ACY Yachts is delighted to announce a packed schedule of exciting seminars during the 2024 Annapolis Sailboat Show, October 10 through 14. The seminars will be held inside the show on the ACY tent on F Dock.
There is no fee to register or attend. We highly recommend you RSVP to guarantee your seat. When you do, please submit any questions or comments so our presenters are better prepared to support you and your cruising dreams.
1. Commissioning 101, Ken Krasko, ACY Yachts.
ACY Yachts is known around the world as the experts for commissioning and outfitting a new cruising yacht. Our extensive experience in customizing boats over the past 40+ years will not only save you time and money, but will also spare you the stress and headaches of sorting it out on your own! We don’t just talk about customization, we can show you how your design ideas translate into reality, almost right away!
Join ACY Technical Director Ken Krasko and learn what questions you should be asking yourself before you choose your yacht and its options.
Thursday 10/10, 12:15 to 1pm
Saturday 10/12 10:15 to 11am
2. Everything you want to know about the BVI + USVI, Waypoints Yacht Charters, Kirstie Palmer.
The US and British Virgin Islands are hailed as the best sailing yacht destination in the Caribbean, and arguably the whole world. The consistent trade winds, year-round warm weather, and line of sight sailing make the islands ideal for your next charter vacation. This session will help you plan an unforgettable charter experience, from travel logistics to provisions, pro tips, and most-loved sailing itineraries.
Whether you’re seeking a sleek monohull or a spacious catamaran, Waypoints has a yacht that will perfectly suit your needs. And their yacht charter specialists stand at the ready to answer your questions and help you prepare your best sailing vacation yet!

Thursday 10/10, 3:15 to 4pm
Saturday 10/12, 12:15 to 1pm
Sunday 10/13, 3:15 to 4pm
Monday 10/14, 11:15 to 12pm
3. Electric propulsion: the future is already available! Jeremy Benichou, Fountaine Pajot.
Join us for this exciting session presented by Fountaine Pajot, exploring the cutting-edge of hybrid/electric boating technology — meaning, electric propulsion together with diesel combustion, solar, and hydrogeneration. Discover how the ODSea Lab is pioneering sustainable solutions, integrating renewable energy with innovative design to redefine marine mobility. We’ll discuss the benefits of hybrid propulsion, eco-friendly materials, and the latest advancements in energy efficiency. With FP patented “regenerating system, Could your boat be already self-sufficient in 2024 ?
Engage with industry experts and learn how Fountaine Pajot is leading the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future on the water. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the eco-sailing revolution!
Thursday 10/10, 11:15 to 12pm
Friday 10/11, 11:15 to 12pm
Sunday 10/13, 11:15 to 12pm
4. Introduction to Business Yacht Ownership, Bill Lahr, Yacht CFO.
Learn how it is possible to offset a substantial portion of new yacht costs with business income, special financing options, and potential tax advantages. Like many other businesses, certain for-profit yacht charter businesses may qualify for business deductions including depreciation, dockage, maintenance, and other related expenses for a yacht. Choose your boat, choose where, how and when, and let an experienced maritime tax professional help you achieve an improved ownership solution.
The session is led by Certified Financial Planning™ professional and Tax Strategist, Bill Lahr. Bill, decades ago, created the company Archetype Advisors™ and focused a unique expertise to provide clients the service called ‘my Yacht CFO’. For decades, he saw people buying boats and getting flawed or inaccurate advice… putting their dreams in jeopardy. “People need a fiduciary who they can trust because we are not biased by boat sales nor charter center goals,” advises Bill. “We know maritime law, business strategy, financial planning and the intimate expertise of the Internal Revenue Code.” Yacht CFO gathers a team of experts in the areas of tax, business planning, and coaches who ensure the boat you’re buying is the right boat with the right business achieving what you planned.
Friday 10/11, 1:15 to 2:15pm
Friday 10/11, 3 to 4pm
Saturday 10/12, 1:15 to 2:15pm
Saturday 10/12, 3 to 4pm
Sunday 10/13, 1:15 to 2:15pm
5. Key Insights into Yacht Insurance, Roland Stanley, Brown & Brown.
Owning a yacht is a dream come true for many sailing enthusiasts. However, along with the joys of yacht ownership comes the responsibility of securing adequate insurance coverage to protect your investment and mitigate potential risks. Whether your boating dreams involve private ownership or chartering, you don’t want to miss these key insights into yacht insurance; topics will range from carrier insurance requirements to what to look for in your coverage, as well as the questions to ask and common pitfalls to avoid.
Brown & Brown was founded in 1939 as a two-partner firm and has risen to become one of the largest insurance brokerages in the world. With a team that is as connected locally as it is nationally, Brown & Brown provides the personalized, dedicated service you want from a boutique agency while delivering the peace of mind that you expect from a top brokerage.
Thursday 10/10, 5:15 to 6:00pm
Friday 10/11, 4:15 to 5:00pm
Saturday 10/12, 11:15 to 12pm
6. Announcing the new Fountaine Pajot 41, Laurent Fabre, ACY Yachts.
On the heels of the Cannes boat show, come and learn more about the latest sailing catamaran to be launched next year and available as early as Spring 2025: the new Fountaine Pajot 41—a perfect blend of elegance and performance. Designed for both comfort and adventure, the 41 features spacious living areas, a modern layout, and eco-friendly innovations. With ample natural light and a sleek, aerodynamic design, it promises exceptional sailing experiences and stability on the water. Whether you’re cruising with family or entertaining friends, the 41 offers luxury and functionality.
Experience the joy of sailing in style and discover the future of catamaran design with the new Fountaine Pajot 41.

Thursday 10/10 2:15 to 3pm
7. Mastering Offwind Sails with North Sails Experts, Max Vinocur.
Join North Sails experts at the Annapolis Sailboat Show for an engaging seminar on monohull and multihull offwind sail options. Discover why offwind sails are crucial for cruising boats and learn about the advantages of different sail types. From the G0 to symmetrical spinnakers, this seminar will cover sail handling systems, including top-down and bottom-up furling, and help you choose the best sail for your needs. Enhance your sailing experience and get your questions answered by our knowledgeable team. Don’t miss this opportunity to optimize your sailing performance!
Saturday 10/12, 4:15 to 5:00pm
Sunday 10/13, 4:15 to 5:00pm
8. Pictured in Time: An Artist’s Journey Around the Chesapeake, by Neil Harpe.
In the early 1980s, Annapolis artist Neil Harpe documented his native Chesapeake Bay, taking photographs of the workboats and watermen he encountered, as material for his artwork. In doing so, he captured images of a vanishing way of life. With over 125 never-before-seen photographs, Pictured in Time: An Artist’s Journey Around the Chesapeake portrays a bygone era of graceful skipjacks and other workboats, lighthouses, Baltimore’s vibrant waterfront, and fishing ports like Tilghman Island, Crisfield, and Annapolis.
Neil will discuss these photos and his related artwork, and sign copies of his brand-new book Pictured in Time, which will be available for sale.

Saturday 10/12, 5:15 to 6:30pm
Monday 10/14 2:15 to 3:15pm
9. Presenting Ocean Skills, by Eric Thuel.
Ocean Skills is the first online learning platform dedicated to recreational boating. Its programs for monohull, catamaran and power boats are designed by sailing and learning experts, with digital specialists and image experts. The Ocean Skills WebApp is accessible on any device. With 300+ professional videos and a complete resource kit (quiz, summary sheets), Ocean Skills offers a unique and fun experience to acquire, to review, and to improve your sailing skills.
From beginner to skipper, each learning journey is uniquely designed and adapted to your needs, to bring you optimal autonomy and security onboard. Every month you’re offered a personal review quiz and playlist to keep learning and progressing. Ocean Skils is recognized by key players in the nautical industry, from sailing schools to insurance providers. Its solution has already been adopted by more than 60,000 users willing to navigate in serenity and security. Welcome aboard, welcome online.
Thursday 10/10, 10:15 to 11am
Sunday 10/13, 5:15 to 6:00pm
Monday 10/14 10:15 to 11am
10. The Waypoints Difference, Kirstie Palmer, Waypoints Yacht Charters
Waypoints Yacht Charters takes pride in maintaining a fleet of meticulously cared-for yachts in the most sought-after sailing destinations in the world. Each vessel is equipped with the latest technology, modern amenities, and stylish interiors, ensuring that your sailing experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
Discover what makes Waypoints Yacht Charters unique in consistently delivering top-notch service and customer care to their charter clients – and the best care in the industry for yacht owners who opted for the Business Yacht Ownership approach.
Thursday 10/10, 1:15 to 2pm
Friday 10/11, 12:15 to 1pm
Sunday 10/13, 12:15 to 1pm
Monday 10/14 1:15 to 2pm
11. Women Sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, Jayne Durden, HHSA Commodore.
Herrington Harbour Sailing Association (HHSA) is well known around the Bay for supporting women’s sailing. For over 20 years we’ve run the annual Women’s Regatta where women step up to skipper and crew in a three-race regatta, many taking roles they haven’t before. We also run a women’s cruise and a monthly program, Women Underway, where women teach and support women in all aspects of sailing. Come and learn about what has made our women’s programs so successful and how you can participate or build your own program.
Friday 10/11, 5:15 to 6:30pm
12. Yacht Financing 101, Glenn Overton, Azure Funding.
Are you considering financing your next yacht acquisition? Learn about the marine loan process and how to plan ahead of your purchase, with special consideration for the self-employed and yacht buyers nearing retirement.
Azure Funding is a recreational financial services firm specializing in marine loans. Azure provides attractive rates and terms while delivering the best lending experience possible.
Thursday 10/10, 4:15 to 5:00pm
Friday 10/11, 10:15 to 11am
Sunday 10/11, 10:15 to 11am
Monday 10/14 12:15 to 1pm
Bonus event for ACY Owners!
Our owners are invited to RSVP for an Owners’ Happy Hour at the ACY Seminars tent on Saturday evening. Select the last option in the list to register and an ACY Ambassador will be in touch with more information.
Saturday 10/12, 5:15 to 6:30pm

