I'm currently out in the San Juan Islands, north of Puget Sound, reviewing some of the coolest trawler-style boats around.  I've been doing quite a bit of hands-on researching this past week and I'll be filing some interesting stories in the next few days, but one thing is for certain -- this is trawler Heaven!  There are trawlers of every size and description here; from the big steel-hulled commercial boats that fish the waters from here to Alaska, down to the newest "baby trawlers" that can be pulled behind your vehicle on a trailer for a weekend cruise.

And another thing that's for certain -- these Northwest trawler folks love to get together.  I can tell you about two of the biggest events for the slow-boat folk that are coming up this summer.  First is the annual Trawlerfest, sponsored by Passagemaker magazine.  This year it will be held at the Cap Sante Boat Haven in Anacortes, Washington, from May 22 - May 25.  If you're interested in trawlers, thinking about buying one, or already own one and want to get some new ideas, Trawlerfest puts it all together in one place.

One of the biggest single-brand trawler events will be the annual Nordic Tugs rendezvous; to be held in Port Townsend, Washington, this summer, from June 19 - June 22, at the Hudson Point Marina.  The Nordic Tugs types really know how to throw a party.  Last year's gathering drew 75 of the classic trawlers; this year's rendezvous looks to attract at least that many. Take a look at what 75 Nordic Tugs look like when they're all docked in a row.

 NORDIC TUGSThis is what 75 Nordic Tugs look like all docked in a row