"The Path" is the Platform

"The Path", which is Northwest 45, hull #2, served as camera boat for the T2PTV (www.t2p.tv) production of the Governor's Cup Regatta, a 70 mile overnight race from Annapolis to the St. Marys River in Maryland. There were over 150 sailboats entered in the 35th annual running of this event.

An interesting shot of Robert Noyce at the helm with boat owner Patty Arcoleo navigating. T2P TV's Bruce Nairn can be seen in the reflection in the window. I see that Robert had the chips and dip close at hand.

The race had just about everything to offer. Thunderstorms, light air, and even one unfortunate grounding by the entry from the US Naval Academy. (you'd think those guys could navigate better) Here are the "lucky" midshipment out on the boom trying to get enough heel to get off the low spot they got hung up on. Even though they were hung up for 40 minutes, they still managed to finish with "line honors" (first to finish).

Robert is "racing" Donneybrook, here clocked at 10.2 knots going to windward. Donneybrook held the lead for much of the race, but in the end, the USNA midshipmen prevailed.

Here is Donneybrook crossing the line in second place.

Anema & Core finished 3rd in light air and early morning light.

To see complete video highlights of the race, go to http://www.t2p.tv/

Announcing.....Northwest 55

We are excited to announce the addition of the Northwest 55 to our lineup. We asked Steve Seaton to take a look at the existing design look of the Northwest 45 and 50 to see if he could keep the look and come up with a larger boat. Thus the 55 was born. Above is a very initial drawing of the profile with a new style flybridge that will offer great visibility but keep the lines of the boat looking streamlined.

As with all of our models, the NW55 can be tailored to each individual owner's tastes and requirements. Above is just one layout that will provide for 2 spacious staterooms with generous queen sized berths in each. The forward stateroom can be configured with individual bunks if requested.

The galley will truly be a gourmet's galley with incredible storage and a huge pantry area. Granite counters, Sub Zero refrigerator, Viking Range and Fisher Paykel drawer dishwasher are expected to be often chosen options.

The saloon will offer either free standing furniture or built-ins as possibilities. Exotic (sustainable) hardwoods and veneers will make the Northwest 55 a standout in its class.

This is one way to configure the flybridge and boat deck settee area. This arrangement has one helm chair and seating up top for 3 guests. There is an optional beverage cooler so you don't have to go below for refreshments. The settee on the boat deck will be a great entertainment area with the BBQ grill and sink just forward. Preliminary comments by prospective purchasers have been very favorable.

We are planning on making the John Deere 6125 (610hp) the standard engine which should deliver great performance when needed or very efficient cruising at displacement hull speeds. All of the options that we offer on the NW45 and 50 will be offered (sized appropriately) on the 55.

Steve Seaton tells me that we will have 1400 gallons of fuel. At 8 knots this should give the NW55 a range of about 2800 nm. Most people will opt for a watermaker, but there will be tankage for 400 gallons of water. Blackwater and graywater tankage has not been calculated yet, but I anticipate it to be close to 200 gallons.

If you have suggestions, please call or email me. My email address is peter@nwtrawlers.com

We have lots more to share. There is a new flybridge for the NW 45 and 50, but I will save that for another post.

A lot to update

Has it really been 2 months since my last update? I really didn't think I had that much to contribute but as I think back, a lot has happened in these past 2 months.

Steve Seaton Joins Us!!!

We are thrilled that Steve Seaton has joined us to continue the design phases for our current models as well as future models. Steve has over 35 years experience in yacht design. He designed the original Northern Marine series as well as many yachts built at Delta, Cheoy Lee, and other notable yards. His influence is already having a positive effect. More on that later.

Gene Kohlmann Joins Us!!!

We are proud to announce that Gene Kohlmann has been brought aboard as General Manager of Northwest Trawlers. Gene brings over 35 years experience in senior management in the yacht building industry. His contributions to the success of Ericson Yachts, Pacific Seacraft and more recently, Nordhavn are well known in the industry. We are truly excited to have Gene aboard.

Hull 3 is Launched

Hull #3 is nearing completion and we launched her this past week. Here she is just before they lowered here into the water.

Here she is in the water just before we pulled away for the first seatrial.

This boat has an optional John Deere 6125 engine that produces 610 horsepower at 2100 rpm. We observed a 2 way average of 16.75 knots in our initial seatrial. This, of course, was at "lightship" which is without full fuel, water, provisions, or gear. We anticipate that at cruise weight, we will have a 15 knot top speed, which is what we were hoping.

Above is the hand held GPS that we used to measure the speeds. This was the one way run and the other read out at 16.6 knots.

Back at the dock....

Hull 3 will be here for another 3 weeks or so for final commissioning. There still needs to be carpeting, electronics, and a few other interior items completed before we begin the process of delivering her to her new owners.

If you want to see hulls 1 or 3, please give us a call (866-370-5560) to schedule a viewing and a sea trial.