Summer Newsletter - July 2011
Summer's here and hope everyone is enjoying it.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, it has been a soggy spring and early summer. The few blue sky days we've had have been just GRAND. Below is the update of what has been going on with Aspen.
Owner's Rendezvous - June 2011
The early June weekend of our owner's cruise to Jarrell's Cove was one of the most glorious of the year so far. Seventy-five degrees and crystal blue sky. The Olympic Mountains were still glowing with their winter snow pack. We had 4 boats and a wonderful group for the 3 day trip to South Puget Sound.
On the trip down, we saw 2 grey whales and had some nice 2-3 foot chop west of Seattle for a bit. Going under the new Narrows Bridge was a treat; as usual for me "against the tide." The dinner's, bonfires, dinghy tours, and camaraderie was grand. On Saturday, Reed Jopling and Nick tested the new swim platform kicker mount for the 2.5 hp tender motor and got to 3 kts before the flow of water behind the hull (from the speed) lowered the water level and the prop started to ventilate. We will adjust the mount for the lower propeller position and test again. Though, it was interesting to see a 28' cruiser gliding along nicely with a tiny little 27 pound outboard pushing it.
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| The Fleet at Jarrell's Cove | Nick Knee Boarding |
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| Barbeque - Great Food | Tall Stories by the Fire |
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| Reed's Kicker at 3 Kts | Lots of Pretty Boats |
Owner Feedback
Reed Jopling - "Pastiche"
Last night, we had a full boat load out on Lake Washington. It was quite rough, but the boat handled it very well.
Also, I was looking into purchasing B.C. charts since my machine only included U.S. and called Garmin because their web site shows the U.S. charts included B.C. charts, too. They sent me a free sd card with the B.C. charts. Because of the window of time between the shipping date from the factory and purchase date, we were able to receive the charts for free. (by post) Perhaps some of your other clients can benefit from this information if they received only U.S. charts. Also, we were able to download an update from our 2.4 software to 3.5 on line.
Bob Ullman - "SueSea B"
Got Paula up Saturday to see her new boat--Bill and Sandy were working on the final clean-up. She was a bit overwhelmed at how great our new boat turned out. I've had the luxury of watching her (the boat, that is) all the way through the process, but she hadn't seen it at all since that early visit to Nordic. We are so pleased with how she was built and how our choices (Corian, leather, etc.) turned out.
Alita Rethmeyer - "Catalita"
We arrived in Sidney, B.C. at 1:15 pm today, left the fuel dock at Cape Sante, Anacortes at 10:45 am. Made great time, rough water after passing Friday Harbor, used our Trusted Traveler SENTRI pass and cleared customs via phone. Very cool, as there were 8 vessels and a 45 minute wait that we skipped. We spent five years looking and now own the perfect boat!
Zhong Zhang - "East Dragon"
We ran over to Nanaimo and back to Vancouver and returned all the way back into Deep Cove and used only 40 gallons-amazing! Love the boat.
New Boat Deliveries
The last few months have been a steady flow of new boats completed.
First was the Jopling's "Pastiche", we talked about in the last newsletter.
Next was Mr. Zhang's "East Dragon" from Vancouver B.C. "East Dragon"is rigged to fish, she has the aft cockpit rail, depth sounders at the helm and in the cockpit, down rigger mounts and power in the cockpit walls, cockpit brow extension and an excellent pack of electronics.
Then, we reconfigured our East Coast demonstration boat for Curt and Alita Rethmeyer of Manhatten Beach, CA with several new options and a tender with a Tourketo electric motor that is charged from the solar panels. The Rethmeyers are cruising "Catalita" in the Northwest and B.C. waters before shipping her home next year.
Next up was Bob and Paula Ullman from Snohomish, almost our neighbors. Their new boat "SueSea B was special in many ways; she is the first with a built in 21" TV/Blueray player in the master stateroom, first the Ultra Leather dinette material, first with Corian counters in the galley/head, and first with a Webasto heater. The Ullmans are cruising north now. In their last message, they were about to enter Princess Louisa inlet to see Chatterbox Falls and the fjord.
Coming soon (end of July is "Aristocat") for Ron and Sherry Burr from Anacortes. "Aristocat" will be the second boat available for charter in Bellingham once it's complete and not in use by the Burr's. She's well equipped and ready to cruise.
Our production slots have filled up nicely this summer. Fall now has boats for B.C., Singapore and Puget Sound scheduled with many more percolating.
The Rethmeyer's
Mr. Zhang and Nick
The Jopling's
The Ullman's
New Options that are on the Ullman's "SueSea B"
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| 21" TV/Blueray Player | Dinette w/Ultra Leather, Basil |
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| Corian Counters | Corian 1/4 Berth Access |
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| Corian Counters - Head | Hailer & TV Antenna |
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| Jabsco Spotlight | Mast w/TV Antenna & Hailer |
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| LED Reading Lights overDinette | Neat Stainless Cup Holder |
August Trip Update - August 20th-26th
We had several itineraries from the last newsletter; the groups feedback was plan A, the first choice for this low key cruise; So far we have Aspen Fun 2, Artistocat, Pastiche, Brizo, Dream Creation and Catalita in the fleet. Here is the plan with a little more detail.
Saturday 20th, Meet at Sucia Island's Fossil Bay. Cathy and I will be leaving Bellingham about 10:30, so we should arrive about noon to one. I hope we can snag a few dock spaces, but I maybe dreaming, if not, we'll get a park buoy we can raft from. Plan is to say 2 nights; hike, fish, crab, and dinghy tour a bit.
Monday, 22nd, Pack up about 10 am and depart for Bedwell Harbor/Poets Cove (24 miles) we can clear customs here via phone and will be staying at the marina. It's a neat location; good hikes, nice pool, good sunsets, and two restaurants. Bring passports!
Tuesday, 23rd, Depart about 10 am for Butchart Gardens (22 miles). Plan would be to anchor back in Todd Inlet, lunch and dinghy around to the parks dock (1/2 mile) admittance is $29.00 per person. Swim platform goofy hats party - potluck dinner.
Wednesday, 24th, Depart about 10 am for Roche Harbor (32 miles). Clear customs, overnight at Roche Harbor, tour area art, mausoleum, ice-cream and more.
Thursday, 24th, Roll again about 10 am for Stuart Island State Park, (8 miles). Great hiking, dinghy touring, and fishing outside. Cast wrap party - dinner on the dock.
Friday, 24th, Open departure, we will be returning to Bellingham mid-morning. Some in the team plan to continue cruising together a few more days.
I have reserved dock space for the boats I know are planning to attend, if you are not on the list please call soon so I can add to our reservations.
2010 Trip to Princess Louisa
Pre-Owned Boats - Price Reduction
Get your boat before summers over.
Upcoming Boat Shows
Seattle Boats Afloat Show - September 14-18, 2011.
Come see us at the show.
All the best,
Larry & Team
