The Annapolis Boat Show opens today, so we haven’t experienced that yet. But we have been spending a lot of time learning stuff. We are attending Cruiser’s University this week. Cruiser’s U. is a week-long educational program sponsored by the boat show where we take classes on everything from knot-tying to storm survival to weather forecasting to diesel mechanics. With two days yet to go, it’s already been pretty intense. Kim has had sessions on marine refrigeration, blogging (helpful!), safety at sea (step one: stay ON the boat!), and cruising/sailing as a woman (Thanks Behan Gifford at Sailing Totem and Nica Waters at The Boat Galley!) I completed a 2-day Diesel master class and also attended sessions on dinghys and outboards, knot-tying, heavy-weather sailing, and watermakers. It’s been a great experience. It took two days, but I think I finally understand how an internal combustion engine actually works. What’s the difference between a crankshaft and a camshaft? I know that one! What does blue smoke coming out of my boat mean? I’m burning oil! How do I change the spark plugs on my engine? I don’t! Diesels don’t have spark plugs!

Jim Zima from Great Lakes Marine Diesel teaching the Diesel Master Class

As interesting as the classes are the people we have met. Cruisers are definitely a diverse group. We have met people just out of college, professionals taking a sabbatical, remote workers, and retirees. Some have been sailing for years and some don’t even have a boat yet. And there are, of course, a few who have seen some sailing YouTube channels and decided “hey, that’s not so hard.” Good luck!

Well, that’s enough for today. Short post today, but we’ll try to show some cool boat show stuff next time!