11:00 AM

Ask A Captain

• Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts

Do you ever wish you had a professional captainonboard with you, so you could ask him or herquestions about the situations that challenge you onthe water? Join captains from the Annapolis School ofSeamanship for a question and answer session. Coneto the show and bring your questions!

Presented by Annapolis School of Seamanship

Mark Talbott , Annapolis School of Seamanship

What Boat is Right for Me?

• Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts

Thinking about getting into boating? There are many waysto enjoy boating from watersports to fishing to cruising. Jointhe pros from Annapolis School of Seamanship to get anoverview of the styles and types of boats and how they fitthe boating lifestyle you choose.
Topics Include:
- Types of Boats
- How to Choose the Right Boat for You
- Accessories and Gear
- The Boat Buying Process

Curtis Stokes, Founder & Owner of Curtis Stokes & Associates

12:30 PM

Diesel Basics

• Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts

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

Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

The East Coast to the Caribbean

• Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts

Join David H. Lyman, veteran Cruising World contributor and seasoned blue‑water sailor, for a lively seminar drawing on more than a dozen offshore deliveries between Newport, New England, Bermuda, and the Eastern Caribbean (including Grenada and the British Virgin Islands), David offers practical insights into planning your ideal fall passage—covering route options, weather windows, provisioning, navigation, and ideal vessel types for the Gulf Stream crossing. Whether you're dreaming of island hopping or gearing up for your first offshore leg, this seminar delivers destination stories, safety tips, timing advice, and real-world lessons from the pros. Get ready to plan your own Atlantic adventure with confidence and clarity.

Presented By: David Lyman, Cruising World & Caribbean Compass

David Lyman, Cruising World & Caribbean Compass

02:00 PM

How to Get Your Captain's License

• Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts

Between the USCG requirements for sea time, physicals,applications and examinations, getting a captain’s licensecan seem daunting. Annapolis School of Seamanship’sexpert captains will discuss the ins and outs of becoming alicensed captain.
Topics Include:
- Types of Licenses
- Pre-requisites
- Application Process
- Using your License

Presented By: Captain Mark Talbott, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Captain Mark Talbott, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Chartering in the BVI and Croatia

• Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts

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:  Capt. Richard Van Loon, The Moorings & Sunsail

Richard Van Loon, The Moorings & Sunsail

03:30 PM

Anchoring & Mooring

• Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts

Anchoring is an art as well as a skill. From choosing the bestplace to anchor to handling the ground tackle, this seminarwill demystify the art of dropping the hook.

Presented By: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Cruising the Caribbean

• Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts

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

David Lyman, Cruising World & Caribbean Compass

11:00 AM

Marine Weather

• Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts

This seminar will cover the “what” and “why” of weather,allowing boaters to understand where to find importantweather information using multiple resources and how toapply it to their boating lifestyle. Attendants will learn aboutthe latest weather applications and how to use themeffectively to determine whether to go or not to go.You don’t need to be a weatherman to know which way thewind blows. You just need to know how to find out what’sgoing to happen and how to make good decisions. Thisseminar covers everything from apps to passage planning toheavy weather tactics

Presented By: Captain Mike Riley, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Captain Mike Riley, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Boat Buying

• Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts

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

Curtis Stokes, Founder & Owner of Curtis Stokes & Associates

12:30 PM

Anchoring & Mooring

• Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts

Anchoring is an art as well as a skill. From choosing the bestplace to anchor to handling the ground tackle, this seminarwill demystify the art of dropping the hook.

Presented By: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Foreign Flagging Your Yacht

• Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts

Foreign flagging refers to the documentation of a yacht in a foreign country for buyers who intend to use their foreign built yacht in the U.S. but do not intend to permanently import the yacht. Foreign flagging is generally available to yachts longer than 12 meters (39 feet) and might be an effective means of dealing with costly duties, tariffs and state taxes via a renewable one-year Cruising permit. A foreign flag may offer a broader range of options for insurance or financing; and can be an attractive option for yacht owners facing Lacey Act requirements related to the sourcing of all wood products aboard, which might otherwise prevent importation.

Presented By: Maritime Attorney Todd Lochner, Lochner Law Firm

Maritime Attorney Todd Lochner, Lochner Law Firm

02:00 PM

Docking De-Stressed

• Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts

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

Topics Include:

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

Presented By: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

The New Normal for Weather Routing

• Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts

How climate change is affecting North Atlantic weather and implications regarding optimum routing and race strategies.

Presented By: Oceanographer & Offshore Sailor, Dr. W. Frank Bohlen, University of Connecticut

Oceanographer & Offshore Sailor, Dr. W. Frank Bohlen, University of Connecticut

03:30 PM

How to Get Your Captain's License

• Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts

Between the USCG requirements for sea time, physicals,applications and examinations, getting a captain’s licensecan seem daunting. Annapolis School of Seamanship’sexpert captains will discuss the ins and outs of becoming alicensed captain.
Topics Include:
 Types of Licenses
 Pre-requisites
 Application Process
 Using your License

Presented By: Captain Mark Talbott, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Captain Mark Talbott, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Celestial Navigation

• Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts

Discover the timeless art of celestial navigation in this informative seminar designed for sailors of all experience levels. Learn how mariners use the sun, moon, and stars to determine position at sea—no GPS required. We’ll cover the basics of sextant use, sight reduction, and how celestial techniques can enhance your offshore confidence and self-reliance.

Presented By: Captain Mike Riley, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Captain Mike Riley, Annapolis School of Seamanship

11:00 AM

Diesal Basics

• Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts

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

Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Cruising The Great Loop

• Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts

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

Curtis Stokes, Founder & Owner of Curtis Stokes & Associates

12:30 PM

Marine Weather

• Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts

This seminar will cover the “what” and “why” of weather,allowing boaters to understand where to find importantweather information using multiple resources and how toapply it to their boating lifestyle. Attendants will learn aboutthe latest weather applications and how to use themeffectively to determine whether to go or not to go.You don’t need to be a weatherman to know which way thewind blows. You just need to know how to find out what’sgoing to happen and how to make good decisions. Thisseminar covers everything from apps to passage planning toheavy weather tactics

Presented By: Captain Mike Riley, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Captain Mike Riley, Annapolis School of Seamanship

The Gulf Stream: Structure & Strategy

• Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts

A discussion for cruisers and racers of the structure and dynamics of the Gulf Stream system including consideration of the factors governing this major, North Atlantic, warm water current and its variability. Particular emphasis will be placed on the determination of Stream location, the extent to which it influences and is influenced by local weather, the presence and evolution of meanders and eddies, and the evolution of and flow speeds associated with each of these features. Sources of information detailing Stream structure including satellite observations and computer models and their availability afloat and utility in optimum routing efforts will be reviewed and evaluated.

Presented By: Oceanographer & Offshore Sailor, Dr. W. Frank Bohlen, University of Connecticut

Oceanographer & Offshore Sailor, Dr. W. Frank Bohlen, University of Connecticut

02:00 PM

Put Your Boat to Work

• Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts

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

Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Boat Buying

• Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts

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

Curtis Stokes, Founder & Owner of Curtis Stokes & Associates

03:30 PM

Docking De-Stressed

• Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts

Is docking your vessel causing you stress and anxiety?Captain John from the Annapolis School of Seamanshipshow you the ropes, tricks, and techniques to make dockingeasy.
Topics Include:

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

Presented By: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

How to Get Your Captain's License

• Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts

Between the USCG requirements for sea time, physicals,applications and examinations, getting a captain’s licensecan seem daunting. Annapolis School of Seamanship’sexpert captains will discuss the ins and outs of becoming alicensed captain.
Topics Include:

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

Presented By: Captain Mark Talbott, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Captain Mark Talbott, Annapolis School of Seamanship

11:00 AM

Ask A Captain

• Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts

Do you ever wish you had a professional captainonboard with you, so you could ask him or herquestions about the situations that challenge you onthe water? Join captains from the Annapolis School ofSeamanship for a question and answer session. Coneto the show and bring your questions!

Presented By: Annapolis School of Seamanship

Mark Talbott, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Docking De-Stressed

• Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts

Is docking your vessel causing you stress and anxiety?Captain John from the Annapolis School of Seamanshipshow you the ropes, tricks, and techniques to make dockingeasy.
Topics Include:

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

Presented By: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

12:30 PM

How to Get Your Captain's License

• Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts

Between the USCG requirements for sea time, physicals,applications and examinations, getting a captain’s licensecan seem daunting. Annapolis School of Seamanship’sexpert captains will discuss the ins and outs of becoming alicensed captain.
Topics Include:

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

Presented By: Captain Mark Talbott, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Captain Mark Talbott, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Chartering in the BVI and Croatia

• Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts

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: Richard Van Loon, The Moorings & Sunsail

Richard Van Loon, The Moorings & Sunsail

02:00 PM

Diesel Basics

• Room A - Below Deck at the Hammetts

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

Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Framing the Sea: Marine Photography

• Room B - Below Deck at the Hammetts

Join acclaimed photojournalist and longtime cruiser David H. Lyman for a captivating seminar on the art and craft of marine photography. With a distinguished career that began as a Navy combat photographer in Vietnam and spans decades of passages from the East Coast to the Caribbean, David brings a rare blend of storytelling, technical mastery, and life-at-sea insight. He’ll share how to “see photographically,” capturing motion, light, and narrative in scenes at anchor, underway, and ashore. You’ll learn how to compose compelling images in dynamic environments, work with evolving natural light, and infuse emotion into each frame. Based on stories from storms, sunsets in Martinique, and moments aboard his family’s voyages, this session arms you with techniques and inspiration to elevate your cruising photos into memorable visual stories. Ideal for shutterbugs and smartphone snappers alike, don’t miss this opportunity to transform your images into voyages in themselves.

Presented By: David Lyman, Cruising World & Caribbean Compass

David Lyman, Cruising World & Caribbean Compass

03:30 PM

Save the Bay - Seals of Narragansett Bay

• Below Deck at the Hammetts

Using seal artifacts and replicas, students will learn the basics of marine mammalogy, learn about a seals internal anatomy and the special adaptations that allow these furry animals to thrive in the cold winter waters of Narragansett Bay. An interactive seal mural and full size seal model are on display close by, at the Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium.

Save the Bay

Dismasted in the Southern Ocean

• Room B -Below Deck at the Hammetts

After more than 20,000 miles and over three quarters of the way around the globe by himself in the 2023-24 Global Solo Challenge race, Ronnie Simpson dismasted in the Southern Ocean and was forced to abandon the Global Solo Challenge race while sailing in third place out of sixteen boats. Losing his Open 50 Shipyard Brewing at sea, Ronnie is back for redemption in 2027-28 and is in Newport campaigning his Class 40 Koloa Maoli for the next edition of the race. A combat-wounded US Marine, yacht broker and professional sailor with more than 175,000 miles at sea, Ronnie's talk promises to be interesting, educational and inspiring.

Ronnie Simpson