it the Commodore will also be making an appearance at the ‘Voux.

The ‘Voux is for all PaNNTOA members, not boats. If you’d like to join us at the potluck on Thursday, come on down. It you’d like to join in the activities or attend the PaNNTOA-sponsored BBQ on Friday, please contact Denise Nichols (502) 345-6940.