Seminar Schedule

Besides easy navigation at your own pace, European canals provide fun destinations and activities to suit all tastes and timeframes. Every town has its pubs and cafes, not to mention charming shops and historic intrigue. With five separate canal boat adventures to draw upon, Captain Cheryl Duvall will offer her knowledge and field your questions about the ins and outs of chartering canal boats. She will share bucket-list experiences from her recent narrowboat charter in Scotland, including passage through the Falkirk Wheel to the Union Canal. She will also describe highlights from boat charters in France, exploring the canals and rivers in the Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Languedoc regions. Don’t let locks or language barriers intimidate you! Your best boating vacation is on the horizon, and now is the perfect time to plan next season’s adventure.

Presented by Captain Cheryl Duvall of Chesapeake Area Professional Captains Association

This presentation covers how to keep your boat looking better than new, including cleaning and maintenance dos and don’ts, plus detailing tips for boaters.

Presented by Christian Buchleitner of Mad Soaps Boat Detailing

Propane and butane, also known as LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas), are the most common cooking fuels used on boats. While efficient, cost effective, and widely available, these fuels can also be dangerous. This seminar gives you the tools you need to use propane fuel safely on the water. It explains boat propane systems, propane safety, and how to keep your boat and crew safe.

Presented by Michael Maszczenski and Joe Burke of US Power Squadrons.

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 Foulk of  ArgoNav

Join Walter as he gives you the best hints for a great on the water picture, whether it is of a boat or the nature surrounding you! Celebrating over 30 years as a Marine photographer Walter Cooper grew up sailing and boating along Lake Huron. Inspired by his surroundings and his pastimes, Walter’s interest in photography began

in grade school. Throughout the years of his education, he continued to spend time on the water, both boating and developing his skills and devotion to photography. During the 1995 America’s Cup Walter worked for America3, the Women’s Team as a staff photographer. He spends his time shooting major yachting events, cruising stories and running his business.

Presented by Walter Cooper of  Walter Cooper Photography

Presented by Michael Maszczenski and Joe Burke of US Power Squadrons.

AIS Electronics for Boaters can help you decide if Automatic Identification System (AIS) electronics are right for you. AIS electronics aren’t just for commercial vessels. Using AIS can help you navigate crowded waterways easily and safely.

With AIS marine electronics onboard, you can identify potential dangers and quickly make decisions on the water. Many systems share your boat’s information with other boats so they can also make better, safer boating decisions.

In this seminar, you will learn what AIS does, how it works, whether you need an AIS system, how AIS is different from radar, how to use AIS to navigate more safely, and what to consider when integrating AIS with your existing electronics.

 Presented by Capt. Michael Dodd of of Chesapeake Area Professional Captains Association

Ready to turn your Great Loop dreams into reality? This session covers everything you need to plan, equip, and enjoy your journey—from must-have electronics and weather apps to guides, galley gear, and more. We’ll share practical tips for life aboard, managing what you leave behind, and keeping your adventure running smoothly. Whether you’re just starting your planning or fine-tuning your preparations, this seminar will give you the tools to make your Great Loop adventure a success.

Presented by Kim Russo, Executive Director,  American Great Look Cruising Association

This seminar will explore how women have intentionally created spaces to build community on the water, including CCA MD’s new “Girls Night Out (On the Water) program, and other opportunities to engage with women on the water. Come to find kinship with other ladies, learn about their experiences, and grow the lady angler community!

Presented by Melody Renee of CCA MD & VA

Presented by Jeff Foulk of  ArgoNav

Ready to buy a used powerboat? Learn what to look for when you see your dream boat, which questions to ask the seller or broker about its history, and how to get the best value. Scott Berg, a member of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors, will share expert guidance to help you make a confident purchase.

presented by Scott Berg, from CBW Marine Surveyor, Consultant and Captain

Loopers cruise the 6,000-mile Great Loop route aboard their own boats completing a circumnavigation of the eastern U.S. and part of Canada via mostly protected inland waterways. The Great Loop route follows the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Chesapeake Bay, and the New York Canals northwards, goes across the Great Lakes, south on the Inland Rivers, and then east Gulf Coast to complete the Loop.

presented by Kim Russo, Executive Director,  American Great Look Cruising Association

Fishing for striped bass in the Chesapeake has evolved in recent years, as anglers learn to cope with slot limits, fewer fish, and changing environmental conditions. Go fishing the same way in the same places as you did a decade ago, and you’re likely to catch a skunk. A much better move would be to join FishTalk angler in chief Lenny Rudow at the Bay Bridge Boat Show at Safe Harbor Narrows Point, as he runs down the tactics and tips anglers use to catch rockfish in the modern era. Jigging, fishing live bait, and trolling will all be on the agenda.

presented by Lenny Rudow with FishTalk Magazine

Come aboard for a week or weekend and cruise protected waters with soft bottoms and explore a notable diversity of town and country. The Chesapeake has so many creeks, coves, rivers and ports to discover that one could possibly spend their whole life boating them and never visit the same place twice! Learn sample cruises of both long and short duration and find out how the history and culture of the Bay influences what you’ll see along the way.

Presented by John Stefancik, executive director of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland.

This is the beginning of understanding weather and boating. Lets start with a good foundation to keep you safe on the water and avoid “drama” in your boat. Where to look, how to get the most out of your Weather apps, Weather Basics you need to know, the forecast – what to look for and tips to keep you safe on the water. Weather Basics – terms, visual aids. Weather Apps – App options and why I use them. Reviewing the Forecast – understanding the forecast, what is it telling you short term and long term . Using a Weather Routing Service – what are they, and how they work for you.

Presented by Captain Deb Marlor of Sailing & Boating.