BOATING TIPS -- February 2000
See You At The Boat Show!

Perhaps one of the reasons boating stays interesting is that there's always something to learn! This was driven home to me during the Northwest Yacht Brokers' Association In the Water Boat Show at Chandler's Cove in Seattle in January. There, I had the opportunity to participate as leader of a seminar about chartering, charter boats, and cruising here in the Northwest. The event was staged by Passagemaker Magazine, part of their series called “Trawlerfest” staged around the country (the next one is in Annapolis, MD.)

What was interesting to me was that a substantial number of folks had paid extra, over and above their show registration, to be a part of the two-day series of seminars put on by the magazine. Many were very serious boat owners (it's hard to call trawler owners “fly by night” people or gadabouts!) and they came loaded down with questions to ask the various panels and experts -- or, like me, old gray-heads -- that were on hand.

If you didn't participate in the Club's trip to the boat shows, or attend one on your own, you missed a valuable opportunity! Each year I attend, and each year I learn something about boating, just like all the stinkpotters at the trawlerfest were doing.

From GPS navigation, to new construction techniques, to new sail material, to the great new books, cruising guides, and clothing available to make our hobby more fun, there's so much happening that this boating business is truly as exciting as ever! I'll see you at the Boat Shows each year . . .

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