Trawler Fest Anacortes 2013

PassageMaker magazine presents Trawler Fest 2013 in Anacortes, Washington, May 14-19.

When the snow has all but melted in May, and your thoughts return to cruising on clear Pacific Northwest waters, set a course for the peaceful, secluded town of Anacortes, Washington. There you can join thousands of other boaters who come annually to enjoy a unique educational, hands-on learning, boat touring, and social event known as Trawler Fest.

“PassageMaker Magazine inspires our readers to better understand and enjoy the cruising-under-power lifestyle,” said Cindy Salvatoré, Events Manager. “That’s why we are bringing you an Event Series unlike any other. Our two events, Trawler Fest and TrawlerPort, not only welcome you into this niche, but also offer a variety of ways to explore, learn, and network with fellow cruisers.”

Trawler Fest, our premier distance cruising education and boat show event, which includes in-depth, 90-minute seminars and a flurry of afternoon activities, takes place again this year in Anacortes, Washington May 16-19. It is preceded by Trawler Fest University, two days of intensive eight-hour courses including hands-on courses such as Bob Smith’s “Diesel Engines,” and on-board courses like “Women’s Only Boat Handling” and “Couple’s Cruising.”

This year’s lineup will also include a comprehensive bluewater course, “Cruising From Point A to Point B,” our technical editor Steve D’Antonio’s overview of vital boat systems, and a weather course from the U.S. Power Squadron.  Trawler Fest University courses take place Tuesday and Wednesday, May 14 & 15. Seminars and a cruising-under-power boat show (over 70 new and brokerage boats were in the water and available for inspection last year) will run May 16-19 (a half-day on Sunday, May 19). Seminars run for 90 minutes and typically take place from 8:30-10:00 AM, and 10:30 to 12:00 PM. This year, we will add a third seminar track from 1:30-3:00, after participants have had a chance to join us for lunch on site, or explore the shops and other attractions of Anacortes. The boats will be on display from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

There will be a full range of afternoon activities, including a Dock Talk with famed circumnavigator and Trawler Fest favorite, Bruce Kessler.
There will be a Welcome Breakfast, Thursday, May 16 from 8:30-10 AM (this replaces Thursday’s seminar track #1 and will be open to everyone who buys a 3-day or seminar package.)

At the time of this writing, confirmed seminars include Lee Chesneau’s “Weather I and Weather II,” a Diesel Engine Q&A with Bob Smith, Captain Alyse Caldwell’s “Confessions of a Galley Slave,” Denny Emory’s safety-prepping “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday,” and a primer on “Border Crossings” presented by U.S. Power Squadrons.

Last year, we were privileged to host owner/members of the Pacific Northwest MTOA, as well as post-Grand Banks Rendezvous cruisers, who came by boat and enjoyed their own section of the docks, as well as special offers to attend seminars or the boat show.  This year we are offering a wide range of rendezvous activities taking place concurrent with the seminars, and there’s something for everyone. There will be a Tour of W.T. Preston Snagboat and History of Anacortes, Photography 101 and 102, a Photowalk Anacortes, a Ladies Roundtable, Scrapbooking, Fishing Tips and Tricks, a Deception Pass (Scenic Picture Spot and Beach Picnic) Under the Bridge, and a Hike of the “Loop Road Trail” at Washington Park. There’s no question that the days can be filled, or as laid back, as you wish.

To learn more visit:  www.passagemaker.com/events-series/trawler-fest-anacortes