We had a wonderful time at the 2016 PSGBOA “Grand Banks Round Up!” – aka the PSGBOA Rendezvous! This year we brought a touch of Western flair to the Rendezvous. Everyone got into the spirit – from cowboy hats and boots, to line dancing, it was a hootin’ and hollerin’ good time!
Most of the boats arrived on Wednesday and the party got started on Thursday. Morning donuts and a popular slate of seminars with Mark Bunzel got things started. Later in the day the US Coast Guard was kind enough to bring their 45′ patrol boat by for a Q&A session and boat tour. Then it was off on a dinghy ride to Westcott Bay Shellfish Co., where we snacked on delicious oysters! By evening it was time to take it up a notch with a country and western DJ and line dancing lesson. There was plenty of boot scootin’ to be had!
Friday started with another delicious batch of Roche Harbor’s famous Lime Kiln donuts and fresh brewed coffee. Our first seminar of the day was “Onboard Yoga” taught by PSGBOA’s very own Patt Aiello (who is also next year’s Rendezvous Chair!). After we were stretched and limber, the group enjoyed seminars from Bill Davis on “damage control” and Rick Laws, who shared his harrowing story of surviving a shipwreck in the Bering Sea. Friday afternoon our group said a hearty “Thank You” to PSGBOA’s sponsors during our annual Sponsor Appreciation Event! We can’t do it without our wonderful sponsors! The evening wrapped up with fantastic wine tasting hosted by Wells Fargo Insurance and our annual potluck.
Saturday was our final day of fun, with a last slate of seminars that included a presentation from Grand Banks Yachts, a fun historical overview of Smuggling in the San Juans (courtesy of PSGBOA member Greg Hertl), onboard provisioning tips from Lynette Brower and an excellent photography seminar from National Geographic photographer Phil Schofield (who is also a PSGBOA member!). The afternoon was topped off with the ALWAYS popular dog show where our canine friends showed off their best tricks! Everyone went home a winner! The grand event of the day was our annual Dinner on the Lawn, with fantastic food from Roche Harbor’s Executive Chef Bill Shaw. We all enjoyed one last fun evening together before it was time to head home (or to points beyond) Sunday morning!
Thank you again to all of our sponsors and presenters, especially to our wonderful PSGBOA member presenters!
See you next year!
– Leslie Simmons
PSGBOA Secretary
PS: Stay tuned for an “introduction” post from next year’s Rendezvous Chair, Patt Aiello!
Check out images from the Rendezvous below, captured by Rusty Lewis of ARCHIMEDES: