Northern Marine

04/03/2026

Over the past several weeks, we’ve loved sharing stories from Northern Marine’s early days and we’re incredibly grateful for the engagement from this community. Thank you to everyone who read, commented, and shared along the way.

We’d also love to hear your stories. Have you owned a Northern Marine—or do you own one now? What has your experience been like? If you have adventures or memories you’d be willing to share, we’d love to feature your story. Send us a DM or reach out directly to [email protected].

If you’ve enjoyed these history posts, we invite you to sign up for our newsletter on our website and be the first to hear Northern Marine news and updates.
https://northernmarine.com/

Thank you for being part of the Northern Marine community!

03/30/2026

Before launching Northern Marine in 1995, Richard “Bud” Lemieux spent more than 20 years building yachts and commercial vessels at Delta Marine in Seattle, developing the experience and discipline that would shape his approach to business as a yacht builder.

Lemieux later moved to Anacortes, Washington, where he and his partners founded Northern Marine. Their first commission? Bruce Kessler’s Spirit of Zopilote.

Completed in 1997, she became the first Northern Marine yacht and the design that set the tone for the brand: rugged capability, long-range performance, and the confidence to go farther.

Under Lemieux’s leadership, Northern Marine delivered 30+ custom yachts ranging from 35 to 152 feet, each carrying forward the same principles established from the very beginning.

Though Northern Marine has since changed ownership, Bud’s legacy continues. He’s still often found sharing stories, knowledge, and practical wisdom with trawler owners and brokers alike. Thank you, Bud, for continuing to share your history with us. Learn more about Bud and his journey in his own words from his memoir, "Road of a Boat Builder: Start to End."
https://www.amazon.com/Road-Boatbuilder-Start-Bud-LeMieux/dp/197722900X #

This series began with a promise to share the people and moments that shaped Northern Marine’s foundation. It’s only fitting that it ends with the man whose vision started it all—and the yacht that continues to carry that legacy forward.

Today, Spirit of Zopilote is under new ownership and cruising the Alaskan coast. To her current owners: we wish you fair seas and unforgettable adventures. You hold a remarkable piece of Northern Marine history–enjoy the ride!

03/27/2026

Spirit of Zopilote was designed by Steve Seaton, the naval architect behind many of Northern Marine’s earliest expedition yacht designs.

Steve began professionally designing yachts in 1969, launching a career that spanned nearly every corner of the marine world. From America’s Cup 12-Meter yachts to 94-knot racing powerboats, from eight-foot dinghies to 150-foot custom motor yachts, his work consistently defied categories.

Seaton first partnered with Bruce Kessler to design Zopilote alongside Bud LeMieux at Delta Marine. After Zopilote was lost, Kessler again turned to Seaton to design his next expedition yacht. In partnership with Bud LeMieux—who had recently founded Northern Marine in Anacortes—they designed and built the very first Northern Marine: Spirit of Zopilote.

That project marked the beginning of a long partnership. Seaton continued working closely with Northern Marine for years, creating designs known for their strength, efficiency, and timeless profile—qualities that still define Northern Marine yachts today.

Steve’s recent passing is a reminder of the lasting impact thoughtful design can have across generations of cruising yachts. Spirit of Zopilote remains a beautiful reflection of that legacy.

Rest in peace, Steve. Thank you for your contributions to the boating community and for laying the foundation that Northern Marine continues to build upon.

To learn more about Steve, we invite you to read the touching tribute written by Peter Whiting, owner of Northwest Yachts and Northern Marine.

https://northwestyachts.com/stephen-r-seaton-1945-2026/

03/17/2026

The first Northern Marine hull, The Spirit of Zopilote, was owned by Bruce and Joan Kessler. After losing their beloved 70-foot vessel Zopilote —a first-of-its-kind Delta Marine-built trawler—to an underwater ledge on a -18 tide, Bruce returned to Steve Seaton and Bud LeMieux to build his next cruising yacht. That collaboration ultimately led to the birth of Northern Marine.

Bruce first made his mark as an international race car driver in the 1950s before focusing on storytelling behind the camera. As a Hollywood film and television director, he became known for his work on iconic shows like Knight Rider, The A-Team, Mission: Impossible, and The Sound of Speed. It was also in Hollywood that he met his wife, actress Joan Freeman, who became his lifelong adventure partner and an accomplished boater in her own right.

Bruce’s passion for the sea rivaled his love of storytelling. Spirit of Zopilote became their platform for exploration, and the Kesslers’ more than 100,000 miles of cruising helped shape knowledge, designs, and enthusiasm within the long-range trawler community.

Bruce passed away in April 2024. We celebrate his life and thank him and his wife for their contributions to the trawler community and for trusting Northern Marine to carry them on their adventures for nearly 20 years.

Learn more about Bruce Kessler in this beautiful tribute by Cruising World.
https://www.cruisingworld.com/people/cruiser-bruce-kessler-dies-at-88/

03/14/2026

Built in 1996 and designed by legendary naval architect Steve Seaton, Spirit of Zopilote was the first yacht built by Northern Marine.

Purpose-built for serious cruising, she embodies the early vision that established Northern Marine’s reputation for capable, long-range expedition yachts. Who inspired this first build? Bruce Kessler, the renowned Hollywood director and cruising enthusiast, helped fund the formation of Northern Marine to build the Spirit of Zopilote. Together with his wife, Joan, they cruised aboard this inaugural vessel for nearly two decades.

📸 Power & Motoryacht - "Cruising the Maine Coast with a Legendary Couple"
https://ow.ly/bI3i50YtzS8

03/13/2026

Cheemaun is a true world cruiser.

Built by Northern Marine, this 75-foot long-range yacht features a solid Kevlar-reinforced hull and redundant systems designed for serious passagemaking. She has proven her capability in true expedition yacht style by circumnavigating the globe multiple times.

Well maintained, thoughtfully upgraded, and equipped with extensive spare parts, Cheemaun is ready for her next adventure.

Where would you take her?

Meet '𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗨𝗡,' a 1998 Northern Marine expedition yacht built for serious adventure. This 75’ long-range cruiser has circumnavigated the globe multiple times and is designed for true passagemaking, featuring a Kevlar-reinforced hull, extensive system redundancies, and an impressive 4,000-nautical-mile range. Meticulously maintained with numerous upgrades and refits, she’s fully equipped and ready for her next journey. Offered at Seattle Yachts Washington.

👉 View the full specs: https://heyor.ca/Zx0UVi

03/11/2026

Every Northern Marine has a story.

In the coming weeks, we’re digging into the archives to share the story of the first Northern Marine, the people who brought it to life, and some of the moments that helped shape its steadfast legacy.

Some of you might already know where this story begins... 🎥 🏎️ Anyone recognize this vessel?

Stay Tuned. ✨

03/09/2026

Out here, even Mondays are peaceful. Blue skies, quiet water, good coffee, and nowhere else you need to be. ⚓️ Northern Marine 57

03/07/2026

The Northern Marine 57 is built for explorers who want more range in a compact and capable long-range cruiser.

https://northernmarine.com/current_models/57-raised-pilothouse/

03/05/2026

Your yacht, your home. Every Northern Marine is built around the owner’s vision—crafted to reflect your style and take you safely and comfortably wherever your adventures lead.

If you were designing the interior of your ideal long-range cruiser, what would be on your must-have list?

Luxurious accommodations? Heated bathroom floors? Ample storage? A cozy pilot berth? A dining table large enough for the entire family?

Tell us what matters most to you.

02/28/2026

Last fall, Jason and Nikki Wynn of Gone With the Wynns joined Mike aboard his Northern Marine 64, Gallivant, for the journey from Alaska back to Anacortes.

This first video in their three-part series offers a genuine look at what cruising aboard a Northern Marine is really like — from long-range capability and life underway to the comfort and quiet confidence of an expedition trawler.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to live and travel aboard an expedition trawler, this is a great place to start!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd4MNyu7GRo

Alaska to Washington, Our First Adventure on a Trawler. Go to https://surfshark.com/wynns or use code WYNNS at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VP...