LNVTs in action (Tuggers Vol. 65)

LNVT Ménage et trois 

Tom Blackwood, Thistle Dew 37

It was on the Northwest Annual LNVT Rendezvous's out sail from Bremerton to Poulsbo that three of our tugs went out to play.  Sisters of the same family they were.  A 49 footer along with her sibling 41 and 37 footer.  Being of the same fine family lineage one would expect them to be on their best behavior for a pleasant Sunday afternoon cruise.  Well!  You should have seen them.  As soon as the Washington State ferry Hyak, in from Seattle with all its cars and passengers came on the scene, they started to play and frolic about like kids when Mom and Dad can't see.  Polar Mist 49VT07 so tall and stately was maintaining a sure and steady course.  As soon as she eased back on the throttle, Wally 41VT02 pulled up and how nice the two looked so prim and proper reflecting  well upon the family lines.  Then came Pet Tug 37VT60.  You could see it in the waves.  "Hey, I wanna play."  Soon Pet Tug was nudging Wally in closer and closer to Polar Mist and for a moment or two their lineup was as pretty as a picture.  Weaving about closer in then farther apart; one ahead of the other and then all along side.  They even played follow the leader switching the lead as they went.   Frisky and frolicly they carried about for well over an hour.  At one point they even set up their own race starting from throttles all at idle to a full bore full throttle smoke belching bone in the teeth race.  Crossing in front of them was their ol' friend Thistle Dew 37VT46 who had to spin the RPM's all the way to the top to keep from being run down.  Luckily for all, Allen and Sally Seymore were on board with their cameras and see more they did.  Admiral Howell was there too and seemed not to want to forget a moment of what was playing out in front so he captured some of these dare devil kids on his video.
Here's the link to the video:   https://youtu.be/EakbkoAKqjA
[photo credits:  Tom Blackwood]

Wally 41VT02, Polar Mist 49VT07 & Pet Tug 37VT60

Allan Seymour taking the perfect shot

Formation of tugs