2012 SENTOA RENDEZVOUS
By Chip Worster
The format for the 2012 SENTOA Rendezvous was a complete change from all previous years. Due to a limited response for the last two years, It was decided it was time to try a different approach. For starters, we decided to do away with the registration fee which normally runs about $100. Next we decided to return to the oldest city in the United States - St Augustine. The city is unique in her old world charm with loads of history and great restaurants. One can stroll the brick lined streets and experience the charming colonial homes and welcoming storefronts that are filled with fabulous gifts, custom crafted jewelry, stunning art, and the best antique shops. Another plus for the city is their Municipal Marina located in the center of all the activity.
The following Tuggers arrived by boat:
Bill & Diane Keltner on “Tugnacious”
Chip & Louise Worster on “Chip Ahoy”
Jack & Rick Norstrand on “Tranquil Tug”
Bob & Emily Wiggins on “Tugaloo”
The following arrived by land cruiser:
Peggy Harretos
Tom & Sandy Hollinger and
Kellee & Chip Brady (new tug owners)
It was decided not to have any seminars or lectures and instead enjoy the many features of St Augustine and the dockside camaraderie.
For our breakfast, we dined at the Athena and the Bunnery Café & Baker. For evening dinning we went to Harry’s Bar & Grill for a fantastic meal in an open court yard. The next night we were driven to Café Al Cazar on two open horse driven carriages and given a guided tour of the city. The final night we were treated to an extended limo ride across the ICW to Mango Mango.
During our off times we had a guided tour of Flagler College and a tour of Father O’Reilly House museum. The guys also made a side trip to Sailors Exchange and the Marine Supply Co, Both unique nautical establishments.
All in all a great opportunity to renew friendships and enjoy the charms of St Augustine. Thanks Bill for putting it all together.
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A Newbie's View of the 2012 Rendezvous
by Kellee Brady
Being a "newbie" now rather than a "wannabie" Nordic Tugger I feel extremely honored and privileged to be part of, and share in, this new and exciting kinship.
As I drove from my home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, along A1a south to St. Augustine admiring the sun kissed day, I wished that for my first Nordic tug rendezvous "Salacia" (goddess of salt water in Roman Mythology) was with me, this would be Hull #19 I'm speaking of, a true salt water goddess! We purchased her in September 2011. Since that time I have spent as much time as my life will allow, getting to know her from bilge to berth. Learning the sounds of her sighs as she sways with the water and wind. There have many blissful nights she rocks me into slumber. I work hard to learn her quirks while maneuvering her in and out of her slip and testing the currents of the enchanting Puget Sound. That's correct Washington State is her home. I am able to visit her monthly and spend summers with her for now.
And this is how my journey led me to SENTOA...
I am a firm believer that our path is carved out for us. And if we choose the correct fork in the road or river bend we will be rewarded, and that I was! My plan was to check out the southeastern tuggers, I imagined this would entail viewing several tugs, hearing some good maintenance tips, have a bite to eat and then return home. I was fooled.
I was welcomed like a newborn into her loving mother's arms. These folks were so warm and kind to me that I had a hard time parting ways. I feel that the beginning of many beautiful relationships just sprouted in three short days. We shared delicious meals, stories of boating trips, problems and solutions. But more importantly to me were the stories of their careers, spouses, children, health, illness and even death. My heart was filled with immense joy and sadness at times.
The definition of Rendezvous is "a meeting at an agreed time and place..",my definition of SENTOA's rendezvous is a meeting not to be missed, friendships meant to be made, and memories to cherish.
Thanks to Bill and Chip for the planning of a truly spectacular time. Although they told me this year was much more casual then previous years due to lack of organized speakers, I didnt feel cheated! Bill had many wonderful tours with elaborate transportation, horse drawn carriages of yesteryear and limo service that made me feel like a rock star.
I walked away more committed to a lifetime of "tugging" then ever before!
Thanks to all my new Nordic Tug friends, can't wait for the next Rendevous.
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2012 SENTOA RENDEZVOUS
SENTOA Rendezvous 2012 was held downtown in the center of old St. Augustine, Florida at the Hilton St. Augustine Historical Bayfront. Boat slips were available at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina which is located across from the Hilton.
Since there was no Rendezvous fees this year, each person/couple paid for their own accommodations and meals. SENTOA absorbed the cost of the meeting room for any meetings/reception.
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The 2012 format was less structured with morning get togethers and a couple of meetings about local interests, history of the area and boating topics. Spontaneous roundtable discussions were encouraged to focus on topics of interest to those attending. It was a great time to get to know other tuggers, share stories, visit boats, talk about where we’ve been and places to go.
St. Augustine was a great place to meet with lots of excellent bed and breakfasts, restaurants, shopping, history and a range of things of interest, including a zip line at The Alligator Farm.
This change in format was in response to requests we received and was a refreshing change of pace as we continue the SENTOA tradition of encouraging Nordic Tug boating and strong friendships.
Day 1: Tuesday, April
17
18:00 |
Cocktail Reception (Cash Bar) |
Day 2: Wednesday, April 18
08:00 |
Breakfast at the Hilton in the 2nd floor meeting room |
09:00 |
Welcome meeting where information about things to do, places to go, restaurants, and so forth will be available |
10:00 to 18:00 |
Open time |
18:00 |
Dinner |
Day 3: Thursday, April 19
08:00 |
Breakfast |
09:00 |
Meeting/roundtable discussion |
14:00 to 15:00 |
Boat visits |
18:00 |
Dinner and business meeting |
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2011 SENTOA RENDEZVOUS
Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort and Marina |
Day 1: Tuesday, April
19
12:00 to 17:00 |
Arrival and registration |
17:00 to 19:00 |
Dock/Cocktail Party |
19:00 to ….. |
Dinner (on your own) |
Day 2: Wednesday, April 20
08:30 to 09:30 |
Breakfast (on your own) |
09:30 to 09:45 |
Welcome (Commodore Hollinger) |
09:45 to 10:30 |
What to do when it won’t flush, and other everyday problems by Mark Hubby |
10:30 to 10:45 |
Break |
10:45 to 11:30 |
Painting a Nordic Tug by Bobbi Martin |
11:30 to 13:00 |
Lunch Hutchinson Island Marriott Resort |
13:00 to 13:30 |
Nordic Tug Telecon |
13:30 to 14:15 |
Skipper Saver course by Mike Knapp |
14:15 to 15:00 |
Hurricane Preparation by Warren Kern |
14:30 to 14:45 |
Break |
15:30 to 17:00 |
Tour of Florida Oceanographic Laboratories |
18:00 to …. |
Dinner (on your own) |
Day 3: Thursday, April 21
08:30 to 09:3 |
Breakfast (on your own) |
09:30 to 09:45 |
Business Meeting Tom Hollinger |
09:45 to 10:30 |
The Great Loop (tentative) |
10:30 to 10:45 |
Break |
10:45 to 11:30 |
Red Cross CPR Course |
11:30 to 13:00 |
Lunch Hutchinson Island Marriott Resort |
13:00 to 13:45 |
Rivers Coalition |
13:45 to 14:30 |
Florida Inland Navigation District (tentative) |
14:30 to 14:45 |
Break |
14:45 to 16:00 |
Boat Tour & Inspection USCG/USPS |
18:00 to …. |
Annual Dinner and Business Meeting Hutchinson Island Marriott Resort |
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2010 SENTOA RENDEZVOUS
Following
the rendezvous, for those interested a follow-on
cruise was held to Fernandina Beach,
FL, St Mary’s and Cumberland
Island, GA.
Marina at Ortega
Landing |
Day 1: Tuesday, April
20
12:00 to 17:00 |
Arrival and
registration |
17:00 to 19:00 |
Cocktails
at Ortega Landing |
19:00 to … |
Dinner - On your own |
Day 2: Wednesday, April 21
08:30 to 09:30 |
Breakfast at Ortega Landing |
09:30
to 09:45 |
Welcome (Commodore Hollinger) |
09:45 to 10:15 |
History of Jacksonville
Area |
10:15 to 10:30 |
Break |
10:30 to 12:00 |
Traveling the Canals of
France (Capt. Eaton) |
12:00 to 13:00 |
Lunch at Ortega Landing |
13:00 to 15:00 |
Boat Safety Checks & Boat
Visits |
15:00 to 15:15 |
Group Picture |
15:15 to 15:30 |
Break |
15:30 to 16:30 |
How
to be Prepared to Receive Assistance (Tow
Boat US) |
18:00 to … |
Dinner on your own |
Day 3: Thursday, April 22
08:30 to 09:30 |
Breakfast at Ortega Landing |
09:30 to 10:30 |
Safely Navigating an Unknown
Inlet |
10:30 to 10:45 |
Break
|
10:45 to 12:00 |
The Right Whale and Its
Habitat |
12:00 to 13:00 |
Lunch at Ortega Landing |
13:00 to 17:00 |
Boat
Visits and Side Trip to Shops of Avondale |
14:00 to 16:30 |
Cruising the Bahamas |
18:00 to … |
Annual Dinner and Business
Meeting at Pastiche (Cash Bar) |
Day 3: Thursday, April
22
Depart Marina for Fernandina
Beach, ST. Mary's and Cumberland Island Cruise |
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2009 SENTOA Rendezvous
The South East Nordic
Tug Owners Association (SENTOA) held its 2009 Rendezvous
at The Harborage Marina on the St. Lucie River in Stuart,
Florida on April 21st to 23rd. Arriving were 13 Nordic
Tugs and with those owners who arrived by car, the total
attendance was 42 members and guests. Docked together
at the Marina, the tugs, ranging from 26 to 42 feet,
attracted a lot of favorable attention from the large
crowds touring replicas of Columbus' 1492 fleet that
were also stopped at the marina.
The program opened on Tuesday, the 21st with a bountiful
evening cocktail party sponsored by Nordic Tugs, Inc.
The Wednesday program was highlighted by a fine presentation
of Treasure Coast boating lore by Ed Killer of the Scripps-Howard
newspapers, talks on what to do when the GPS quits, advice
from veteran Nordic Tug owner Bob Calves on living aboard,
boating courtesies, and representatives from the famed
Chapman School of Seamanship who conducted a practice
seminar on "boat handling for the docking challenged" among
us.
The final day's program including a very popular Maintenance
Roundtable conducted by local mechanic Mark Hubby who
adroitly fielded questions on everything from heads to
engines. This was followed by a several hour presentation
on the latest in electronics (AIS) and concluded with
a field demonstration of emergency responses by Sea Tow.
At the closing dinner it was decided that the 2010 Rendezvous
will be held in the Jacksonville Florida area, an active
boating center. For further information, call Dr. Tom
Hollinger at 352-392-4477 or e-mail thollinger@ufl.edu.
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Nor
and Kat Hazs' Nordic Tug 26, Adante,
26-003 |
|
Hollinger’s
NT 42-028 heading out for docking
instruction
with the Chapman School |
Click
on Photos to Enlarge
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Day 1: Tuesday, April
21
12:00 to 5:00 |
Arrival and registration |
5:00 to 7:00 |
Cocktails at the Harborage
(Courtesy of Nordic Tugs, Inc.) |
7:00
to … |
Dinner - On your own |
Day 2: Wednesday, April 22
8:30 to 9:30 |
Breakfast at the Harborage
Yacht Club and Marina |
9:30 to 10:00 |
Welcome (Commodore Keltner) |
10:00 to 10:30 |
Treasure Coast and Bahamian
Boating (Ed Killer) |
10:30 to 10:45 |
Break (Snacks and Coffee) |
10:45 to 12:00 |
What to Do When the GPS Quits
(USPS) |
12:00 to 1:00 |
Lunch at the Harborage Yacht
Club and Marina |
1:00 to 1:45 |
Living on a Tug (Bob Calves) |
1:45 to 2:45 |
Yachting
Customs & Courtesies
(Joe Tringali) |
2:45 to 3:00 |
Refreshments |
3:00 to 4:30 |
Boat Handling
for the Docking Challenged (Chapman
School of Seamanship) |
4:30 to 5:30 |
Tour-a-Tug and Vessel
Safety Inspections (USCGA) |
6:00
to … |
Dinner on your own
(Free Van Service 1800 to 2200) |
Day 3: Thursday, April 23
8:30 to 9:30 |
Breakfast at the Harborage
Yacht Club and Marina |
9:30 to 10:30 |
Maintenance Round Table (Mark
Hubby) |
10:30 to 10:45 |
Break (Coffee and snacks) |
10:45 to 12:00 |
What’s
New and Good in Electronics (Dennis Close) |
12:00 to 1:00 |
Lunch at the Harborage Yacht
Club and Marina |
1:00 to 2:00 |
AIS Systems
(Dennis Close) |
2:00 to 2:15 |
Refreshments |
2:15 to 4:15 |
Demonstration
of Emergency Responses (SeaTow) |
6:00
to … |
Annual Dinner and Business
Meeting at the Harborage Yacht
Club and Marina |
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2008 SENTOA Rendezvous
The fifth annual SENTOA
Rendezvous is history! Thirty-nine owners and
eight Nordic Tugs found their way to Punta Gorda,
Florida and Fishermen’s Village Yacht
Basin for a day and a half chock full of seminars and
evening social activities, April 22-24, 2008.
Two tugs, a 26’ and a 32’
from Satellite Beach, Florida, successfully negotiated
the shallow Okeechobee Waterway to cruise to the Rendezvous. Another
26’ joined them at Franklin Lock on the Waterway
for the rest of the way to Fishermen’s Village. The
other five tugs hailed from Clearwater, Ft. Myers,
Naples (2) and Punta Gorda on Florida’s west
coast. It’s
always a treat to see a group of Nordic Tugs together!
When the attendees entered
the seminar room they quickly spotted a poster with
a map showing the location of the 57 Nordic Tugs
in Florida. Each
Tug was color coded by size. The poster showed
a baker’s dozen more Tugs on the east coast. The
57 tugs consist of twenty five 32s, sixteen 37s, nine
26s and seven 42s. Imagine all of them
at a Rendezvous!!
In his welcome address,
the Vice Mayor of Punta Gorda presented the City’s plans for new waterfront
development. Punta Gorda recently opened a new
municipal marina and will be establishing four mooring
fields and providing water taxi and pump out services
for boaters. One existing motel has slips and
will be adding to them. Another motel is under
construction that will also provide slips. The
Vice Mayor and the City want Punta Gorda to be a “boating
destination”!
How fortunate we were
to have a long time Captain of a Sightseeing and
Fishing Fleet give us some history of Punta Gorda
and Charlotte Harbor laced with bits of humor! We
found out that Ponce de Leon was wounded by an indian’s
arrow in his backside during his expedition to Punta
Gorda. He
subsequently died as a result of that wound (not funny). This
is the humorous part. It was reported some of
our attendees went to check the statue of Ponce de
Leon to see if the arrow was left in his butt!
Claiborne Young is a wealth
of information! He,
along with co-author of “Cruising the Florida
Keys”, Morgan Stinemetz, reported first-hand
observations of places to visit, or not, in the Keys. Claiborne
also presented changes and up to date information on
destinations in his latest edition of “Cruising
Guide to Western Florida”. In addition
to his guides, Claiborne’s web site www.cruisersnet.net has
lots of information including daily postings from boaters
with conditions on the waterways.
Claiborne has been involved
with the Right to Anchor issue in Florida. Anchoring
is getting more and more complicated as municipalities
try to restrict or forbid anchoring in violation
of Florida law. The case in Marco Island that
was won by the boaters is being appealed at the
state level. The ruling there will set the
stage for anchoring in all of Florida and perhaps
the federal level. Claiborne is hoping
the issue will be settled before the Florida Fish
and Wildlife Department gets involved. That
would give the issue still another “twist”! Keep
track of the issue on his web site.
Chip Worster, former SENTOA
Commodore and now a member of the volunteer SENTOA
Listserv Administrative Team, reviewed his handout
of the List Rules for posting, how to post and emphasized
the need for courtesy and accuracy in all postings. Nordic Tug personnel
monitor postings and participate as needed to help
solve situations so remember to include your tug’s
number in your signature. For example: 26-145. That
tells the factory when your tug was built and they
can see if others have a similar issue. So far,
annual, voluntary, $15 contributions to SENTOA allow
the site to continue.
If you see a Nordic Tug
on patrol in the Naples, Florida area with signs
saying “United States
Coast Guard Auxiliary”, it would be SENTOA member
Clois Kicklighter who is Commander of Flotilla 93. “Sea
Slug” might be the only Nordic Tug in this line
of duty on the west coast of Florida! Clois explained
the Auxiliary is a non-military, volunteer arm of the
Coast Guard. He described the Auxiliary’s
missions for recreational boating safety and Coast
Guard support and member services activities.
Hands on activities proved
to be very popular. The training chief and fire marshal
along with five other members of the Punta Gorda
Fire Department provided extinguishers, detailed
instructions and a very hot fire that each person
put out! An American Red
Cross training specialist proved her point that trying
to follow audio directions without training didn’t
work!! She stressed the need for everyone to
get certified and those whose certification has run
out to take the two hour refresher course in CPR and
AED (automatic external defibrillator).
Al Golden, President,
International Marine Insurance Services, walked us
through the points owners should be looking at when
shopping for boat insurance. He
stressed the importance of reading the exclusions on
a policy and finding out if your personal boat property
is covered under your homeowner’s policy. Al
responded to many questions and reminded the group
that insurance is NOT REGULATED! Not by the state
or the federal government so prices will vary! The
Chesapeake has the cheapest insurance and Florida’s
insurance is a “nightmare”! One
insurance company is issuing rates based on a person’s
credit score! He suggested having an attorney
or an agent you can trust look at a policy. He
warned not to put in a claim for a small amount of
money. Insurance companies allow 2 strikes (claims)
and then your policy is canceled.
The Nordic Tug factory
is always supportive of the Rendezvous and makes
sure a representative is present. We again
had the privilege of having Bob Shamek, Sales Manager,
with us. Bob provided
a virtual tour of the Nordic Tug factory emphasizing
the changes that make assembly easier. The slides
of the new assembly building and tugs under construction
showed how large and complex the process is! Sales
of Nordic Tugs have expanded to European and
Asian Markets. While efforts for sales have increased
outside the United States, manufacturing will not be
moving off shore!
First mates learned how
to “nag” their
skippers to teach them about their tugs so they would
know what to do when things go wrong at sea. While
the first mates were learning how to deal with mechanical
failures, electrical problems, taking on water, medical
emergencies, fire, weather and sinking situations,
the skippers were enriching their knowledge about managing
batteries, inverters and chargers. The skippers
couldn’t believe the first mates needed to be
taught how to “nag”!! They
would like to hear the First Mates Program in the future! The
First Mate’s Program was developed by Bill Wildman,
US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 93, Naples, Florida
who along with Commander Clois Kicklighter shared the
presentation. The skipper’s program was
conducted by local electronics expert Gerry Misener. NOTE: Clois
and Bill also conducted very thorough vessel safety
checks. They even included dinghies!
SENTOA’s future was assured when volunteers
came forward to fill officer and committee chairs. New
officers and committee chairs will be posted at SENTOA’s
web site. Members
are asked to contact committee chairs to volunteer
their assistance!
NEW FOR FALL 2008!! A mostly social, week
end gathering in the fall is being planned so owners
will have another opportunity to get to know each other. Look
for announcements of the meeting that will be held
in late October or early November somewhere in Central
Florida.
The 2009 SENTOA Rendezvous
will be in Stuart, Florida.
The seminars, social activities
and the silent auction were great successes thanks
to everyone’s
interest and participation! The silent auction
was an excuse for everyone to kid and bid against each
other. It is a known fact that Nordic Tuggers
are a happy group! They certainly know
how to have fun at a Rendezvous!
The spectacular sunsets
each evening during the social activities at the
Captain’s Table
Restaurant on the waterfront at Fishermen’s Village
were an unadvertised bonus!! One couple who went
exploring on some free time said, “We really
enjoyed funky Punta Gorda!"
2008
SENTOA Rendezvous Schedule |
4/22/08 |
12:00 to 5:00 pm |
Arrival, registration,
information |
|
5:00 pm |
Captain’s Table Restaurant
at Fishermen’s Village with heavy hors
D’oeuvres and cash bar |
|
4/23/08 |
8:30 to 9:30 am |
Full, hot breakfast |
|
9:30 to 10:30 am |
Welcome to Punta Gorda - Mayor Larry
Friedman
Brief History Charlotte Harbor and Punta Gorda – Capt.
Ralph Allen |
|
10:30 to 10:45 am |
Break |
|
10:45 am to 12:00 pm |
“Cruising the West Coast of
Florida” – Author, Claiborne Young |
|
12:00 to 1:00 pm |
Lunch Buffet and optional “How
to use the List-Serv”- Chip Worster |
|
1:00 to 1:30 pm |
“Right to anchor in Florida?” – Court
Case Update, Claiborne Young |
|
1:30 to 2:15 pm |
SENTOA’S Future - Commodore
Bill Keltner |
|
2:15 to 2:30 pm |
Break |
|
2:30 to 3:00 pm |
“What is the Coast Guard Auxiliary?” – Commander
Clois Kicklighter |
|
3:00 to 4:00 pm |
Hands on putting out a fire – Chief
Ray Briggs, Punta Gorda FD
|
|
3:00 to 4:00 pm |
Hands on AED (Automatic External Defibrillator)
and new CPR –
Jennifer Prescott, American Red Cross |
|
4:00 pm |
Vessel Safety Checks (Fishermen’s
Village Yacht Basin) |
|
4:00 pm |
Tug Crawl (Fishermen’s Village
Yacht Basin) |
|
4/24/08 |
7:45 to 8:45 am |
Full, hot breakfast |
|
8:45 to 10:15 am |
“What’s Going on With
Boat Insurance?” – Al Golden, International
Marine Insurance Services |
|
10:15 to 10:30 am |
Break |
|
10:30 to 11:00 am |
Nordic Tug News – NT Factory
Representative |
|
11:00 am to 12:00 pm |
“Skippers-How are you managing
your house power? That is, your
batteries, charger and inverter?” – Jerry
Misener, Punta Gorda West
Marine |
|
11:00 am to 12:00 pm |
“First Mates-What do you do
when things go wrong at sea?” –
Commander, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Clois Kicklighter |
|
12:00 to 12:30 pm |
Optional - Planning après Rendezvous
cruise April 25-28 –
Minnie and George Osteyee, Cruise Leaders |
|
Afternoon |
Afternoon on your own! Many activities
to choose from or just relax
and enjoy! |
|
6:00 pm |
Banquet (Cash Bar) and Silent Auction
Captain’s Table Restaurant, Fishermen’s
Village |
|
4/25/08 |
10:00 am |
Begin après Rendezvous cruise |
Attendees |
Vessel Size and Name |
Bush, Thomas and Rosita |
42 The Thomas B* |
Carter, Ron and Peggy |
42 Sedona* |
Chance, John and Marjorie |
26 Daisy II |
Doyle, Mike and Winter, Bunny |
37 Options |
Eaton, Gary and Carolyn |
37 Tugsy Sea Gull |
Hassell, Jeff, Laura and Susie |
32 Toto* |
Hollinger, Thomas |
42 Penelope |
Jones, Roger and Haretos, Margaret |
32 Seren Clare |
Keltner, Bill and Diane |
37 Tugnacious |
Kicklighter, Clois and Joan |
32 Sea Slug* |
McKinney, Joe and Shirley |
26 Easy Go'n |
Morris, Jeff and Keener, Kate |
37 Adventure-Us |
Nostrand, Jack and Rick |
32 Tranquil Tug* |
Osteyee, George and Minnie |
42 Muggins* |
Scott, Talmadge and Holly |
26 Holly Anne |
Shamek, Bob |
Nordic Tugs Factory |
Smith, Alan and Annette |
Former Owners of Omega |
Wildman, Bill |
Guest on Sea Slug |
Wiggins, Bob and Emily |
26 Tugaloo* |
Worster, Chip and Louise |
26 Chip Ahoy* |
* Attended by boat |
2007 SENTOA Rendezvous
The Historic A1A
Ale House in downtown St. Augustine was buzzing with
chatter and laughter as “tuggers” renewed
old friendships and made new friends while sharing boating
stories at the initial gathering April 17, 2007. Ten
Nordic Tugs decorated the marina and 42 members were
ready to attend the roundtables to pick up new information
starting early the next morning.
Some of the buzz during the evening
consisted of a rumor that Nordic Tugs was going to
introduce a 47’ model. Sure
enough, Bob Shamek from the Nordic Tug Factory in his “Welcome
from Nordic Tugs” remarks the next morning burst
forth with the formal announcement that indeed there
is going to be a 47’ Nordic Tug designed by Naval
Architect, Howard Apollonio. It will be offered
both with and without a flybridge by June 2008. It
will have a single Cummins engine QSM 610 hp, 2 staterooms,
2 full heads, 16’5” beam and a tunnel drive
with a draft of 48”. It has 1000 gals fuel
capacity and 400 gals water. Cruise 15 kts @ 23 gph. Top
cruise 18 kts @ 31 gph. It will have a 3000 nm
range @ 7 kts. Weight is expected to be 57,600
lbs. Base price between $875,000-$900,000. Bob
issued an open invitation to visit the factory to see
the new 47’ under construction as well as the new
30,000 sq. ft. assembly building and 7500 sq. ft. addition
to the lamination building. A new 32’ Nordic
Tug has been designed with a tunnel drive and has done
well on tests. Bob urged members to visit the Nordic
Tugs web site to update address changes and boat changes
so the factory can reach owners when necessary. Tammy
Anderson has returned to the factory and is taking up
the helm in the marketing department.
Roundtable discussions were set
up so between captains and first mates, no information
would be lost! Presentations included a “Captain’s Briefing” by
John Tyson, Cummins Power South, a relationship
saving “How to Dock Without Fear and Loathing” by
member Doug Folkerth, “A Boatyard Owner’s
Perspective” by Tom Holland of Holland Marine,
tasty samples of “Easy Hors d’oeuvres” by
co president Louise Worster, “55 Tips and Tricks
for Nordic Tuggers in 55 Minutes” by co president
Chip Worster and “A Surveyor’s View and the
Marine Track System” by Jack Allinson, II, Marine
Surveyor.
Raymarine was represented by Greg
Porter who informed the group of new products and available
free upgrades for the C series Chart Plotters either
from dealers or the Raymarine.com website. All
you need to download from the website is a blank compact
flash card.
Members Leslie and Doug Folkerth
took us on the Great Circle Loop as they showed us
a photo history of their cruise aboard Happy Clamz,
NT 32-127 during the past year. They will cross their wake and complete the
Loop after the St John’s River cruise following
the Rendezvous in Jacksonville.
At the business meeting we learned
from Treasurer, Diane Keltner, via an excellent visual
display, there are 140 SENTOA Members. 80 of
those members are active meaning they have voluntarily
sent in annual dues of $15.00 to support the SENOA
List and mailings/postage.
Co president Chip Worster announced
Ruth Jansson is stepping down as Admin List Leader. The members
voted to present Ruth with a West Marine gift certificate
as a token of our appreciation for her work and also
voted to give our web master, Herb Nickles (http://sentoa.org/)
a West Marine gift certificate for the fine job he is
doing. A big THANK YOU and round of applause was
given to Bob Shamek for coming all the way from Washington
to represent the Nordic Tug Factory and Nordic Tugs for
their support to help make the Rendezvous possible.
New officers for SENTOA will have
new titles. Members
voted to align with other clubs and change the by laws
to read officers shall be known as Commodore and Vice
Commodore. Bill Keltner, “Tugnacious”,
NT 37-022 and Alan Smith, “Omega”, NT 32-324
will take over for retiring co presidents, Chip and Louise
Worster, “Chip Ahoy”, NT 26-145, as Commodore
and Vice Commodore, respectively. Diane Keltner
will remain as Treasurer. Chip and Louise have
worked tirelessly for the past two years and have brought
SENTOA to this successful point. They assured everyone
they are going to stay involved! THANK YOU!
During the final morning of the
Rendezvous we heard an excellent presentation by Ed
Massey, our Southeast Nordic Tug Dealer about “Florida’s Boating
Future”. Ed is a native Floridian and has
watched Florida’s growth. He noted the disappearance
of working boat yards that are being taken over for development.
Trailerable boats are more numerous than slip boats thus
giving that group more voting power. This is manifested
by government mandating space for boat ramp sites. The
argument over “access rights” is in court
to decide the ability to anchor one’s boat. Ed
stated municipalities can request from the State to set
their own codes. He said the boating industry is
being unduly blamed for derelict vessels and sewage disposal/pollution
problems. He insisted pollution is caused by runoff
from properties. Waterway maintenance funds have
decreased and there is a need for more city owned marinas. He
urged associations like ours to get involved to affect
change. Ed predicts Florida will remain a great
boating state although there will be some restrictions
on freedom of movement. He ended with, “It’s
a good time to buy a condo/home and trade up a boat with
more inventory available. Real Estate and Boating
go together. Best deals now!!” Ed gave
each attendee Nordic Tug caps to wear to spread the word
about our tugs!
The Banquet and Silent Auction
(new this year with attendees bringing items) along
with prizes obtained by Leslie and Doug Folkerth were
smashing successes!! The
Rendezvous ended as it started with everyone having a
great time!
The great success of the Rendezvous
belongs to Jack Nostrand, “Tranquil Tug”,
NT 32-132 for selecting St. Augustine and planning/coordinating
all the events.
The spring 2008 SENTOA Rendezvous
will be somewhere on Florida’s west coast in April
where Minnie and George Osteyee, “Muggins”,
NT 42-067 will be chairs. Please
contact them to volunteer for planning committees and
offer site suggestions and ideas/requests for seminars
and speakers (mlosteyee@aol.com,
941-380-9277).
2007
SENTOA Rendezvous Schedule |
4/17/07 |
12:00 to 5:00 pm |
Arrive at St.
Augustine Marina |
|
5:00 pm |
Social get together at
A1A Ale House (Cash bar and
hors d’oeuvers) |
|
4/18/07 |
8:00 am |
Continental breakfast at A1A
Ale House |
|
9:00 am |
Welcome and introductions
from SENTOA, Massey Yachts, Nordic Tugs and Cummins. |
|
10:00 to 11:00 am |
Roundtable sessions 1 |
|
11:15 am to 12:15 pm |
Roundtable sessions 2 |
|
12:15 to 1:15 pm |
Lunch |
|
1:15 to 2:00 pm |
Medicine at Sea (Dr. Tom Zavelson) |
|
2:00 to 2:45 pm |
Florida’s
boating future (Ed Massey) |
|
2:45 to 3:30 pm |
Report from the Nordic Tug
Factory (tba) |
|
3:30 to 4:00 pm |
Business
Meeting & election
of officers |
|
4:00 pm |
Boat hopping and sharing ideas,
1 on 1 consultation with pros and vessel safety
checks |
|
4/19/07 |
Morning & Afternoon |
The day been set aside to
visit historic St. Augustine (ride the sightseeing
train, visit the Lightner Museum, the Tiffany exhibit
or stroll down St. George Street.) |
|
5:30 pm |
Cocktail party (cash bar)
in A1A banquet room |
|
7:00 pm |
Banquet dinner – awards – raffle |
|
4/20/07 |
Morning |
Parade of Tugs under the
Bridge of Lions. Farewell or
commence beginning of St. John’s
River cruise. |
Attendees |
Vessel Size and Name |
Berry, Chuck |
Former Owner of 32 Adriana |
Brant, Elizabeth |
32 Coda |
Cross, Bob |
|
Folkerth, Doug and Leslie |
32 Happy Clamz* |
Fox, Cheryl |
|
Haretos, Peggy |
|
Hightower, Steve and Chris |
37 Nevermore |
Johnson, Terry and Karen |
32 Green Bean* |
Jones, Roger |
32 Seren Clare* |
Joslin, Dennis and Carole |
32 Sunset Lady* |
Keltner, Bill and Diane |
37 Tugnacious |
Kicklighter, Clois and Joan |
32 Sea Slug |
Knauer, Janet |
|
Massey, Ed |
Nordic Tugs Dealer |
McKinney, Joe and Shirley |
26 Easy Go'n |
Merwin, Mary |
32 Proud Mary* |
Mortenson, Tom |
32 Tomfoolery |
Nostrand, Jack and Rick |
32 Tranquil Tug* |
Olson, Roger and Dixie |
37 Bubbles |
Osteyee, George and Minnie |
42 Muggins |
Owens, Bob and Susan |
26 Tugly |
Pisano, Ray and Mary Anne |
32 Tugntime |
Rieckmann, Blair |
|
Rothman, Les and Louise |
37 Autumn Saga |
Shamek, Bob |
Nordic Tugs Factory |
Smith, Alan and Annette |
32 Omega* |
Tabbot, Jerry and Diane |
26 Lady Diane II* |
Van deVoorde, Neil and |
|
Wiggins, Bob and Emily |
26 Tugaloo* |
Worster, Chip and Louise |
26 Chip Ahoy* |
* Attended by boat |
Special Thanks to our Official Sponsors:
2006 SENTOA Rendezvous
The 2006 SENTOA Rendezvous was held at
the Hawks Cay Marina on the 7th, 8th, and 9th of April
2006. The upscale Hawks Cay Marina is located in the central
Florida Keys on Duck Cay.. Nearby attractions include
diving, fishing and golf. On site facilities include a
swimming lagoon, dolphin encounter, several swimming pools,
fitness center, and tennis and excellent meeting rooms.
Kudos to Judy Hogan for coordinating this years rendezvous.
This year we awarded appreciation awards
to three special people: Bob Shamek from NordicTugs, Jim
Cress from Skipper Cress, and our own Al Casanova. All
three recipients have contributed greatly to the success
of our organization. We also presented Nordic Tug coffee
mugs from Tugwear for the newest tug to Nevermore, and
a mug to the oldest tug. The tug that came the greatest
distance was Bill and Diane Keltner from Green Cove Springs.
We also presented the “Bent Prop Award” (one
year unlimited towing from Tow Boat US) to Steve and Chris
Hightower who had to be towed into Hawks Cay because of
bad fuel.
Thanks to the effort of Doug and Leslie
Folkerth, we were able to award a door prize to every
person attending this year. The special door prize this
year was a Boss Boat dingy donated by Clearwater Marine
Group and the happy winner was Jack Nostrand.on Tranquil
Tug.
We are able to maintain a top notch
rendezvous due to all our contributors. A special thanks
for continuing support from Nordic Tug, Cummins Diesel,
and Jim and Stephanie Cress. Jim moved back to Nordic
Tugs in Washington State in February. Ed Massey from Massey
Yachts Sales and Service was introduced as the new Nordic
Tug Dealer for the Southeast. Ed presented everyone with
a new Nordic Tug Burgee as well as a West Marine gift
certificate. We look forward to a long and pleasant relationship
with Judy and Ed Massey.
Attendees |
Vessel Size and Name |
Berry, Chuck and Marty |
32 Adriana |
Bush, Tom |
42 The Thomas B * |
Casanova, Al and Marlene |
32 Almar Too * |
Cress, Jim and Stephanie |
52 Big Fun * |
Farnham, John and Dorothy |
32 Dolly |
Folkerth, Doug and Leslie |
32-Happy Clamz |
Galvin, Richard and Barbara |
32 Tuggy Bear * |
Gannett, John and Pat |
32 Capt. Howard |
Hightower, Steve and Chris |
37 Nevermore * |
Hjerpe, Bill and Donna |
32 Resolute * |
Hogan, Brad and Judy |
32 Popeye * |
Jones, Roger |
32 Seren Clare |
Keltner, Bill and Diane |
37 Tugnacious * |
Kicklighter, Clois and Joan |
32 Sea Slug * |
Nostrand, Jack,Rick and Neita |
32 Tranquil Tug * |
Osteyee, George and Minnie |
42 Muggins * |
Plummer, Bill and Barbara |
42 Lady Barbara * |
Rothman, Leslie and Louise |
37 Autumn Saga * |
Shamek, Bob |
Nordic Tugs Factory |
Sloan, John and Carol |
32 Buffalo Wings |
Smith, Alan and Annette |
32 Omega * |
Somes, Dan and Karen |
37 Retriver |
White, Bob and Doris |
Guest |
Wildman, Bill and Sharon |
Guest |
Worster, Chip and Louise |
26 Chip Ahoy * |
* Attended by boat |
2005 SENTOA Rendezvous
The 2005 South East Nordic Tug Owners
Association (SENTOA) rendezvous was held at the Radisson
Bahia Mar Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on
April 15, 16 and 17.
The Bahia Mar resort complex is the home of the Fort Lauderdale
Boat Show and it is located at the center of all those
activities that make Fort Lauderdale such an incredible
destination. 2005 marked the third anniversary of the
founding of SENTOA and without any doubts the 2005 Rendezvous
was very special. We received strong support from organizations
listed below and special sponsorships from Nordic Tugs,
SkipperCress Yacht Sales and Cummins. The seminars included
a CPR demonstration as well as a discussion on the merits
of having a defibrillator on board, what to do if you
are boarded by the Coast Guard or other law enforcement
agency, cruising the Great Loop, and our guest speaker,
Chuck Husick, former president of Chris Craft and frequent
contributor to a variety of boating magazines. In addition,
representatives from Nordic Tugs, Cummins, Northern Lights
and Skipper Cress were there to answer our questions about
maintenance and other topics. In 2005 we introduced the
“owners round table” where attendees were
able to discuss and share improvements, solution to problems,
cruising stories, etc. with other owners.
For those who brought their tugs, the
marina set aside an area so that we were all together.
For attendees who were unable to bring their tugs to the
rendezvous there were plenty of hotel accommodations in
the area plus the Bahia Mar resort oferred participants
a special rate.
The reasonably-priced rendezvous entry fee supplemented
sponsor donations for meals, refreshments, speaker fees
and rentals. Three meals on Saturday and a special Sunday
breakfast were provided. The Saturday dinner consisted
of an Italian Extravaganza which was superb. |