Publish Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Coordinates: 38° 19.92′ N 76° 27.45′ W
A cool, windy and rainy week was the back drop for our first Trawlerfest as owners. What’s Trawlerfest you ask? An incredibly supportive, inspiring, and educational gathering of members of the trawler community brought together by Passagemaker Magazine. The 4-day whirlwind is filled with educational seminars in the mornings; roundtable discussions and demonstrations in the afternoon; an in-water boat show and on-land exhibits throughout the day; and evenings filled with good food, fun activities and new friends. I was exhausted when it was over. 🙂
We attended our first Trawlerfest, 8 years ago in Long Beach, CA when the seed for this adventure was planted. Since then we have attended others throughout the years in Paulsboro, WA and Stuart, FL. These gatherings provide invaluable information to the prospective buyer as well as seasoned owners.
We were thrilled when Nordhavn asked if they could use our boat in the show. It was a small way to “pay it forward” for all the boats we had been on over the years. We continued to live-aboard during the show—with the boat open for viewing between 10 to 5 each day. Ayla proved to be the “hostess with mostess” giving tours and answering questions about our adventures, while I attended seminars and Dave worked. Dilly was tolerant of the visitors, but soon decided sleeping in Dave’s locker would give her more privacy.
Although we have attended many boat shows, I had never really considered the logistics of getting all those boats organized bow-to-bow and side-to side separated only by a few well positioned fenders. It was incredible to watch—62 boats snuggled onto three floating docks.
During the event I learned about Close Quarter Maneuvering; My Diesel Engine; The Boat’s Electrical System; Marine Weather Forecasts; How to Pick a Boatyard; and, Cruising the ICW. The passion of the people presenting is almost palpable. I walked out of each seminar ready to put my new found knowledge to the test. Dave and Ray Danet (the gentleman from Nordhavn who sold us our boat) were more than patient with me, as I hauled them down to the engine room to ask questions, and badgered them with questions which would attempt to highlight my new understanding. Yes, I was like a kid with a hammer and they were kind enough to be my nails.
The camaraderie of this community is hard to describe, not just from the attendees, but all of vendors and presenters as well. Everyone is excited for one another’s adventures—there is a genuine sharing of information and skills, no matter what type of boat you have and what your skill level. There is a profound sense of unity, and everyone wanting others to successfully enjoy what our waterways and oceans have to share.
I can’t wait!!