A wise old sailor once said that all seamanship could be divided into three basic principles: 1. Keeping the water out; 2. Getting where you are going, and 3. Not hitting anything. TrawlerFest-Bremerton has dozens of able craft lining the docks, so No. 1 is covered, but 2 and 3 are human factors.

Four experienced mariners will present four seminars designed to help attendees avoid the human errors that can prevent them from arriving safely at their destinations.

Eric Kunz, senior product manager for Furuno USA and longtime friend of PassageMaker magazine, has two seminars that directly address Nos. 2 and 3. On Friday, May 19, Kunz joins TrawlerFest veteran Bob Sweet to present “Getting the Most Out of Your Radar.” Sweet’s illustrated explanations set the stage for demonstration of an actual solid-state radar.

On Saturday, May 20, Kunz presents “Navigation 202: Electronics,” explaining how to get the most from today’s multi-function displays, and how to get where you are going.

But just in case the lights go out or the satellites fall from the sky, marine trainer Robert Reeder will present “Old School Navigation,” a lesson in how to get home when the GPS stops working, on Thursday, May 18.

Then, over two mornings on Friday and Saturday, May 19-20, yacht broker and delivery captain Jeff Merrill looks at the big picture in “Principles of Passagemaking,” Traveling between ports requires understanding and knowledge of some fundamental skills to ensure a safe trip. This course is designed to be both an introduction and a refresher for owner operators and their crew, covering basics of weather forecasting, route planning, watch standing, engine room checks, pilothouse navigation/electronics operations, and much more. This seminar is for people interested in transiting between sea ports requiring overnight passages

PEOPLE’S CHOICE RETURNS

The “People’s Choice Award” is back after a two-year hiatus. This is one election without tangst. Attendees simply cast ballots for the coolest craft on the docks. Although odds favor character boat Teddi Bear, a Florida Bay Coaster and previous winner (image at top), there have been production boats that have taken the prize, which is a beautiful brass bell, courtesy of Weems & Plath.

REGISTER HERE

The navigation seminars are included in both TrawlerFest VIP package deals. The five-day VIP Pass costs $499 but can amount to a value of more than $1,100. Here’s what it includes:

  • General Admission to all three days of TrawlerFest’s In-Water Boat Show
  • Unlimited access to seminars (Tuesday-Saturday) (Diesel Engine course and Boat Handling Hands On is available as part of the VIP package)
  • Entry for one to Thursday’s Dinner and entertainment.
  • Entry for one to Friday’s Docktail Party

There is also a three-day VIP package for $399, which provides similar value for Thursday through Saturday seminars.

Most PassageMaker fans know that TrawlerFest is more than a seminar series. The event’s in-water boat show, runs Thursday, March 2-4. Dozens of power cruisers will be open for inspection on the docks and vendors will be on hand to demonstrate products and services.

SEMINARS: Tuesday, May 16 – Saturday, May 20

IN-WATER BOAT SHOW: Thursday, May 18 – Saturday, May 20

BREMERTON MARINA
120 Washington Beach Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337
360-373-1035

SEMINAR LOCATION:
Kitsap Conference Center at Bremerton Harborside
100 Washington Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337For more information, visit www.passagemaker.com and navigate to TrawlerFest>Bremerton.