The show opens on Friday, February 17 and runs through Monday, February 20 at the Careport Centre in Hamilton, Ontario.

The preliminary seminar lineup includes:

ECO-BOATING AND MARINE BATTERY CARE

As boaters, we know only too well that taking care of the waterways is not only important but will ensure that future generations will share the great boating experiences.  Bring your ‘green’ questions to Bill Milne who will do a ‘hands-on’ demonstration on environmentally safe products and marine battery care.

Bill Milne knows how to keep ‘green’ while boating.  As President of Natural Marine and Battery Equaliser, Bill has developed many leading-edge eco-friendly products. 

WEATHER TO BOAT: KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN THE WEATHER GETS BAD

Boaters know that weather counts!  And it’s not just about understanding marine weather forecasts, reading instruments or watching the sky, but knowing what to do when the weather turns nasty. As Captain, you need to be able to protect your crew and vessel from bad weather including lightning strikes.  

Capt. Craig Hamilton of BoaterSkills.ca is an experienced boating safety specialist. Craig will draw on his years of experience at sea and from his time as a producer for The Weather Network.

HANDLE YOUR POWERBOAT LIKE A PRO – EVEN IF YOU AREN’T ONE

Listen to Rob MacLeod of informedboater.com as he discusses handling inboard/outboard boats in various conditions using excerpts from the informedboater.com powerboat video series. This is the seminar for the inexperienced and the experienced powerboat handler alike.

Rob started teaching boating in Hamilton in 1975. By 1978 Rob had earned his 40-ton ticket (Master of Minor Waters) and was handling power and sail boats up to 63 feet. In association with Doug and Brenda Dawson (boatingwithdawsons.com), Rob has developed a series of how-to videos on basic powerboat handling.

BOATING SAFETY: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW IN AN EMERGENCY

Are you aware of the boating safety requirements? Do you have the right equipment on board? Do you know how to use the equipment in an emergency situation?  Join Lori Mason of The Store Mason’s Chandlery in an informative talk on boating safety equipment and procedures.

Lori has been doing safety seminars for more than 20 years.  A founding member of Women on the Water (WOW) Lori launched a boating safety seminar designed just for women.  Among her many awards, Lori is the recipient of the Chief Commanders Letter of Appreciation CPS 2009 and the Top Individual Dedicated to Safe Boating CASBA Award 2000.

TIPS ON HOW TO BUY A BOAT: START WITH THE BASICS

Thinking of buying a new boat? Or buying your first boat? There are few things you need to know before you start your boat purchase.  What kind of boat are you looking for? What should you look for? Do you need insurance?  We’ve invited a boat broker, a marine surveyor and a boat insurance specialist to form a panel and provide you with the boat buying basics.  They will each bring their knowledge, but this seminar works best when you bring your questions.  So, bring a list.

Wallace Gouk, AMS Port Credit Marine Surveys, is a SAMS certified marine surveyor.  Gil Newton, Bridge Yacht Sales is Marine Sale Professional.  Petra Fischer is a boat insurance specialist with Robertson & Robertson Yacht Insurance – Skipper’s Plan.

LEARN ABOUT FLY FISHING AND FLY TYING

Bruce Wainman loves to fly fish, particularly from his boat.  An active member of the Hamilton Area Fly Fishers and Tyers, Bruce will give a seminar about gear, casting techniques, different fish species suitable for fly fishing and where you can find them.  A seminar for young and seasoned anglers alike.

Founded in 1992, the Hamilton Area Fly Fishers and Tyers promote the sport of Fly Fishing and Fly Tying.   They actively promote participation in stream conservation projects and provide an active voice for fishing and conversation concerns to all levels of government.

OUR OLYMPIC ATHLETES: THE SAILORS

As the nation was inspired by the Vancouver Winter Olympics and our Canadian athletes taking home more gold medals than any other country in the world, you did not have to be a skier, or skater or hockey player to feel the chill when O Canada was played. Ontario Sailing trains sailing athletes who are working towards National, International, Pan Am Games and Olympic goals.

Glenn Lethbridge, executive director of Ontario Sailing will talk about Ontario Sailing, its past, present and future sailing athletes.  Learn how you can support them in their quest.  Glenn has been sailing since he was a youth.  Prior to working with Ontario Sailing he was the director of Harbour West Sailing School in the Hamilton Port Authority.