2017 Annapolis to Newport Race Seminar

by Annapolis to Newport Race on 30 Sep 2016 The first lecture of the “What to Expect” Seminar Series in preparation for the 2017 Annapolis to Newport Race is scheduled for Friday, 7 October during the United States Sailboat Show from 4-6pm at the Annapolis Yacht Club.

After a great day at the Show, head to the AYC Clubhouse at its interim location at 12 Dock Street just outside the Boat Show to hear Keynote Speaker, Michael Keyworth present on his many years of offshore passage making including serving on Donnybrook as Watch Captain.

Michael Keyworth has logged more than 200,000 nautical miles as a boat captain and has held a United States Coast Guard 100-ton license since 1976. He has spent a decade as captain of sailboats ranging from 70 to 85 feet. The Annapolis native has traversed all the world’s oceans while racing, cruising or delivering sailboats and other vessels.

Keyworth has encountered just about every challenging situation that can arise on the open seas and always come home safely.

That’s because Keyworth does not leave the dock without proper safety gear and repair equipment, begins the passage-making with a strategy and has a backup plan in case things don’t go as anticipated.

“I make absolutely sure the boats I go sailing on are thoroughly prepared and the members of the crew are competent,” Keyworth said.

Keyworth will share the immense knowledge he’s amassed during four decades of offshore sailing at an Annapolis-to-Newport Race seminar being held on October 7. This will be the first of several seminars offered by host Annapolis Yacht Club in advance of the 2017 edition of the biennial race, which begins June 2-3 on the Chesapeake Bay.

Skippers and crews considering competing in the 36th edition of the Annapolis-to-Newport Race will not want to miss the seminar featuring Keyworth, who recently retired following a 28-year tenure as general manager and vice president of Brewer Cove Haven Marina in Barrington, Rhode Island.

Keyworth received international recognition for designing a drogue system that allowed him to easily steer his Swan 44 without a rudder. His video titled “How to Steer a Drogue” has been viewed thousands of times and is considered must viewing for anyone going offshore.