SENTOA.org

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!"

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).

Photos from the 2007 SENTOA Rendezvous

Special Thanks to our Official Sponsors:

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.

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.