One of the reasons Nordhavn is able to stay at the top of its game is because of the knowledge and experience of the ownership group, project management team and design staff. Earlier this spring, Nordhavn’s principles purchased a 2001 Nordhavn 57, GRANDE, to use for their own enjoyment away from the office. Jim Leishman and his wife, Sue, their sons James and Eric – both Nordhavn salesmen – and their families, have spent much of the summer aboard the boat cruising around the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. GRANDE was purchased from its original owners in Virginia, serviced and outfitted with upgraded equipment at Nordhavn’s commissioning center in North Palm Beach, and then shipped to Seattle, WA, where Jim and Sue climbed aboard. The 8-person-crew has traveled from Vancouver Island to Princess Louisa Sound; taken a float plane from Princess Louisa to Seattle, and visited the beautiful city of Victoria, (site of the 2022 Nordhavn Owners Rendezvous). While the main mission was for rest, relaxation and pleasure at sea, there’s a part ingrained in Jim Leishman, and partners, Dan Streech and brother, Jeff Leishman, that can’t help but use their time under way in the name of research – determining which features could be added or changed for the betterment of the time aboard. What options would make cruising easier, safer, more enjoyable or more comfortable? In truth, this is how all new Nordhavns are formed. Take what’s currently working and make it greater.
Last week the kids disembarked switching into school mode, leaving Jim and Sue to wrap up the last of their summer cruising solo. They’ll spend their last week making the trek south before handing the boat over to Jeff and his wife, Nancy, on Friday in Anacortes, WA, home of Nordhavn’s Northwest office. Jeff intends to tour the San Juan and Gulf islands and will switch out three groups of family members that include sons Drew, the project manager of the Nordhavn 41 and 51, and Bret, a commissioning tech in Dana Point, and their broods.