Issues of interest to women as well as men are covered. One of the many new presentations at Grand Haven will be a how-to seminar on cosmetic repairs to fiberglass by the editors of DIY Boat Owner Magazine, the event's presenting sponsor. For the experienced attendees who are looking to cruise the oceans of the world, Jim Leishman, one of the creators of the Nordhavn line of power passagemakers and author of the revised edition of Voyaging Under Power, will address the full range of issues facing people who want to cruise long distances in motorboats. For newcomers, Dennis and Esther Bruckel will use their extensive cruising experience to provide guidance on how to choose the right trawler. Technical experts such as Jim Roberts of Bay Yacht Service and Craig Brummels of West Marine will provide the lowdown on electrical systems aboard trawlers.
Water purification is another timely technical topic on the program.
A special guest from England will be Andrew Freeman of Perkins Sabre representing a new supporting sponsor of West Marine Trawler Fest. Four persons at a time will head out with a licensed captain for 90 minutes on the water. The goal is to give each person a turn at the helm as well as other orientation. In addition to Mainship, Nordic Tugs, Nordhavn and Pacific Trawlers are participating in the in-water show at Grand Haven. There is no admission fee needed to walk the docks at Grand Haven Municipal Marina in downtown Grand Haven.