TrawlerFest is a boat show, educational opportunity, and rendezvous all rolled into one exciting weekend hosted by PassageMaker Magazine in Baltimore. September 25 to 28 will be your opportunity to see all the latest cruising powerboat models, rub elbows with industry experts, mingle with other boaters, and celebrate the cruising lifestyle. All this, plus a top-notch educational component, is conveniently situated at Harborview Marine Center along the bustling Inner Harbor waterfront.
Whether you’re preparing to shove off or just dreaming about it, TrawlerFest has something for every kind of cruiser.
Boats, Classes, & Parties
“TrawlerFest is more than a boat show,” says Whitten “Whit” Hall, marketing manager for PassageMaker Magazine and TrawlerFest. “It’s the nation’s premier cruising event with the largest selection of cruising boats gathered in place in the nation. In addition to the boat show and the marine product and service exhibits, attendees will enjoy many educational opportunities and a rendezvous-like atmosphere.”
And it’s not just for powerboaters. “Most of our seminars are ‘propulsion agnostic’ and would benefit cruising sailors equally,” says Hall. “Most people in the PassageMaker community once had sailboats, so it’s also a chance for sailors to start planning the switch.”
Hall continues, “PassageMaker’s editor-in-chief, Peter Swanson, who spearheaded the educational component, has rounded up a ‘who’s who’ in the marine industry to serve as instructors at our courses. We’ll have Nigel Calder teaching about diesel engines, Ben Ellison explaining wireless communications, Lee Chesneau discussing weather, and Monty and Sara Lewis with tips on cruising to the Bahamas. Tuesday and Wednesday our full-day ‘university’ courses will focus on technical issues and destinations, and Thursday through Saturday during the show we’ll offer multiple two-hour seminars covering a wide variety of subjects.
“The philosophy behind the seminars is to provide value. Attendees should leave TrawlerFest with the ability to cruise with less stress and greater safety, but should also be able to save money by making better decisions about purchases. Money saved will far exceed the cost of attending seminars. TrawlerFest is an investment,” says Hall.
“Attendees should plan to spend their evenings with us too,” suggests Hall. “Five o’clock is ‘docktail’ time. Each evening has a themed event, such as Trawlers at Twilight or Dinner and a Movie. This year we’ve worked closely with the City of Baltimore and Harborview Marine Center to add an event for the whole community to enjoy. On Saturday evening, Harborview will host a concert that features country music singer Ciara Rae and is open to anyone, not just boat show attendees. This is but one of many ways we hope to get more people in the Baltimore area excited about boating.”
Who’s Coming?
At center stage are, of course, the boats. Top manufacturers of power cruising vessels will be showing their latest models and bestsellers. Stroll up and down the docks, and you’ll find Beneteau, Cutwater, Ranger Tug, DeFever, Kadey Krogen, Nordhavn, Fleming, Grand Banks, Marine Max, Outer Reef, and many more. Climb aboard and explore their nooks and crannies. Sit at the helm and imagine yourself cruising off New England’s coast, down the ICW, and on to the warm waters of the Caribbean.
In addition to the beautiful boats, manufacturers’ reps will be displaying all the latest in gear, electronics, and cruising necessities, such as anchors, guidebooks, generators, engines, tenders, boat cushions, galley supplies, and the list goes on. This is your chance to touch and feel the merchandise and talk to the product experts. Shop and compare, but wait to make purchases until just before you’re ready to leave. Veteran boat show attendees know this minimizes the amount of goodies you’ll be schlepping in and out of boats and up and down the docks.
In addition to the yacht brokers and product exhibitors, marine service providers will be there, too. Stop at their booths and meet the owners and staff of the marine businesses most every cruiser will eventually need. Think marinas, boatyards, service technicians, boating clubs, and marine publications. Lending officers and insurance agents aided by Internet access will stand ready to provide rates and quotes.
Afternoon Activities
As you enter the show each day, look for the posted schedule of free afternoon demos. You’ll find it prominently displayed at the main entrance. Attending demos is a good way to pick up basic tips and a good place to meet other attendees, some of whom you may be partying with later that evening. Demo topics will include anchoring, diesel engine Q&A by Bob Smith, and IPS drives by Beneteau.
When you need a break to digest all the information you’ve picked up, or if you’re looking for a place to share stories and adventures with the cruisers you just met at the demos, duck into the Tipsy Seagull, a new lounge located inside the gates. You’ll find this oasis near the heart of the show, and inside attendees can enjoy cool drinks, tasty snacks, live music, and friendly faces.
Seminar and Course Details
TrawlerFest’s university courses are hands-on, in-depth, and run Tuesday and Wednesday, September 23 and 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with a graduation reception on the final evening. If you have less time or cash to invest, two-hour seminars covering almost everything a boater needs to know for successful cruising will be offered Thursday through Saturday. Topics include surveys, emergencies at sea, cruising as a couple, marine weather, driving in the dark, onboard wireless, and cruising the ICW, Great Loop, and Thousand Islands. Advance registration and a fee are required.
Tickets, Please
Multiple ticket packages are offered, and attendees can customize their experience by selecting only the seminars and social events of interest to them. Tuesday and Wednesday, September 23 and 24, are reserved for the university courses only, and the full show opens Thursday, September 25. See all the details and learn how to build your own package at
passagemaker.com.
General Admission tickets cost $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Seminar tickets cost $50 in advance or $60 at the door; both include a one-day entry pass to the show. VIP tickets cost $375 in advance and $450 at the door. VIP ticket holders receive show passes for all four days, evening entertainment, admission to all seminars, and a light lunch.
TrawlerFest is held at the Baltimore Marine Center’s Harborview Marine Center (South Harbor). Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel and Brookshire Suites Hotel are each offering a limited number of discounted rooms for show attendees. Coming by boat? To reserve dockage, contact the Harborview Marine Center directly at (410) 752-1122 or
[email protected]. Be sure to ask for the special rate for TrawlerFest guests.
Whether you’re preparing to shove off or just dreaming about it, TrawlerFest has something for every kind of cruiser.
Boats, Classes, & Parties
“TrawlerFest is more than a boat show,” says Whitten “Whit” Hall, marketing manager for PassageMaker Magazine and TrawlerFest. “It’s the nation’s premier cruising event with the largest selection of cruising boats gathered in place in the nation. In addition to the boat show and the marine product and service exhibits, attendees will enjoy many educational opportunities and a rendezvous-like atmosphere.”
And it’s not just for powerboaters. “Most of our seminars are ‘propulsion agnostic’ and would benefit cruising sailors equally,” says Hall. “Most people in the PassageMaker community once had sailboats, so it’s also a chance for sailors to start planning the switch.”
Hall continues, “PassageMaker’s editor-in-chief, Peter Swanson, who spearheaded the educational component, has rounded up a ‘who’s who’ in the marine industry to serve as instructors at our courses. We’ll have Nigel Calder teaching about diesel engines, Ben Ellison explaining wireless communications, Lee Chesneau discussing weather, and Monty and Sara Lewis with tips on cruising to the Bahamas. Tuesday and Wednesday our full-day ‘university’ courses will focus on technical issues and destinations, and Thursday through Saturday during the show we’ll offer multiple two-hour seminars covering a wide variety of subjects.
“The philosophy behind the seminars is to provide value. Attendees should leave TrawlerFest with the ability to cruise with less stress and greater safety, but should also be able to save money by making better decisions about purchases. Money saved will far exceed the cost of attending seminars. TrawlerFest is an investment,” says Hall.