ACY Yachts is delighted to announce a packed schedule of exciting seminars during the 2025 Annapolis Sailboat Show, October 9 through 12. The seminars will be held inside the show at the ACY Yachts 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. Key Insights into Yacht Insurance
Presented by Roland Stanley, Marine Department – Brown & Brown Insurance.
Owning a yacht is more than a lifestyle, it’s a significant investment and a source of pride for many sailing enthusiasts. But with that ownership comes the responsibility of ensuring your vessel is properly protected. Whether you’re navigating private ownership or exploring charter opportunities, understanding the nuances of yacht insurance is essential.
In this presentation, we’ll dive into the key elements of yacht coverage, from carrier requirements and policy features to the critical questions you should be asking and the common pitfalls to avoid.
Brown & Brown, founded in 1939, has grown from a small two-partner firm into one of the largest insurance brokerages in the world. Our Marine Department combines national strength with local expertise, offering the personalized service of a boutique agency backed by the resources of a top-tier brokerage. We’re here to help you sail with confidence.
| Thursday 10/09 | 12:15 am -1 pm |
| Friday 10/10 | 11:15 am – 12 pm |
2. Yacht Financing — Making an Informed Decision.
Presented by 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 10/09 | 11:15 am – 12 pm |
| Friday 10/10 | 10:15 am – 11 am |
| Saturday 10/11 | 10:15 am – 11 am |
3. Introduction to Business Yacht Ownership
Presented by 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 10/10 | 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm |
| Friday 10/10 | 3:00 pm – 4 pm |
| Saturday 10/11 | 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm |
| Saturday 10/11 | 3:00 pm – 4 pm |
| Sunday 10/12 | 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm |
4. Lithium, Solar & Power Management Made Simple.
Presented by Rafael Escobar of Bluewater Yacht Tech, LLC
Ready to upgrade your yacht’s power? Join Rafael Escobar of Bluewater Yacht Tech, LLC as he breaks down how lithium batteries, solar panels, and smart power management work together for efficient, reliable cruising. Followed by a Q&A to get your questions answered.
Rafael Escobar is the President and founder of Bluewater Yacht Tech, LLC, a marine-service company specializing in advanced electrical, solar, and hybrid-power systems for catamarans and cruising yachts. With nearly two decades of hands-on experience, he has designed and managed complex refits and developed strong partnerships with leading marine brands. Rafael is passionate about delivering safe, efficient, and innovative power solutions that enhance the cruising lifestyle.
| Thursday 10/09 | 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm |
| Friday 10/10 | 12:15 pm – 1 pm |
| Saturday 10/11 | 12:15 pm – 1 pm |
| Sunday 10/12 | 11:15 am – 12 pm |
5. Sail Faster, Easier, and with More Fun Downwind.
Presented by Max Vinocur, Sail Expert of North Sails.
Join North Sails experts at the Annapolis Sailboat Show for an engaging seminar on offwind sails for both monohulls and multihulls. Discover how the right downwind sail can transform your cruising—making passages faster, sail handling easier, and every downwind leg a lot more fun. From the versatile G0 to classic symmetrical spinnakers, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of different sail types and the latest furling systems, including top-down and bottom-up. Whether you’re looking for comfort, speed, or simply a more enjoyable ride, you’ll leave with clear guidance on the best sail for your boat and sailing style. Bring your questions and get insights directly from the experts at North Sails.
| Saturday 10/11 | 11:15 am – 12 pm |
| Sunday 10/12 | 10:15 am – 11 am |
6. Meet & Greet with Mara, a 34-year-old Norwegian and former championship athlete.
Helga Marie (Mara) Løvenskiold Kveseth, hailing from Norway, is an enthusiastic sailor preparing for the challenge of a lifetime in the 2026 Golden Globe Race.
After completing a three-year circumnavigation, Mara is preparing for the ultimate challenge: the Golden Globe Race. The first Norwegian woman ever to attempt it.
ONE WOMAN. ONE SAILBOAT. ONE RACE AROUND THE WORLD. No GPS. No help. No second chances.
THE RACE In September 2026, Mara will face the hardest race on earth. 30,000 miles. 250 days at sea. No stops. No GPS.
No internet. No outside help. Just Mara, her boat, and the ocean.
THE BOAT Her boat is more than fiberglass and sails.
“She is my home, my only partner, and my stage. But before she can face the storms and the fury of
the Southern Ocean, she needs work. Every rope, sail, and piece of gear must be ready.”
WHY IT MATTERS
This isn’t just about sailing. It’s about surviving.
Daring to dream. Pushing limits. Proving that the impossible can be done.
| Friday 10/10 | 4:15 pm – 5:00 pm |
