Despite its short days and drab skies, February is typically a busy time of year for the Pacific Northwest's recreational boating industry.

Boat builders, brokers, suppliers, service providers, yacht clubs, publishers and more fill the cavernous Lumen Field Event Center for a boat bonanza: the Seattle Boat Show, produced by the Northwest Marine Trade Association.

In addition to the numerous exhibitors, the Seattle Boat Show is known for its seminars. Held in smaller, conference room-esque spaces, the nine-day event becomes a hub for sharing sailing, cruising, maintenance, and fishing knowledge.

For the first time, Future Tides has a spot on the seminar schedule. There are three chances to hear from Future Tides' Founder and Editor Cara Kuhlman (that's me!):

Inspirational Panel: NW Women in Boating

Monday, Feb. 3 at 4 p.m.

"A panel of impressive women who boat who, through their stories and ideas, will encourage women on the water to look at boating as a pathway for learning and growing. Learn ideas for reaching beyond your current skill and activity level, as these women did, to find your life enhanced even changed through the activity you love."

Presenters: Cara Kuhlman, Katie Geraghty & Joanne Poggetti, Sandy Lam, Christine Smith, Andree Hurley.

Below the surface: Uncovering Seattle's modern maritime community along the shores of Lake Union

Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 12:15 p.m.

Lake Union has a long and storied maritime history, but what about the businesses, development and boaters that share the lake today? From hot tub boats to historic dry docks, re-development to restoration, and electric propulsion to super-affordable SUPs, discover Seattle's modern maritime community in this talk for locals and curious visitors. Presented by Cara Kuhlman.

Taking the plunge: Why a new generation got into the business of boats

Thursday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m.

This panel will introduce you to local maritime entrepreneurs who are not only building their business, but shaping the future of the region's marine industry. How did they find their current profession? What excites them about the future? And why did they decide to take the plunge? Moderated by Cara Kuhlman.

For this final seminar, I'm excited to be joined by Ebony Welborn, co-founder and director of corporate advancement at Sea Potential, which creates opportunities through programs and workplace consulting for Black, Indigenous and People of Color youth to connect with marine ecosystems and explore maritime careers.

More about Ebony:

Also joining us is Frank Gonzales, owner of Gonzo Boat Works, a boat recycling business tackling the challenge of disposing and repurposing aging or derelict vessels.

More about Frank:

All these seminars are free to attend with admission to the Seattle Boat Show. Adult tickets are $20 but there's also a full show pass for $40, and several daily specials. Learn more and grab tickets at seattleboatshow.com.

Another first: A Future Tides meetup

Join me for Future Tides' first ever meet up! We'll be gathering at Fast Fashion Brewing's SoDo location (1723 1st Ave S) from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6, after the "Taking the plunge" panel.

This event is for anyone who works, plays or lives on the Pacific Northwest's waterways — or anyone who is curious about doing so. There is no admission cost and everyone is welcome.

It's an opportunity to come together in person as community, and connect with others who share a passion for life on the water.

Fast Fashion, known for its small batch hoppy beer and fun retro vibe, is all ages. Beer, wine, cider, seltzer, non-alcoholic (soda, hop water, sparking water, NA Beer), chips & bar pies (cheese & pepperoni) will be available for purchase.

There's an exciting year ahead for Future Tides. Help keep us cruising by becoming a Crew Member or making a one-time donation today.

See you in February!