Come join us at Trawlerfest in sunny Ft. Lauderdale, Florida at the Bahia Mar Hotel & Marina from February 24-28th, 2026.
This is the premiere event for boat owners and prospective buyers to hone their boating skills or to find their next boat. Powerboaters and sailors alike will have unparalleled access to a wealth of industry experts, from manufacturers to other experienced cruisers.
Fort Lauderdale is a city known for its beaches and boating canals. The Strip is a promenade running along oceanside highway A1A. It’s lined with upscale outdoor restaurants, bars, boutiques and luxury hotels.
In Water Boat Show
THURSDAY, February 26 – Saturday, February 28th, 2025 Boat Show is open 10am – 5pm Thursday and Friday & Saturday from 10am – 4pm
TICKETS: General Admission is $15 in advance. $20 at the gate. Seminar tickets include General Admission to the boat show on the day of the seminar.
Hotel Information
Location: Bahia Mar Hotel- 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Use this link for a discounted room at our host hotel: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/fllbmdt-90i-1a19c473-536d-4c21-86cc-82f0683401c3/
TRAWLERFEST SEMINARS
TUESDAY, February 24 – SATURDAY, February 28, 2026
Location: Bahia Mar Hotel- 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
EXHIBITOR INFORMATION:
If you wish to become an exhibitor and display your boat for sale at Trawlerfest, please contact Ryan Davidson at (954) 328-7573 or ryan.davidson@firecrown.com.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Exhibiting Boat List
| Kadey Krogen | Krogen 60 Open |
| American Tug 362 | |
| 2018 Krogen 48 AE | |
| Intermarine Boat Sales | 54′ Beneteau Swift Trawler |
| 41′ Beneteau Swift Trawler | |
| NC 895 | |
| NC 1295 Fly Bridge | |
| North Pacific Yachts | NP 54 Pilothouse |
| NP 49 Pilothouse | |
| Pocket Yacht Company | Ranger R-31 |
| Ranger R-29 | |
| Ranger R-27 | |
| Cutwater 23 | |
| Selene Yachts America | Selene 60 |
| Selene 54 | |
| Elling Yachts USA | 2020 65’ Elling E6 |
| Explorer Yachts | Explorer Yachts- Vanguard |
| Nordhavn Yachts | Nordhavn 55 |
| Nordhavn 59 CP | |
| Helmsman Trawlers | 2025 Helmsman Trawlers 43 E |
| Yacht Sales International | Greenline 39 Hybrid |
| Greenline 48 Fly Hybrid | |
| Burr Yacht Sales | Fleming 65′ |
| Olsen Yacht Group | Outback 50′ |
| Grand Banks | Grand Banks Euro 42′ |
| Moon Yachts | Moon 60 Power |
| East Coast Yacht Sales | Targa 41′ |
| Axis Marine Group | Omicron Yacht 60′ |
| North Point Yacht Sales | Hylas 42′ |
| Performance Yacht Group | Northman 1300 |
| Sterling Assoiciates |
| Total Dollar Insurance |
| Seaton Yachts |
| CMC Marine |
| Dynamic Marine Systems |
| Zimmerman Marine |
| Jeff Merrill Yacht Sales |
| MTOA |
| Seakeepers Org. |
| Trawlers of Great Lakes |
| Avikus USA |
| Olsen Yacht Group |
| Dockmate |
| Indiantown Marine Center |
| ElectroSea |
| Perko |
Tuesday February 24th Seminars
Docking & Close Quarters Boat Handling with Bob Arrington
Tuesday, February 24th, 9 am – 12 pm
This classroom session, combined with “Boat Handling on the Water” will help you develop skills in close quarters maneuvering and docking. You will learn how to prepare the boat for docking in a variety of situations, along with how to predict and adapt to wind and current. Taught by one of the best instructors in the business, Bob Arrington holds a USCG 100 Ton Masters License with over 40 years of practical experience at the helm. He enjoys sharing his passion for the water with new boaters, having taught boat handling skills in multiple venues for the past 25 years. Arrington also writes boat handling and cruising columns for Passagemaker and Power & Motoryacht Magazines. The Wednesday morning session is all class time followed by five on-the-water sessions on Wednesday – Friday. (SEPARATE REGISTRATION FOR ON WATER SESSIONS REQUIRED). The certificate of completion awarded to attendees may enable some to save money on their boat insurance. An example of Arrington’s training can be found here at: https://www.passagemaker.com/technical/settle-down-skipper
Day 1 of 2: How to Maintain a Cruising Powerboat with Steve Zimmerman – 2 sessions Tuesday & Wednesday, February 24 & 25, 9 am – 12 pm both days
These two sessions (Tuesday & Wednesday) class will provide practical in-depth information about maintaining your boat. Whether you plan to perform your own maintenance or pay someone, this class will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Topics include:
• Corrosion prevention
• Understanding modern fiberglass boat construction and repairs, including blister repairs, gelcoat maintenance, and core materials
• Shore power principles and safety
• Gelcoat Maintenance and core materials
• Bottom paints
• Sealants and adhesives – proper selection and application
• Engine checks
Galley Tips – Provisions for Your Pleasure Cruise with Chris and Alyse Caldwell *New Seminar
Tuesday, February 24, 1 pm – 3 pm
Captain Alyse Caldwell will share ideas, shortcuts and hints that will make your time in the galley another fun adventure. We will help you adjust to a slightly different way of preparing meals including where you can store your provisions in the small confines of a typical galley. With the right attitude and a little creativity, meals taste better on a boat. Like everything else in life, start with the right tool for the right job! We’ll talk trash too…how to store it and still keep your boat smelling fresh.
Waves / Seas with Chris Parker
Tuesday, February 24, 1 pm – 3 pm
Everything you really need to know about seas, and how to interpret sea state forecasts. Topics include: Define wave height and interval (period), Explore the concept of “apparent wave interval”, Why waves develop, how waves dissipate energy, how waves impact your vessel, how fast waves propagate, Multiple wave trains and their interaction (phasing of wave trains) How waves are influenced by currents, landmasses, shoaling and fetch.
Chris will share his unique rule of thumb so you can create your own accurate forecast for wind chop (wind driven waves). We’ll show you a handy, free online tool which will help you understand how waves respond to changes in wind speed, weather depth, and fetch. And He will finish by looking at a few examples of wave forecasts and offer tips on how to interpret them, so you make better decisions with respect to seas.
All Paws on Deck with Bob and Dori Arrington
Tuesday, February 24, 3pm-4:30pm
The only thing better than long distance cruising, is long cruising with your four-legged friends. Our pets are part of our family, and we wouldn’t consider being aboard without them.
Join experienced cruisers, Bob & Dori Arrington along with their Portuguese Water Dog Cali, as they review how to safely cruise with your dog or cat. We’ll review pet first aid, safe boarding practices and accessories to have that will make life aboard with your pets easier and more enjoyable.
Cruising the ICW with Chris and Alyse Caldwell
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 3 pm -5 pm
Heading south for the winter? This seminar will get you where you want to go. Ask Captain Chris to help you plot your course along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway from the Chesapeake Bay through mile marker zero in Norfolk, Va., all the way to the warm waters of Florida. Learn a few tips to keep you in the deeper channel and off the sandbars from experienced cruisers who traveled the route in many different size trawlers- with as deep as a 7- foot draft. There are details to explore such as tide, currents and drawbridges that are specific to cruising the Atlantic coast. Here’s a peek at where you may travel when it’s your turn to live the dream.
Wednesday, February 25th Seminars
Weather Forecasts – Weather Apps with Chris Parker
Wednesday, February 25, 9 am – 12 pm
Explore various apps and online sources for weather, and tips for using them effectively. Learn how to use (or how improve your use of) the best marine weather apps and other online resources, including:
Apps: Windy, Predict Wind, Pocket GRIB, Ventusky, Weather 4D, and any app you wish to discuss. Websites: SpotWx.com, TropicalTidbits.com, Weatherbell.com, and any website you wish to discuss.
Learn the importance of using area (rather than point / spot) forecasts, selecting and comparing different models, and considering different weather forecast parameters (wind speed and direction, wind gusts, potential for convective winds, precipitation, fog, and the height, direction, and interval of various wave trains (wind-driven seas as well as swells).
Understand why you probably want to use the best weather app, separate from your navigation program.
This course assumes you have a basic understanding of marine weather – if not, then you will still find the course useful, but you will get more out of this course if you already have a basic understanding of marine weather.
Day 2 of 2: How to Maintain a Cruising Powerboat with Steve Zimmerman Wednesday, Feb. 25, 9 am – 12 pm Day 2 cont..
This two session (Tuesday & Wednesday) class will provide practical in-depth information about maintaining your boat. Whether you plan to perform your own maintenance or pay someone, this class will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Topics include:
• How to inspect and service seacocks and thru-hulls• How to inspect and maintain your running gear, including props, shafts, and shaft seals
• Corrosion prevention• Understanding modern fiberglass boat construction and repairs, including blister repairs, gelcoat maintenance, and core materials
• Shore power principles and safety
• Gelcoat Maintenance and core materials
• Bottom paints
• Sealants and adhesives – proper selection and application
• Engine checks
What to Expect from a Marine Survey & Sea Trial with Capt Chris and Alyse Caldwell
Wednesday, February 25, 1pm – 3pm
To better prepare you for what happens during a survey, our primary focus in this new Ask Captain Chris seminar is what you as the boat owner will expect from surveys of pleasure boats. We will include:
1. types of surveys
2. how to find the right surveyor
3. what you will experience during the survey
4. some of your responsibilities as the buyer.
This seminar is photo-rich with real world examples helping the new boater to identify quality equipment as well as potential problems.
Wednesday, February 25, 1pm-3pm
Captain Phyllis Woolwine presents the essential elements of electronic navigation. “Captain Wooly” is
the founder of Shearwater University – Maritime Education, the producer of Navigation Essentials
Online, and is a Certified Coastal Navigation Instructor and Electronic Navigation Instructor for US
Powerboating and US Sailing.
Because it requires more than 2 hours to become proficient with electronic navigation, the purpose of
this seminar is to give boaters a clear view of what skills and knowledge you need to develop to safely
navigate and pilot your boat using a chart plotter and other navigation electronics.
Consider the fact that nearly all the boats going around every day – in local waters and all around the
world – have chart plotters onboard. Boaters that simply “follow the little boat” on the screen, or make a habit of selecting an end point and then pushing “autoroute”, are at risk of being one of those grounded boats.
Chart plotters and other other navigation electronics are powerful tools. They are not, however, a
replacement for rigorous navigation training. All boaters need core skills and knowledge for safe
navigation and piloting – whether using paper or electronics. This seminar will address the topics you
need to spend time learning and practicing to keep your boat safe.
**Stabilizer Systems, which technology is better and why with Raffa Invrea from CMC Marine
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2pm – 3pm- May be adjusted to Thursday or Friday , check back….
Free Sponsor Seminar with Valid Show Ticket
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.
The Great Loop and Beyond, Boats that are Good for Loopers and Bluewater Cruising Too with John Clayman
Wednesday, February 25, 2 pm – 3 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 intend 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.
Unique Features of Trawlers with Wayne Goldman from Selene Yachts America Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2 pm – 3 pm
Free Sponsor Seminar with Valid Show Ticket
.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.
Navigating the New Charting Environment: Using the New NOAA ENC Chart System and the
NOAA Online Custom Chart Tool with Capt. Phyllis Woolwine
Wednesday, February 25th, 3pm-5pm
Get up to speed on the new charting environment. NOAA spent 5 years gradually “Sunsetting” Raster
Navigation Charts, and since January 2025 these traditional charts are no longer updated. The new
national and international standard is the system of Electronic Navigation Charts (ENCs). These 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. - Learn how ENCs interface with your chart plotters and charting apps.
- Adopt an integrated approach for using paper and electronic charts – advantaging the strengths of
both – so you never have to experience a calamity at sea. - Learn how to use the NOAA Custom Chart Tool online to create your own charts for printing –
exported directly from the NOAA ENC Database – for affordable paper charts that are even more
up-to-date than your chart plotter.
On The Water Boat Handling Sessions 1- 5 with Captain Bob Arrington
Six people per session. Docking and Close Quarters Boat Handling with Bob Arrington is a required prerequisite for Boat Handling, “On The Water”. Not Included in Vip Pass*
**Confirmation letters with details will be sent to all registered attendees the week before the show.
Session 1- Wednesday, Feb. 25, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Session 2: Thursday, Feb. 26, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Session 3-Thursday, Feb. 26, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Session 4-Friday, Feb. 27, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Session 5- Saturday, Feb. 28, 8:00 AM-10:00 AM
February 26, Thursday Seminars
The Great Loop with Kim Russo THURSDAY
Thursday, Feb. 26, 9 am – 12 pm
Boaters who circumnavigate the East Coast of U.S., using the Hudson River, Erie Canal, Great Lakes, Mississippi River and Intracoastal Waterway are called “Loopers” for having completed “The Great Loop.” Kim Russo, executive director of the America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association, will give a detailed briefing with plenty of time to answer questions. She will also address which boats are most suitable and how to budget. For more information and a Loop photo gallery, click here. Attendees will receive a complementary one-year membership to the American Great Loop Cruising Association.
Navigating your Trawler Purchase with Wayne Goldman
Thursday, Feb. 26, 1pm – 2:00 pm
Free Sponsor Seminar Valid with Show Ticket
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.
Maritime Medical Emergency Management Lecture with Dr Robert Leviton
Thursday, Feb. 26, 9 am – 12 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
Knothing But Knots!
Thursday, Feb. 26, 1 pm – 3 pm with Capt. Phyllis Woolwine
Boating can often seem like operating in the wild west. Boats can come at you from everywhere operated by who knows what. To stay safe, you not only need to know the rules, but what to do if the other guy does not. The whole idea is to not collide. The rules are your means of communicating with other boaters. Come learn, or refresh your understanding, in an engaging and memorable way. You’ll also get a handy guide you can place on the boat as a reminder. And that’s not all…
Perhaps the greatest accessory on your boat is rope, or “lines” as we call them on the boat. They help you secure the boat, so it’s there when you return. Lines also help you handle the boat while docking, departing, and anchoring. Knowing what rope, or line, you need, and when is key. Also, line is of little use if it is not attached to something. Learn some essential knots, bends and hitches you’ll use frequently. Proper marlinspike is the mark of an accomplished boater. You’ll get to practice with some hands-on tying and go away looking good.
All About Anchoring with Chris & Alyse Caldwell
Thursday, Feb. 26, 1pm-3pm
Ever had your anchor drag or listened to anchor horror stories from your boating buddies? Captain Chris will have a hands-on demonstration to put your mind at ease. Learn about which anchors are right for the sea floor conditions and why. Different types of anchors, how much scope and when you may select chain vs. rope are some topics we’ll explore. Just what IS a snubber and where can you find one? Join Captains Chris and Alyse for this interactive presentation and we promise you won’t have to clean mud off the deck.
Trawler Buying Tips moderator Jeff Merrill
Thursday, Feb. 26, 1pm-4pm
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 boatbuilder Steve Zimmerman helping you determine which hull form is best for the type of cruising you intend. Hull form matters and you want to select the right design. Cindy Luis from Sterling Associates will discuss marine loan financing. John Posey from Total Dollar Insurance will help you understand the current boat insurance market. Kerry Nikula is a SAMS credentialed marine surveyor based in Florida who travels when needed and has years of experience inspecting multiple brands of trawlers. Kerry will touch on common questions asked when engaging as surveyor and describe part of the process of conducting a survey and completing a survey report. Maritime attorney, Matt Miller, has been counseling buyers (and sellers) of trawlers for many years. Matt will discuss some of the important legal aspects of a purchase including, title, taxes, duty/tariff and other related legal points.
Jeff Merrill, CPYB (Trawlerfest veteran presenter for over 20 + years) will moderate the discussion and try to keep the panelists and audience on track so that when we wrap up you will have some great background on the trawler buying process.
The Truth About Hybrid Yachting: Practical Benefits, Real Limitations
Thursday, Feb. 26th, 2pm-3pm
**Free Sponsor with valid show ticket***
As conversations about hybrid and electric propulsion systems become more common in the cruising market, many boaters are asking: when does this technology actually make sense? In this seminar, we’ll explore the evolution of hybrid systems, compare them to conventional diesel power, and identify the cruising profiles where alternative propulsion delivers meaningful advantages. The goal is clarity—helping owners make informed decisions based on how they really use their boats.
The Virtues of Trawler Simplicity with Capt. John Clayman
Thursday, Feb. 26, 3:00 pm – 5:00 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.
Docking With 2 People, 1 Line, Any Conditions, Full Control
Thursday, Feb. 26, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm with Capt. Phyllis Woolwine
Docking with dynamic springlines has become a lost art – with tragic results in marinas all around the
world. 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 explains 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. There are no prerequisites for this class, which will establish a goal standard for new boaters, and revolutionize the docking strategies of experienced boaters.
February 27, Friday Seminars
The Great Loop with Kim Russo FRIDAY
Friday, February 27, 9:00am-12:00pm
Due to high demand, we have made this seminar available on 2 separate days. Limited capacity
Boaters who circumnavigate the East Coast of U.S., using the Hudson River, Erie Canal, Great Lakes, Mississippi River and Intracoastal Waterway are called “Loopers” for having completed “The Great Loop.” Kim Russo, executive director of the America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association, will give a detailed briefing with plenty of time to answer questions. She will also address which boats are most suitable and how to budget. For more information and a Loop photo gallery, click here. Attendees will receive a complementary one-year membership to the American Great Loop Cruising Association.
FLOOPin’ Florida Loop Cruising with Chris and Alyse Caldwell
Friday, Feb. 27, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Want to try a new adventure? We are FLOOPin’…Boating along the Florida Loop. Join us for a virtual cruise on a full circle around Southern Florida. Make a loop, north from Miami then west through the Okeechobee Waterway, south on Florida’s west coast into the Gulf of Mexico, around the Florida Keys and back to your starting point. Enjoy our Sunshine State and Ask Captain Chris how you can FLOOP too!
How To Buy a Used Boat… As Told by the Boatyard with Steve Zimmerman
Friday, Feb. 27, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
This talk provides a unique perspective on the boat buying process. Boatyards usually become involved AFTER the checks have been cashed and the boat changes hands. Too often the buyer finds out what he should have known before the purchase. This seminar will give you the tools you need to understand how the game is played, what questions to ask, and how identify the right kind of boat for your plans. This is a practical workshop, delving into the bilges of the boat buying process.
Topics include: How to identify the best design type for your plans using a Boat Selection Matrix, Understanding the brokerage process and how it has changed. The role of a marine surveyor and how to find a good one. Interpreting survey findings and post-survey negotiations.
HANDS ON Maritime Medical Emergency Management with Dr Robert Leviton
Friday, Feb. 27, 11 am – 3 pm **Not Included in the VIP Package
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
2. Draping and Prepping
3. Anesthesia Considerations
4. Suture and Needle Selection
5. Instrument Use
6. Steri-Strips
7. Skin Glue
8. Wound Closure Techniques
9. Simple Interrupted
10. Simple Running
11. Running Locking
12. Horizontal Mattress
13. Vertical Mattress
14. Corner Stitch
15. Figure of 8 Stitch
16. Staplers and Removal
17. Two Handed Hand Tying with Left
18. Two Handed Hand Tying with Right
19. Splinting Skills and Techniques
20. Ace Elastic Bandage Wrap
21. Short Arm/Volar Splint
22. Thumb Spica Splint
23. Ulnar Gutter Splint
24. Short Leg/Posterior Splint
Basic Diesel Engine Maintenance with Chris and Alyse Caldwell
Friday, Feb. 27, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Understand how your marine diesel engine works and learn how to DIY as a boat owner. Temperature creep, overheating and sluggish to reach cruise RPMs can be easily addressed by you without hiring a service tech. Other skills such as fuel filtration and polishing; oil changes and fluid sample collection are essential and easy to learn. We will also address the reduction gear/transmission and tips for keeping your generator happy. Seminar includes changing fuel filter, field service of a raw water pump, heat exchanger and exhaust system cooling. Ask Captain Chris to show you how.
Foreign Flagging with Maritime Attorney Greg Singer
Friday, Feb. 27th 12pm – 1:30pm
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.
Ask the Experts: A Town Hall Meeting
Friday, Feb. 27, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
In this “town hall” event, our panel of veteran cruisers will field audience questions on a wide range of topics, sea stories always resulting. Jeff Merrill, CPYB, the moderator, is a yacht broker, author and trawler specialist with thousands of cruising miles with clients. Steve Zimmerman can discuss repairs and boatyards from the point of view of both a cruiser and boatyard owner. Capt Bob Arrington enjoys sharing his passion for the water with new boaters, having taught boat handling skills in multiple venues for the past 25 years.
Joining our distinguished panel are sponsor representatives: Wayne Goldman, CPYB is a veteran cruiser/captain and the president of Selene Yachts America. Greg Singer is a maritime attorney with Lochner Law Firm. Special guests are Evan and Karly Nietzel who have just completed the Great Loop and have a popular YouTube Channel, NavigatingNietzels.
February 28th, Saturday Seminars
The Other Loop: The Down East Circle with Steve Zimmerman New Item
Saturday, February 28, 9 am – 11 am
The Downeast Loop provides a unique combination of seaways and scenery. This journey takes you up the Hudson River, through the Erie Canal, into Lake Ontario, out the St. Lawrence River, and into the Atlantic Ocean, providing an enticing variety of conditions. Scenery includes the enchanting Thousand Islands region, a scenic fjord, the remote Magdalene Islands, the spectacular Bras d’Or Lake and Cape Breton, and the historic Atlantic side of Nova Scotia. This talk will provide practical information for those planning the trip, as well as beautiful photographs to whet your cruising appetite.
Cape Cod to Maine with Bob Arrington
Saturday, Feb. 28th | 9am – 11am
Prepare for your “New England” adventure with cruising authority Bob Arrington, as you explore together the beautiful North East coast from Cape Cod to Maine. A summer cruising destination for boaters from around the world, the New England coast is chock-full of picturesque bays, uninhabited islands and quaint fishing villages. From the urban vibe of Boston, Portsmouth and Portland to the remote islands of Casco and Penobscot Bays, this stretch of the New England Coast has something for everyone.
We will also offer an introduction to the Canadian Maritimes of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The North Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Maine are rich in sea-life with seals, dolphins and whales seemingly ready to escort you along the way. In this program, Bob Arrington will share his years of experience to help you safely prepare for:
*Navigating the Cape Cod Canal
*Coastal cruising and offshore waters
*Avoiding lobster pots
*Favorite anchorages and harbors
*Maine’s Islands
*Navigating in Fog
*Launching point for the Canadian Maritimes
Financing and Insuring our Dream Boat with Total Dollar and Sterling Associates
Saturday, February 28, 11 am – 12 pm
Free Sponsor Seminar with Valid Show Ticket
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.
Selecting the Right Equipment for Your New or Used Trawler with Wayne Goldman and Dylan Hildebrand
Saturday, Feb. 28th, 11am-12pm.
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 Transactions (doing the deal) with Jeff Merrill, CPYB
Saturday, February 28, 12pm -2pm
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.
Safety for Cruising Couples with Bob Arrington
Saturday, Feb. 28, 12 pm – 3 pm
This popular program originally developed by the Cruising Club of America, helps couples work better together during challenging situations. You will learn confidence building skills, specifically geared towards how to prepare for onboard emergencies. The course will cover the most important skills you would need if you had to over command of the boat. This kind of training is like insurance for emergencies – you hope you won’t need it, but you will be glad you have it. The course covers a range of essential boating safety practices, with particular emphasis on completing a safe voyage as a couple.
Safety for Cruising Couples Topics Include:
• Importance of Teamwork and Confidence Building
• Dealing with Emergencies
• Person Overboard and Recovery Skills
• Basic boat skills necessary to know in an emergency • Know Before You Go: GPS, VHF, Using Charts and Chart-plotters • Navigation and Safety Equipment
• Getting Help DSC Distress Communications
• Preparing yourself and your boat
• Additional Resources and Checklists https://sas.cruisingclub.org/scc
Stabilization for Motoryachts & Trawler Yachts with Sietse van der Zee from DMS Holland.
Saturday 28th February 2:00pm – 3:00pm.
FREE Sponsor Seminar with Valid Show Ticket.
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.
