The Event, now at Seattle’s Bell Harbor Marina, Packs New Seminars and Content
Trawlerfest is returning to Seattle’s waters after years of hopping from Anacortes to Bremerton and now Bell Harbor, April 23 to 27. But what does that mean for the mélange of trawler-centered events?
Many great things, but first thing to note is the return of Nigel Calder as the instructor for the Trawlerfest flagship seminar, “Everything You Need to Know About Diesel Engines,” joined this year by Mike Beemer, department chair for the Marine Maintenance Technology school at Skagit Valley College. Choose to attend either class (April 23 or 24) for the all you can learn buffet from 0830 hours to 1700 hours; stick around for the graduation ceremony on Wednesday’s where attendees will receive a certificate of completion, which could even save you money on boat insurance. It is important to note that this seminar is not included in the TrawlerFest VIP Pass.
Beemer will also present “Watermaker: Build It, Buy It, Use It,” inspired by his desire for a freshwater bath while sailing his vessel. With more than 25 seminars, 2019’s Trawlerfest attendees will have plenty of learning opportunities in various trades and lots of fodder to inspire and ignite the ocean cruiser in you. Topics include everything from boat handling and multi-function display (MFD) navigation to cruising over the horizon and beyond.
Heard of commuter cruising? Cruising guide author Patricia Rains will talk about this trend in one of her two seminars where she covers two cruising itineraries in Central America, leaving her vessel behind for a visit home, then hopping back aboard and continuing the excursion. Her second seminar discusses three Mexico cruising itineraries with invaluable tips, like where to find good marinas, fill up on fuel, and avoid hurricanes – take notes!
For the navigation buffs, make sure to stop by the “Multi-Function Displays, Hands On” seminar for instructor Eric Kunz’s earned knowledge from his lifelong pursuit developing marine electronics for Furuno.
Dr. Jim Chimiak of DAN Medical Services will coach you on how to prepare for remote emergencies in his seminar, Medical Preparedness and First Aid for Boaters. Ever wanted to cruise the Inside Passage? There’s a seminar for that too! The Slowboat team is prepared to offer you their expertise on every aspect of the journey, from food, clothing, first aid, and spares to ground tackle, boat systems, and how and where to get parts and supplies along the way.
Above: Nigel Calder (far left facing the camera) is known for his popular books on marine electrical systems. He will be teaching one of the many top notch seminars at the event.
And of course, what’s a Trawlerfest without an inspirational talk? Seattle couple Rob and Deanna Piwowarczyk offer their story as landlubbers gone rogue. From the mountains of Colorado to the waves of Southern California, they casted off aboard their Selene 55 with two 90-pound dogs, leaving their business and house in their wake, yet still found a way to earn a paycheck. Learn what it takes to “sell it all and move on a boat” at their seminar: “Making the Leap: A Cruising Couple Tells Their Story.”
For the full list of seminars, check out passagemaker.com/trawlerfest to make a plan of attack and attend the seminars that resonate with you. Our recommendation? Purchase a VIP Package for unlimited access to all seminars from $449.
