Nordhavn Yachts is the world recognized leader in the semi-custom adventure motoryacht category. Manufactured by Pacific Asian Enterprises, Inc., (PAE) based out of Dana Point, CA, the Nordhavn brand has more global circumnavigations and ocean crossings to its name than all other motoryacht manufacturers combined. Naval Architect Jeff Leishman has designed every single Nordhavn, the first one being a 46-footer in 1989. Since then, 30 different models have been created and 625* hulls ranging in length from 35 to 120 feet have been delivered to buyers from all over the world.

PAE was founded in 1978 by Dan Streech and Jim Leishman, along with Joe Meglen, who retired and sold his share of the company in 2005; Streech and Jim Leishman were later joined by Jim’s brother Jeff Leishman as a principle. The company started out manufacturing the world class cruising sailing yacht brand Mason, of which 500 43- to 64-foot sailboats were delivered. For six years, PAE designed and built both sail and motor yachts, but in 1995 retired the Mason brand to focus on the Nordhavn line. Nordhavn employs approximately 50 employees within seven offices located worldwide: in Dana Point, CA; Anacortes, WA; North Palm Beach, FL; East Greenwich, RI; Southampton, UK; Brisbane, AUS; Mugla, Turkey.

Nordhavns have a storied history including a world record for fastest global circumnavigation by a production power boat achieved by a Nordhavn 40 in 2001-02. Other feats include the successful convoy of 18 motoryachts (16 of them Nordhavns) across the Atlantic Ocean from Florida to Gibraltar in 2004, as well as yachts that have achieved the highest latitudes on record, and a Nordhavn 57 that voyaged through the NW Passage. 

Design Awards:
-2018 IY&A Awards–N96 (winner)
-2019 World Superyacht Award–N100 (nominee)
-2019 ISS Awards–N100 (finalist)
-2021 IY&A Awards–N41 (winner)
-2023 IY&A Awards–N80 (nominee; winners announced May 2023)
 
*as of 2/2023

Nordhavn Yachts

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