Schedule Of Events
Seminars
9 am - 11 am : Docking: Two People, One Line, Any Conditions, Full Control with Phyllis Woolwine
Docking with dynamic springlines has become a lost art - with tragic results in marinas all around the world, not the least in the Pacific Northwest. Captain Phyllis Woolwine is leading a charge to bring these powerful skills & strategies back. Captain Wooly specializes in training boaters of all types to use springlines for maximum safety and control of their boat leaving and returning to the dock - every time, in any conditions, with just two people. This seminar introduces the physics of the core springline strategy we apply on all boats, every time, no matter the boat type or scenario. In additionto this course - Informal dockside demonstrations will happen each day on the main dock, at the Shearwater University slip right off the pier (between the ramps).
9 am - 1 pm : Maritime Medical Emergency Management : Hands-On Suture and Splinting Skills and Techniques with Dr Robert Levito
Your crewmate is bleeding, and compression alone is not stopping the hemorrhage, what do you do? During this session sailors will learn how to clean wounds while draping and prepping the injury, then learn how to hold and use surgical instruments, when to apply steri-strips, skin staples, or skin glue, and wound closure techniques from simple interrupted sutures to the vertical and horizontal mattress techniques. Following this hands-on session, we’ll continue with the basics of splinting skills and techniques applying elastic bandages, short arm and leg splints, buddy taping fingers and toes, and stabilizing complex long bone fractures. Sterile Technique, Draping and Prepping, Anesthesia Considerations, Suture and Needle Selection, Instrument Use, Steri-Strips, Skin Glue, Wound Closure Techniques, Simple Interrupted, Simple Running, Running Locking, Horizontal Mattress, Vertical Mattress, Corner Stitch, Figure of 8 Stitch, Staplers and Removal, Two Handed Hand Tying with Left & Right, Splinting Skills and Techniques, Ace Elastic Bandage Wrap, Short Arm/Volar Splint, Thumb Spica Splint,Ulnar Gutter Splint, Short Leg/Posterior Splint
11:15 am - 1:15 pm : What To Look for Before You Call a Surveyor with Jim Merrick
So, you want to buy a boat? What you should look for before making an offer and hiring a marine surveyor. A dream of the perfect cruising boat can be crushed when it's surveyed, but some of this deal-killers could have been detected early were it not for the fact that buying a boat is rarely a rational decision; we are often lead by our hearts. Buyers can slow down and take a look at the boat with the rose-colored glasses off. We will cover how to inspect hoses, valves, wiring mistakes, and signs of structural damage. There will be many photos of examples of what to look for.
12pm - 1 pm : Stabilization for Trawler Yachts & More with Patrick Noor from DMS Dynamic Marine Systems
Dynamic Marine Systems (DMS Holland) are specialists in stabilization and roll reduction systems for Motor Yachts. This Trawlerfest Stuart presentation will give background into the company and its products and explain how DMS aims to provide the best stabilization solution for all motor and trawler yacht designs
1- 2 pm : Bluewater Boats that are Good for Loopers, Too with John Clayman
Would-be cruisers often ask, “What do I need to look for in a boat for The Great Loop,” as if maybe they didn’t intent to cruise anywhere else. And maybe some do not. The Loop is a magnificent adventure, usually with land to starboard and port, but there are plenty of boats that do a great job on inland waters that can also go offshore and even cross an ocean. The Great Loop is a magnificent adventure in and of itself, but there are affordable boats that can do both the Erie Canal and the Atlantic Ocean in comfort and safety. John Clayman, president of Seaton Yachts with tens of thousands of ocean miles under his belt, will review the particular requirements for Great Looping and for more strenuous cruising. He will provide examples of dual-purpose vessels for every budget. Donning his yacht broker cap, Clayman will also discuss how to find and purchase the best boat for your needs. There will be ample time to respond to questions about design, construction, surveys and the purchase process.
1:30 pm - 3 pm : Foreign Flagging with Maritime Attorneys Todd Lochner and Greg Singer
What is Foreign Flagging? Foreign flagging refers to the registration of a yacht in a foreign country – most frequently the Marshall Islands or Cayman Islands – for buyers who intend to use their yacht in the U.S. but do not intend to permanently import the yacht. It should only be considered by owners who intend to take their yacht to a foreign port at least once a year. Foreign flagging is generally available to yachts longer than 12 meters (39 feet).
Duties, Tariffs and State Taxes. One of the strongest advantages to foreign flagging for a yacht owner is exemption from import duties, tariffs, and state vessel taxes. If a yacht is flagged in one of the roughly thirty countries which are eligible for a U.S. cruising permit, and if the yacht obtains and maintains a U.S. cruising permit, the yacht may be entitled to exemption of these duties, tariffs, and taxes. This is a fact-specific exemption so it is very important for a buyer to consult maritime counsel to determine if they will be able to take advantage of it.
Cruising Permit Requirements. Cruising permits for foreign flagged yachts are typically issued for a 1-year duration, and then must be renewed. The largest practical consideration for renewing the cruising permit is that the yacht must leave the United States for at least seven days and clear in to a foreign port. Upon arrival back on the United States, another 1-year cruising permit is issued. For this reason, foreign flagging is only a viable option for yacht owners who intend to cruise to a foreign country at least once a year. Canada and the Bahamas are typically the most convenient foreign destinations for this purpose. Insurance and Mortgages. Most yacht insurance carriers and yacht lenders have no issue with insuring or lending for a vessel with a foreign flag, provided it is a reputable flag – for example the Marshall Islands, Cayman Islands, or any of the British “Red Ensign” group of countries. Foreign flagging can offer a broader range of options for insurance or financing, as it allows an owner to take advantage of alternatives outside the U.S. market. In any case, an owner interested in foreign flagging their yacht should speak with their insurance broker or lender to confirm the options available to them if they proceed.
Restrictions. An important restriction on foreign flagged yachts cruising the U.S. under a cruising permit, is that the yacht may not carry passengers for hire within the U.S. For this reason, foreign flagging is typically not suitable for an owner who intends to charter their yacht in U.S. waters. Foreign flagged yachts also face certain restrictions on selling the yacht to U.S. citizens while the yacht is in the U.S. In order to accomplish such a sale, the yacht must typically go at least 12 miles offshore for closing, unless the buyer wishes to pay the import duty and tariff upon sale. For these reasons, working with a yacht broker and a maritime lawyer experienced in offshore closings is highly recommended when selling a foreign flagged yacht in the U.S.
Washington State Specific Considerations. For foreign flagged yachts cruising Washington State for extended periods, there are two additional requirements for owners to be aware of. The first is that the owner must obtain a vessel visitor permit if the yacht stays in Washington State waters for more than 60 days. The second is that yachts must obtain a state pilotage exemption permit, to avoid the requirement of having a pilot on board while navigating Puget Sound. Both permits are relatively easy to obtain at minimal cost (several hundred dollars total), but it is important to obtain these permits to remain 100% compliant while cruising Washington State. Most other states do not have such requirements for foreign flagged yachts.
In short, foreign flagging can be an attractive option for yacht owners facing high import duties and tariffs, and who do not intend to permanently import their yacht into the United States. Whether this is a good option is a highly fact-specific determination, and so we would strongly recommend any potential buyer interested in foreign flagging to consult with a maritime attorney.
3-5 pm : Marine Electronic Navigation
This seminar covers the fundamentals of marine navigation and explores how modern technologies enhance voyage planning and safety. Key topics include the use of Multi-Function Displays, Radar, AIS, and other essential marine electronics that facilitate safe navigation from point A to point B. Additionally, we will discuss the ideal electronics systems, comparing computer-based navigation with larger marine electronics installations, to help you choose the best setup for your needs.
3 pm – 5 pm : Ask the Experts Moderated by Jeff Merrill
In this “town hall” event, our panel of veteran cruisers will field audience questions on a wide-range of topics, sea stories always resulting. Jeff Merrill, CPYB, the moderator, is a yacht broker, author and trawler specialist with thousands of cruising miles. Wayne Goldman has a profound passion for yachts and unwavering commitment to excellence. Wayne represents Selene Yachts Americas. Phyllis Woolwine is a Master Mariner and Maritime Educator. Phyllis brings her passion and a lifetime of experience in boating, education, and natural science to her work, at Shearwater University. Phyllis specializes in custom Certification instruction on boats of all types and sizes. Eric Bescoby is a Nordhavn 40 full time cruiser who has completed the Big U (Seattle to Maine - and back) with an engineering background and joy for sharing his experiences from a life afloat. Matt Maynard, CPYB, is a past president of the NYBA (Northwest Yacht Brokers Association) and has been an active boater and yacht broker for most of his life. Bud LeMieux is an Anacortes local who is a world renown boat builder. Bud helped the Kessler’s build their Delta, Zopilote and also was a founder of Northern Marine, building their first hull for Bruce and Joan Kessler, Spirit of Zopilote.
