CruiserPort University at the Newport International Boat Show — VIP Seminar Pass & Shared Tickets

CruiserPort University, presented during the Newport International Boat Show, offers a curated lineup of in-depth seminars designed for cruisers, prospective boat buyers, and live-aboard sailors. The VIP seminar package includes access to eight classes for $375, roughly a $100 savings compared to purchasing each session separately. Ticket holders can now share a VIP pass with a designated partner: each pass admits two people to the full set of eight seminars provided the pair split the sessions so that both are not signed up for the same individual class (unless a second ticket is purchased). Attendees can use non-class time to explore the docks at the show. Note that show admission is not included. Several seminars include certificates of completion, which may help reduce rates from marine insurers.

On the Docks: Close Inspection of Yacht Systems (Kadey-Krogen, Nordic Tug, Sabre)

When: Wednesday, Sept. 14, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Capacity: 15
Price: $60

This hands-on seminar examines systems and machinery aboard three distinctly different cruising powerboats: a Kadey-Krogen 58 EB (extended bridge), a Nordic Tug 44 flybridge, and a Sabre 40 Sedan. Participants are divided into small groups and rotate through each boat to receive detailed engine-room briefings from experienced experts, with ample time for questions. The three hull types—full-displacement, semi-displacement, and planing—are represented, offering an excellent comparative study for anyone considering switching to power or upsizing their current vessel. This workshop pairs well with the later seminar on hull shape and performance.

Weather Basics for Boaters

Instructor: Jeremy Davis
When: Thursday, Sept. 15, 12:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Price: $60

Jeremy Davis, Operations Manager at Weather Routing Inc., covers essential weather concepts for boaters: how to read weather maps, interpret forecasts, and work with a meteorologist. The session reviews the range of forecast delivery services and gives guidance on choosing the best option for your cruising style. Intended for newcomers and less experienced boaters, the seminar aims to build confidence for making safe go/no-go or go-back decisions. Certificate of completion provided.

Rum, Rhumba & Revolution: Traveling to Cuba Legally (With or Without Your Boat)

Instructors: Peter Swanson & Nigel Calder
When: Thursday, Sept. 15, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Price: $60

Peter Swanson, fresh from leading AIM Marine’s Rallies to Cuba program, provides practical guidance for legally visiting Cuba by sea or by other means, focusing on regulatory considerations. Nigel Calder, an experienced cruising guide author who circumnavigated Cuba, breaks down the 1,700-mile shoreline and shares his observations and local insights. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of logistics and regulations for visiting Cuba.

Navigation for Husbands & Wives

Instructor: Bob Sweet
When: Friday, Sept. 16, 12:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Price: $60

This practical “quick start” navigation course is ideal for couples and crew who want to share navigation duties or for boaters updating their skills with current electronics. Bob Sweet, senior navigator and author of several navigation guides, teaches planning a cruise, chart use, electronic navigation integration, and techniques for compensating for tides and currents. Participants will work with real charts and plotting tools on a simulated mini-cruise. Certificate of completion provided.

Hot News About Marine Radar

Instructors: Bob Sweet & Eric Kunz
When: Friday, Sept. 16, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Price: $60

Marine radar technology has rapidly evolved with the rise of solid-state, multi-frequency units and the decline of older pulse systems. Bob Sweet and Furuno Senior Product Manager Eric Kunz explain the practical implications for radar users, from theory to setup and operating tips, and demonstrate advances using Furuno’s DRS4D-NXT. This seminar is timely for anyone looking to optimize radar performance aboard their boat. Certificate of completion provided.

The Great Loop: How to Prepare and What to Expect

Instructor: Kim Russo
When: Saturday, Sept. 17, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Price: $120

Kim Russo, Executive Director of the American Great Loop Cruisers Association, offers a thorough briefing on planning and executing the Great Loop—a circumnavigation of the eastern U.S. using the Hudson River, Erie Canal, Great Lakes, Mississippi River, and Intracoastal Waterway. The seminar covers boat suitability, budgeting, common challenges, and includes short presentations by experienced “Gold Loopers” who have completed the route. Expect detailed, practical advice and a Q&A period.

The Physics & Psychology of Hull Shape

Instructor: Lou Codega
When: Saturday, Sept. 17, 12:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Price: $60

Naval architect Lou Codega explains how hull shape affects speed, handling, and expectations. This seminar helps prospective boat buyers match their intended use to the right hull type, avoiding costly mistakes—such as repowering a hull unsuited to higher speed. Codega’s career spans designs from sportfish and trawler yachts to Coast Guard vessels, giving him broad perspective on what makes a hull perform as expected. This session is essential for anyone choosing their next boat.

Onboard Communications & Entertainment

Instructor: Paul Comyns
When: Saturday, Sept. 17, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Price: $60

Paul Comyns, a veteran marine electronics expert, reviews satellite communications and television systems that keep cruisers connected beyond terrestrial coverage. The seminar covers what services are available, how they operate in plain language, antenna placement, system trade-offs, and practical recommendations for live-aboard cruisers. Expect guidance on choosing equipment and maximizing onboard performance.

Full-Day & Two-Morning Technical Courses (Not Included in VIP Pass)

The following intensive technical workshops are sold separately from the VIP pass and require an additional fee.

Diesel Engines: Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Instructor: Nigel Calder
When: Wednesday, Sept. 14, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Price: $240

Nigel Calder’s full-day diesel course focuses on the most critical mechanical system aboard a cruising vessel. Calder covers cooling, electrical, powertrain, and fuel systems, and contrasts contemporary and older diesel designs to help attendees diagnose and resolve common issues. The seminar includes a certificate of completion that may qualify participants for insurer discounts. Boxed lunches are included.

Troubleshooting Electrical Systems

Instructor: Nigel Calder
When: Two mornings, Thursday & Friday, Sept. 15–16, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Price: $240

Electrical faults are the leading source of onboard problems. This hands-on course teaches step-by-step diagnostic techniques using multimeters and a practical “magic board” that replicates boat circuitry. Participants leave with the skills to diagnose and repair common faults, often avoiding costly service calls or unnecessary part replacements. A certificate of completion is provided.

About CruiserPort and the Organizers

CruiserPort is organized by the same team behind TrawlerFest and is aimed at power and sail cruisers, whether new to cruising or seasoned voyagers. The AIM Marine group publishes several boating magazines and resources that support the CruiserPort community and events.

For more information, visit www.passegemaker.com and select CruiserPort from the site’s menu.