This just in from SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Regatta Pointe Marina. This fine facility guards the northern banks of the Manatee River, just west of the Highway 41 Business Bridge, and hard by the community of Palmetto, Florida. Sounds like a GREAT weekend, with some really interesting seminars. Come one, come all!

Ahoy!
Regatta Pointe Marina is committed to providing the resources and knowledge our boating community needs to enjoy our waterways as safe and responsibly as possible.
In just a few weeks, we will be holding our largest boating event ever. We hope you will come out to the West Marine Nautical Expo and help us strengthen our boating community!
Sincerely,
Dan McClanahan
Regatta Pointe Marina Manager

A TWO-DAY AFFAIR FOR MANATEE CO. BOATERS
By Danny Stooksbury
PALMETTO, Fla.-The West Marine Nautical Expo (Spring 2013) will undoubtedly be the largest boating event in Manatee County, FL this year.
The two-day festival will be held May 4 and 5 at Regatta Pointe Marina in Palmetto, FL.
This event is has many of the facets of a traditional boat show, with a number of additional caveats. It is like a boat show in that there will be more than 50 in-water boats as well as many more located along the promenade and on trailers around the marina and tent exhibits by nautical businesses and organizations.
However, this event also features live seminars by various boat industry leaders, children’s fishing stations led by USCG certified charter captains, a nautical-themed fashion show by West Marine and Blue Sol & Hearts Designs, paddleboard/kayak demos, live music, food/beer vendors, and a full nautical flea market.
This is a must-attend event for all regional boating enthusiasts, as well as anyone who is interested in an opportunity to experience all our waterways have to offer.
The expo has also partnered with Manatee Children’s Services to hold the second annual Band Slam congruent to the expo. Band Slam is a two-day concert featuring many local bands with all proceeds going to help children who have been victimized by abuse. Bands will play at Riverside Park adjacent to Regatta Pointe Marina. Entry is free, from donations are strongly encouraged.
Expo seminars will also be held both days of the event. Topics include fascinating subjects such as “Boaters Going Green,” “Marine Electronics,” “Boat Financing,” and “Boating Cosmetics.” A complete updated list of seminars and speakers is located at http://www.WestMarineNauticalExpo.com. All seminars are completely free of charge, and there will be door prizes given to attendees as well as discounted meal tickets offered by the Riverhouse Reef and Grill.
The event is organized by the Regatta Pointe Marina Nautical Association with assistance from Manatee Children’s Services. All local marine businesses are encouraged to get involved, with exhibit space starting at just $100 before April 12.
Click Below to Visit the Event’s web site:

http://www.thenauticalexpo.com/?utm_source=Nautical+Knowledge-+Issue+7&utm_campaign=Nautical+Knowledge-+Regatta+Poine+Marina&utm_medium=email

SCHEDULE OF NAUTICAL SEMINARS
ALL SEMINARS ARE FREE
DOOR PRIZES AWARDED TO SOME LUCKY ATENDEES
Seminars to be held in Eagle’s Nest (third floor of Riverhouse)

SATURDAY SEMINARS
10AM “A Review of State of the Art in New Marine Electronics” by Don Coyle of Suncoast Marine Electronics
11AM “Reupholster Your Boat; Make it Look New Again” by Jane Vanse of JSI
NOON Break for gourmet buffet lunch served by Riverhouse Reef and Grill for the discounted price of just $10
1:30PM “Florida Weather; How to Read It for Your Boating Safety and Enjoyment” by Jeff Grossman & Jean Levine of Two Can Sail
2:30PM “The Pros and Cons of Financing Your Next Yacht or Refinancing Your Current Yacht” by Grant Smalling of Lending Associates
3:30PM “An Interesting History of Manatee River Boating” by Tom Hanchett of Riverside Tours

SUNDAY SEMINARS
1:30PM “The Art & Science of Sail Trim for Roller Furling Jibs and Mainsails” by Jimmy Hendon of Sunrise Sails Plus
2:30PM “Boat Cosmetic and Systems Maintenance Tips – Your Boat Will be Better for It” by Nana Bosma of U-Boat Yacht Management
3:30PM “Battery Charging with Wind and Solar Power – It’s Green and it Works” by John Gambill of Hotwire Enterprises

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