SOLOMONS, MARYLAND
Our flagship show on the Patuxent River in Solomons, Maryland, was another fun and hugely successful event. The festivities got under way with our two-day PassageMaker University courses. The classrooms at our host hotel, the Holiday Inn Select, buzzed with the enthusiasm of eager cruisers who sharpened their boating skills with the help of our superb group of presenters.
The weather cooperated beautifully as attendees, staff, and exhibitors participated in the three-day Trawler event held Friday through Sunday. The seminars at the Holiday Inn were filled with cruisers of all levels attending the 90-minute morning sessions. We wish to thank Bell Power Systems/John Deere for sponsoring coffee for the seminars!
Exhibitors showcased their stunning vessels, with 41 boats docked at the marina and more than 40 companies exhibiting on land. Headlining the exhibitor docks was the Nordic Tug 54 (this boat is for charter in the Virgin Islands for potential buyers and others, the cost is subtracted from purchase price). There was also the Nordhavn 62 (largest on display) and the new-this-year Grand Banks 41 Europa w/Zeus drives. The Krogen 55, Passagemaker 60 hull #1 had more miles under her keel than any other boat there. Also on display were the new Selene 47 and Maine Cat P-47. There truly was something for everyone!
Outer Reef and Kadey-Krogen Yachts sponsored the always fun-filled evenings including Trivia Night, the ever-popular Luau, and a live auction raising $8,500 for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Music from the live band, dancing, frozen drinks, and Hawaiian leis provided the perfect atmosphere for attendees to chat with new friends while reminiscing over the experiences of the last few days. Saturday evening included award presentations, and we are pleased to announce that Trawler Fest attendees selected the Selene 47 as the winner of the PassageMaker People’s Choice Award.
New experiences, fabulous networking opportunities for attendees and members of the marine industry, and countless smiling faces made Solomons 2009 a more-than-memorable Trawler Fest.