Toronto International Boat Show - The stuff of dreams and inspiration

by Vanessa Andres on 14 Jan 2013 Boasting over a thousand boats and hundreds of booths - showcasing the latest in engines, electronics, marine gifts and accessories, the 55th annual Toronto International Boat Show truly is the stuff of dreams and inspiration. But it doesn’t end there! With boating experts from around the world sharing their experience and expertise on everything from boating basics to spellbinding boating adventures, hourly seminars at Canada’s Premiere Boat Show offer something for everyone – from the novice to the experienced.

Whether it is sailing around the world, or reeling in the big one on the Great Lakes, there is sure to be a topic that interests you! This year’s line-up offers more than 140 entertaining and informative seminars, with an exceptional variety of guest speakers at either the Presentation Theatre seminar stage or the Great Canadian Fish Tank Stage.

*New: 'Boating Provides What Every Child Needs to Succeed' – Alyson Schafer A lifelong, multigenerational boater - Canadian Parenting Expert and cottager, Alyson Schafer discusses her own childhood as well as raising her children at a boat-only access cottage and how these experiences of boating have shaped her, the children and most importantly, how these combined experiences actually provide the most important goals of all children's development. In her presentation, Alyson reveals how boating provides the four 'Crucial A's' every child needs to succeed. Don’t miss Alyson on Saturday, January 12, at 1pm.

Plus: 'Confessions of Boater Mamas' – Alyson Schafer, Kathy Buckworth and Maureen Dennis discuss the hidden benefits and different parenting strategies of raising kids on the water. These three prominent Canadian mommy experts and boating families share their photos, stories, tips and advice on how to make it all work. Don’t miss the Boater Mamas on Saturday, January 12, at 3pm.

*New: 'Offshore Cruising' with John Neal and Amanda Swan Neal Enjoy a free five-hour offshore cruising seminar with John Neal and Amanda Swan-Neal, who spend seven months at sea annually. Topics include boat selection; priority and optional outfitting; rigging and sails; security and piracy; and cost of cruising. This seminar is the first condensed and free version of the 147 offshore cruising seminars John and Amanda Neal have presented to 11,000 sailors since 1976. Pre-register online at TorontoBoatShow.com. Other seminars by John and Amanda include 'South Pacific Cruising from Panama to New Zealand,' 'Storm Avoidance and Ten Survival Tactics,' 'Galley Essentials,' and 'Diesel Engine Essentials.'

Derek Hatfield and the Spirit of Canada Story -- Derek has represented Canada in three single handed around the world races and has become Canada’s most experienced and successful offshore racer. He will be at the Toronto Boat Show to talk about his podium finish and record-breaking Velux 5 Oceans Single Handed Round the World Yacht Race, and his next steps in a career that has spanned more than a decade and 200,000nm single handed racing; the introduction of an Ocean Challenges Academy.

'One Girl's Ocean Challenge,' presented by Diane Reid. Diane’s first memory is of a distance race with her family. It was blowing 25 knots, and the leeward rail was buried in the water. What a rush! She hasn’t looked back since. In 2013, Diane will race from France to Guadeloupe in a 21-foot, high-speed, mini transat sailboat, single handed. Thirty days and 4000 nautical miles.

Hear her amazing stories of racing in the gruelling Bay of Biscay and the infamous Fastnet Race, all in an effort to qualify for the 2013 Mini Transat.

'Voyage Planning in the Age of Electronic Charts,' 'World Cruising Today' and 'Pacific Marathon,' presented by Jimmy Cornell.

'The Volvo Ocean Race - Conquering New Horizons,' presented by Damian Foxall.

'Living the Dream: Mastering Basic Sailing and Cruising Skills,' presented by Rob MacLeod.

'Tips Women Need to Know to Feel Comfortable on the Water,' presented by Lori Mason.

Boating University Seminars: 'Boat Buying Basics: How To Buy Your First Boat,' presented by John Gullick.

'Single-Parent Offshore Sailing: Dad’s and Kids’ Perspectives,' presented by Peter, Kai and Liam White.

'Provisioning and Storage Strategies,' 'Women and Cruising' and 'Sailing the Bahamas: The Exumas,' presented by Kathy Parsons.

'Buoyage - An Easy Guide,' 'Knot Tying - The Ones You Really Need,' and 'Sailboat Docking,' presented by John Hosty.

'Summer In Paradise - Georgian Bay and the Fabled North Channel,' presented by Roy Eaton.

'Sailing South - First Timers' Guide to the ICW,' 'Forbidden Paradise - Cruising Coastal Cuba,' 'ICW (Part 1): Tips and Techniques' and 'ICW (Part 2): Destinations, Anchorages and Problem Areas,' presented by Wally Moran.

A must-see for both experienced and novice anglers, the Great Canadian Fish Tank is a 40-foot aquarium filled with 5,000 gallons of water and stocked with native Ontario marine life. A unique teaching tool for pros to share their tips with anglers of all ages, the Great Canadian Fish Tank literally provides the fish-eye’s view of how fish react to different lures and techniques.

This year’s line-up of Fish Tank speakers and topics presents a wide range of tips and tricks for perfecting techniques on waters near and far, including:

• Fishing Top to Bottom: Italo Labignan professional angler, author and host of 'The
Canadian Sportfishing Show' on TSN.

• Choosing the Right Equipment: Rods and Reels: Ron James, co-host of one of
Canada's most popular fishing shows 'Fish TV.'

• Tackle 101: JP DeRose, host of 'Getting School'd' on WFN.

• Paying Attention to Details When Trolling The Great Lakes: Paul Powlis, professional angler and Great Lakes Charter Captain.

• Ten Top Tips for Five Fish Species: David Chong, professional angler.

• Ignite The Passion For Fishing: Ashley Rae, avid female multi-species angler.

• Stuff To Make You a Better Angler This Summer: 'Big' Jim McLaughlin, two-time
Canadian Classic Champion and publisher of 'The Just Fishing' newspaper.

• Versatile Fishing - Lure Styles That Will Make You a More Successful Angler: Dave
MacDonald, avid angler and founder of Lunkerhunt Premium Fishing Lures.

• Lake Erie Seasonal Patterns: Simon Frost, Lake Erie specialist, professional angler and guide.

For the complete seminar schedule for both the Presentation Theatre and Great Canadian Fish Tank, and times, dates and locations on the above speakers, go to www.torontoboatshow.com/features/seminars/

More than 10 million Canadians went boating last year -- with 52 percent of all boaters living in Ontario. Owned and produced by Canadian Boat Shows, the Toronto International Boat Show is one of the largest consumer boat shows in North America, and a preeminent selling venue for the recreational boating industry, generating more than $354 million in economic impact to the region. During the last five years, it has annually attracted more than 550 exhibitors, and an average attendance of 80,000 boaters; more boats are purchased at the Toronto International Boat Show than at any other place or event in Canada.

Show Details:

When: January 12-20, 2013
Saturdays, 10am-7pm
Sundays, 10am-6pm
Monday to Wednesday, 11am-8pm
Thursday and Friday, 11am-9pm (NEW extended hours!)

Special Preview Night Friday, January 11, 4-9pm

Where: Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place
100 Princess Blvd., Toronto, ON M6K Toronto Boat Show website