Pacific Seacraft : Sailing Symposium

Chris Parker has developed an almost cult-like following among sailors in the Eastern U.S., the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Based on his studies, his long time interest in weather and his experience as an avid boater and hang glider pilot, he has the practical experience needed to generate the specialized weather forecasts sailors require.

In 1993, Chris became a full-time live-aboard in Miami onboard "Dragon Lady", his 1965 Cheoy Lee 30' ketch; then moved to St. Petersburg in 1996. In 1999, he quit work and Cruised the Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda and US East Coast waters, first on "Dragon Lady", then, from 2002 till 2005 on "Bel Ami", a 1966 Morgan 34 centerboard sloop.

Chris began forecasting weather for his cruising friends in 2002, wrote a book, Coastal & Offshore Weather, the Essential Handbook in 2003 and was hired as Chief Forecaster for the Caribbean Weather Center in January 2004, after founder David Jones' death in November of 2003.

Chris' forecasts include current observations, synopsis of weather features, forecasts for wind, seas and precipitation/squalls, as well as important suggestions to help you make good tactical weather-related decisions. Chris disseminates his forecasts via SSB Voice radio, email, fax, telephone, Internet, and OCENS WeatherNet. Chris works with vessels on economical Annual plans, or by-the-month, by-the-trip, or single forecasts.

In 2005, he moved off "Bel Ami", and into a house on 5 acres in Lakeland, FL, with plenty of room for SSB/HF radio antennas. He hopes to return to Cruising on "Bel Ami", at least part-time, in a couple years.

He also started in 2005, with friend and associate Luis Soltero, an association dedicated to improving the SSB Email experience for Cruisers, and launched the XNet Yachting Association in 2006, providing XNet SSB Email service, www.xnetmail.com.

Chris also own a separate company, Marine Weather and Communications LLC, www.mwxc.com that sells weather and communications hardware & software products to Cruisers (including Iridium & Inmarsat phones, OCENS email and weather software, etc).

Frank Smith, owner of Sea Power, is the "go-to" expert for marine engine and mechanical repairs. He is a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran with 30 years of on-water experience. Frank holds a 100 Ton Master U.S.C.G. license with unlimited radar and towing endorsement. In addition to his engine and mechanical work he also does private and commercial vessel delivery.

Wade Dale is co-owner of Ocean Marketing, a 30 year old manufacturers rep group with a broad client base which includes all levels of the marine industry ranging from major retailers such as West Marine and Boaters World to manufacturers such as Hatteras and Viking. Representing a wide range of products, their line of safety products is very strong including such companies as Switlik, ACR, Mustang and the Mobi-Lert man overboard system. Wade is the VP of Original Equipment Manufacturer sales for his company.

George Day is the Publisher and Editor of Blue Water Sailing magazine, which he founded with his wife Rosa in 1996. Prior to starting the magazine, the Days spent five years sailing, with their two sons, westabout around the world via Panama and Suez aboard their Mason 43 Clover. During the voyage, they sailed some 30,000 miles and visited 30 countries. Day was Editorial Director of Cruising World and Sailing World magazines from 1983 to 1990 and employed as editor of Cruising World prior to that. He is the author of the books Out There (with Herb McCormick), Safety At Sea and The Well-Managed Sailboat. The Days are members of the Ocean Cruising Club, Seven Seas Cruising Association and the Ida Lewis Yacht Club.

Syd Millman, Harken's Manager of Industrial and Sailmaker Products, has worked at the company for nearly two decades. He is a successful businessman in his own right, having owned and managed his own sailmaking loft. He spent years as a delivery and charter captain logging thousands of miles in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and East Coast, and has competed in everything from one-designs to offshore yachts.

Bill Kund has been working as a commercial photographer for more than 20 years. Starting as a photo journalist he later specialized in advertising and catalogue photography working with architectural firms, construction companies and companies in the furniture industry. Bill is currently working on the advertising and marketing campaign for Pacific Seacraft. A true believer, Bill owns a Pacific Seacraft 40.