Trawler transat mount,” said Leishman. “While we will do all that we can to ensure a pleasant voyage, it is up to each captain to be responsible for the safety and conduct of his vessel and crew.” Staff from PAE will also be at each stopover to smooth the way by helping with government formalities, provisioning, fuel, and shore-side group activities. Plans call for the rally to ren-
ranean. At the conclusion of the rally, there is a “playground waiting for them in the Med and rest of Europe,” said Leishman. In Europe, participants will have the option of cruising in groups or singly, making the return voyage, or taking advantage of arrangements made by PAE to have their boats shipped home at a discount rate. While the rally will provide a chance for cruisers to test the passagemaking prowess of their vessels in a fun but secure environment, it will also demonstrate the long-range capabilities of even small, displacement powerboats. “Advancements in naval architecture and boat-building technology have created a class of full displacement vessels with remarkable sea-keeping abilities and incredible cruising ranges,” said Leishman. “We build Nordhavns to make adventure possible and this event will help introduce a whole new group of people to the thrills of
dezvous at PAE’s Portsmouth, Rhode Island, office in May where each vessel will be inspected for condition and equipment requirements. Weather permitting, the fleet—traveling in two groups according to speed capability and the owner’s desire—will leave about May 20 for the 600-mile crossing to Hamilton, Bermuda. About June 1, they’ll set off for Horta, Azores, an 1,800-mile passage that will take between eight and 11 days. The final leg of 1,100 miles is scheduled to start about June 25 for Gibraltar, gateway to the Mediter-
transoceanic passagemaking.” To capture some of those thrills, Bruce Kessler, a circumnavigating yachtsman and retired TV/film director, will accompany the rally to make a documentary film. With the popularity of reality TV and cable outlets catering to outdoor adventure, Kessler and TV producer Jo Swerling Jr. hope to generate network interest with stories of the voyage and its participants. To learn more about the rally, call PAE at 949-496-4848, or visit www.nordhavn.com. C
T
he first-ever trans-Atlantic rally for ocean-going motorboats is a go for next summer. The Nordhavn Atlantic Rally 2004 is being organized by Pacific Asian Enterprises in hopes the event will tweak the spirit of adventure among trawler yacht owners and at the same time showcase the technical advances in nautical design that make such an event possible. Beginning in Newport, Rhode Island, in late May, the 3,500-nauticalmile voyage will conclude at Gibraltar after stops at Bermuda and the Azores. Staff from PAE will accompany the convoy in two or more Nordhavns, and provision will be made for coping with medical and mechanical emergencies at sea. Jim Leishman, vice-president of PAE, said sponsorship of the rally will set PAE further apart from its competitors. “So many people today have some money and have some time, and they want to do something meaningful. With the rally, we’ll be giving them a fabulous adventure,” said Leishman. “People want to share adventures, so we’ll give them a fleet of boats to travel with. Most people want a little bit of risk but, ultimately, they want to be safe. So, we’ll provide an escort and support.” The rally will not be limited to the Nordavn line of ocean-going powerboats; other qualified vessels can take part. PAE will establish basic requirements such as range of at least 2,500 miles at 7 knots. “Transoceanic passagemaking is a serious business and safety is para96 · CIRCUMNAVIGATOR 2003
Map: Roberta Cooke Voteary
A fleet of passagemakers will convoy to the Med