The Great Loop is a circumnavigation of the East Coast of the United States, comprised of both natural and man-made waterways, including the Atlantic and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, the Rideau Canal in Canada, and the Mississippi and Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. The Great Loop is trawler country, and this is TrawlerFest, so we offer four seminars that take an in-depth look at different aspects of this 6,000-mile adventure.
The Great Loop: How To Prepare, What To Expect is a three-hour class by Kim Russo of the American Great Loop Cruisers Association. Russo will be joined by veteran “loopers” to conduct a detailed briefing with plenty of time for questions. The Loop incorporates much of the ICW of course. In Cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, captains Chris and Alyse Caldwell share wisdom gleaned from numerous trips up and down this essential waterway, including how not to go aground (as often).
“What do I need to look for in a boat for The Great Loop?” would-be cruisers ask, as if maybe they didn’t intent to cruise anywhere else. In Great Loop Boats, Great for Bluewater, Too Capt. John Clayman, will advise his class on how to find a boat that does a great job on inland water but can also go offshore and even cross an ocean.
One of the most interesting regions along the path of the Great Loop are the parts of Florida, called “Old Florida.” In Cruising Hidden Florida, your native guides Ken and Becky Fickett will describe the eccentric attractions of the Okeechobee Water and the state’s 10,000 islands, while Florida transplant Peter Swanson (TrawlerFest seminar manager) will take you on a side-trip up the St. Johns River.
REGISTER FOR TRAWLERFEST-BALTIMORE
Seminars: Tuesday through Saturday, Sept. 25-29.
In-Water Boat Show: Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 27-29.
Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Seminar participants enter in-water boat show free on day of seminar.)
Questions? Contact Jennifer at [email protected] or (954) 761-7073.
Interested in being an Exhibitor or Sponsor? Contact Ryan Davidson (954) 328-7573 or [email protected].
BUY IN BULK FOR BEST VALUE
Every seminar except the diesel course, “Practical Marine Weather” and “Boat Handling on the Water” are part of our VIP package. Being a four- or five-day VIP gives attendees access to their choice of 24 other seminars. The cost is $449 for a four-day VIP pass and $549 for the five-day pass. Visit our ticketing site and do some math. You’ll see how being a VIP maximizes your seminar buying power.
