6th Annual NENTOA Rendevous

6th Annual NENTOA Rendevous

There were a record number of Nordic Tugs at Essex Island Marina for this 6th annual rendezvous of Nordic Tug owners held July 26-28. By the time the Pusser's Rum welcome party was about to start at 5 pm, 20 tugs and their crews were nestled in the marina, and 10 others were close by on moorings or at other facilities. Nine crews came by land this year. In all, a record 39 tug crews were present. The Pusser's Rum Party on the marina deck was a raging success. The Pusser's Rum, Painkiller and Grog mixers "slid down real easy accompanied by delicious hors d'oeuvres supplied by tuggers". The island music was soon drowned out as everyone met old friends and made new ones, talking tugs and swapping stories.

After a pot-luck supper and brief business meeting was followed by a slide show of photos and a cruising presentation. Exhausted from travel and a full evening of activity, the deck was quiet by 9 pm and the tugs were dark shortly thereafter. Wednesday morning's continental breakfast brought people together once again. After welcome and introductions, seminar session was held followed by lunch and a free afternoon which included boat-hopping, consulting with the many experts available to them, having Vessel Safety Checks and getting to know each other better.

On Friday a full buffet breakfast was followed by a Parade of Nordic Tugs and raftup in Hamburg Cove, following by an inaugural running of a Row/Paddle/Swim Poker Run and cocktail party.

There was a cruise to Long Island and 4th Annual Les Petites Bateaux Raftup on Sunday. The weather was perfect for boating and the sixth annual NENTOA rendezvous had come to a close. It was proclaimed a grand success by all!

"We are pleased to report that, as Admiral Vernon would have predicted, not a single one of our sailors became drunken and unruly. It was truly a delightful rum party. Thank you, Pusser's!"