by Episode #040: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast Boat Show Season! How to make the most of your boat show visit!
Well it is boat show season! And this means freebies, great deals, new products, drool-worthy boats, and so much more! This week I’m providing you with my tips on how to make the most of your visit!
Other episodes you may be interested in:
- EP 14: Sailing Goals – Day Sailing
- EP 19: Which Sailing Course Do I Take?
- EP 27: How to be a prepared sailing crew
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Here are my most recent episodes:
Episode 3 The key decisions every skipper must get right NEW SERIES: From Passenger to Confident Skipper! – Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast
One of the biggest shifts in sailing happens when you move from simply operating the boat to making the decisions that keep everyone safe and confident on the water. In this episode of Your Pocket Sailing Instructor, I break down the five key decisions every skipper needs to get right—from weather calls and route planning to docking strategies and knowing when it’s time to turn back. These are the moments that define good seamanship far more than perfect boat handling ever will.I also share real-world examples of how small decisions can quickly become big problems when they’re delayed or ignored. Whether it’s pushing on in changing weather, approaching a marina without a clear plan, or underestimating crew fatigue, the pressure to “just keep going” can lead skippers into situations they didn’t intend to be in. Learning to make calm, early decisions is one of the most valuable skills a sailor can develop.If you’re working toward becoming a more confident skipper, this episode will help you think differently about leadership, preparation, and responsibility on the water. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about building the judgment and awareness that allow you to make smart calls before situations escalate.key topicsSkippers are defined by the decisions they make.The decision to go sailing can be challenging.Understanding timing and routes is crucial for safety.Docking requires careful planning and preparation.Knowing when to turn back is essential for safety.Anchoring safely is vital for overnight trips.Good skippers make decisions early based on observations.Practice decision-making skills at home.Safety of the crew should always be the priority.Every sailing outing is an opportunity to learn. Connect with Penny:- Support Penny on Patreon! - Learn more about Penny's sailing school!- Get in touch!- Take a course! - Penny's sailor resume- Instagram
Top Tips for Boat Shows…
- Dress appropriately: comfortable shoes, not too many layers, are backpacks allowed?
- Research: try to figure out where different things are such as food courts, washrooms, vendors, boats, vehicle parking, security measures, etc.
- Online purchases: buy tickets ahead of time, check out the speaker list and educational seminars.
- Wish list: during your research, put together a list of vendors or items you’d like to purchase. Bring paper/pen with you along with any dimensions for items you are looking to purchase.
- Deals & freebies: there will be many deals and freebies at the show for you! However, a lot of websites put up deals online during this time. Also, there are many freebies that you will get at the show that are always fun to use on your boat too!
In the end, plan for your boat show visit!
As usual, I think that planning your trip out will help you get the most out of your boat show time. Plan out who you want to go see for any free educational seminars, figure out which vendors are interesting for you, and see if there are any great deals to be had for any upgrades you are looking to do. Most of all, have fun dreaming about your future boating adventures!
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