This will be a discussion based on the "patchwork quilt" concept of using different digital communication technologies to keep in touch. The focus will be on the options available (including new products) and the way that cruisers actually use the different technologies: Wi-Fi at the dock, broadband cellular underway, HF SSB radio, satellite phones and satellite broadband when offshore. We will address how to adapt these technologies to a cruiser's needs and budget as well how you can move your business aboard.
Sponsored by: SeaTech Systems

Steven Bowden and his partner Pamela House started SeaTech Systems in 1994. They create computerized navigation, communication and weather systems for cruisers.

Attendees will be introduced to some surface weather maps with probing questions as to what they see and what the anticipated weather forecasts are for several geographical areas from east and the west coasts and other areas of the country. This portion of the presentation is a reality check for basic weather chart interpretation skills. There will be an important discussion concerning human intelligence products as generated by the National Weather Service (NWS), the largest of six government agents under the administration of NOAA, versus government originated numerical and graphical weather models. A brief discussion of Tropical Cyclone avoidance techniques using the 1-2-3 Rule will be reviewed along with regional weather events such as Gulf Stream North Wall episodes, gap wind events such as the Santa Anna winds off of southern California, and Mexico’s Gulf of Tehuantepec events. Whether you are just spending a day in Tampa Bay, the Chesapeake Bay, or the Puget Sound, coastal cruising off east or west coasts, or are planning to blue water cruise further offshore, you should not miss this presentation!
Sponsored by: Lee Chesneau’s Marine Weather

Lee Chesneau is a highly seasoned senior marine meteorologist with a distinguished 36 year career in maritime weather forecasting, ship routing, writing, key note speaker at seminars, and a certified U.S. Coast Guard STCW Basic and Advanced Meteorology instructor. Lee’s focus as an accomplished instructor and lecturer for various maritime organizations is educating every seagoing mariner on self reliance in marine weather and forecasting, strategic routing, and most importantly, in prudent self reliant decision making. He has his own company Lee Chesneau’s Marine Weather www.marineweatherbylee.com and e-mail at lee@chesneaumarineweather.com.

Collision Avoidance - Sound and Light Signals Made Easy. Rules 32-37 condensed from U.S.C.G Navigation Rules for International and Inland. Easy to remember summary of the rules with a handy reference card.
Sponsored by: Signal Mate

David Horst, an electronic engineer, has a U.S.C.G Masters License with Auxiliary sail and Towing Endorsements. He is a manufacturer of marine safety equipment and certified LED navigation lights. He is a member of NMMA, and Sail & Power Squadron. He has been boating on the Chesapeake Bay for 25 years.

Anchor sailing, the bane of the modern boat. How to limit it. Multiple anchoring techniques. Creating a hurricane mooring. What works and why? Myths and proven procedures, the truth about anchor testing, kellets, angels, bouncers, chain and rope.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

Charles Kanter has thirty plus years as a marine surveyor, delivery skipper, sailing school operator, lecturer, author and live aboard. He is the author of three books on catamarans and three on cruising.

Participation in sailing is declining in America, down more than 40% since 1997 and 70% since 1979. The book Saving Sailing presents a provocative argument and action plan - sure to appeal to sailors everywhere - for the revival quality uses of free time for rewarding intergenerational pastimes, lifelong hobbies, and free-time pursuits. In his presentation, Hayes will share his experiences while researching and writing the book and share ideas for helping sailors to help newcomers to join in. His talks are lively, funny, educational and inspirational.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

Nicholas Hayes is a market researcher, avid sailor and the author of the popular and provocative new book Saving Sailing. Nick has studied sailing, sailors, sailing clubs and the industry for 12 years and has interviewed 1,200 sailors worldwide since '04, culminating in the book. Sharing sailing is a labor of love, for Nick, and he contributes significant energies to it. He served on the Board of the Milwaukee Yacht Club for four years, helping the club to renew its youth training clubhouse and growing its major regattas. He is active on the Junior Committee at the South Shore Yacht Club, and he currently serves on the Board of the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, chairing its Program Committee, setting program strategy and objectives. And he has traveled domestically and abroad, sharing the lessons of his research.

Sailing is Easy and Safe to learn. Basic terminology will be discussed, as well as sailing skills such as tacking and jibing, points of sail, sail trim and rules of the road. This seminar is geared to new sailors or people who have never been sailing.
Sponsored by: American Sailing Association

Captain Brenda Wempner learned to sail as an adult and now holds her U.S.C.G. license and teaches sailing. She works for American Sailing Association in the Education Department.

GENERAL MEDITERRANEAN INFO: * physical location and features of the Mediterranean Sea * size and cruising distances * cultural information and tips * routes to get there INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY CRUISING INFO: * harbours and anchorages * boating facilities afloat and ashore * boat repair and equipment facilities * living requirements - food stores, markets, laundry, garbage, mailing, etc: * evening entertainment - restaurants, 'happy hours', jump-ups * inland travel, buses, tours, car rental WEATHER: * general weather patterns and climate * specific area summer and winter winds * weather resources - radio forecasts, onboard email resources and websites NAVIGATION/PILOTING - strategies and equipment suggestions MOORING and ANCHORING - routines and requirements OFFICIALDOM AND CRUISING FEES BUDGET AND CASH MEDICAL FACILITIES FUEL - diesel, gasoline, propane/butane WATER - availability and cost POWER - 110/220, hook-up differences INSURANCE - common differences in costs and coverage THE DANGERS OF THE SUN - cockpit canvas and other suggestions KEEPING COOL BELOW - fans, hatches, windscoops, clothing, bedding and cooking suggestions COMMUNICATIONS on board and ashore - radio, ham/sailmail, satellite phone, email, snailmail, receiving parts for the boat SECURITY - suggested precautions and some current situations LEAVING THE BOAT LONGTERM pros and cons of commonly used locations
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

Liza is a lifelong sailor both cruiser and racer. In 1973 she married Andy in the Caribbean aboard the classic yacht Ticonderoga and they have since sailed over 140,000 miles together, including a circumnavigation with their three children. Cruising around North and Central America followed then they were lured back across the Atlantic for a family wedding. After another seven years in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and currently in the Pacific Northwest, their Beneteau Bagheera has taken them 116,000 n.miles to 114 countries. Liza is the award-winning best-selling author of four cruising books. Just and Still Cruising recount their world travels with Comfortable Cruising describing their voyage around North and Central America. Their popular Cruising for Cowards is an inclusive technical and practical A-Z for cruisers whether coastal voyaging or offshore. Liza writes for a variety of yachting magazines, gives seminars at major boat shows and to a number of clubs and organisations. When not sailing the oceans of the world, leading cruising groups or touring giving talks on boating and travel, she lives in Vancouver, BC.

Join David Pritchard as he unpacks the world of technical clothing choices. Learn what features to look for in foul weather gear, how to select performance fabrics, and how to choose the best interactive layering systems to meet your needs. Lean how to protect yourself with from the sun with UPF protective garments.
Sponsored by: Gill

David Pritchard is the president of Gill North America - America's leading foul weather gear brand. David's passion for sailing culminated in a marine profession. An sailor for 45 years, Dave enjoys cruising with his family and one design racing.

Steve will discuss choosing the right propeller for your boat with an emphasis on the improvement s available with folding and feather propellers.
Sponsored by: AB Marine

Steve, President of AB Marine, has 15 years experience in the marine propeller industry.

This seminar is a candid and honest look at great boats for world voyaging. It focuses on new and used boats, and what to look for when considering a boat for crossing an ocean. Audience questions are welcome.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

At age 24 John Kretschmer sailed the smallest boat to ever double Cape Horn to windward, a Contessa 32 named Gigi. As a delivery skipper, expedition leader, and offshore passage making instructor, Kretschmer has logged 275,000 deep sea miles and has never sailed less than 10,000 miles a year since 1983. Kretschmer’s challenging sailing agenda for 2010 and 2011 includes several offshore training passages, leading expeditions to Cape Horn, around Newfoundland, and across the N. Atlantic Ocean. Kretschmer is a contributing editor and columnist for Sailing Magazine in addition to writing six books including the ever-popular Flirting with Mermaid. His 2007 book, At the Mercy of the Sea, was critically acclaimed and was chosen by the Southern Bookseller's Association as one of the top 24 nonfiction books of 2007. His new book, Sailboats for a Serious Ocean, will be published in 2010.

This seminar is for owners that want a basic understanding of their boat and how to perform regular maintenance items such as oil changes, gel coat repairs or modifications. Discussion includes long term storage or winterizing, engine maintenance, tool and products used to maintain and enhance the boat. This seminar will help the beginner get started, and provide tips and techniques for the experienced boat owner.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

Scott “Sky” Smith is a columnist/writer for numerous national magazines; he is the author of “Ultimate Boat Maintenance Projects” and ”How To Buy A Single-Engine Airplane” and “How To Build A Hot Tuner Car”, (published by Motorbooks International and available at bookstores across the country or direct from Sky Smith, Inc.).

Presentation to help people better understand the care of diesel fuel. Starting from the fuel tank and moving through the injection system of the propulsion engine or generator.
Sponsored by: Florida-Detroit Diesel-Allison

Bill "Doc" has been a diesel mechanic for over 30 years. The past 10 years he has been fully involved in the fuel side of the business and how it affects the operation of a diesel engine.

This seminar will explore the benefits of using synthetic standing rigging. You will understand both the benefits and the limitations of this new material type. John will give a light but data based presentation on the merits of using synthetic line for Standing Rigging.
Sponsored by: Colligo Marine

John Franta is an engineer, sailor and a director at Colligo Marine. He has spent years studying synthetic rigging and its applications to the sailing/marine world. John is an avid multihuller and keeps a 40 foot racer/cruiser trimaran in the sea of Cortez in Mexico.

Techniques and practices to help extend the life of your cruising and racing sails, focusing on tips to care for your sails while underway, moored, and in storage.
Sponsored by: North Sails

Anson Mulder began working for North Sails in 2000 after graduating from Michigan State University and moving from Grand Haven, Michigan to Ft Lauderdale, FL.  After spending 18 months learning sail repairs, Anson joined the sales team and began to work with clients in South FL.  He now spends about 120 days sailing per year, including several major regattas throughout the East Coast and Caribbean as well as sail tests with both racing and cruising customers.

Just like mono-hulls and mutli-hulls are not good or bad just different, so are men and women. Women learn process and communicate differently. It’s not good or bad, just different. This is a light hearted look at how couple can work better together aboard a boat when they understand how the other approaches and views the world differently.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

Captain Josie is the inventor of the Sailing Wind Wheel and author of the 2x Micro Method and Two on a Boat How to keep it Afloat. She started sailing in 1991 in the Pacific NW. She has since single-handed her boat throughout the Bahamas, crossed both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans as crew and sailed in a variety of locations throughout the world including New Zealand and Greece. She started teaching sailing in 2003 specializing in private classes for couples. Her books are geared toward empowering women on the water and helping them see the wind like never before. She makes learning a breeze.

Enjoy an overview and comparison of satellite communication options. We’ll discuss services various systems are capable of and the general cost associated with them. A Q&A will help point to a system that might best fit your individual needs and budget.
Sponsored by: OCENS

Jeff Thomassen has been working in the marine industry his entire life in various aspects of the industry. From detailing, certified outboard mechanic, diver, fuel dock manager, fleet service manager, systems configuration and installation and more. Over the past twelve years Jeff as been working in the marine electronics sector as an installer, sales rep., and is currently the sales director for OCENS, one of the leading satellite communications solutions provider and also know for their award winning email "OCENS Mail" and weather services "WeatherNet".

Step by step planning for short-term cruises for new boat owners or charterers. Tips on cruising guides, weather, boats, durations, sailing directions, anchorage, emergencies, provisions, etc.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

Randy Deering is the owner/operator of ANAGO Associates a consulting and training company for management skills, strategic planning and leadership development. He is also a professional sailor including a charter captain (including numerous corporate leadership building flotillas); a sailing instructor; a boat delivery skipper in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Keys and Caribbean. And he is the author of “A Sailor’s Guide to Life” and “A Sailor Looks at Leadership.”

With the recent increased interest in green energy, there have been numerous improvements in technology, much of which benefits cruising sailboaters. We will discuss available new technology in batteries, solar, wind, and system components.
Sponsored by: Hotwire Enterprises

John Gambill is an "Integrator", a new title for someone who consults, advises, designs, fabricates and sells renewable energy equipment. He jokes that he is basically, a motorcycle mechanic without the math ability to be called an engineer. He is experienced in Caribbean cruising, delivery, technical troubleshooting, and juggling.

Most of us want to own a boat that we enjoy and use regularly. This seminar can help you decide which boat is the right one for you. It will include "finding your inner captain", calculating the cost of operation, going through the selection process and picking a few possible boats. Discussion includes not only basic operator requirements, but also operating costs, insurance and maintenance. Examples provided will include: rating forms, cost analysis and more. Learn which boat is right for you and the type of boating you do.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

Scott “Sky” Smith is a columnist/writer for numerous national magazines; he is the author of “Ultimate Boat Maintenance Projects” and ”How To Buy A Single-Engine Airplane” and “How To Build A Hot Tuner Car”, (published by Motorbooks International and available at bookstores across the country or direct from Sky Smith, Inc.).

Live the Dream! Hear great ideas for planning for the day, the week, or the sail off to paradise.
Sponsored by: Seven Seas

Cruising Info, Camaraderie and Clean Wake

Planning your dream whether weekend, coastal or circumnavigator * Choosing the right boat and tips on how to handle the purchase * Getting experience * Outfitting your boat for cruising with equipment that works for you * Electrics and electronics. Prioritizing, some pros and cons * Engines, fuels and filters * The sail plan and rig * Anchors, rodes and anchoring routines (also docking) * Setting up the boat for safe and comfortable voyaging - above deck and below * The joys and hazards of cruising * Route planning, weather and resources * Piloting, charting options and cruising guides * Officialdom, visas and cruising permits * Medical requirements and facilities, first aid kit and typical medical complaints * Insurance - boat and medical * Communications - onboard and ashore * Budgeting and money management * Provisioning, availability and stowage * Cultural tips and travel ashore - planning, travel guides, buses and tours * Cruising with kids, pets, pests, guests and casual crew * Leaving the boat short and long term * The crunch of cruising - living with your partner/crew 24 hours a day - all sweet harmony - yeah right! * The secret of being a successful cruiser . . . .
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

Liza is a lifelong sailor both cruiser and racer. In 1973 she married Andy in the Caribbean aboard the classic yacht Ticonderoga and they have since sailed over 140,000 miles together, including a circumnavigation with their three children. Cruising around North and Central America followed then they were lured back across the Atlantic for a family wedding. After another seven years in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and currently in the Pacific Northwest, their Beneteau Bagheera has taken them 116,000 n.miles to 114 countries. Liza is the award-winning best-selling author of four cruising books. Just and Still Cruising recount their world travels with Comfortable Cruising describing their voyage around North and Central America. Their popular Cruising for Cowards is an inclusive technical and practical A-Z for cruisers whether coastal voyaging or offshore. Liza writes for a variety of yachting magazines, gives seminars at major boat shows and to a number of clubs and organisations. When not sailing the oceans of the world, leading cruising groups or touring giving talks on boating and travel, she lives in Vancouver, BC.

Overview of power management offshore. Seminar focus is on three principal considerations in balancing energy needs: energy production, energy storage, and efficient energy consumption. Examples and characteristics of types of batteries, alternators, solar, wind and appropriate regulation are included. Expect a dialogue with graph and photo examples of system configurations and suggestions on buying for efficiency .
Sponsored by: SALT

Bob Williams has been involved with the boat building industry since 1976, working directly with the builders as well as commissioning and delivering yachts for customers through out North and South America. Through his company SALT (Sea Air Land Technologies) innovative products were developed for the marine industry including energy management monitors and regulators, DC ice makers and fully sustainable energy management systems for yachts and off-grid homes. Bob has provided on site system design and installation training for boat builders in the US, China, Singapore, South America and Europe.

Participation in sailing is declining in America, down more than 40% since 1997 and 70% since 1979. The book Saving Sailing presents a provocative argument and action plan - sure to appeal to sailors everywhere - for the revival quality uses of free time for rewarding intergenerational pastimes, lifelong hobbies, and free-time pursuits. In his presentation, Hayes will share his experiences while researching and writing the book and share ideas for helping sailors to help newcomers to join in. His talks are lively, funny, educational and inspirational.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

Nicholas Hayes is a market researcher, avid sailor and the author of the popular and provocative new book Saving Sailing. Nick has studied sailing, sailors, sailing clubs and the industry for 12 years and has interviewed 1,200 sailors worldwide since '04, culminating in the book. Sharing sailing is a labor of love, for Nick, and he contributes significant energies to it. He served on the Board of the Milwaukee Yacht Club for four years, helping the club to renew its youth training clubhouse and growing its major regattas. He is active on the Junior Committee at the South Shore Yacht Club, and he currently serves on the Board of the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, chairing its Program Committee, setting program strategy and objectives. And he has traveled domestically and abroad, sharing the lessons of his research.

Attendees will be introduced to some surface weather maps with probing questions as to what they see and what the anticipated weather forecasts are for several geographical areas from east and the west coasts and other areas of the country. This portion of the presentation is a reality check for basic weather chart interpretation skills. There will be an important discussion concerning human intelligence products as generated by the National Weather Service (NWS), the largest of six government agents under the administration of NOAA, versus government originated numerical and graphical weather models. A brief discussion of Tropical Cyclone avoidance techniques using the 1-2-3 Rule will be reviewed along with regional weather events such as Gulf Stream North Wall episodes, gap wind events such as the Santa Anna winds off of southern California, and Mexico’s Gulf of Tehuantepec events. Whether you are just spending a day in Tampa Bay, the Chesapeake Bay, or the Puget Sound, coastal cruising off east or west coasts, or are planning to blue water cruise further offshore, you should not miss this presentation!
Sponsored by: Lee Chesneau’s Marine Weather

Lee Chesneau is a highly seasoned senior marine meteorologist with a distinguished 36 year career in maritime weather forecasting, ship routing, writing, key note speaker at seminars, and a certified U.S. Coast Guard STCW Basic and Advanced Meteorology instructor. Lee’s focus as an accomplished instructor and lecturer for various maritime organizations is educating every seagoing mariner on self reliance in marine weather and forecasting, strategic routing, and most importantly, in prudent self reliant decision making. He has his own company Lee Chesneau’s Marine Weather www.marineweatherbylee.com and e-mail at lee@chesneaumarineweather.com.

Hear the tale of how one family took off for an extended cruise and ended up surviving a shipwreck. Learning about emergency situations, ensuring you have the right equipment including the right boat. This seminar focuses on overcoming adversity, the joys of sailing, discovering destinations, sailing with children, and how the experience affected our family. Enjoy an extensive slide show of the places we visited and the things the kids did including photos from our rescue.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

John and Jean Silverwood live in San Diego, California. The couple set a goal to take their kids sailing for an extended period of time. After planning and saving, they found their 55 foot Lagoon Catamaran while attending the Miami Boat Show in February of 2003. They packed up and moved their four kids ages 3 to 14 on board and sailed from New York to French Polynesia, spending time in the Caribbean, Panama, Ecuador, and the Galapagos along the way. Bound for Australia, they found themselves shipwrecked, and fighting for their lives. They are talking about their next boat and adventure. The Silverwoods wrote the bestselling book "Black Wave" and have been featured on CBS's 48 Hours, Fox's, America's Newsroom, Inside Edition, CBS’s The Morning Show, and several publications such as Readers Digest, National Geographic Adventure, The New York Post and USA Today. www.jsilverwood.com

Learn about buying your first sailboat from Coconut Grove Sailing Club’s expert panel. Find the sailboat that fits your needs--it’s an easy if you're prepared. Compare centerboards and swing-keels and inboards and outboards. Ascertain were the best listings are found, when to hire a surveyor, and the true cost of the boat. Then discover where to keep it. If you're looking for a sailboat on Biscayne Bay, this panel offers authoritative local sailing knowledge. And if you're not quite to buy a boat, discover where and how to go sailing. Questions are welcome.
Sponsored by: Sail America

The members of the CGSC panel are veteran boat owners, sailing instructors and one newbie. They'll share mistakes, triumphs, and lessons learned from their own boat-buying adventures. They have helped many sailors get on the water.

Discover from a panel of experts the best way to upgrade your boat with some of the latest innovations from the marine industry. Learn about the latest sailboat design trends and new equipment and technology that will make sailing easier, faster, more comfortable, and safer. The panel of experts will discuss a variety of topics from new sail technology to electric winches to the latest in marine electronics.
Sponsored by: Exhibitors

Jonathan Banks (Sail America), George Day (Blue Water Sailing), Bob Johnson (Island Packet Yachts), Bill Goggins (Harken Yacht Equipment), plus a sailmaker and an electronics speaker.

This presentation will primarily focus on outfitting different types of cruising boats with an Asymmetric spinnaker.  We’ll discuss different types of hardware, rigging, and deck layouts and will also cover techniques for flying an A-sail with a spinnaker sock.
Sponsored by: North Sails

Anson Mulder began working for North Sails in 2000 after graduating from Michigan State University and moving from Grand Haven, Michigan to Ft Lauderdale, FL.  After spending 18 months learning sail repairs, Anson joined the sales team and began to work with clients in South FL.  He now spends about 120 days sailing per year, including several major regattas throughout the East Coast and Caribbean as well as sail tests with both racing and cruising customers.

Like our readable text 'Cruising for Cowards', this talk is a realistic A-Z of cruising for beginners to circumnavigators, that has a knowledge base from our long association with other experienced cruisers worldwide. The seminar will have a particular emphasis on the dynamics of couples, the skills required, setting up a more user-friendly, less labour-intensive boat, the communications available, cultural tips and travel inland -information that is beneficial for all cruisers, particularly those cruising into retirement.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

Liza is a lifelong sailor both cruiser and racer. In 1973 she married Andy in the Caribbean aboard the classic yacht Ticonderoga and they have since sailed over 140,000 miles together, including a circumnavigation with their three children. Cruising around North and Central America followed then they were lured back across the Atlantic for a family wedding. After another seven years in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and currently in the Pacific Northwest, their Beneteau Bagheera has taken them 116,000 n.miles to 114 countries. Liza is the award-winning best-selling author of four cruising books. Just and Still Cruising recount their world travels with Comfortable Cruising describing their voyage around North and Central America. Their popular Cruising for Cowards is an inclusive technical and practical A-Z for cruisers whether coastal voyaging or offshore. Liza writes for a variety of yachting magazines, gives seminars at major boat shows and to a number of clubs and organisations. When not sailing the oceans of the world, leading cruising groups or touring giving talks on boating and travel, she lives in Vancouver, BC.

This talk describes my 2007 best selling book, At the Mercy of the Sea, the story of three sailors caught in a Caribbean Hurricane. While the story is riveting, and reveals an amazing act of heroism, it is also sad but powerfully instructive. This is a candid and honest discussion about how to handle sailboats in severe conditions.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

At age 24 John Kretschmer sailed the smallest boat to ever double Cape Horn to windward, a Contessa 32 named Gigi. As a delivery skipper, expedition leader, and offshore passage making instructor, Kretschmer has logged 275,000 deep sea miles and has never sailed less than 10,000 miles a year since 1983. Kretschmer’s challenging sailing agenda for 2010 and 2011 includes several offshore training passages, leading expeditions to Cape Horn, around Newfoundland, and across the N. Atlantic Ocean. Kretschmer is a contributing editor and columnist for Sailing Magazine in addition to writing six books including the ever-popular Flirting with Mermaid. His 2007 book, At the Mercy of the Sea, was critically acclaimed and was chosen by the Southern Bookseller's Association as one of the top 24 nonfiction books of 2007. His new book, Sailboats for a Serious Ocean, will be published in 2010.

Trip planning, best marinas & anchorages, things to see and do, sailing directions, charters and places to stay!
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

Randy Deering is the owner/operator of ANAGO Associates a consulting and training company for management skills, strategic planning and leadership development. He is also a professional sailor including a charter captain (including numerous corporate leadership building flotillas); a sailing instructor; a boat delivery skipper in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Keys and Caribbean. And he is the author of “A Sailor’s Guide to Life” and “A Sailor Looks at Leadership.”

Join David Pritchard as he unpacks the world of technical clothing choices. Learn how performance fabrics are selected , what features to look for in your Foul Weather Gear , and how to choose the best interactive layering systems to meet your needs. Learn about UPF protective garments and extremities protection .
Sponsored by: Gill

David Pritchard is the president of Gill North America - Americas leading Foul Weather Gear brand. David's passion for sailing culminated in a marine profession. An sailor for 45 years in One Designs and enjoys cruising with his family.

This presentation of the basic heat removal technologies available to the cruiser with consideration to cost, efficiency and ease of installation.  Examples of refrigeration box design are used to explained in detail the  techniques for replacing or upgrading existing refrigeration boxes towards being more efficient and improved ergonomics.  Air Conditioning is discussed from the perspective of designing a system and creative methods for operation with or with out a generator.
Sponsored by: SALT

Bob Williams has been involved with the boat building industry since 1976, working directly with the builders as well as commissioning and delivering yachts for customers through out North and South America. Through his company SALT (Sea Air Land Technologies) innovative products were developed for the marine industry including energy management monitors and regulators, DC ice makers and fully sustainable energy management systems for yachts and off-grid homes. Bob has provided on site system design and installation training for boat builders in the US, China, Singapore, South America and Europe.

This will be a discussion based on the "patchwork quilt" concept of using different digital communication technologies to keep in touch. The focus will be on the options available (including new products) and the way that cruisers actually use the different technologies: Wi-Fi at the dock, broadband cellular underway, HF SSB radio, satellite phones and satellite broadband when offshore. We will address how to adapt these technologies to a cruiser's needs and budget as well how you can move your business aboard.
Sponsored by: SeaTech Systems

Steven Bowden and his partner Pamela House started SeaTech Systems in 1994. They create computerized navigation, communication and weather systems for cruisers.

This seminar is a candid and honest look at great boats for world voyaging. It focuses on new and used boats, and what to look for when considering a boat for crossing an ocean. Audience questions are welcome.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

At age 24 John Kretschmer sailed the smallest boat to ever double Cape Horn to windward, a Contessa 32 named Gigi. As a delivery skipper, expedition leader, and offshore passage making instructor, Kretschmer has logged 275,000 deep sea miles and has never sailed less than 10,000 miles a year since 1983. Kretschmer’s challenging sailing agenda for 2010 and 2011 includes several offshore training passages, leading expeditions to Cape Horn, around Newfoundland, and across the N. Atlantic Ocean. Kretschmer is a contributing editor and columnist for Sailing Magazine in addition to writing six books including the ever-popular Flirting with Mermaid. His 2007 book, At the Mercy of the Sea, was critically acclaimed and was chosen by the Southern Bookseller's Association as one of the top 24 nonfiction books of 2007. His new book, Sailboats for a Serious Ocean, will be published in 2010.

This presentation will primarily focus on outfitting different types of cruising boats with an Asymmetric spinnaker.  We’ll discuss different types of hardware, rigging, and deck layouts and will also cover techniques for flying an A-sail with a spinnaker sock.
Sponsored by: North Sails

Anson Mulder began working for North Sails in 2000 after graduating from Michigan State University and moving from Grand Haven, Michigan to Ft Lauderdale, FL.  After spending 18 months learning sail repairs, Anson joined the sales team and began to work with clients in South FL.  He now spends about 120 days sailing per year, including several major regattas throughout the East Coast and Caribbean as well as sail tests with both racing and cruising customers.

Cruising in the Caribbean will be brought to life with recent scenic and personalised images of the region. The following will be discussed: GENERAL CARIBBEAN INFO: * physical location and features of the Islands * cultural information and tips * routes to get there INDIVIDUAL ISLAND CRUISING INFO: * harbors and anchorages * boating facilities afloat and ashore * boat repair and equipment facilities * living requirements - food stores, markets, laundry, garbage, mailing, etc: * evening entertainment - restaurants, 'happy hours', jump-ups * inland travel, buses, tours, car rental WEATHER: * typical winter trade winds * 'The Christmas blow' * hurricane season - dates, trends, recent experiences * weather resources - radio forecasts, onboard email resources and websites NAVIGATION/PILOTING - strategies and equipment suggestions MOORING and ANCHORING - routines and requirements OFFICIALDOM AND CRUISING FEES BUDGET AND CASH MEDICAL FACILITIES AND COMMO
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

Liza is a lifelong sailor both cruiser and racer. In 1973 she married Andy in the Caribbean aboard the classic yacht Ticonderoga and they have since sailed over 140,000 miles together, including a circumnavigation with their three children. Cruising around North and Central America followed then they were lured back across the Atlantic for a family wedding. After another seven years in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and currently in the Pacific Northwest, their Beneteau Bagheera has taken them 116,000 n.miles to 114 countries. Liza is the award-winning best-selling author of four cruising books. Just and Still Cruising recount their world travels with Comfortable Cruising describing their voyage around North and Central America. Their popular Cruising for Cowards is an inclusive technical and practical A-Z for cruisers whether coastal voyaging or offshore. Liza writes for a variety of yachting magazines, gives seminars at major boat shows and to a number of clubs and organisations. When not sailing the oceans of the world, leading cruising groups or touring giving talks on boating and travel, she lives in Vancouver, BC.

Interactive audience participation description of the process and vessels features that lead up to today's overwhelming acceptance of catamarans as cruising vessels. Covers performance amenities and cross-selection of vessels.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

Charles Kanter has thirty plus years as a marine surveyor, delivery skipper, sailing school operator, lecturer, author and live aboard. He is the author of three books on catamarans and three on cruising.

The lecture discussion will be based on the effect of UV on skin. We will go into detection of each of the common skin cancers and new methods of early detection. The talk will discuss the various types of sunscreens and how an individual can dial in the right formula for them. Protective clothing and structures will be shown. Lastly the newest and most effective and cost effective treatments will be shown giving participants the knowledge they need to seek care for skin cancer and sun damage and combination of treatments will be discussed.
Sponsored by: Sail America

How to Avoid, Detect and Reverse Sun Damage at Sea

Just like mono-hulls and mutli-hulls are not good or bad just different, so are men and women. Women learn process and communicate differently. It’s not good or bad, just different. This is a light hearted look at how couple can work better together aboard a boat when they understand how the other approaches and views the world differently.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

Captain Josie is the inventor of the Sailing Wind Wheel and author of the 2x Micro Method and Two on a Boat How to keep it Afloat. She started sailing in 1991 in the Pacific NW. She has since single-handed her boat throughout the Bahamas, crossed both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans as crew and sailed in a variety of locations throughout the world including New Zealand and Greece. She started teaching sailing in 2003 specializing in private classes for couples. Her books are geared toward empowering women on the water and helping them see the wind like never before. She makes learning a breeze.

Live the Dream! Hear great ideas for planning for the day, the week, or the sail off to paradise.
Sponsored by: Seven Seas

Cruising Info, Camaraderie and Clean Wake

All seminars tailored to audience. Topics covered can vary from full-time livaboard cruisers, thru weekend cruisers
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

Since 1976 Corinne’s Culinary Corner” has been a staple of multihull magazine and others on a freelance bases. Her theme “delicious, nutritious, economical and convenient” is expressed in her public address. Three books and 15 years as a full time live aboard are the spice of her easy going but dynamic recipes and helpful hints on every culinary subject imaginable.

Learn how to use a Marine SSB radio to make emergency calls, telephone calls, gather offshore weather, to do wireless radio e-mail, and to access the many cruising nets that provide valuable information about navigational hazards, piracy, health and safety and more. License requirements and brief installation information will also be covered. Discover why offshore cruiser won't leave port without one.
Sponsored by: SeaTech Systems

Steven Bowden and his partner Pamela House started SeaTech Systems in 1994. They create computerized navigation, communication and weather systems for cruisers.

Hear the tale of how one family took off for an extended cruise and ended up surviving a shipwreck. Learning about emergency situations, ensuring you have the right equipment including the right boat. This seminar focuses on overcoming adversity, the joys of sailing, discovering destinations, sailing with children, and how the experience affected our family. Enjoy an extensive slide show of the places we visited and the things the kids did including photos from our rescue.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

John and Jean Silverwood live in San Diego, California. The couple set a goal to take their kids sailing for an extended period of time. After planning and saving, they found their 55 foot Lagoon Catamaran while attending the Miami Boat Show in February of 2003. They packed up and moved their four kids ages 3 to 14 on board and sailed from New York to French Polynesia, spending time in the Caribbean, Panama, Ecuador, and the Galapagos along the way. Bound for Australia, they found themselves shipwrecked, and fighting for their lives. They are talking about their next boat and adventure. The Silverwoods wrote the bestselling book "Black Wave" and have been featured on CBS's 48 Hours, Fox's, America's Newsroom, Inside Edition, CBS’s The Morning Show, and several publications such as Readers Digest, National Geographic Adventure, The New York Post and USA Today. www.jsilverwood.com

Sailing is Easy and Safe to learn. Basic terminology will be discussed, as well as sailing skills such as tacking and jibing, points of sail, sail trim and rules of the road. This seminar is geared to new sailors or people who have never been sailing.
Sponsored by: American Sailing Association

Captain Brenda Wempner learned to sail as an adult and now holds her U.S.C.G. license and teaches sailing. She works for American Sailing Association in the Education Department.

Buying a catamaran that best suits your needs involves analyzing your sailing preferences, your sailing needs, and your sailing program. This process identifies the two or three models of catamarans that would meet all your requirements.
Sponsored by: The Multihull Company

Phillip Berman, owner of The Multihull Company, has represented the United States in numerous international catamaran regattas, placing first, second, and third in world championship competition. A graduate of Harvard, Phillip has served as the Sailing Master of the Eastern Point Yacht Club in Gloucester, MA., and has authored many books on catamaran sailing and racing. Phillip has extensive cruising and racing experience in the South Pacific, California, Mexico, the Great Lakes, South Africa, the Atlantic, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

Just as we devote time & attention to the maintenance of our vessels, we must also give as much, if not more care to the health of our bodies. Join Kim Hess, author of Yoga OnboardTMin a session of Cockpit Yoga and a demonstration of Fender FitnessTM. We will also explore the various options we have available to maintain and possibly enhance our health as we cruise. This will be an interactive discussion so bring your questions & more importantly your ideas to share with others.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

A full time yoga instructor, Kim continuously searches for ways to bring her yoga practice into her daily life Kim blends together the various styles of yoga she has studied along with her personal experiences to bring to life her own eclectic style of yoga; ones own body, the rhythm of the breath and adaptation are the foundation for a well rounded class accessible to all levels of yoga practice. Being passionate not only about yoga but about sailing, she brings these two loves together in her nationwide seminars, workshops, private sessions, a book and DVD. Her bi-monthly column, Healthy Cruising, in Latitudes and Attitudes Seafaring Magazine is a must read for anyone serious about maintaining a healthy lifestyle while cruising. She can also be found on Latitudes & Attitudes TV sharing Yoga OnboardTM tips. Kim also has her USCG Captains license and is in the process of obtaining her A.S.A. instructor’s certifications. For more information visit www.tropicyoga.com. www.tropicyoga.com.

With the recent increased interest in green energy, there have been numerous improvements in technology, much of which benefits cruising sailboaters. We will discuss available new technology in batteries, solar, wind, and system components.
Sponsored by: Hotwire Enterprises

John Gambill is an "Integrator", a new title for someone who consults, advises, designs, fabricates and sells renewable energy equipment. He jokes that he is basically, a motorcycle mechanic without the math ability to be called an engineer. He is experienced in Caribbean cruising, delivery, technical troubleshooting, and juggling.

Steve will discuss choosing the right propeller for your boat with an emphasis on the improvement s available with folding and feather propellers.
Sponsored by: AB Marine

Steve, President of AB Marine, has 15 years experience in the marine propeller industry.

Hear the tale of how one family took off for an extended cruise and ended up surviving a shipwreck. Learning about emergency situations, ensuring you have the right equipment including the right boat. This seminar focuses on overcoming adversity, the joys of sailing, discovering destinations, sailing with children, and how the experience affected our family. Enjoy an extensive slide show of the places we visited and the things the kids did including photos from our rescue.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

John and Jean Silverwood live in San Diego, California. The couple set a goal to take their kids sailing for an extended period of time. After planning and saving, they found their 55 foot Lagoon Catamaran while attending the Miami Boat Show in February of 2003. They packed up and moved their four kids ages 3 to 14 on board and sailed from New York to French Polynesia, spending time in the Caribbean, Panama, Ecuador, and the Galapagos along the way. Bound for Australia, they found themselves shipwrecked, and fighting for their lives. They are talking about their next boat and adventure. The Silverwoods wrote the bestselling book "Black Wave" and have been featured on CBS's 48 Hours, Fox's, America's Newsroom, Inside Edition, CBS’s The Morning Show, and several publications such as Readers Digest, National Geographic Adventure, The New York Post and USA Today. www.jsilverwood.com

The dream is cruising off into the sunset, footloose and carefree, relaxing and having fun along the way. Reality can be filled with moments of panic, fear and anxiety from weather, seas, crew, broken boat systems and shore side hassles. Discover where the drama comes from and how to remove it from your dream!
Sponsored by: Sponsored by Southwinds

Jeff grew up sailing in the Florida Keys and the Bahamas and learned to visually pick through reefs before learning to drive a car. Jeff has been actively boating over 45 years sailing as captain since the age of 15. Jean has been sailing since she was12 years old first on the Chesapeake Bay and then in the Caribbean on vessels ranging from sunfish to 80' schooners. Jeff and Jean have extensively cruised the Caribbean and Florida on their current boat a Skye 51. Jeff holds an Electrical Engineering degree and has worked with almost all forms of electronic navigation from B-52 Inertial Navigation systems to modern integrated ARPA radars. Jean is a Marine Surveyor, a member of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) and is ABYC Standards Certified. Both Jeff and Jean are 100GT Masters and ASA Certified Sailing Instructors. Jeff and Jean assist couples in realizing their sailing dreams with their company Two Can Sail.

The lecture discussion will be based on the effect of UV on skin. We will go into detection of each of the common skin cancers and new methods of early detection. The talk will discuss the various types of sunscreens and how an individual can dial in the right formula for them. Protective clothing and structures will be shown. Lastly the newest and most effective and cost effective treatments will be shown giving participants the knowledge they need to seek care for skin cancer and sun damage and combination of treatments will be discussed.
Sponsored by: Sail America

How to Avoid, Detect and Reverse Sun Damage at Sea

Just like mono-hulls and mutli-hulls are not good or bad just different, so are men and women. Women learn process and communicate differently. It’s not good or bad, just different. This is a light hearted look at how couple can work better together aboard a boat when they understand how the other approaches and views the world differently.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

Captain Josie is the inventor of the Sailing Wind Wheel and author of the 2x Micro Method and Two on a Boat How to keep it Afloat. She started sailing in 1991 in the Pacific NW. She has since single-handed her boat throughout the Bahamas, crossed both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans as crew and sailed in a variety of locations throughout the world including New Zealand and Greece. She started teaching sailing in 2003 specializing in private classes for couples. Her books are geared toward empowering women on the water and helping them see the wind like never before. She makes learning a breeze.

Buying a catamaran that best suits your needs involves analyzing your sailing preferences, your sailing needs, and your sailing program. This process identifies the two or three models of catamarans that would meet all your requirements.
Sponsored by: The Multihull Company

Phillip Berman, owner of The Multihull Company, has represented the United States in numerous international catamaran regattas, placing first, second, and third in world championship competition. A graduate of Harvard, Phillip has served as the Sailing Master of the Eastern Point Yacht Club in Gloucester, MA., and has authored many books on catamaran sailing and racing. Phillip has extensive cruising and racing experience in the South Pacific, California, Mexico, the Great Lakes, South Africa, the Atlantic, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

Collision Avoidance - Sound and Light Signals Made Easy. Rules 32-37 condensed from U.S.C.G Navigation Rules for International and Inland. Easy to remember summary of the rules with a handy reference card.
Sponsored by: Signal Mate

David Horst, an electronic engineer, has a U.S.C.G Masters License with Auxiliary sail and Towing Endorsements. He is a manufacturer of marine safety equipment and certified LED navigation lights. He is a member of NMMA, and Sail & Power Squadron. He has been boating on the Chesapeake Bay for 25 years.

Just as we devote time & attention to the maintenance of our vessels, we must also give as much, if not more care to the health of our bodies. Join Kim Hess, author of Yoga OnboardTMin a session of Cockpit Yoga and a demonstration of Fender FitnessTM. We will also explore the various options we have available to maintain and possibly enhance our health as we cruise. This will be an interactive discussion so bring your questions & more importantly your ideas to share with others.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

A full time yoga instructor, Kim continuously searches for ways to bring her yoga practice into her daily life Kim blends together the various styles of yoga she has studied along with her personal experiences to bring to life her own eclectic style of yoga; ones own body, the rhythm of the breath and adaptation are the foundation for a well rounded class accessible to all levels of yoga practice. Being passionate not only about yoga but about sailing, she brings these two loves together in her nationwide seminars, workshops, private sessions, a book and DVD. Her bi-monthly column, Healthy Cruising, in Latitudes and Attitudes Seafaring Magazine is a must read for anyone serious about maintaining a healthy lifestyle while cruising. She can also be found on Latitudes & Attitudes TV sharing Yoga OnboardTM tips. Kim also has her USCG Captains license and is in the process of obtaining her A.S.A. instructor’s certifications. For more information visit www.tropicyoga.com. www.tropicyoga.com.

Anchor sailing, the bane of the modern boat. How to limit it. Multiple anchoring techniques. Creating a hurricane mooring. What works and why? Myths and proven procedures, the truth about anchor testing, kellets, angels, bouncers, chain and rope.
Sponsored by: Author's Corner

Charles Kanter has thirty plus years as a marine surveyor, delivery skipper, sailing school operator, lecturer, author and live aboard. He is the author of three books on catamarans and three on cruising.