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SEMINARS & FISHING CLINICS

Join us for our complimentary seminar series presented by the Annapolis School of Seamanship (ASOS), where boating enthusiasts of all levels can deepen their knowledge, sharpen their skills, and explore new horizons on the water. From practical advice on diesel engines and stress-free docking techniques to navigating the Great Loop and understanding marine weather, our expert captains and industry professionals will guide you through a wide range of topics designed to enhance your boating experience. Whether you're a seasoned sailor, an aspiring captain, or simply curious about the boating lifestyle, these seminars offer invaluable insights, hands-on tips, and engaging discussions to help you cruise smarter, safer, and with greater confidence.

Among the lineup is also Captain Don Dingman from Hook the Future, returning to host his famous Kids Fishing Clinics a family favorite at all of our boat shows! Captain Don will demonstrate basic fishing techniques while showcasing a wide variety of fish species, and all kids in attendance will receive a free rod & reel combo! 

Attendees can also experience On-Water Boat Courses with the Annapolis School of Seamanship (ASOS) and Progressive. These consist of different hour-long courses, giving attendees the opportunity to learn key aspects of boating in real time from U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captains. These courses are complimentary, but registration is required

Thursday, January 15, 2026

11:00 AM 

ASK A CAPTAIN

Do you ever wish you had a professional captain onboard with you, so you could ask him or her questions about the situations that challenge you on the water? Join captains from the Annapolis School of Seamanship for a question and answer session. Come to the show and bring your questions!   

Presented By: Annapolis School of Seamanship

12:30 PM

DIESEL BASICS

Whether you’re thinking about buying a boat with a diesel engine or already own one and want to feel more confident? This seminar from the Annapolis School of Seamanship is a must for cruisers, weekenders, and aspiring boat owners alike. In 90 minutes, Captain John will break down the fundamentals of marine diesel engines in plain, practical terms. You’ll learn how they work, what the key components do, how systems connect—and what to do when something goes wrong. Whether you're hoping to avoid costly mistakes or just want to better understand what’s happening under the hatch, this seminar gives you the confidence to cruise smarter, safer, and more self-reliant.

Presented By: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

2:00 PM

HOW TO GET YOUR CAPTAIN'S LICENSE

Between the USCG requirements for sea time, physicals, applications, and examinations, getting a captain’s license can seem daunting. Annapolis School of Seamanship’s expert captains will discuss the ins and outs of becoming a licensed captain. Topics include: 

  • Types of Licenses
  • Pre-requisites
  • Application Process
  • Using your License

Presented By: Annapolis School of Seamanship

3:30 PM

ANCHORING AND MOORING

Anchoring is an art, as well as a skill. From choosing the best place to anchor to handling the ground tackle, this seminar will demystify the art of dropping the hook.

Presented By: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

11:00 AM

WHAT'S BETTER? CHARTPLOTTERS, APPS, OR BOTH?

This session will cover the pros and cons of modern chartplotters and the latest mobile navigation apps. It will also offer insights on where this new wave of navigation technology is heading, and some of the players involved, so that you can choose what is best for your boating future whether you are a weekend boater or a full-time cruiser.

Presented By: Jeff Folk, Argo

12:30 PM

BOAT BUYING

Curtis Stokes will discuss the proper boat buying process from A-Z or from shopping to closing. He will discuss how to find your dream boat, how to survey it, and how to close on it. This seminar is packed with detail and a few war stories.

Presented By: Curtis Stokes, Founder & Owner of Curtis Stokes & Associates

2:00 PM

CRUISING THE GREAT LOOP

In this seminar, Curtis Stokes brings the Great Loop dream to vivid life. Based on his real-world experience advising countless cruisers, Curtis explores the heart of the Looper lifestyle, from what you’ll see along the way and how long it takes, to the challenges couples face and how life afloat compares to life ashore. He’ll tackle the toughest questions: time, budget, safety, community, and planning. Start preparing for the unforgettable journey of the Great Loop. Perfect for seasoned sailors and armchair dreamers alike.

Presented By: Curtis Stokes, Founder & Owner of Curtis Stokes & Associates

3:30 PM

TARIFFS, DUTY, AND FLAGGING FOR BOATERS

Foreign flagging refers to the documentation of a yacht in a foreign country for buyers who intend to use their foreign built yacht in the U.S. but do not intend to permanently import the yacht. Foreign flagging is generally available to yachts longer than 12 meters (39 feet) and might be an effective means of dealing with costly duties, tariffs and state taxes via a renewable one-year Cruising permit. A foreign flag may offer a broader range of options for insurance or financing; and can be an attractive option for yacht owners facing Lacey Act requirements related to the sourcing of all wood products aboard, which might otherwise prevent importation.

Presented By: Maritime Attorney Chase Eshelman, Lochner Law Firm

Friday, January 16, 2026

11:00 AM 

MARINE WEATHER

This seminar will cover the “what” and “why” of weather, allowing boaters to understand where to find important weather information using multiple resources and how to apply it to their boating lifestyle. Attendants will learn about the latest weather applications and how to use them effectively to determine whether to go or not to go. You don’t need to be a weatherman to know which way the wind blows. You just need to know how to find out what’s going to happen and how to make good decisions. This seminar covers everything from apps to passage planning to heavy weather tactics.

Presented By: Captain Mike Riley, Annapolis School of Seamanship

12:30 PM

ANCHORING AND MOORING

Anchoring is an art, as well as a skill. From choosing the best place to anchor to handling the ground tackle, this seminar will demystify the art of dropping the hook.

Presented By: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

2:00 PM

DOCKING DESTRESSED

Is docking your vessel causing you stress and anxiety? Captain John, from the Annapolis School of Seamanship, shows you the ropes, tricks, and techniques to make docking easy. Topics include: 

  • Situational Awareness
  • Forces
  • Line Handling
  • Communication
  • Close Quarters Maneuvering

Presented By: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

3:30 PM

HOW TO GET YOUR CAPTAIN'S LICENSE

Between the USCG requirements for sea time, physicals, applications, and examinations, getting a captain’s license can seem daunting. Annapolis School of Seamanship’s expert captains will discuss the ins and outs of becoming a licensed captain.   Topics include: 

  • Types of Licenses
  • Pre-requisites
  • Application Process
  • Using your License

Presented By: Annapolis School of Seamanship

11:00 AM

NAVIGATION APPS - BOAT SMARTER AND SAFER

Navigation apps can make a huge difference in keeping you safe, confident, and informed on the water. Learn how they help with route planning/tracking, finding favorite destinations, sharing your location, checking weather and tides, getting safety alerts, integration with your boat electronics, and much more.

Presented By: Jeff Folk, Argo

12:30 PM

BOAT BUYING

Curtis Stokes will discuss the proper boat buying process from A-Z or from shopping to closing. He will discuss how to find your dream boat, how to survey it, and how to close on it. This seminar is packed with detail and a few war stories.

Presented By: Curtis Stokes, Founder & Owner of Curtis Stokes & Associates

2:00 PM

TARIFFS, DUTY, AND FLAGGING FOR BOATERS

Foreign flagging refers to the documentation of a yacht in a foreign country for buyers who intend to use their foreign built yacht in the U.S. but do not intend to permanently import the yacht. Foreign flagging is generally available to yachts longer than 12 meters (39 feet) and might be an effective means of dealing with costly duties, tariffs and state taxes via a renewable one-year Cruising permit. A foreign flag may offer a broader range of options for insurance or financing; and can be an attractive option for yacht owners facing Lacey Act requirements related to the sourcing of all wood products aboard, which might otherwise prevent importation.

Presented By: Maritime Attorney Chase Eshelman, Lochner Law Firm

3:30PM

CELESTIAL NAVIGATION

Discover the timeless art of celestial navigation in this informative seminar designed for sailors of all experience levels. Learn how mariners use the sun, moon, and stars to determine position at sea—no GPS required. We’ll cover the basics of sextant use, sight reduction, and how celestial techniques can enhance your offshore confidence and self-reliance.

Presented By: Captain Mike Riley, Annapolis School of Seamanship

Saturday, January 17, 2026

11:00 AM 

DIESEL BASICS

Whether you’re thinking about buying a boat with a diesel engine or already own one and want to feel more confident? This seminar from the Annapolis School of Seamanship is a must for cruisers, weekenders, and aspiring boat owners alike. In 90 minutes, Captain John will break down the fundamentals of marine diesel engines in plain, practical terms. You’ll learn how they work, what the key components do, how systems connect—and what to do when something goes wrong. Whether you're hoping to avoid costly mistakes or just want to better understand what’s happening under the hatch, this seminar gives you the confidence to cruise smarter, safer, and more self-reliant.

Presented By: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

12:30 PM

MARINE WEATHER

This seminar will cover the “what” and “why” of weather, allowing boaters to understand where to find important weather information using multiple resources and how to apply it to their boating lifestyle. Attendants will learn about the latest weather applications and how to use them effectively to determine whether to go or not to go. You don’t need to be a weatherman to know which way the wind blows. You just need to know how to find out what’s going to happen and how to make good decisions. This seminar covers everything from apps to passage planning to heavy weather tactics.

Presented By: Captain Mike Riley, Annapolis School of Seamanship

2:00 PM

CRUISING THE GREAT LOOP

In this seminar, Curtis Stokes brings the Great Loop dream to vivid life. Based on his real-world experience advising countless cruisers, Curtis explores the heart of the Looper lifestyle, from what you’ll see along the way and how long it takes, to the challenges couples face and how life afloat compares to life ashore. He’ll tackle the toughest questions: time, budget, safety, community, and planning. Start preparing for the unforgettable journey of the Great Loop. Perfect for seasoned sailors and armchair dreamers alike.

Presented By: Curtis Stokes, Founder & Owner of Curtis Stokes & Associates

3:30 PM

DOCKING DESTRESSED

Is docking your vessel causing you stress and anxiety? Captain John, from the Annapolis School of Seamanship, shows you the ropes, tricks, and techniques to make docking easy. Topics include: 

  • Situational Awareness
  • Forces
  • Line Handling
  • Communication
  • Close Quarters Maneuvering

Presented By: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

12:00 PM

HOOK THE FUTURE KIDS FISHING CLINIC

Captain Don Dingman will demonstrate various fishing techniques while showcasing a wide variety of fish species. Each kid will receive a free Hook the Future/Carolina Skiff custom rod and reel combo. You won't want to miss this hands-on, interactive fishing clinic!

Presented By: Captain Don Dingman, Hook the Future

2:00 PM

HOOK THE FUTURE KIDS FISHING CLINIC

Captain Don Dingman will demonstrate various fishing techniques while showcasing a wide variety of fish species. Each kid will receive a free Hook the Future/Carolina Skiff custom rod and reel combo. You won't want to miss this hands-on, interactive fishing clinic!

Presented By: Captain Don Dingman, Hook the Future

3:30 PM

HOW TO GET YOUR CAPTAIN'S LICENSE

Between the USCG requirements for sea time, physicals, applications, and examinations, getting a captain’s license can seem daunting. Annapolis School of Seamanship’s expert captains will discuss the ins and outs of becoming a licensed captain. Topics include:

  • Types of Licenses
  • Pre-requisites
  • Application Process
  • Using your License

Presented By: Annapolis School of Seamanship

Sunday, January 18, 2026

11:00 AM 

ASK A CAPTAIN

Do you ever wish you had a professional captain onboard with you, so you could ask him or her questions about the situations that challenge you on the water? Join captains from the Annapolis School of Seamanship for a question and answer session. Come to the show and bring your questions!

Presented By: Annapolis School of Seamanship

12:30 PM

HOW TO GET YOUR CAPTAIN'S LICENSE

Between the USCG requirements for sea time, physicals, applications, and examinations, getting a captain’s license can seem daunting. Annapolis School of Seamanship’s expert captains will discuss the ins and outs of becoming a licensed captain. Topics include:

  • Types of Licenses 
  • Pre-requisites 
  • Application Process 
  • Using your License

Presented By: Annapolis School of Seamanship

2:00 PM

DIESEL BASICS

Whether you’re thinking about buying a boat with a diesel engine or already own one and want to feel more confident? This seminar from the Annapolis School of Seamanship is a must for cruisers, weekenders, and aspiring boat owners alike. In 90 minutes, Captain John will break down the fundamentals of marine diesel engines in plain, practical terms. You’ll learn how they work, what the key components do, how systems connect—and what to do when something goes wrong. Whether you're hoping to avoid costly mistakes or just want to better understand what’s happening under the hatch, this seminar gives you the confidence to cruise smarter, safer, and more self-reliant.

Presented By: Captain John Martino, Annapolis School of Seamanship

12:00 PM

HOOK THE FUTURE KIDS FISHING CLINIC

Captain Don Dingman will demonstrate various fishing techniques while showcasing a wide variety of fish species. Each kid will receive a free Hook the Future/Carolina Skiff custom rod and reel combo. You won't want to miss this hands-on, interactive fishing clinic!

Presented By: Captain Don Dingman, Hook the Future

2:00 PM

HOOK THE FUTURE KIDS FISHING CLINIC

Captain Don Dingman will demonstrate various fishing techniques while showcasing a wide variety of fish species. Each kid will receive a free Hook the Future/Carolina Skiff custom rod and reel combo. You won't want to miss this hands-on, interactive fishing clinic!

Presented By: Captain Don Dingman, Hook the Future

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