2025 Marine Trawler Owners Association (MTOA) Northeast Rendezvous

After many years of being recreational weekend cruisers and with Jacques’ retirement in the horizon the opportunity for a long cruise since our acquisition (May 18, 2023) seemed as though the universe was sending us a signal with this timely Rendezvous.

On Friday, June 27, 2025 Jacques officially retired and on Monday, June 30, 2027 we untied from the docks with uncertainty of our next destination or our return. We took our time, because with “time” on our hands, we could!

Four Day Rendezvous held at Mystic Seaport Museum Marina (Mystic Seaport, CT).

Attendees: Anita & Rob (M/V Pub Trawler), Barbara & Don (M/V Beyond the Moon), Barbara & Jerome (M/V SeaLion), Carol & Jack (M/V Irish Rover), Cathy & Curtis (M/V Bucket Item), Cathy & Steve (M/V Double JD), Christine & Gifford (M/V Patriot), CJ & Stick (M/V Trilogy), Deb & Tom (M/V Elegante), Diana & Gary (M/V Sleepy Crab), Elaine & Greg (M/V Salty Dog), Janice & Steve (M/V AeroNautical), Jim & Donna (M/V Katy Leigh), Joan & Bill (M/V Horizon), Kate & Dale (M/V Days Like This), Kathleen & Tom (M/V PatSea), Kathy & Tom (M/V Liberty), Kim & Benet (M/V Rachel J), Laurette Linda & Roger (M/V Skipper), Liz & Steve (M/V Shingebiss), Lynn & Jonathan (M/V Zendo), Marie & Roy (M/V Seaquel), Marjorie & Joe (M/V Marjoe), Mary & Edward (M/V White Hawk II), Mary & Lou (M/V Sister Kate), Mary & Scott (M/V Macot), Maryanne & Bob (M/V Ocean Magic), Pat & Joe (M/V Glory Days), Patty & Gary (M/V Wanderlust), Robin & Dan (M/V Bituminous), Sheila & Bill (M/V Maka Honu), Tammy & Tom (M/V Our Eden)

Sunday, July 13, 2025 – Rendezvous Day #1 (Day 13)

3PM – 5PM Registration
5PM – 6:30PM Docktails & Vessel Visits
6:30PM – 8:30PM Potluck Dinner & Corn Hole Tournament

Special Comments:

We had the opportunity to tour Janice & Steve (M/V AeroNautical) beautiful Flemming.
Welcomed Mary & Edward (M/V White Hawk II) and (M/V Sea Paws) onboard for a tour.
Chatted too much to take any photos of the group over the Potluck Dinner.
Even though dinner was supplied by half the group (according to one’s first letter of last name) there was enough food and dessert to feed an army.
We enjoyed watching the sunset from the flybridge. Got too cold so we retreated inside.
Every vessel was advised to post this sign which read, “PRIVATE YACHT Please do not board”. That was the moment I realized we’re apart of the museum. LOL! Pleased to follow up and say, there were no boarding attempts during our stay.

*Courtesy* of Mary & Lou (M/V Sister Kate)

Monday, July 14, 2025 – Rendezvous Day #2 (Day 14)

8AM – 9AM Breakfast
9AM – 9:10AM Welcome & Agenda Review
9:10AM – 9:25AM MTOA Update
9:25AM – 10:25AM Tour de Table
10:45AM – 11:45AM Private Planetarium Show
11:45AM – 1:45PM Lunch on Your Own
2PM – 3:15PM S/V L.A. Dutton Guided Tour
3:15PM – 4:45PM Coast Guard Vessel Inspections
5PM – 6PM Docktails & Vessel Inspections
6:15PM – 8PM Dinner on Your Own
8PM – 8:45PM Ice Cream Sundar & Corn Hole Tournament

Special Comments:

I abandoned Jacques over breakfast. I tend not to eat breakfast and much prefer my two cups in solitude. I later joined for the opening welcome.
Really enjoyed every first timers introductions and story. Followed by the stories shared by veteran attendee members.
Jordan at the Planetarium did a fantastic presentation. Kept my attention, however, upon dark skies Jacques became confused and fell asleep. My right index nail was prepared for a sharp jab should I hear a snore.
A special thank you to our USCG Inspector, Neil. We’re pleased to report that we passed!
Ops, no Docktails photos. Sidetracked by conversations about the Bahamas.
My phyllo cups appetizer was a hit. Gone within minutes of Jacques laying down the platter. The greatest compliment.
We stopped by the park to listen to a live band before dinner.
We learned exiting before museum hours is likely how it is at Fort Knox. Same experience on attempting to reenter “after hours“. LOL!

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 – Rendezvous Day #3 (Day 15)

8AM – 9AM Breakfast
9:15AM – 10:15AM Speaker Bruce Lemkin, Captain
10:30AM – 11AM Bus Trip to Mystic Aquarium & Olde Mystic Village Shops
5PM Bus Return
5:30PM – 7:30PM Northeast Dinner & Awards Ceremony
7:30PM – 9:30PM Dancing to Jen & Tonic

Special Comments:

The Guest Speaker, Bruce Lemkin, Captain kept the otherwise rowdy bunch, audience captivated by his professional Navy experience and stories.
It’s been many years since we boarded a school bus. Thank you, Pine Point School.
Our inner child self surged through our mouths during the Sea Lion and Beluga shows.
Paired with Mary & Edward (M/V White Hawk II) for the Corn Hole we mutually agreed to forfeit the game.
The band, Jen & Tonic were fantastic! No special instrumental effects, just talented musicians. While the humidity had us sizzling, the bands energy would have folks up on their feet in minutes of playing.

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 – Rendezvous Day #4 (Day 16)

8AM – 8:30AM Breakfast
8:30AM – 9:30AM Farewell & 2026 Rendezvous Planning
9:30AM – 10:30AM Captains Briefing & After Cruise Floatilla

Checkout how we got here, Georgetown, MD to Mystic Seaport, CT cruise and our home port return from Mystic Seaport, CT to Georgetown, MD.

Special Comments:

Just past the Mystic Railway Swing conditions became foggy and progressively worse.
Within our exiting fleet that we could identify were: Edward & Mary (White Hawk II), Gifford & Christine (M/V Patriot), Kathy & Tom (M/V Liberty), Lou & Mary (M/V Sister Kate).
Nice to hear the bridge operators wish the MTOA fleet farewell.