Workshops & Seminars

One fee gets you to all the workshop, seminar, or demonstration you want to go to during the Ladybug Event.

Expand your sailing knowledge and skills with our exciting lineup of workshops, demonstrations, and seminars at the Ladybug Event! Whether you’re an experienced sailor looking to refine your techniques or a beginner seeking to gain confidence on the water, our range of sessions has something for everyone. From hands-on demonstrations to our Introduction to Sailing course, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from seasoned sailors and take your abilities to the next level. Review our available workshops and seminars, and select the ones that best fit your interests or needs to enhance your sailing journey!

Purchase one ticket ($100 pp) and enjoy access to multiple workshops, demonstrations, and seminars.
Registration for each session is required to help manage room capacity. After registering for the event, you’ll receive an email with a coupon code to use when signing up for individual sessions.

March 6, 2025 - G Dock

10:15 AM – Medical Preparedness at Sea

G25 – 45 Minutes

Medical Preparedness at Sea is a comprehensive seminar designed to equip boaters with the vital knowledge and tools necessary for maintaining health and safety while cruising open waters. Covering a range of topics from common ailments to emergency scenarios, this seminar delves into the essential items every sailor should know to better prepare for their time out at sea. Participants will learn about proper medication storage, wound care techniques, and the importance of medical training for effective response to onboard medical emergencies. Whether seasoned sailors or novice adventurers, attendees will leave equipped with the confidence and resources to navigate health concerns at sea effectively.

Sponsored By: Sail Science

Dale Edgar

10:30 - Marine Air Conditioning Maintenance

G1 – 45 Minutes

A reliable air conditioning system can make all the difference in comfort onboard—especially in Florida heat—but it also needs regular care to perform its best. In Marine Air Conditioning Maintenance, you’ll learn the essential maintenance steps that help prevent breakdowns, improve efficiency, and extend the life of your system. We’ll cover seawater intake flow, strainers, condensate drainage, common warning signs, troubleshooting basics, and simple preventative habits that can save you from costly repairs. Whether you’re a weekend boater or a full-time cruiser, this session will give you practical knowledge to keep your A/C running strong when you need it most.

Lance Burkin

11:00 AM – Line Handling & Eye splicing Basics

G25 – 45 Minutes

Sharpen your seamanship skills in this hands-on, 45-minute workshop designed to build confidence and competence with line handling aboard a sailing vessel. Led by seasoned instructors, you’ll learn essential techniques including knot tying, line coiling, and proper communication when managing lines and halyards.

This session also includes a practical introduction to eye splicing with Dyneema, a high-performance, lightweight line widely used in modern sailing. Participants will learn the step-by-step process of creating a strong, reliable eye splice—an essential skill for customizing and maintaining rigging onboard.

Perfect for beginners and intermediate sailors alike, this workshop offers a solid foundation in both traditional line handling and modern ropework, ensuring you’re better prepared to contribute to a smooth and efficient sailing experience.

Sponsored By: Sail Science

Dale Edgar

1:30 PM – Rig Inspection Walkthrough

G26 – 45 Minutes

Your rig is one of the most critical systems on your boat—yet it’s often one of the most overlooked until something goes wrong. In this workshop, Justin with Compass Correction will guide attendees through a real-world rig inspection walkthrough, explaining what professionals look for and why it matters. You’ll learn how to spot common warning signs of wear, fatigue, corrosion, and stress in key components such as standing rigging, running rigging, chainplates, turnbuckles, terminals, and attachment points. Whether you sail locally or cruise offshore, this session will help you better understand your rig, ask the right questions, and stay safer and more confident every time you leave the dock.

Sponsored By: Compass Correction

Justin McKay

3:00 PM – Cooking Demonstration with Amanda

G25 – 45 Minutes

Join us for an exclusive cooking demonstration where we’ll unravel the air of cooking aboard. Learn the secrets of crafting gourmet meals in the confines of a yacht’s galley, turning limited space into a real of culinary creativity. Our experienced chef will guide you through techniques and tips to elevate your onboard dining experience. From cooking tools to mastering compact kitchen essentials, you will leave inspired and equipped to savor delectable dishes while navigating the high seas. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to unlock the flavors of the ocean with us.

Sponsored By: All Points Yacht Sales

Amanda Bowers

March 6, 2025 - Marlin Club House

9:00 AM – Welcome & Conference Orientation

Marlin Club House – 30 Minutes

Kick off the Ladybug Event with a warm welcome, introductions, and a clear overview of what to expect throughout the day. We’ll walk through the schedule, workshop flow, safety notes, and how to get the most out of each session!

SSCA

9:30 - Communications & Connectivity (Starlink, Data, Weather Inputs)

Marlin Club House – 45 Minutes

Staying connected on the water can be surprisingly frustrating—but it doesn’t have to be. In this practical workshop, we’ll explore how cell phones really perform when you’re nearshore, what factors affect signal strength at sea, and how to improve coverage without relying solely on expensive marine radios or satellite gear. You’ll learn about carrier differences, signal boosters, external antennas, Wi-Fi extensions, and smart tricks to extend reach and reliability while cruising coastal waters. Whether you’re planning weekend sails, extended coastal passages, or just want better communication with family and emergency services, this session will give you real-world solutions for keeping your phone working where you need it most.

Luis Soltero

11:00 - VHF, DSC, & AIS - Practical Use

Marlin Club House – 45 Minutes

When something goes wrong on the water, clear communication can save time—and save lives. In this seminar you’ll learn how to properly use your VHF radio in both everyday boating situations and true emergencies. We’ll cover the basics of VHF operation, the importance of correct channel use, and how DSC (Digital Selective Calling) works. This session is designed to help boaters feel confident using their communication tools, understand best practices, and be fully prepared to call for help quickly and effectively when it matters most.

Frank Smith

1:30 PM – HAL: Decision Support: What it does & Doesn’t Do

Marlin Club House – 45 Minutes

Modern technology has made boating safer and planning easier—but it can also create a false sense of certainty if we don’t understand its limits. In Hal: Decision Support — What It Does & Doesn’t Do, we’ll explore how decision-support tools can help boaters think more clearly, plan more effectively, and reduce risk through better information and structured choices. Just as importantly, we’ll discuss what these tools cannot do—like replace seamanship, override real-time conditions, or make judgment calls for you. This workshop is designed to help sailors and powerboaters use technology wisely, ask better questions, and stay confidently in command of the final decision when it matters most.

Sponsored By: SSCA

SSCA

3:00 – Weather for Snowbird Cruisers: ICW, Bahamas & the Trip Back North

Marlin Club House – 45 Minutes

Weather is one of the most powerful forces a boater will ever face—and understanding it can be the difference between a great day on the water and a dangerous situation. In this eye-opening seminar, Chris Parker breaks down the types of weather that can truly “break boats,” from fast-building squalls and thunderstorms to strong frontal passages, steep seas, and unexpected shifts in wind and pressure. You’ll learn how to recognize the warning signs early, interpret real-world forecasts more effectively, and make smarter go/no-go decisions before conditions escalate. Whether you’re day sailing, cruising, or planning longer passages, this session will give you practical tools and sharper awareness to keep your crew and vessel safe.

Sponsored By:

Chris Parker

March 6, 2025 - Marlin Downstairs

TBD -

11:15 AM – Marine Electrical System Overview – (Part 1 of 3)

Marlin Downstairs – 45 Minutes

Part 1: Understanding the System

This session provides a clear, beginner-friendly overview of how marine electrical systems are built and how power flows throughout your vessel. We’ll cover the fundamentals of DC vs. AC power, battery banks, charging sources, distribution panels, breakers, fuses, and the purpose of grounding and bonding. Whether you’re a new boat owner or simply want a stronger foundation, this class will help you understand what’s happening behind the scenes every time you flip a switch onboard.

Lance Burkin

1:30 PM – Inboard Diesel Engines 101

Marlin Downstairs – 45 Minutes

Join us for an informative seminar on basic inboard diesel engine maintenance led by Justin, First Mate’s master mechanic. In this engaging session, Justin will cover fundamental issues related to inboard diesel engines, providing essential insights on troubleshooting common problems and performing basic maintenance tasks. From understanding the components of your engine to addressing issues such as fuel system maintenance and cooling system checks, participants will gain valuable knowledge to keep their engines running smoothly on the water. Following the presentation, Justin will open the floor for questions, ensuring that attendees have the opportunity to delve deeper into specific concerns or areas of interest. With Justin’s expertise and hands-on approach, this seminar promises to empower participants with the skills and confidence needed to tackle basic inboard diesel engine maintenance effectively.

Sponsored by: FIRST MATE

Justin McNabb

3:00 PM – Lithium Batteries for Cruisers

Marlin Downstairs – 45 Minutes

Lithium batteries are changing the way cruisers power life onboard—offering faster charging, deeper usable capacity, and better performance than traditional lead-acid systems. In Lithium Batteries for Cruisers, we’ll break down what makes lithium different, why so many cruising sailors are upgrading, and what you need to understand before making the switch. This session covers the real-world pros and cons, safety considerations, battery management systems (BMS), charging compatibility, system design, and common installation mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re planning longer passages, living at anchor, or simply want more reliable power onboard, this workshop will help you make smart, informed decisions for your cruising lifestyle.

Ryan Cansler

March 7, 2025 - G Dock

10:00 AM - Marine Air Conditioning Maintenance

G1 – 45 Minutes

Lance Burkin

11:30 AM – Emergency Gear Demo

G26 – 45 Minutes

When an emergency happens on the water, it’s not the gear you own that matters—it’s the gear you can access quickly and use correctly. In this Emergency Gear Demo, we’ll walk through essential safety equipment and demonstrate how it works in real-life situations. From life jackets and harnesses to EPIRBs/PLBs, flares, fire extinguishers, ditch bags, and emergency signaling tools, this session helps you understand what to carry, where to store it, and how to use it under pressure. Whether you’re day boating, cruising offshore, or taking your family out for the weekend, this demo is a must-see for boosting preparedness and confidence on the water.

TBD

1:00 PM – Cooking Demonstration with Amanda

G25 – 45 Minutes

Sponsored by: All Points Yacht Sales

Amanda Bowers

3:00 PM - Sail Trim Made Simple

G26 – 45 Minutes

Great sail trim doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be understood. In Sail Trim Made Simple, we’ll break down the basics of shaping your sails for better speed, balance, and comfort on the water. You’ll learn how to read the wind, use telltales, and make simple adjustments to the mainsail and headsail that improve performance on every point of sail. This workshop is perfect for newer sailors, cruising crews, and anyone who wants to stop guessing and start trimming with confidence for smoother, more enjoyable sailing.

Sponsored by: All Points Yacht Sales

Mark Emerson

March 7, 2025 - F Dock

10:00 AM – GoDu Adventure

F Dock – 45 Minutes

GoDu Aluminum Dinghies will be offering on-the-water demonstrations throughout the event, led by co-founder Ryan Hawley aboard a GoDu 10.5 MAX. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the boat firsthand through demo rides while learning what sets GoDu apart. Ryan will share what a GoDu is, why we believe aluminum is the superior material for long-lasting, expedition-grade dinghies, and how these boats are designed for durability, safety, and real-world use. While the primary focus will be demo rides, he will also be available to answer questions, discuss proper dinghy selection, and cover general dinghy safety and best practices for boaters of all experience levels.

Sponsored by: GoDo Adventure

Ryan Hawley

11:00 AM – GoDu Adventure

F Dock – 45 Minutes

Sponsored by: GoDo Adventure

Ryan Hawley

March 7, 2025 - Marlin Club House

9:00 AM – Cruising The ICW - Sail & Trawler Perspective

Marlin Club House – 45 Minutes

The Intracoastal Waterway can be an amazing route for travel and adventure—but it can also feel overwhelming with shifting shoals, busy traffic, bridges, currents, and constantly changing conditions. In this seminar, you’ll learn practical strategies to make your ICW trip smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable. We’ll cover route planning, reading charts and markers, managing speed and timing, handling bridge openings, fuel planning, navigating no-wake zones, and avoiding common mistakes that lead to frustration or grounding. Whether you’re new to the ICW or preparing for a longer trip, this session will help you feel more confident, prepared, and relaxed at the helm.

Jib Davidson

10:30 AM –ICW Routes, Charts, & Aqua Map Session 1

Marlin Club House – 45 Minutes

This workshop is designed to help you feel confident navigating the ICW using the right routes, reliable charts, and real-world tools like Aqua Map. In Session 1, we’ll focus on building a strong foundation—how to interpret ICW markers, understand chart details, and plan routes that reduce stress and increase safety. Whether you’re new to the ICW or want to sharpen your skills, this session will help you travel smarter and more comfortably.

Bob Sherer

1:00 PM – Rules of the Road

Marlin Club House – 45 Minutes

This essential workshop covers the navigation rules that keep boaters safe and predictable on the water. We’ll break down the “Rules of the Road” in a way that’s easy to understand and practical to apply—especially in busy waterways like the ICW, inlets, and nearshore traffic zones. You’ll learn how to recognize right-of-way situations, understand vessel responsibilities, and make confident decisions that prevent close calls and confusion.

What you can expect to gain:

A clearer understanding of right-of-way and vessel hierarchy
How to handle crossing, overtaking, and head-on situations
The basics of navigation lights, sound signals, and safe passing
More confidence operating around other boats safely and calmly

TBD

2:30 - ICW Routes, Charts, and Aqua Map Session 2

Marlin Club House – 45 Minutes

A continuation of session 1. This workshop is designed to help you feel confident navigating the ICW using the right routes, reliable charts, and real-world tools like Aqua Map. In Session 1, we’ll focus on building a strong foundation—how to interpret ICW markers, understand chart details, and plan routes that reduce stress and increase safety. Whether you’re new to the ICW or want to sharpen your skills, this session will help you travel smarter and more comfortably.

Bob Sherer

3:00 - Marine insurance 101

Marlin Downstairs – 45 Minutes

Navigating the complexities of marine insurance is a critical part of being a responsible boat owner. During this informative seminar at the 3rd Annual Ladybug Event, our expert guest speakers will break down the essentials of marine insurance—from liability and hull coverage to hurricane plans and liveaboard policies. Whether you’re a new sailor, a seasoned cruiser, or considering your first yacht purchase, this session will help demystify the fine print and ensure you’re properly protected on the water.

Learn what insurers look for during underwriting, how to document and protect your vessel, what to do in the event of damage or a claim, and how policy requirements vary based on location, use, and ownership structure. This seminar is perfect for both private boat owners and those participating in shared ownership or charter programs.

Come prepared with questions, and leave with peace of mind. Join us and get the knowledge you need to sail with confidence!

Kerry Gonzales

March 7, 2025 - Marlin Downstairs

10:00 AM - Solar & Energy Management Afloat

Marlin Downstairs – 45 Minutes

Reliable power onboard is one of the biggest keys to comfort and confidence while cruising—and solar can be a game-changer when it’s designed and managed correctly. In Solar & Energy Management Afloat, we’ll explore how to build a practical energy plan for life on the water, including understanding your daily power use, sizing solar for your needs, and managing battery charging efficiently. This session covers panel types and placement, charge controllers, battery bank considerations, common system setups, and simple habits that help you stay powered up without constantly running the engine or worrying about low voltage. Whether you’re anchoring out for weekends or planning extended cruising, you’ll leave with a clearer path to smarter, more dependable energy afloat.

TBD

11:30 AM – Marine Electrical Systems Overview (Part 2 of 3)

Marlin Downstairs – 45 Minutes

Part 2: Power Management, Charging & Common System Design

In Part 2, we take a deeper look at how boats generate, store, and manage power. We’ll discuss alternators, shore power, inverters, solar, battery chargers, and how these components work together to support your cruising lifestyle. You’ll also learn common setup styles found on sailboats and powerboats, what “normal” looks like on a healthy system, and how to avoid the most frequent electrical mistakes that lead to dead batteries, system overload, or equipment damage.

Lance Burkin

1:30 PM – Water-makers: Operations & Care

Marlin Downstairs – 45 Minutes

A watermaker can completely transform life aboard by providing fresh water on demand—but only if it’s operated and maintained properly. In Watermakers: Operation & Care, you’ll learn the fundamentals of how marine watermakers work, best practices for daily operation, and the most important maintenance steps that keep them running efficiently and reliably. We’ll cover pre-filter care, flushing routines, pickling for storage, monitoring output and pressure, and troubleshooting common issues like low flow, poor water quality, or system alarms. Whether you already have a watermaker onboard or you’re considering adding one for cruising, this session will help you protect your investment and enjoy the freedom of true self-sufficiency afloat.

TBD

2:45 PM - Anchoring in All Conditions

Marlin Downstairs – 45 Minutes

Anchoring can feel intimidating—especially when wind, current, depth, or changing weather comes into play. This workshop is designed to help you anchor with confidence in a wide range of real-world conditions. We’ll cover how to choose the right spot, set your anchor properly, and stay secure through shifts in wind and tide. Whether you’re anchoring for lunch, an overnight stay, or preparing for cruising adventures, you’ll leave with practical skills you can trust.

What you can expect to gain:

– How to select a safe anchorage based on wind, current, and bottom type

Proper techniques for setting and confirming your anchor is holding
Scope basics and how to adjust for changing conditions
Tips for anchoring calmly and confidently—even when it’s not “perfect weather”

TBD

4:15 PM – Marine Electrical Systems Overview (Part 3 of 3)

Marlin Downstairs – 45 Minutes

Part 3: Practical Application & Troubleshooting

This hands-on session focuses on real-world problem solving—what to check first when something stops working, how to identify the most common failure points, and how to troubleshoot safely and efficiently. We’ll walk through practical scenarios like low voltage, battery drain, charging problems, blown fuses, tripped breakers, and electronics that won’t power up. Attendees will leave with a simple troubleshooting process, better confidence around electrical systems, and a clearer understanding of when a fix is within reach—and when it’s time to call a professional.

Lance Burkin

March 8, 2025 - G Dock

8:30 AM -Sailing Demo - Jeanneau 350

TBD

3:00 PM - Sailing Demo - Jeanneau 380

TBD

3:00 PM - Sailing Demo - Jeanneau 410

TBD

March 8, 2025 – Marlin Downstairs

10:00 AM – Sailboat Rigging Fundamentals

Marlin Downstairs – 45 Minutes

Your rig is one of the most important systems on your boat, and understanding it helps you sail safer, faster, and with fewer surprises. This workshop breaks down the basics of standing and running rigging, how the system works together, and what to inspect regularly. Whether you’re maintaining your own boat or just want to understand what you’re looking at, this session makes rigging feel more manageable.

TBD

2:00 PM – Cruising the SE U.S. & Florida Coast

Marlin Downstairs – 45 Minutes

From day hops to long coastal routes, cruising the Southeast U.S. offers incredible destinations, but it comes with its own unique planning challenges. This workshop covers practical strategies for cruising the Florida coastline and surrounding regions, including weather timing, currents, seasonal considerations, navigation planning, and destination-friendly habits that make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

TBD

3:30 PM – SSCA Cruising communities & Resources

Marlin Downstairs – 45 Minutes

Cruising is always better when you’re connected to the right people and the right information. In this workshop, you’ll learn how SSCA (Seven Seas Cruising Association) supports sailors through community, education, and real-world cruising resources. Whether you’re preparing for your first big trip, planning offshore passages, or simply looking for trusted guidance and camaraderie, this session shows you how to tap into a network that helps you cruise smarter, and with more confidence.

Workshops & Seminars

One fee gets you to all the workshop, seminar, or demonstration you want to go to during the Ladybug Event.

March 6, 2025 - G Dock

Dale Edgar

SPONSORED BY : St Augustine Sailing

Lance Burkin

Dale Edgar

Justin McKay

Amanda Bowers

March 6, 2025 - Marlin Club House

SSCA

Luis Soltero

Frank Smith

SSCA

Chris Parker

March 6, 2025 - Marlin Downstairs

SPONSORED BY : ALL POINTS YACHT SALES

Lance Burkin

Justin McNabb

Ryan Cansler

March 7, 2025 - G Dock

SPONSORED BY : St Augustine Sailing

Lance Burkin

TBD

Amanda Bowers

Mark Emerson

March 7, 2025 - F Dock

Ryan Hawley

Ryan Hawley

March 7, 2025 - Marlin Club House

Jib Davidson

Bob Sherer

TBD

Bob Sherer

Kerry Gonzales

March 7, 2025 - Marlin Downstairs

TBD

SPONSORED BY : All Points Yacht Sales

Lance Burkin

SPONSORED BY : The Yacht Rigger

TBD

TBD

SPONSORED BY : All Points Yacht Sales

Lance Burkin

March 8, 2025 - G Dock

TBD

TBD

TBD

March 8, 2025 – Marlin Downstairs

TBD

TBD

TBD

LADYBUG EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

LADYBUG EVENT
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC