The Selene Northwest rendezvous held in Washington at Roche Harbor on San Juan Island, was a spectacular success. The event organizers did a fantastic job to ensure all who attended had a wonderful experience. Over 100 Selene owners made the program and there were nearly 40 Selene trawlers lining the docks.
JMYS was proud to be an event sponsor. Jeff and Pam Merrill were joined by Rob Piwowarczyk, CPYB (who owns a Selene 55). This type of event is low key – the goal is to have fun and hang out with some great people and learn something new. For our team it was a chance to get aboard several Selenes, talk to the owners (some we helped get started and others are new acquaintances) and keep in tune with the positive energy that is always flowing with the Selene brand.
At the check in tent, we were given a Selene branded goodie bag and name badges. We enjoyed our stay at the main lodge and our room had a great view of the harbor docks with dozens of Selenes gathered for the full schedule of festivities.
There was a great variety of Selene sizes to admire on the docks, from 36’ to 66’. At the base of the dock, a large tent for the seminars and a huge tent for dining were erected. These tents have served as shelter from the rain in previous years, but we were very fortunate to have sunny and warm weather for the duration of the event.
Boats started arriving earlier in the week and the official first day was Thursday April 18th. The primary activity on Thursday was a great safety at sea program called Selene University, conducted by Kennedy Menendez from AMSEA (Alaska Marine Safety Educational Association).
On day two, Friday April 19th we spent a lot of time in the presenters tent on the dock. First, a warm welcome by our hosts, Bee Hanson and Geary Long. Then, title sponsor, Selene Americas said a quick hello – Wayne Goldman and Paul Cifka, along with Howard Chen – they were back for a full presentation in the afternoon.
The key-note was a very inspiring and entertaining talk by Denise Gabel entitled “Can-do-ology”. It was great and Jeff bought her book!
Then an informative update about Selene Owners Association by Mark Tilden – what is happening with the new website, membership and sharing information.
After a lunch break, Selene Americas came back with Wayne Goldman and Paul Cifka along with Dylan Hildebrand and Howard Chen giving an update on the new facilities at the yard in China, new models, how the brand is growing in the US and internationally. They talked about the new sales and marketing directions for new boats and improved support for existing Selene’s. They also reinforced their collaboration with Patrick Dunlop and Brian Taylor, CPYB of Pacific Northwest Yachts who will remain involved in the sales of new and used Selenes primarily in the PNW.
The afternoon shifted to tours of the latest Selene to be delivered in North America, the Selene Ocean Explorer 60, Grato. An impressive, gorgeous trawler that received rave reviews and showcased that Howard and team are really doing an excellent job at the yard.
The potluck dinner wrapped up the day’s affairs with a great assortment of food, drinks and fun camaraderie at the dining tables. Then we transitioned back to the small tent for some banjo entertainment.
Saturday April 20th was vendor seminar day. Our good friend, Patrick Noor from DMS out of Holland gave a history and overview of stabilization (including some interesting details about his company’s Magnus Master rotor stabilization products). Rhiannon Silvashy from Vessel Vanguard followed Patrick and did a marvelous job. Then Roger Fellows and the team from InOV8v led us up to the lunch break. After another fine meal we were treated to Selene owner Alex Benson with his presentation of Cruising to Southeast Alaska.
Jeff Merrill followed with his presentation called Pride Of Ownership. An hour dissertation on what owners can do to enjoy their boats and preserve value. This was a talk and review of a PowerPoint filled with photos of Selenes.
Then, more touring of the Selene Ocean Explorer 60, Grato (including a group photo) and an incredible catered dinner under the big top with delicious food, door prizes and great fun peppered with entertaining tricks and feats performances by professional magician, AlakaSam!
Selene Americas was the title sponsor and was represented by Wayne Goldman and Paul Cifka along with Cindy Covington and Dylan Hildebrand were there to assist with construction manufacturing and parts support. Brandt Pemberton was there to film and videotape the event. Some of these productions have already been posted online.
The local Selene dealer, Pacific Northwest Yachts, was represented by Patrick Dunlop, and Brian Taylor, CPYB.
The Selene yard was represented by Howard Chen, Michael Chen and Eugene Chau, chairman of Selene Yachts.
It really means a lot to the owners of Selene ocean trawlers when Howard Chen can attend. Howard made a great effort to get on as many boats as possible, and also personally signed and handed over some beautiful Selene Burgees to all who were interested.
JMYS has regularly helped our clients with the purchase and sale of two dozen Selene’s over the last decade. It is always a blast to reconnect and fun seeing several of our happy customers at this event. It is very reassuring and inspiring to see the re-dedication and commitment of the Selene brand. We are excited with the future that they are creating while also supporting their past.
In September 2024, there will be an East Coast rendezvous held in Baltimore, MD at the Harbor East Marina on September 19-21, one week before the PassageMaker Trawlerfest at the same location.
www.SeleneAmericas.com is a great website for the latest information on Selene and they also have a growing YouTube channel.
We would like to thank all of the people we met, but make a special thank you to Mark Tilden and Jenni Nelson of the Selene Owners Association, and the two event hosts, Bee Hanson and Geary Long.
Well done, everyone, looking forward to the next event!
