The first Nordhavn model was the N46 and hull number one was delivered 34 years ago. In those intervening years, 28 Nordhavn models and variants have been designed and today over 600 Nordhavns ply the oceans of the world.
The word “Nordhavn” grew from obscurity to becoming the gold standard of beautiful and capable ocean crossing power boats. When the first Nordhavn was introduced in 1989, it was commonly believed that the only way to cross oceans was in a sailing boat. It is not too hyperbolic to say that Nordhavn changed to world.
After so many years, most Nordhavns have had multiple owners, some as many as 5-6 owners. That means that thousands of people have owned Nordhavns and when we count spouses and family and friends, it means that tens of thousands of people have experienced life aboard a Nordhavn.
Nordhavns are beloved and cherished and there is a wonderful cult following of the brand by thousands of people around the world.
Despite this introduction, this article is NOT about Nordhavns, meaning the boats that represent the brand. Actually, just the opposite. This article is about PEOPLE and a reminder that Nordhavns are simply a vehicle, a (beautiful) fiberglass box of machinery and creature comforts and systems that opens the door to incredible adventures and fun and memories and experiences that might not otherwise be had.
Anyone who is reading this article has already no doubt enjoyed the dozens and hundreds (thousands) of videos and web sites and Nordhavn owner stories that are all over the internet. We see the beauty of the sea, adventure, warm family times, friendships, people expanding their comfort zone, passion, satisfaction of accomplishment, overcoming adversity and more and more. Memories are made which last a lifetime. We see these stories and videos so frequently these days that we have evolved to a point where it’s all – more or less – taken for granted. Then a video comes along that resets the “wow” factor. And such a video arrived in my in-box last week.
Many of you have followed the adventures of the N68 Dragon owned by Erin and John Ellis. John has harnessed his frenetic energy and directed it into a life of adventure on his beloved Nordhavn. Dragon was part of the “Convoy” traveling to Mexico last week. As the waters got warmer each day on their travel south and the ocean’s bounty of fish grew, John decided jump in and take a look. With his trusty Go-Pro camera, John captured a baitfish boil and the hyper activity that goes on just under the surface and is rarely seen.
When I wrote to John about it, his words captured everything that we at PAE want people to feel when they cast off in a Nordhavn: “It was the most beautiful experience I’ve ever had and well, truthfully, I’ve had a few. Dragon seems to be a dimensional portal to the witnessing of amazing things.”
As you can see in the video, John was choked up with emotion from the experience that he had. See if it affects you that way. For sure, that is how it affected me.
Dan Streech
PAE Owner/President