This year's Advanced Cruising Seminar had to be one of the best since its inception.  First of all, three days before the seminar began the film crew from Disney arrived in the harbor while finishing up shooting Pirates of the Caribbean III.  How kewl was that?  They even went so far as to anchor the Black Pearl just 50 yards off the seminar area.  Since the seminar was held on a weekend, they weren't filming, and the boat was there for the full event.  It made for a great class photo!
          Besides that, this event was a real success because of the presenters we had to share their knowledge with the 90 cruisers that made up the Class of 2006.  This year's lineup included staffers Bob & Jody, Tania Aebi and Captain Woody Henderson.  Also speaking were John Kretchsmer, author of numerous books on cruising and regular contributor to Sailing Magazine, Rags Laragione, Director of the Maritime Institute, Jack Klang, author, syndicated columnist & TV personality, along with Bruce Brown from Switlik Life Raft Company, John Aydelotte from Vessel Assist Northwest, Marti Brown, Nurse Practitioner and world cruiser, Steve Bowden from Sea Tech Communications, Lee Chesneau, our Senior Marine Meteorologist, and new this year, Laurie & Carole Pane, circumnavigators and regular contributors to Lats & Atts.
          The event covered two full days of usable and easy to understand information on what a cruiser can expect to find once they cut the lines and head out.
          One highlight of the weekend was when Bruce Brown let one of the attendees open the six-man life raft.  No one in the class had ever seen one open, and they learned every step that should be taken prior to opening one.
          For the first time at one of these Advanced Cruising Seminars, the Panes were on hand to share the lessons learned on their recent six-year circumnavigation.  When you add all the sea time from the presenters at this event, it is into the hundreds of thousands of miles and well over 100 years of sailing experience.
          But it wasn't all work and no play.  Not by a long shot.  On Saturday night Eric Stone and his band showed up for a great concert, beach party and barbecue which was held at the Seaside Lagoon right there by the Portofino Hotel, where the seminar was headquartered.  The Portofino also catered the barbecue, which was opened to advanced ticket sales for the first time this year.  Over 200 people were on hand for a great cruisers' party and Eric Stone concert.  It will definitely be a part of next year's event.
          It is going to be hard to beat this event next year, but you know we will have to try.  For more info on this once-a-year event watch our website at www.seafaring.com, or call the office.  Attendance is limited to 90 participants, so if you plan on attending, reserve early!