Free Seminars
The Boats Afloat Show is pleased to present a selection of free seminars to our show attendees. Our seminar schedule and presenter bios can be found below. Special thank you to Waterways Cruises & Events for sponsoring our Seminar Series!
Seminar Schedule
Thursday, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
“Boating to Southeast Alaska”
Presented by: Bob Whale
Seminar Description:
Many of us have a trip to Alaska on our boating bucket list. This is a completely doable adventure for most boaters. Bob has done this trip three times in the last five years. In this one-hour introductory seminar, he will discuss various elements involved in planning one’s trip, suggest an itinerary, and show photos highlighting the scenery and wildlife that Alaska boasts.
Bob Whale is a retired seismologist and he and his wife Lorraine and their dog MacKenzie are avid boaters, based in the community of Birch Bay, close to the Canadian border. They enjoy visiting the San Juan Island group, Sucia is only 13 miles from their home port. They have also explored throughout the Canadian Gulf islands, Desolation Sound and the Broughtons.
Friday, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
“Waste Management 101”
Presented by: Aaron Barnett
Seminar Description:
As Washington Sea Grant’s boating program specialist, Aaron Barnett works with boat owners, marina operators and port managers to keep Washington’s waters safe for people and wildlife. Learn how to deal with recreational boat sewage and oil.
Friday, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
“Dogs Onboard”
Presented by: Diane Lander
Seminar Description:
Essential if you’re looking for tips to cruise with a canine companion (or two!) aboard your boat! Join Diane Lander as she shares her tips and tricks for boating with dogs, while also sharing a few fun stories of her time owning the MV Olympus, a 1929 97′ Fantail and her current vessel, the MV Marian II, a 1928 42′ Lake Union Dreamboat. Diane’s boating with dogs seminar will cover dog safety and equipment as well as sharing tips about having dogs on board. She will also demonstrate proper how to properly fit a PFD to your dog!
Saturday, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
“It Will Never Happen To Me”
Presented by: Courtney Wingard
Seminar Description:
Join Courtney Wingard of Novamar Insurance, for her presentation “It Will Never Happen to Me.” Are you covered like you think you are, with your yacht insurance? Learn how to read your insurance coverages, before a claim. Courtney will walk you through the basics and then answer any questions you have about yacht insurance and best practices for coverage.
Courtney Wingard is an Account Executive at the Seattle office of Novamar Insurance. She’s been working in the marine insurance industry since 2017, and has been with Novamar Insurance since 2020.
Saturday, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
“First Aid”
Presented by: Ryan Davis
Seminar Description:
Join licensed Captain and first aid specialist Ryan Davis, as he presents on the basics of on-board first aid. An essential for new boaters or as a refresher for seasoned boating veterans.
Sunday, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
“Cruising Lifestyle: Is it For You?”
Presented by: Scott and Kathy Erwin
Seminar Description:
Scott and Kathy will share their experiences with long distance, liveaboard cruising to far flung destinations around the world. Learn what it’s like to ‘follow the wind’ and travel throughout the world aboard a 44′ monohull sailing vessel. (Take a sneak peek of their adventures on their blog!)