2016 Miami Boat Show. First show for us.

[Lakepapa]

OK, we're going to our first sail boat show this coming February (Strictly Sail Miami 11-15 Feb). Really looking forward to it and want to make sure we make the best and most efficient use of our time while there. I'm looking for suggestions. I'm a novice sailor (sunfish) on inland lakes here in Texas and we're looking to purchase our first boat next year (day sailer 26-28ft range).

I noticed they will be offering various seminars over the course of the show (registration begins in December) and would like to know if others have attended and what they thought of them. Here's a few of the offerings they have on the website right now and I presume there will be more:


Two-hour workshops

• Fundamental Sailing Skills for Cruising Sailboats – Are you new to Sailing (or just a little rusty)? Learn how easy and fun sailing is during this on water learning event that covers the most essential sailing skills.
• Anchoring. Whether you're dropping the hook in a deserted cove for a quiet lunch or pulling into a crowded anchorage for the week, solid anchoring skills will help minimize your anxiety and assure the safety of your boat (and those around you!).
• Docking Under Power & Close Quarters Boat Control. This is an important skill although one that is not often practiced except when departing and returning to the slip. Learn practical skills and docking strategies to take the anxiety out of difficult or tricky docking situations,

Three-hour workshops

• Essential Cruising & Charter Skills—Vessel Management in an offshore environment —for monohulls
• If you're dreaming of expanding your sailing horizons and want to increase your skills and confidence before you venture out, this 3-hour underway learning event is just the ticket… It's also a great place to learn some of the key skills needed to explore exotic locations anywhere in the world via a bareboat charter.
• Introduction to Cruising Catamarans—the perfect “Charter Starter”. This exclusive program is ideal for newcomers and monohull sailors with little to no experience on multihulls - and it's the perfect way to see if a cruising catamaran – your own or chartered -is in your future.

Looking at different boats..the process.

What's the best way to do this? Do we wander around the docks and look at boats that look interesting? Do we have to make "appointments"? Is two full days (Thurs. and Fri.) enough time to really see it all? Are there areas where we can look at used boats as well? (We won't be purchasing anything new). I have nothing to compare this show to as it is our first.

Any suggestions, recommendations, and insights would really be appreciated.

Cheers,