United States Yacht Shows Launches Cruisers University

Baltimore (January 10, 2011) -- Of the millions who dream of cruising into the sunset, only a relatively small percentage actually do it. The difference is often a matter of confidence, a healthy byproduct of knowledge.

United States Yacht Shows, Inc., producer of the renowned United States Sail and Powerboat Shows, is launching a new event for aspiring, as well as experienced, cruisers: The first annual Cruisers University, to be held May 12-15, 2011 at the Baltimore Inner Harbor Marine Center.

Billed as "The Ultimate Aid To Navigation," the program will provide expert instruction in a wide range of subjects pertinent to long-range cruising. Classes range from general cruising topics, such as Crossing the Gulf Stream, Proper Provisioning and Cruising with Children, to master certification courses in Diesel Maintenance, Weather Forecasting and a comprehensive educational package called the Seamanship Series. All classes will be taught by subject matter experts from respected institutions, such as the Annapolis School of Seamanship, while the opportunity to meet other participants who share the cruising dream is a significant bonus.

One of the most unique aspect of Cruisers University is its interactivity, including a large in-water display of boats, both sail and power, outfitted with live-aboard cruising in mind. Participants will not only attend classes, they can become involved with learning through demonstrations of equipment and systems, as well as by taking selected boats out for sea trials during the extended weekend.

The event's structure allows participants to choose from three programs, with tuitions ranging from $450 for the four-day Masters Certification Program or the Seamanship Series to $160 for the one-day Introduction to Cruising Package.  Each package includes breakfast and lunch as well as boat demo boarding passes.  The number of courses and inclusions vary at each level.  Evening social events featuring music, cocktails and a keynote speaker are available for an additional fee. Special hotel and marina rates and VIP parking passes, are also available for Cruisers University participants. 

For a daily admission fee of $15, consumers can view over 150 sail and power cruising boats and 100 boating equipment exhibits.

For tickets and more information, visit www.usboat.com.

 

 

Tie-Fest coming

Lefty Kreh will be back at Tie-Fest this year. It should be another great event. Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Kent Narrows Yacht Club. It's free. Great time to check out flies and check out casting techniques. More info on http://www.ccamd.org/.

Fishing Expo at state fairgrounds kicks off boat show season

Timonium (January 8, 2011) - The 27th Annual Fishing Expo & Boat Show, Jan. 13-16, kicks off the show season with an incredible display of freshwater, saltwater and offshore fishing tackle, boats, motors, trailers, marine accessories and many other fishing businesses and organizations. With almost 100,000 square feet of fishing equipment, the show's emphasis this year is on tackle used specifically in this region and tackle not found in even the largest tackle shops. In addition to tackle from all the major tackle manufacturers, exotic, foreign, custom and hard to find tackle from more than 50 manufacturers (most tailored specifically for this region) will be available. Additionally, with more than 70,000 square feet of fishing boats, the selection of both saltwater and freshwater fishing machines is among the East Coast’s most diverse. This, in addition to a seminar series presented by a spectacular lineup of 24 nationally known fishermen, local and regional fishing guides, experts and guest speakers, makes this year's Fishing Expo & Boat Show a must attend event.

70,000 SQUARE FEET OF BOATS AT ONE LOCATION

Climb aboard, put yourself in the helm seat, close your eyes and imagine the wind blowing through your hair as you cruise over the Chesapeake's placid waters. With over 70,000 square feet of fishing boats all at one location, the 27th Annual Fishing Expo & Boat Show offers boating consumers a vast array of both fishing and some pleasure boats to peruse during this exciting, four-day event. Everything from mid-size, bluewater craft capable of

running to the Atlantic's offshore canyons, to open, center console and walkaround boats increasingly popular with the Chesapeake Bay's light tackle enthusiasts, to high-powered, lightning-fast, bass fishing machines, to lightweight, versatile aluminum and jet powered boats will be on display, many at bargain, pre-season prices. The vast majority will be powered with the latest, fuel-efficient, high-performance outboard engines that are quiet, lightweight and extremely reliable. If you're searching for a new boat, the 27th Annual Fishing Expo & Boat Show is the only place to shop.

GO FISHING WITH THE PRO TEAM

Anglers can put the odds in their favor by attending 72 back to back seminars provided by a team of 24 of this region's most knowledgeable anglers (including the region's top bass guides, light tackle guides, Chesapeake Bay charterboat captains and offshore charterboat captains), covering practically every aspect of freshwater and saltwater fishing. For 2011, we are bringing back the 4,000 gallon mobile fish tank which will be used for bass fishing seminars. Additionally, because of the number of bass pros in attendance this year, we are having a second bass seminar venue.  Please click here for a floor plan showing Tank and seminar room locations.

For bass fishermen, Kelly Jordon, who is a B.A.S.S Elite Series pro fisherman with over $1.5 million in earnings will make a personal appearance on Saturday and Sunday and present seminars catching bass out of vegetation and shallow water crankbaiting. Another well known B.A.S.S. Elite Series pro, Bill Lowen, will present seminars on Friday and 

Saturday – topics include how to use new techniques for old school lures and techniques for catching bass on structure. 

Craig Powers, who has earned more than $1 million on the FLW Circuit will also be in attendance all weekend. Ken Penrod, owner of Ken Penrod's Life Outdoors Unlimited Guide Service, who has been inducted into the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Guide, will share his intimate knowledge of the Upper Susquehanna, the Upper Potomac, tidal Potomac and Lowrance HDS and Sidescan technology. 

In addition, other nationally known pros attending are Jason Ober, Jason Reynolds and Ron Shaw. Finally, the list of local guides and experts presenting seminars is like the "who's who" of mid-Atlantic bass fishing including Capt. Keith Barker, Capt. Brian Barnes, Guide Mike Breeding, Guide Danny Grulke, Capt. Walter “Cowboy” Hairston, Mike “Pappy” Jones, Capt. Dave Kerrigan, Mark Kovach, Jeff Little, Guide Max McAllister, Chris McCotter and Guide Chris Sanno.  Click here for a complete list of bass seminars.   Click here for biographies of the featured bass fishermen. 

Heading up the saltwater speaker list is Capt. Richie Gaines, President of the Chesapeake Guides Association and member of the Sportfishing Advisory Commission. Richie is one of the Chesapeake's top light tackle guides and will discuss tactics for locating and catching rockfish with light tackle. For off-shore enthusiasts, Capt. Mark Hoos, who has received the Ocean City Marlin Club's award for "Most Tuna Caught by a Charterboat" for the last 7 consecutive years, will discuss tactics for catching tuna and mahi-mahi and basic trolling techniques & tackle. Capt. Dave Kerrigan will provide seminars on catching Sharks and Tuna from Ocean City. Keith Kaufman, former Editor of The Fisherman Magazine, will discuss tips and techniques for catching Spadefish, Triggerfish, Cobia and Flounder. 

Joe Bielawski will reveal tips for catching large flounder and also tips for trolling, including some that the pros won’t talk about! Capt. Chuck Fisher will present seminars on live lining for stripers and Springtime trolling for trophy rockfish. And, Capt. C.D. Dollar will discuss the rapidly growing sport of kayak fishing for various mid-Atlantic species. Click here for a complete list of saltwater seminars.  Click here for biographies of the featured saltwater fishermen. 

Show Hours:

Thursday and Friday:  12 noon - 8 pm

Saturday:  9 am - 8 pm

Sunday:  9 am - 6 pm   

Adult admission - $8.00

Ages 10-14 - $4.00

Under age 10 - FREE

TieFest set for Saturday, Feb.12

Kent Narrows  (Jan. 7, 2010) - The Mid-Atlantic’s foremost fly fishing event, TieFest, will be held Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Kent Narrows Yacht Club in Gransonville, MD. Once again some of the nation’s top fly tiers will attend to demonstrate patterns and answer questions, including Lefty Kreh (Baltimore Chapter), Bob Clouser, Bob Popovics, Steve Silverio, and Brad Bruzzi.  In addition to tying, there will be a casting demonstration, and members of the Mid-Atlantic Fly Anglers will provide individual casting instruction.  Numerous vendors will have new rods and other gear attendees can sample, and local guides will be available to discuss fishing.

“TieFest continues to grow and is now one of the premier events in the region,” said CCA MD Executive Director Tony Friedrich, who organizes the day. “Last year we had more than 600 participants. One of the great opportunities is that anyone there can walk up and talk to some of the giants in fishing.” TieFest is free to the public, and more information will be available on the CCA MD website.