Med Bound boats arrive in Gibraltar

Dana Point, CA – (July 13, 2007) – Two Nordhavn 55s and a Nordhavn 47 successfully completed an Atlantic crossing arriving earlier this week to Gibraltar, culminating the 3,800-nm Med Bound 2007 rally that began in Fort Lauderdale on May 28.

Without major failure, and having endured gale force winds and rough seas during the last few days of the final leg, the three Nordhavns and their 11 crew members safely reached Marina Bay in Gibraltar on Tuesday, albeit amidst considerably less fanfare than what was displayed three years ago when 18 boats (15 Nordhavns) completed the identical course as part of the Nordhavn Atlantic Rally. "But", said Med Bound Rally leader and captain of Nordhavn 47 Bluewater Milt Baker, "the achievement was nonetheless momentous. We all feel a great sense of accomplishment, and are delighted that we have done what so few human beings ever get to do: cross an ocean aboard a small, well-found yacht.”

Nine Nordhavns, ranging in size from 40 to 62 feet, set out from Fort Lauderdale bound for Bermuda .While en route, a 50-foot Nordhavn had to abort due to failed stabilization.The remaining boats converged at Royal Bermuda Yacht Club in Hamilton, where they stayed for a week before five of the boats left for the U.S. north east coast; the other three continued on to Horta in the Azorean Islands, and finally Gibraltar.

Thousands followed along the journey via the company’s website, www.nordhavn.com , where daily log reports described all the details. “This was something very memorable for all of us (who participated) and I hope that following Med Bound inspired others to realize that crossing an ocean is a great adventure,” said Baker, adding that, the armchair sailors “should know they can do it,too.”

For the trip, Bluewater estimated burning just under 3,000 gallons of fuel for all three legs combined while traveling an average speed of 6.8 knots.

2007 marks a banner year in ocean crossings by Nordhavns. While the three Med Bound yachts crossed the Atlantic Ocean, two Nordhavn 43s and a Nordhavn 55 crossed the Pacific Ocean in the Spring.

While it might seem big-time voyages such as these have become commonplace, P.A.E. continues to be excited each time a Nordhavn owner successfully tackles a challenge. “We at P.A.E. are very proud of the owners and crew who participated in Med Bound,” said P.A.E. president Dan Streech. “The great adventures our owners make – such as Med Bound– might not make history, yet the simple fact that they are completed by‘civilians’ without drama or support may be the greater accomplishment.”

For more information and high resolution photos, please contact Jennifer Stern

Nordhavn Yachts,
222 Narragansett Blvd.,
Portsmouth, Rhode Island, 02871
ph: 401.293.0910 fax: 401.293.0914
jenny.stern@nordhavn.com

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