11:00 AM

Ask a Captain

📍Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Do you ever wish you had a professional captain onboard with you, so you could ask him or her questions about the situations that challenge you on the water? Join captains from the Annapolis School of Seamanship for a question and answer session. Come to the show and bring your questions!

Presented by: Mark Talbott, Annapolis School of Seamanship

What Boat Is Right for Me?

📍Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Thinking about getting into boating? There are many ways to enjoy boating from watersports to fishing to cruising. Join the pros from Annapolis School of Seamanship to get an overview of the styles and types of boats and how they fit the boating lifestyle you choose.

Topics include:

• Types of Boats
• How to Choose the Right Boat for You
• Accessories and Gear
• The Boat Buying Process

Presented by: Annapolis School of Seamanship

12:30 PM

Paid Docking Workshop - Stress-Free Docking & Close-Quarters Maneuvering

📍Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Docking doesn’t have to be stressful. This 3-hour workshop teaches practical techniques for confidently maneuvering in marinas, approaching docks, handling wind and current, understanding prop walk, line handling, crew communication, and other close-quarters boat handling skills.

• $99 per person
• Includes Thursday admission to the boat show
• Capacity limited to 25 participants
• Advance registration required

Presented by: 

• Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship
• David Levesque, Editor in Chief at Latitudes and Attitudes Magazine
• Laura Kee, Meteorologist at Marine Weather Center
• Peter Gibbons-Neff, PGN Ocean Racing

Sailing to the Caribbean

📍Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

 Thinking about sailing your boat to the Caribbean or crewing with someone else? Cruising World magazine’s Caribbean correspondent, David Lyman, has made the Newport to the Caribbean voyage more than two dozen times and has written extensively about his offshore voyages. His presentation covers the ideal offshore boat, the refit, equipment, costs, crew, watch-standing, and weather and routing. He covers routes, rallies, stopping in Bermuda, and where to park your boat in the islands once you get there. Questions encouraged.

Presented by: David Lyman, Cruising World & Caribbean Compass

2:00PM

Chartering in the BVI & Croatia

📍Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Learn how to plan a seamless and unforgettable charter experience in two of the world’s premier cruising destinations. Whether you're a first-time charterer or a seasoned sailor, you'll get insider tips on top anchorages, local culture, and what to expect on your voyage.

Presented by: Captain Rick Van Loon, The Moorings & Sunsail

3:30PM

Cruising the Caribbean

📍Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Join David H. Lyman, seasoned offshore sailor and prolific magazine contributor, for this can’t‑miss seminar. Leveraging his decades of experience—and more than a dozen round‑trip voyages from New England to the islands—David will guide you through island‑hopping from the US and British Virgin Islands all the way down to Grenada. Learn what to expect at each stop: anchorages, ashore amenities, customs procedures, weather patterns, provisioning, and local services. With firsthand stories, practical planning tips, plus thoughtful navigation and safety advice, this session turns the dream of exploring the Leeward and Windward Islands an actionable plan. Whether you’re plotting your first winter cruise or just dreaming of swaying palm trees and turquoise seas, this seminar will ignite your passion for living afloat.

Presented by: David Lyman, Cruising World & Caribbean Compass

11:00 AM

Radar, AIS and Collision Avoidance

📍Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Do you understand what your electronics are telling you? Discover how RADAR and AIS work together to help you "see" beyond what your eyes can, identify potential hazards early, and make better decisions in everything from fog to heavy boat traffic.

Presented by: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Boat Buying

📍Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Curtis Stokes will discuss the proper boat buying process from A-Z or from shopping to closing. He will discuss how to find your dream boat, how to survey it and how to close on it.  This seminar is packed with detail and a few war stories

Presented by: Curtis Stokes, Founder & Owner of Curtis Stokes & Associates

12:30PM

Anchoring & Mooring

📍Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Anchoring is an art as well as a skill. From choosing the best place to anchor to handling the ground tackle, this seminar will demystify the art of dropping the hook.

Presented by: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Top 10 Mistakes Boat Owners Make

📍Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

What are the biggest mistakes boat owners make and how many are you making without even realizing it? Join Capt. John Martino of Annapolis School of Seamanship and Admiralty Attorney Todd Lochner of Lochner Law Firm for a lively discussion that blends practical seamanship with real-world legal insights. You'll leave with valuable knowledge that could save you time, money, and headaches on the water.

Presented by: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship & Todd Lochner, Lochner Law Firm

2:00PM

Docking De-Stressed

📍Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Is docking your vessel causing you stress and anxiety? Captain John from the Annapolis School of Seamanship shows you the ropes, tricks, and techniques to make docking easy.

Topics include:

• Situational Awareness
• Forces
• Line Handling
• Communication
• Close Quarters Maneuvering

Presented by: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Cruising the Caribbean

📍Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Join David H. Lyman, seasoned offshore sailor and prolific magazine contributor, for this can’t‑miss seminar. Leveraging his decades of experience—and more than a dozen round‑trip voyages from New England to the islands—David will guide you through island‑hopping from the US and British Virgin Islands all the way down to Grenada. Learn what to expect at each stop: anchorages, ashore amenities, customs procedures, weather patterns, provisioning, and local services. With firsthand stories, practical planning tips, plus thoughtful navigation and safety advice, this session turns the dream of exploring the Leeward and Windward Islands an actionable plan. Whether you’re plotting your first winter cruise or just dreaming of swaying palm trees and turquoise seas, this seminar will ignite your passion for living afloat.

Presented by: David Lyman, Cruising World & Caribbean Compass

3:30 PM

How to Get Your Captain's License

📍Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Between the USCG requirements for sea time, physicals, applications and examinations, getting a captain’s license can seem daunting. Annapolis School of Seamanship’s expert captains will discuss the ins and outs of becoming a licensed captain.

Topics include:

• Types of Licenses
• Pre-requisites
• Application Process
• Using your License

Presented by: Captain Mark Talbott, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Cruiser Curious?

📍Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

David Levesque, Editor of Latitudes & Attitudes magazine, will introduce the cruising lifestyle and the culture of cruisers the world over. Focusing on what drives individuals to make the leap into the lifestyle, David will explain why the time is now, not later, and how making the jump to cruising is now more affordable and possible than ever!

Presented by: David Levesque, Latitudes and Attitudes Magazine

11:00 AM

Diesel Basics

📍Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Whether you’re thinking about buying a boat with a diesel engine or already own one and want to feel more confident? This seminar from the Annapolis School of Seamanship is a must for cruisers, weekenders, and aspiring boat owners alike. In 90 minutes, Captain John will break down the fundamentals of marine diesel engines in plain, practical terms. You’ll learn how they work, what the key components do, how systems connect—and what to do when something goes wrong. Whether you're hoping to avoid costly mistakes or just want to better understand what’s happening under the hatch, this seminar gives you the confidence to cruise smarter, safer, and more self-reliant.

Presented by: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Cruising the Great Loop

📍Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

In this seminar, Curtis Stokes brings the Great Loop dream to vivid life. Based on his real-world experience advising countless cruisers, Curtis explores the heart of the Looper lifestyle, from what you’ll see along the way and how long it takes, to the challenges couples face and how life afloat compares to life ashore. He’ll tackle the toughest questions: time, budget, safety, community, and planning. Start preparing for the unforgettable journey of the Great Loop. Perfect for seasoned sailors and armchair dreamers alike.

Presented by: Curtis Stokes, Founder & Owner of Curtis Stokes & Associates

12:30 PM

Weather on the Water

📍Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Weather impacts everything, especially a day out on the water. Come learn what drives certain weather patterns and conditions, and what is important for a safe and pleasant trip. Learn how offshore buoys provide real-time weather information and how reading clouds can help you predict the arrival of thunderstorms. Add to your toolkit by learning how to access weather information and various forecast models for severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, and typical day-to-day conditions.

Presented by: Laura Kee, Marine Weather Center

How to Get Your Captain's License

📍Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Between the USCG requirements for sea time, physicals, applications and examinations, getting a captain’s license can seem daunting. Annapolis School of Seamanship’s expert captains will discuss the ins and outs of becoming a licensed captain.

Topics include:

• Types of Licenses
• Pre-requisites
• Application Process
• Using your License

Presented by: Captain Mark Talbott, Annapolis School of Seamanship

2:00 PM

Put Your Boat to Work

📍Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

It’s no secret that owning and operating your own boat is rewarding…but expensive. Like so many boaters, you may have wondered what it would take to earn a little income off your boat. There’s the thought of offering it for bareboat charters, or getting your captain’s license to become a bona fide charter captain. But before you get carried away, there are a number of requirements to consider besides a simple captain’s license.

Presented by: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Boat Buying

📍Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Curtis Stokes will discuss the proper boat buying process from A-Z or from shopping to closing. He will discuss how to find your dream boat, how to survey it and how to close on it.  This seminar is packed with detail and a few war stories

Presented by: Curtis Stokes, Founder & Owner of Curtis Stokes & Associates

3:30 PM

Docking De-Stressed

📍Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Is docking your vessel causing you stress and anxiety? Captain John from the Annapolis School of Seamanship shows you the ropes, tricks, and techniques to make docking easy.

Topics include:

• Situational Awareness
• Forces
• Line Handling
• Communication
• Close Quarters Maneuvering

Presented by: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Anchoring & Mooring

📍Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Anchoring is an art as well as a skill. From choosing the best place to anchor to handling the ground tackle, this seminar will demystify the art of dropping the hook.

Presented by: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

11:00 AM

Ask a Captain

📍Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Do you ever wish you had a professional captain onboard with you, so you could ask him or her questions about the situations that challenge you on the water? Join captains from the Annapolis School of Seamanship for a question and answer session. Come to the show and bring your questions!

Presented by: Mark Talbott, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Docking De-Stressed

📍Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Is docking your vessel causing you stress and anxiety? Captain John from the Annapolis School of Seamanship shows you the ropes, tricks, and techniques to make docking easy.

Topics include:

• Situational Awareness
• Forces
• Line Handling
• Communication
• Close Quarters Maneuvering

Presented by: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

12:30 PM

How to Get Your Captain's License

📍Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Between the USCG requirements for sea time, physicals, applications and examinations, getting a captain’s license can seem daunting. Annapolis School of Seamanship’s expert captains will discuss the ins and outs of becoming a licensed captain.

Topics include:

• Types of Licenses
• Pre-requisites
• Application Process
• Using your License

Presented by: Captain Mark Talbott, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Chartering in the BVI & Croatia

📍Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Learn how to plan a seamless and unforgettable charter experience in two of the world’s premier cruising destinations. Whether you're a first-time charterer or a seasoned sailor, you'll get insider tips on top anchorages, local culture, and what to expect on your voyage.

Presented by: Captain Rick Van Loon, The Moorings & Sunsail

2:00 PM

Diesel Basics

📍Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Whether you’re thinking about buying a boat with a diesel engine or already own one and want to feel more confident? This seminar from the Annapolis School of Seamanship is a must for cruisers, weekenders, and aspiring boat owners alike. In 90 minutes, Captain John will break down the fundamentals of marine diesel engines in plain, practical terms. You’ll learn how they work, what the key components do, how systems connect—and what to do when something goes wrong. Whether you're hoping to avoid costly mistakes or just want to better understand what’s happening under the hatch, this seminar gives you the confidence to cruise smarter, safer, and more self-reliant.

Presented by: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Building Resolve: Racing Solo Across the Atlantic

📍Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

American offshore sailor Peter Gibbons-Neff recently completed the build of a new carbon fiber foiling Mini 6.50 prototype in France for the 2027 Mini Transat, one of the world's premier solo ocean races. Competitors sail 21’ high-performance boats alone across the Atlantic from France to Brazil with no outside assistance or satellite communications. Go behind the scenes of the campaign through the boat's construction, offshore testing, and the journey to the starting line. Combining cutting-edge technology, racing, and personal storytelling, the presentation offers a unique look at what it takes to prepare for this solo Atlantic crossing. A 2023 Mini Transat finisher, Peter returns with a new boat, a new campaign, and the goal of competing at the front of the fleet in 2027.

Presented by: Peter Gibbons-Neff, PGN Ocean Racing

3:30 PM

Docking De-Stressed

📍Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Is docking your vessel causing you stress and anxiety? Captain John from the Annapolis School of Seamanship shows you the ropes, tricks, and techniques to make docking easy.

Topics include:

• Situational Awareness
• Forces
• Line Handling
• Communication
• Close Quarters Maneuvering

Presented by: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Climate Change and Ocean Acidification

📍Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel

Climate change affects plants, animals, and ecosystems locally in many ways. Through hands-on activities, guests learn the basic concepts of climate change and its effects on the Bay, what a carbon footprint is, and how humans impact fragile ecological cycles.

Presented by: Save The Bay