Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show featuring Trawlerfest has an impressive in-water selection of over 200 new and pre-owned boats, informative classes for both new and seasoned boaters, marine products & services, and rendezvous-style evening events. Get your tickets and register for Trawlerfest seminars before they are sold out!
Seminar Registration & Tickets
IN-WATER BOAT SHOW
Boat Show: Thursday May 14 – Saturday, May 16, 10am – 6pm
General Admission: $15 per day
Unlimited pass: $20 all 3 days
Discounted Military Ticket $10 available on-site only
17 & Under: Free
TRAWLERFEST SEMINARS
Tuesday May 12 – Saturday May 16, 2026
Seminar Registration Tuesday, May 12 at 8:30 am: Seafarer Memorial Park, 601 Seafarers Way, Anacortes, WA 98221
Seminar Locations Seafarer Memorial Park, 601 Seafarers Way, Anacortes, WA 98221
Note: Purchase of seminar ticket includes general admission to boat show on day of seminar.
Questions on attending? Contact us at trawlerfest@firecrown.com or (954) 328-7573
5 Day VIP Package
$649.00 includes:
- General Admission to all Three (3) days of In-Water Boat Show: 10am-6 pm daily.
- Unlimited access to seminars (Tuesday – Saturday) Hands On Maritime Medical Emergency Management, Voyage “Hands-On and “On the Water Training” are NOT included as part of the VIP Package. Must be purchased separately.
- Entry for one (1) to Thursday’s Cocktail Cruise
- Value: $1,100 – You save $600 with the 5 Day VIP Pass.
3 Day VIP Package
$549.00 includes:
- General Admission to all Three (3) days of In-Water Boat Show: 10am-6 pm daily.
- Unlimited access to seminars (Thursday – Saturday) Hands On Maritime Medical Emergency Management, Voyage “Hands-On and “On the Water training” are NOT included as part of the VIP Package. Must be purchased separately.
- Entry for one (1) to Thursday’s Cocktail Cruise
1 Day Package
$200.00 includes:
- General Admission for 1 day of In- Water Boat Show: 10am-6pm daily.
- Unlimited access to seminars (Thursday – Saturday) Hands On Maritime Medical Emergency Management, Voyage “Hands-On and “On the Water training” are NOT included as part of the VIP Package. Must be purchased separately.
Cocktail Cruise: Thursday, May 14, 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Included in VIP pass! Join us for a cocktail cruise around the Anacortes area with drinks. Boarding begins at 5:15 pm at the Islands Adventure, Cap Sante Marina, A Dock 9. $85 per ticket. 2 drinks included and light snacks.
Thank you to our Sponsors
TUESDAY, MAY 12 SEMINARS
PNW Marine Weather with Phyllis Woolwine
Tuesday , May 12, 9 am- 11 am
Whether it’s sailors griping about lack of wind, or powerboaters fearing steep and dangerous seas – the conditions in the Pacific Northwest present special challenges, due to the complexity of the many weather systems that interact in this region. Captain Phyllis Woolwine, owns Shearwater University, Maritime Education. Speaking from 50 years of experience on the Salish Sea & Inside Passage, and 10 years providing custom training for boaters of all types in these waters, she will provide a highly practical, science based, and interactive seminar on Pacific Northwest Marine Weather:
- What makes PNW marine weather so complex – and how can we make sense of it
- Strategies to ensure that sailors get wind, powerboaters avoid dangerous seas, and all boaters use knowledge & strategies to stay safe, and advantage our crazy conditions.
- Best apps for marine weather – and the best ways to use them
Marine Electrical Basics with Jen King and Monica Riess
Tuesday, May 12, 11:15 am – 1:15 pm
Discover the fundamentals of marine electrical systems, covering essential topics such as Ohm’s Law, multimeters, AC and DC components, and basic wiring and circuit protection standards. Explore the various types of batteries, their applications, and proper charging techniques. Additionally, learn effective troubleshooting methods for common electrical problems and valuable maintenance tips to keep your boat’s electrical system running smoothly.
MANEUVERING & DOCKING STRATEGIES with Phyllis Woolwine
Tuesday 1:30-3:30
Captain Phyllis Woolwine, owner of Shearwater University – Maritime Education, will introduce
the physics of boat maneuvering. Many of these concepts will apply to all types of boats. She
will also discuss specifics of controlling single engine vessels, including strategic use of prop
wash, momentum, inertia, and rotation. With these physics in mind, she will go over optimum
docking approaches, as well as strategies for maintaining full control of the vessel anywhere in
the marina, in any conditions. Captain Woolwine will also cover the concepts of using dynamic
springlines for full control of the boat at the dock – leaving and returning.
The Virtues of Trawler Simplicity with John Clayman
Tuesday, May 12, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Everyone touts the virtues of simplicity, but nowadays this idea is rarely achieved. A veteran cruiser under both sail and power with countless sea miles, John Clayman brings decades of experience in the design, construction, and marketing of cruising boats to Seaton Yachts. As president at Seaton, Clayman wrestles with the conundrum of complexity versus simplicity on a regular basis.
This talk follows the debate down through the decades from Beebe’s design of the original PASSAGEMAKER to the trawlers of today. If you are considering buying a new boat or refitting your old one, this is the seminar to develop a healthy mindset and maybe even save a few bucks.
Journey to Alaska – Favorite Routes and Anchorages
Tuesday, May 12, 3:30-5:00pm
Ross Tennant has travelled the Inside Passage for the past 10 years, travelling many routes and participating in flotillas to Alaska as the owner of NW Explorations. In this interactive slideshow, Ross will share his extensive knowledge of the Inside Passage, share some of his favorite places to stop, and inspire you to take your own remarkable journey to Alaska. Ross Tennant has more than 25 years of experience operating sail and power pleasure boats. Insights from his explorations of the Inside Passage, from Puget Sound up to Southeast Alaska, will provide invaluable local knowledge of the region’s most beautiful and challenging cruising grounds.
WEDNESDAY MAY 13 SEMINARS
Navigating the New Charting Environment with Phyllis Woolwine: Using the New NOAA ENC Charts and Online Custom Chart Tool
Wed, May 13, 9 am – 11 am
Get up to speed on the new charting environment. NOAA spent 5 years gradually “Sunsetting” Raster Navigation Charts, and as of January 2025 these traditional charts are no longer updated. The new national and international standard is the system of Electronic Navigation Charts (ENCs). ENCs are the basis for chart plotters, chart apps, and the NOAA Custom Chart Tool, with which you can design and print your own updated paper charts. That’s right, NOAA has NOT retired paper charts – they’ve made them better than ever, by developing the world’s most powerful online chart tool.
Captain Phyllis Woolwine, owner of Shearwater University – Maritime Education, will help boaters:
- Understand NOAA’s ENC system and how it is being re-schemed to make these charts more effective for both chart plotters and paper charts.
- Adopt an integrated approach to using paper and electronic charts – advantaging the strengths of both – so you never have to experience a calamity at sea.
- Learn about the online NOAA Custom Chart Tool for creating your own charts – exported directly from the NOAA ENC Database – for affordable paper charts that are even more up-to-date than your chart plotter.
Alternative Electrical Systems to Expand your Time on the Water Jen King and Monica Reiss
Wed, May 13, 11:15 am – 1:15 pm
This course explores sustainable power generation technologies that can extend a boat owner’s time on the water. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of solar panels, hydro generators, and wind generators as applied to marine environments. Topics include an introduction to renewable energy sources on boats, basic principles of their operation and tips for installation and use on various vessel types and different types of battery storage.
Benefits of Metal Boats especially for the Northwest Passage with Capt. John Clayman
Wednesday, May 13 11:15am-12:15pm
Why a steel or aluminum trawler could be your best choice? John Clayman, President of Seaton Yachts/Expedition Yacht Experts will present the pros & cons of steel and aluminum boat building specific to trawlers and long-range cruisers.
John has decades of global experience in design & construction. He helps cruisers find the right boat for their cruising needs and is especially adept at facilitating the understanding of what metal boats have to offer.
The Dutch are known for their expertise in metal construction and John represents world renowned steel / aluminum builders like Doggersbank, and Steeler here in the Americas. Metal boats are ideal for the Northwest Passage which has become more accessible in recent years. John will also touch upon his knowledge of metal boats that have traversed the Northwest Passage.
Stabilization for Motoryachts & Trawler Yachts with Sietse van der Zee from DMS Holland.
Wed, May 13, 1:15pm-2:15pm
FREE Sponsor Seminar
The selection of the right stabilization package is a critical choice, not only for reasons of comfort but also for the safety, well-being and enjoyment of everyone on board. When there are so many options available for the Stabilization of Motoryachts and Trawler Yachts, it is often difficult to know what’s the best choice for you and your yacht.
Whether you are a new owner looking for guidance or a well-seasoned mariner re-evaluating your current stabilization package, this presentation aims to look at what systems are available, where they are best suited, and the questions you should be asking to make the most appropriate choice for your yacht and individual stabilization requirements.
As Managing Director of DMS Holland and a seasoned mariner himself, Sietse van der Zee will look at the options and highlight the advantages and downsides of each system to help you with this considered decision.
Unique Features of Trawlers with Wayne Goldman
Wed, May 13, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
In this detailed presentation, we dive into the unique characteristics that make trawlers the go-to vessels for long-range cruising and liveaboard lifestyles. Trawlers are renowned for their fuel-efficient displacement hulls, which allow for steady, economical cruising over extended distances. Their spacious living areas and full beam designs provide ample room and comfort, making them ideal for spending long periods at sea.
The talk highlights trawlers’ extended fuel and water capacity, which supports longer voyages without frequent refueling stops. In addition, their large storage areas make them perfect for carrying provisions and gear, adding to their practicality for extended cruising.
We also delve into the reliability of single engine setups commonly found in trawlers, explaining how they offer fuel efficiency, ease of maintenance, and are often paired with backup power solutions like wing engines or hydraulic drives with a larger generators. The sturdy construction of trawlers make them well-suited for handling rough sea conditions, ensuring safety and stability on the water.
Finally, the presentation covers pilothouse and flybridge designs, which offer enhanced visibility and functionality, making trawlers adaptable for both bluewater cruising and coastal exploration. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of why trawlers are ideal for long-term, liveaboard adventures and what features set them apart in the world of cruising vessels
Trawler Transactions (doing the deal) with Jeff Merrill, CPYB
Wed, May 13, 3 -5 pm
The actual process of purchasing a trawler must be guided by proper contracts in writing that
specify required details, outline date scheduling and confirm deposits, payoffs and closing
terms. Jeff Merrill, CPYB has been representing trawler sellers (listings and private sales) and
buyers (online opportunities as well as private sales and FSBO’s) for over two decades. Jeff has
presented webinars on these topics to fellow yacht brokers through the CPYB program and has
always wanted to share the details a buyer (and seller) should be concentrating on to
successfully complete a transaction. Jeff did author a series of articles for PassageMaker
directed at buyers called “Trawler Transactions” and has created a fresh “Trawler Transactions”
PowerPoint that will provide insights to the purchase/sales process allowing time to discuss
generalities and answer many of your questions.
Marine Electronic Navigation with Monica and Jenn from SVC Marine Technical School
May 13, Wednesday, 3-5 pm
This seminar covers the fundamentals of marine navigation and explores how modern technologies enhance voyage planning and safety. Key topics include the use of Multi-Function Displays, Radar, AIS, and other essential marine electronics that facilitate safe navigation from point A to point B. Additionally, we will discuss the ideal electronics systems, comparing computer-based navigation with larger marine electronics installations, to help you choose the best setup for your needs.
Boat Handling on the Water Training, Session 1 & 2, Wednesday May 13
With Captain Phyllis Woolwine
Session 1 – 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Session 2- 3:30-5:30
$250 (Not included in VIP Pass) 6 per max per session
Captain Phyllis Woolwine, owner of Shearwater University – Maritime Education, introduces
attendees to powerful strategies for maintaining full control of a vessel with single inboard
engine in the close quarters of the marina, plus docking approaches and line handling. This will
include an induction into use of dynamic springlines for full control at the dock.
***Required Shore School Session – Tuesday 1:00 – 4:00****
The Shore School Session prepares you for your on-water training. You will learn the physics of
boat maneuvering, including strategic use of prop wash, momentum, inertia, and rotation. With
these physics in mind, we will go over optimum docking approaches, as well as strategies for
maintaining full control of the vessel anywhere in the marina, in any conditions. After 2 hours in the classroom, we will spend the last hour of Shore School on the dock with the boat, practicing line handling skills and strategies. This 3-hour session will prepare you to get the most out of your 2-hour on-water session on Wednesday.
On-Water Session – Wednesday (1:00-3:00) (3:30-5:30)
We will operate a single inboard power vessel in and near the marina, practicing the skills of:
• Casting off using a single dynamic springline
• Controlling and tightening turns using prop wash
• Countering the effects of prop walk
• Pivoting the boat using “back & fill” procedure, while controlling the boat’s position in a
narrow fairway
• Stopping the boat with precision
• Hovering the boat in a steady position despite wind
• Docking the boat with a bow-in approach
• Securing the boat with full control on a single dynamic springline
THURSDAY MAY 14 SEMINARS
Tides and Currents: Science and Survival with Phyllis Woolwine
9 am – 11 am
No place in the world has the range and complexity of tides and currents like the Salish Sea. Captain Phyllis Woolwine of Shearwater University guides you through the hazards to a place where you can make sense of them and plan mitigating procedures for optimizing the safety and enjoyment of your vessel and crew.
The Science:
- Why the Salish Sea has the most challenging tide & current environment in the world.
- Understanding the general patterns and crazy exceptions for how currents run on the Salish sea.
- How to access, interpret and apply tide data and current data to keep your boat safe and your cruise a happy, successful one.
- Optimal use of multiple electronic, online and paper resources for tides & currents
The Survival:
- How to ensure that you don’t get left high & dry at anchor or while making a shallow passage
- How to optimize current predictions to get you there sooner and safer
- Methods (electronic and conventional) to prevent being pushed off course and onto the rocks
Selecting the Right Equipment for Your New or Used Trawler with Wayne Goldman and Dylan Hildebrand
Thursday May 14, 12pm- 1:45pm
This seminar is focused on understanding and selecting the best equipment for your trawler. Wayne Goldman and Dylan Hildebrand, from Selene Americas, share their extensive industry expertise, they will guide attendees through critical systems, including solar panels, lithium batteries, generators, electronics, fuel systems, electrical setups, watermakers, stabilizers, thrusters and more. This session will help you make informed decisions to ensure your vessel is equipped for safety, efficiency, and long-term cruising success. Whether you’re purchasing your first trawler or upgrading an existing one, this is a must-attend seminar for any serious cruiser!
Trawler Buying Tips moderated by Jeff Merrill
Thursday May 14, 2pm – 5pm
There is a lot you can prepare for to make sure you are ready when you find the right trawler
to purchase. The goal of this seminar is to provide trawler buyers with important information
you need to know up front to maximize your boat purchasing success. This is a “team teach”
event with individual presentations leading to a group panel session at the end.
The seminar leads off with Jeff Merrill, CPYB providing an overview of the trawler purchase
process. Matt Maynard, CPYB is a past president of the NYBA (Northwest Yacht Brokers
Association) and will discuss the importance of selecting a qualified broker to guide you through
the buying process. Cindy Lewis from Sterling Associates will discuss marine loan financing.
John Posey from Total Dollar Insurance will help you understand the current boat insurance
market. Jim Merrick is a SAMS credentialed marine surveyor based in Washington who has
years of experience inspecting multiple brands of trawlers who will discuss engaging a surveyor
review the process of conducting a survey and completing a survey report. Maritime attorneys,
Todd Lochner and Gregory Singer, have been counseling buyers (and sellers) of trawlers for
many years. They will discuss some of the important legal aspects of a purchase including, title,
taxes, duty/tariff and other related legal points. Tanya Lage of Pacific Maritime Title will review
the paperwork involved in closing from dinghy registration to notarized bills of sale.
Stabilizer Systems, which technology is better and why with Raffa Invrea from CMC Marine
Thursday May 14, 2 – 3 pm
Free Sponsor Seminar with Valid Show Ticket on the Dock
Comparison of electric fins’ and gyros’ performance on board leisure boats over 40’, both underway and at anchor, when used independently and even combined. Based on a real study recently performed by an independent marine surveyor/engineering company, as commissioned by a boat builder who needed to choose what to adopt and how to best invest their equipment budget.
Maritime Medical Emergency Management Lecture with Dr. Robert Leviton
2:00pm- 5:00 pm
So, you’ve learned how to survey your boat, understand the basic stuff of marine weather forecasting, navigate the waterways, and anchoring your vessel, only to descend into the engine room, slip, striking your head, opening a gash in your scalp, bleeding miserably, your memory fading, only to notice your leg is askew in a painful manner what do you do next?
Join Dr. Robert Leviton and learn how to manage these and many other Maritime Medical Emergencies as you will learn about how to contact medical assistance, prepare for helicopter evacuation, organize your First Aid Kit, understand, and treat lacerations, concussion, shock, fractures, allergic reactions and more. With 30 + years practicing Emergency Medicine, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at NY Medical College, and medical director for US Sailing Disabled Sailing Regattas, Dr. Leviton will share countless stories and much needed practical information to survive the most common emergencies and be on your way to complete your journey.
During this presentation participants will gain in depth understanding of the following:
- Allergic Reactions
- Burns
- Choking
- Concussion
- Contusions, Lacerations, and Wound Care
- Dehydration
- Drowning and Near Drowning
- Fractured Bones
- Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke
- Hypothermia
- Marine Bites and Stings
- Nosebleeds
- Seasickness
- Strain and Sprains
FRIDAY MAY 15 SEMINARS
Docking: Two People, One Line, Any Conditions, Full Control with Phyllis Woolwine
Friday, May 15, 9 am – 11 am
Docking with dynamic springlines has become a lost art – with tragic results in marinas all around the world, not the least in the Pacific Northwest. Captain Phyllis Woolwine is leading a charge to bring these powerful skills & strategies back. Owner of Shearwater University – Maritime Education, “Captain Wooly” specializes in training boaters of all types to use springlines for maximum safety and boat control while leaving and returning to the dock – every time, in any conditions, with just two people. This seminar provides an overview on the physics of the core springline strategy we apply on all boats, every time, no matter the boat type or scenario. In addition, three other springline strategies will be introduced for getting in and out of challenging situations. This presentation will establish a goal standard for new boaters, and revolutionize the docking strategies of experienced boaters
Maritime Medical Emergency Management : Hands-On Suture and Splinting Skills and Techniques with Dr. Robert Leviton
Friday, May 15, 9 am – 1 pm
NOT INCLUDED IN VIP PASS
Suture and Splinting Skills and Techniques, Laceration Repair Skills and Techniques. Price includes personal 5-piece suture kit, suture material, latex skin, and video links
Participants will learn about the structure of skin and bone, wound and bone healing, and steps taken to control bleeding stabilize injuries, before receiving definitive medical treatment.
Your crewmate is bleeding, and compression alone is not stopping the hemorrhage, what do you do? During this session sailors will learn how to clean wounds while draping and prepping the injury, then learn how to hold and use surgical instruments, when to apply steri-strips, skin staples, or skin glue, and wound closure techniques from simple interrupted sutures to the vertical and horizontal mattress techniques.
Following this hands-on session, we’ll continue with the basics of splinting skills and techniques applying elastic bandages, short arm and leg splints, buddy taping fingers and toes, and stabilizing complex long bone fractures.
- 1. Sterile Technique
- Draping and Prepping
- Anesthesia Considerations
- Suture and Needle Selection
- Instrument Use
- Steri-Strips
- Skin Glue
- Wound Closure Techniques
- Simple Interrupted
- Simple Running
- Running Locking
- Horizontal Mattress
- Vertical Mattress
- Corner Stitch
- Figure of 8 Stitch
- Staplers and Removal
- Two Handed Hand Tying with Left & Right
- Splinting Skills and Techniques
- Ace Elastic Bandage Wrap
- Short Arm/Volar Splint
- Thumb Spica Splint
- Ulnar Gutter Splint
- Short Leg/Posterior Splint
What To Look for Before You Call a Surveyor with Jim Merrick
Friday, May 15, 11:15 am – 1:15 pm
So, you want to buy a boat? What you should look for before making an offer and hiring a marine surveyor. A dream of the perfect cruising boat can be crushed when it’s surveyed, but some of this deal-killers could have been detected early were it not for the fact that buying a boat is rarely a rational decision; we are often lead by our hearts. Buyers can slow down and take a look at the boat with the rose-colored glasses off. We will cover how to inspect hoses, valves, wiring mistakes, and signs of structural damage. There will be many photos of examples of what to look for.
Stabilization for Motoryachts & Trawler Yachts with Sietse van der Zee from DMS Holland.
May 15, Friday 12pm – 1 pm ****On the Dock****
FREE Sponsor Seminar
The selection of the right stabilization package is a critical choice, not only for reasons of comfort but also for the safety, well-being and enjoyment of everyone on board. When there are so many options available for the Stabilization of Motoryachts and Trawler Yachts, it is often difficult to know what’s the best choice for you and your yacht.
Whether you are a new owner looking for guidance or a well-seasoned mariner re-evaluating your current stabilization package, this presentation aims to look at what systems are available, where they are best suited, and the questions you should be asking to make the most appropriate choice for your yacht and individual stabilization requirements.
As Managing Director of DMS Holland and a seasoned mariner himself, Sietse van der Zee will look at the options and highlight the advantages and downsides of each system to help you with this considered decision.
Dynamic Marine Systems (DMS Holland) are specialists in stabilization and roll reduction systems for Motor Yachts. This Trawlerfest Stuart presentation will give background into the company and its products and explain how DMS aims to provide the best stabilization solution for all motor and trawler yacht designs
Understanding Your Trawler’s Hydraulic Systems: Operation, Maintenance & Troubleshooting
May 15, Friday 1pm-2pm ***Located on the dock***
****Free Seminar for all valid boat show ticket holders.*****
Gain a practical understanding of your vessel’s hydraulic systems and how to keep them operating reliably. In this session, experts from ABT-TRAC and WESMAR will walk through the fundamentals of hydraulic operation, routine maintenance best practices, and how to identify and troubleshoot common issues before they become costly problems.
Using real-world examples from stabilizers, thrusters, and control systems, you’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to better manage your boat’s performance, safety, and comfort while on your journey.”
Bluewater Boats that are Good for Loopers, Too with John Clayman
May 15, Friday 1pm- 2:30 pm
Would-be cruisers often ask, “What do I need to look for in a boat for The Great Loop,” as if maybe they didn’t intent to cruise anywhere else. And maybe some do not. The Loop is a magnificent adventure, usually with land to starboard and port, but there are plenty of boats that do a great job on inland waters that can also go offshore and even cross an ocean. The Great Loop is a magnificent adventure in and of itself, but there are affordable boats that can do both the Erie Canal and the Atlantic Ocean in comfort and safety. John Clayman, president of Seaton Yachts with tens of thousands of ocean miles under his belt, will review the particular requirements for Great Looping and for more strenuous cruising. He will provide examples of dual-purpose vessels for every budget. Donning his yacht broker cap, Clayman will also discuss how to find and purchase the best boat for your needs. There will be ample time to respond to questions about design, construction, surveys and the purchase process.
Foreign Flagging with Maritime Attorneys Todd Lochner and Greg Singer
May 15, Friday, 1:30 pm – 3 pm
What is Foreign Flagging? Foreign flagging refers to the registration of a yacht in a foreign country – most frequently the Marshall Islands or Cayman Islands – for buyers who intend to use their yacht in the U.S. but do not intend to permanently import the yacht. It should only be considered by owners who intend to take their yacht to a foreign port at least once a year. Foreign flagging is generally available to yachts longer than 12 meters (39 feet).
Duties, Tariffs and State Taxes. One of the strongest advantages to foreign flagging for a yacht owner is exemption from import duties, tariffs, and state vessel taxes. If a yacht is flagged in one of the roughly thirty countries which are eligible for a U.S. cruising permit, and if the yacht obtains and maintains a U.S. cruising permit, the yacht may be entitled to exemption of these duties, tariffs, and taxes. This is a fact-specific exemption so it is very important for a buyer to consult maritime counsel to determine if they will be able to take advantage of it.
Cruising Permit Requirements. Cruising permits for foreign flagged yachts are typically issued for a 1-year duration, and then must be renewed. The largest practical consideration for renewing the cruising permit is that the yacht must leave the United States for at least seven days and clear in to a foreign port. Upon arrival back on the United States, another 1-year cruising permit is issued. For this reason, foreign flagging is only a viable option for yacht owners who intend to cruise to a foreign country at least once a year. Canada and the Bahamas are typically the most convenient foreign destinations for this purpose.
Insurance and Mortgages. Most yacht insurance carriers and yacht lenders have no issue with insuring or lending for a vessel with a foreign flag, provided it is a reputable flag – for example the Marshall Islands, Cayman Islands, or any of the British “Red Ensign” group of countries. Foreign flagging can offer a broader range of options for insurance or financing, as it allows an owner to take advantage of alternatives outside the U.S. market. In any case, an owner interested in foreign flagging their yacht should speak with their insurance broker or lender to confirm the options available to them if they proceed.
Restrictions. An important restriction on foreign flagged yachts cruising the U.S. under a cruising permit, is that the yacht may not carry passengers for hire within the U.S. For this reason, foreign flagging is typically not suitable for an owner who intends to charter their yacht in U.S. waters. Foreign flagged yachts also face certain restrictions on selling the yacht to U.S. citizens while the yacht is in the U.S. In order to accomplish such a sale, the yacht must typically go at least 12 miles offshore for closing, unless the buyer wishes to pay the import duty and tariff upon sale. For these reasons, working with a yacht broker and a maritime lawyer experienced in offshore closings is highly recommended when selling a foreign flagged yacht in the U.S.
Washington State Specific Considerations. For foreign flagged yachts cruising Washington State for extended periods, there are two additional requirements for owners to be aware of. The first is that the owner must obtain a vessel visitor permit if the yacht stays in Washington State waters for more than 60 days. The second is that yachts must obtain a state pilotage exemption permit, to avoid the requirement of having a pilot on board while navigating Puget Sound. Both permits are relatively easy to obtain at minimal cost (several hundred dollars total), but it is important to obtain these permits to remain 100% compliant while cruising Washington State. Most other states do not have such requirements for foreign flagged yachts.
In short, foreign flagging can be an attractive option for yacht owners facing high import duties and tariffs, and who do not intend to permanently import their yacht into the United States. Whether this is a good option is a highly fact-specific determination, and so we would strongly recommend any potential buyer interested in foreign flagging to consult with a maritime attorney.
Ask the Experts Moderated by Jeff Merrill
May 15, Friday 3-5 pm
In this “town hall” event, our panel of veteran cruisers will field audience questions on a wide
range of topics with interesting sea stories always shared. Jeff Merrill, CPYB, the moderator, is
a yacht broker, author, YouTuber and trawler specialist with thousands of cruising miles with
clients.
Our distinguished panel includes: Wayne Goldman, CPYB a veteran cruiser/captain and the
president of Selene Yachts America. Greg Singer is a maritime attorney with Lochner Law Firm.
Phyllis Woolwine is a master mariner and maritime educator. Bud LeMieux is an Anacortes
local who is a world renown boat builder and a founder of Northern Marine.
Two active cruising couples join us as special guests: Evan and Karly Nietzel who have just
completed the Great Loop and have a popular YouTube Channel, Navigating Nietzels. Kevin and
Alison Jeffries have owned the Nordhavn 55 Red Rover for nearly ten years as full time cruisers,
covering over 35,000 miles on both US coasts and many places in between.
SATURDAY, MAY 16 SEMINARS
Knothing But Knots! with Phyllis Woolwine
May 16, 9 am – 11 am
You are not alone! The ratio between boaters and those skilled with tying the right knot, for the right purpose, the right way is perhaps 100 to 1. Captain Phyllis Woolwine of Shearwater University has a cure! More than the many “how to” lessons and YouTubes you’ve learned (and forgotten) from in the past, Captain Wooly shares knot tying learning methods that you will KNOT forget. And for each one you will learn powerful applications for the knot. This is a hands-on workshop, so roll up your sleeves! This workshop will give those new (or rusty) to knot tying a great foundation, including:
- Understanding types of rope (materials & construction) and the best applications for each type.
- Methods for tying the three most important boating knots so you will Knever Forget!
- Optional additional knots will be added if time, based on participant preferences.
- You will leave with Knot Cards to remind you of the key methods, along with a line to practice with.
TBA Coming Soon
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Don’t Wait for Someday: Cruise Now and Unafraid While Working Aboard
May 16, Saturday, 2pm-3:30pm with Karly and Evan Nietzel
What if “someday” never comes? At just 28 years old, Karly and Evan Nietzel completed
America’s Great Loop as a married couple, not because they had everything perfectly figured
out, but because they chose to go before they felt ready.
Too often, cruising dreams are delayed by careers, finances, fear, or the belief that life aboard
must wait until retirement. In this seminar, Karly and Evan share how they cruised the Great
Loop while continuing to build their careers, proving that full-time cruising isn’t limited to one
season of life.
Through candid stories from the Loop, they offer an honest look at what it’s really like to work
remotely from a boat from the challenges, hard-earned lessons, and moments that confirmed
they made the right choice. This isn’t a highlight reel, but a real-world view of balancing
deadlines with dock lines and Wi-Fi with weather windows.
Attendees will leave inspired and equipped with practical strategies for working aboard,
budgeting realistically, downsizing on land, and overcoming the mental barriers that keep
dreams on hold.
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@navigatingnietzels
Navigating Your New Trawler Purchase: Build, Payment Terms, Taxes, and Tariffs
11:15-12:15 pm on the Dock
A Comprehensive Guide with Wayne Goldman from Selene Yachts Americas
Join us as we illuminate the path to understanding the intricacies of the new trawler yacht purchase process. This talk offers invaluable insights into many facets of purchasing a new trawler, from identifying your specific needs and setting a suitable budget to navigating negotiations with dealers and salespeople. Learn how to effectively inspect and evaluate trawlers, understand the nuances of contracts and payment terms and plan for the responsibilities of trawler ownership. Covering the process, from selecting the right size and options to taking delivery and conducting sea trials, this talk equips you with the knowledge needed to confidently make informed decisions aligned with your boating goals.
FINANCING AND INSURING YOUR DREAM BOAT with Total Dollar & Sterling Associates
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm on the Dock
What you need to know about financing and insuring your boat. The requirements lenders will have, for insurance and financing. What you want to have to protect yourself on insurance and financing. Finance programs that fit your needs
