See real boats. Talk to real cruisers. Get real answers.
Five days with 250+ aspiring cruisers, learning from cruisers who've already done it. Over 25 real liveaboard boats to walk aboard, and nobody trying to sell you one.
The Bluewater Summit is for people who feel the pull of this life and are in research and planning mode. Five days to see what cruising really looks like up close, get honest answers from people who actually live it, and leave with a clear next step and a community behind you.
1
Learn from real cruisers
Every session is led by people who have lived aboard and crossed oceans, not theorists.
2
Get on the water
Activities on the water throughout the week, plus a full day of Sunday sailing on real boats with experienced crew.
3
Find your community
The people you meet here are chasing the same dream you are. Like-minded friends who become your community out on the water for years to come.
Who the Summit is for
For cruisers in the making
People who want to go cruising and are ready to learn what the life is really like.
You're researching cruising through YouTube and forums
You've done the boat shows but never seen real liveaboard cruising
You want to understand what the cruising life is actually like
You want the real steps to get out cruising, with clarity, confidence and direction
You've done the boat shows where everything is new and polished. The Summit shows you the real thing: lived-aboard boats, the people actually cruising them, and honest answers you won't get on a sales floor.
A boat show
Brand-new boats, staged and polished
Salespeople and a sales floor
You walk the docks and look
You leave with brochures
The Bluewater Summit
Real lived-aboard boats and the people cruising them
Cruisers with nothing to sell you, just honest answers
You get on the water and actually sail
You leave with a plan, a next step, and your people
Real cruisers, real miles
Built by people who have done it
Your hosts learned this life by living it. Together they've logged 100,000+ miles and built Bluewater Cruising so you don't have to learn it the hard way.
Chris Biasutti bought his first boat with zero experience and crossed oceans to figure it out.
Keith Whitaker of Sailing Zatara sold everything in 60 days, took one sailing lesson, and sailed around the world with his wife and four kids.
The number one thing for me was the opportunity to get our kids engaged. The content was excellent. We had a blast and are grateful to have had the chance to attend.
Travis M.
2026 Summit attendee
“
Good value, and it was very evident BWC wants to get us on the right boat at the right time. Everyone was really helpful and the conversations were great.
Joe T.
2026 Summit attendee
“
An excellent event, and we will attend next year. Our deposit has already been paid!
Kieran C.
2026 Summit attendee
“
Loved it! We walked away with a huge appreciation for this boating community that we are just getting to know. Y'all are amazing!
Allie L.
2026 Summit attendee
“
The BWC conference? Outstanding! I don't know how y'all did it. So many moving parts, and you made it look effortless. Well done!
Douglas F.
2026 Summit attendee
The cruising lifestyle is absolutely doable with the right plan and the right people.
Spots are limited by the size of the venue and the boats. Reserve yours before they go.
Freediving breath-hold class: Group 1Complimentary
Classroom session at Longitude. Group 1 gets in the pool later today. More details ›
9:00 to 10:00am
Welcome from the Helm
Group together before heading out.
Kids Welcome from the Helm
10:00am to 4:00pm
Boat tours, hands-on lab sessions and the Group 1 breath-hold pool sessionFamily event
The whole family out at the marina. Tour the boats, join hands-on lab sessions aboard, and talk to owners about what full-time cruising is really like, and what they love (or don't) about their boat and the lifestyle. Freediving Group 1 has its pool session during this time.
12:00 to 2:00pm
Lunch
At the marina.
4:00 to 5:00pm
Boat debrief
At the Pavilion.
Kids pool party
6:00pm onwards
Dinner on your own with new friends
Head out and explore Key West with the friends you've made.
Freediving breath-hold pool session: Group 2Complimentary
Group 2 puts Friday's classroom session into practice in the pool.
9:00am
Welcome from the Helm
The full group at the Pavilion.
Kids Welcome from the Helm
10:00 to 11:00am
First session
Breakouts across the hotel meeting spaces.
Kids program activities
11:00am to 12:30pm
Lunch
At the hotel.
2:00 to 3:30pm
Paddle board races at Higgs BeachFamily day
Conch Train shuttle over; sessions also run at the hotel for those who prefer to stay.
7:00 to 9:00pm
Bon Voyage and AwardsFamily event
Part of your Summit ticket: a DJ on the pool lawn and marina pool, and the Sailing Zatara Farewell. The farewell dinner (buffet, with soft drinks) comes with the food add-on.
Time
9:00am
Sunday Sailing Briefing
Everyone sailing must attend. Gather on the pool lawn.
10:00am to 3:00pm
Sunday sailingFamily event
Out on assigned boats from the marina, with the whole family aboard.
3:00pm
Back at the marina
Return to dock.
4:00pm
Departure
Say your goodbyes and head home with a real plan.
General itinerary for the Bluewater Summit 2027, subject to change.
*The food add-on (all lunches and 1 farewell dinner) is optional. You can attend the Bon Voyage without it. The farewell dinner (buffet) comes with the food add-on.
Not a sit-and-listen conference. Five days of real sessions, a full day out on the water, and evenings with the people who'll become your crew, plus a kids program so the whole family can come.
1
Learn from real cruisers
Every session is led by people who have lived aboard and crossed oceans, not theorists.
2
Get on the water
Activities on the water throughout the week, plus a full day of Sunday sailing on real boats with experienced crew.
3
Find your community
The people you meet here are chasing the same dream you are. Like-minded friends who become your community out on the water for years to come.
The number one thing for me was the opportunity to get our kids engaged. The content was excellent. We had a blast and are grateful to have had the chance to attend.
Travis M.
2026 Summit attendee
“
Loved it! We walked away with a huge appreciation for this boating community that we are just getting to know. Y'all are amazing!
Allie L.
2026 Summit attendee
“
Good value, and it was very evident BWC wants to get us on the right boat at the right time. Everyone was really helpful and the conversations were great.
Joe T.
2026 Summit attendee
“
An excellent event, and we will attend next year. Our deposit has already been paid!
Kieran C.
2026 Summit attendee
“
The BWC conference? Outstanding! I don't know how y'all did it. So many moving parts, and you made it look effortless. Well done!
Douglas F.
2026 Summit attendee
Out on the water
Sunday sailing
Bluewater members who went through our programs, bought a boat and now live aboard are taking Summit families out sailing. It’s your chance to feel what life on the water is like and ask the owners about their experience.
Sunday sailing is free for Summit attendees. Spaces are limited and go first come, first served, so sign up early. Children must be 5 or older.
Good to know
Sailing is subject to weather conditions
No experience needed
Open to guests ages 5 and up; children must bring a properly fitted life jacket
Children's spots are very limited
Safety briefing at 9:00am; boats run about 10:00am to 3:00pm
In the water
Freediving breath-hold sessions
Learn to hold your breath longer and more safely, with Chris. It is a skill cruisers use all the time, from checking the anchor to clearing a line from the prop.
These freediving breath-hold sessions (static apnea) start in the classroom with the basics, then move to the pool for practice. It is a training session, not a certification course, so no certificate is issued.
You'll join Group 1 or Group 2. Each group does one in-class training session and one pool session.
RSVP at the Summit when you check in at registration.
Group 1
Classroom: Thursday, January 7, 7:30 to 8:30am, at Longitude
Pool: Thursday, January 7, time to be confirmed
Group 2
Classroom: Friday, January 8, 7:30 to 8:30am, at Longitude
Pool: Saturday, January 9, 7:00am
For families
Kids program
While you're in sessions, your kids have their own program. The Be The Show crew runs activities on site for ages 5 to 18, so you can enjoy the Summit and know your kids are having fun too.
A full lineup of hands-on activities: knot tying, boat building, snorkeling, paddle boarding, a dance party, and more. All run by the Be The Show crew.
☻
Ages
Open to children ages 5 to 18. More details confirmed closer to the event.
✓
Staffing & check-in
Every session is led and staffed by the Be The Show crew, with a simple sign-in at check-in so we always know who's where.
The week at a glance
Kids are part of every family event
The whole family joins the Pool Party, paddle board races, Saturday’s Bon Voyage and Sunday sailing.
10:00am to 5:00pm
Guest and member arrivalFamily event
Kids sign in with the Be The Show crew.
7:00pm
Welcome mixerFamily event
Your first chance to meet the people you'll spend the week with.
9:00 to 10:00am
Kids Welcome from the Helm
10:00am to 4:00pm
Boat tours, hands-on lab sessions and the Group 1 breath-hold pool sessionFamily event
The whole family out at the marina. Tour the boats, join hands-on lab sessions aboard, and talk to owners about what full-time cruising is really like.
4:00 to 5:00pm
Kids pool party
9:00am
Kids Welcome from the Helm
10:00 to 11:30am
Kids program activities
11:30am to 12:30pm
Kids program activities
3:00 to 4:00pm
Kids program activities
4:30 to 5:30pm
Kids program activities
6:00 to 9:00pm
Pool PartyFamily event
Adults and kids together by the pool.
9:00am
Kids Welcome from the Helm
10:00 to 11:00am
Kids program activities
2:00 to 3:30pm
Paddle board races at Higgs BeachFamily day
Conch Train shuttle over; sessions also run at the hotel for those who prefer to stay.
7:00 to 9:00pm
Bon Voyage and AwardsFamily event
Part of your Summit ticket: a DJ on the pool lawn and marina pool, and the Sailing Zatara Farewell.
10:00am to 3:00pm
Sunday sailingFamily event
Out on assigned boats from the marina, with the whole family aboard.
Drop-off and pickup, meals and what to pack are all answered on our FAQ. See the kids FAQ ›
Real liveaboard boats
The boats coming to Key West
See real liveaboard boats up close, docked right in Key West for the week. Walk the docks, go aboard, and meet the owners, all Bluewater Cruising members living this life right now, and see what a liveaboard setup actually looks like. We also have Sunday sailing, weather permitting.
One Life
Leopard 48 · Sail Catamaran
48'LOA25'Beam5'Draft
Talisman III
2018 Beneteau Oceanis 41.1 · Sail Monohull
40'LOA14'Beam6'Draft
Saylor's Dream
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 449 · Sail Monohull
43'LOA13'Beam5'Draft
Witts End
Kadey Krogen 44 · Trawler
49'LOA16'Beam5'Draft
Lanikai
2026 Leopard 46 (Electric Drive) · Sail Catamaran
47'LOA24'Beam6'Draft
Windwalker II
1989 Capital Gulf Pilothouse · Sail Monohull
32'LOA11'Beam5'Draft
Pitta
1978 Wauquiez Amphitrite · Sail Monohull
43'LOA14'Beam6'Draft
Oceans of Fun
Lagoon 400 S2 · Sail Catamaran
40'LOA24'Beam4'Draft
Starry Nights
Fountaine Pajot 42 · Sail Catamaran
41'LOA23'Beam5'Draft
JoyBringer
Lagoon 450 · Sail Catamaran
45'LOA26'Beam5'Draft
NIMA
Fountaine Pajot Helia · Sail Catamaran
44'LOA24'Beam4'Draft
Subdivisions
Lagoon 52F · Sail Catamaran
51'LOA28'Beam5'Draft
Sea Angel
Fountaine Pajot Helia · Sail Catamaran
44'LOA24'Beam4'Draft
More boats confirmed
These boats are confirmed for the docks too, right alongside everyone above. We don't have a photo from the owner yet. Come walk the docks to see them and meet the owners in person.
Real cruisers with real miles behind them. Your hosts are the founders of Bluewater Cruising, with more presenters announced as the agenda comes together.
Your hosts
Led by the founders of Bluewater Cruising
Founder & host
Chris Biasutti
Captain & Co-Founder, Bluewater Cruising
Chris and Sayo bought their boat when Sayo was six months pregnant, then cruised the Pacific for more than five years. Since then, Chris has helped hundreds of cruisers get on the water with a real plan.
Founder & host
Keith Whitaker
Captain & Co-Founder · Bluewater Cruising
Keith has sailed with his family aboard Sailing Zatara for 10 years, and built one of the most-followed cruising channels on the water.
The Perry Hotel and Marina is a waterfront hotel on Stock Island, Key West, with its own marina right outside the door, so the boat tours are a short walk from your room. The Perry holds a MICHELIN Key, the MICHELIN Guide’s award for outstanding hotels.
Address: 7001 Shrimp Road, Key West, FL 33040
Hotel offer
Stay 4 nights and get free breakfast or your 4th night free
For bookings made from 29 October. Bluewater Summit group rates below.
Room
Per night
Stay 4 nights
Perry Double Queen
$359
Group rate
Mangrove King
$399
Group rate
Mangrove Double Queen
$429
Group rate
Stock Island King
$429
Group rate
Stock Island Double Queen
$469
Free continental breakfast
Salt Water Studio King
$499
Free continental breakfast
Poolside Lanai Studio
$509
Free continental breakfast
The Commodore Suite
$699
4th night free*
Grand Suite
$899
4th night free*
* Pay a 1-night deposit on booking, and the offer is applied during check-in.
We're the education and community that turns “someday” into a departure date. Founded by full-time cruisers, now 1,000+ members with 100+ boats launched and out there cruising. Thinking about joining, or want to know more about our programs?
“The wealth of knowledge we received on this trip was priceless.”
Justin F. · 2026 Summit attendee
“
Good value, and it was very evident BWC wants to get us on the right boat at the right time. Everyone was really helpful and the conversations were great.
Joe T.
2026 Summit attendee
“
An excellent event, and we will attend next year. Our deposit has already been paid!
Kieran C.
2026 Summit attendee
“
The BWC conference? Outstanding! I don't know how y'all did it. So many moving parts, and you made it look effortless. Well done!
Douglas F.
2026 Summit attendee
“
The number one thing for me was the opportunity to get our kids engaged. The content was excellent. We had a blast and are grateful to have had the chance to attend.
Travis M.
2026 Summit attendee
“
Loved it! We walked away with a huge appreciation for this boating community that we are just getting to know. Y'all are amazing!
A boat show is brand-new boats, polished displays and salespeople. The Summit is the opposite: real lived-aboard boats and the people actually cruising them, honest answers from cruisers with nothing to sell you, a full day on the water actually sailing, and a community behind you. You leave a boat show with brochures. You leave the Summit ready to go.
Tickets and pricing
What is included in my ticket?
Your Summit pass covers all sessions, the welcome mixer and Saturday night’s Bon Voyage with the Sailing Zatara Farewell.
Food is an optional add-on: $400 per adult or $200 per child, for all lunches and 1 farewell dinner. You can attend the Bon Voyage without it.
Sunday sailing is a complimentary sign-up, with limited spots filled first come, first served. Claim yours when you complete your guest details.
What's not included?
Accommodation is not included. Food isn't included by default either: the food add-on is $400 per adult for all lunches (Sunday’s is on board for Sunday sailing) and 1 farewell dinner. You can attend the Bon Voyage without the food add-on.
What is your refund policy?
You're covered by our cancellation schedule. Cancel 60 or more days before the Summit for a full refund less a 20% administration fee, cancel 31 to 59 days before for a 50% refund, and if you cancel 30 days or fewer before the event, tickets are non-refundable. You can also transfer your ticket to someone else. See the full Terms and cancellations for the details.
Getting there and lodging
What is the closest airport?
Key West International (EYW) is the closest, about a 10-minute drive (roughly 3 miles) from the venue.
Is there a hotel room block?
Yes, we've secured a discounted group rate at The Perry Hotel and Marina. Book your room. The group code is already applied. Prefer to call? Phone 877.496.8712, reference "Bluewater Cruising Summit." The discounted rate is available on stays between January 3 and 12, 2027.
Hotel offer
What is the offer?
Book 4 nights at The Perry Hotel and Marina, and you’ll get free breakfast or your 4th night free, depending on your room. For bookings made from 29 October.
Free continental breakfast in:
Stock Island Double Queen
Salt Water Studio King
Poolside Lanai Studio
Your 4th night free* in:
The Commodore Suite
Grand Suite
* Pay a 1-night deposit on booking, and the offer is applied during check-in.
Kids program is open to children ages 5 to 18: 2.5 days of activities that run alongside the daytime sessions. It's a $399 optional add-on, separate from the food add-on. More details will be confirmed closer to the event.
Where do I drop off and pick up my kids?
Drop-off and pickup locations and times will be confirmed closer to the event.
Are meals included for kids?
Not by default. The food add-on (all lunches and 1 farewell dinner) is $200 per child, separate from the $399 kids program. Add either, both, or neither at checkout. See the agenda for exact times.
What should my child pack each day?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and closed shoes.
On the water
Do I need sailing experience for Sunday sailing?
No experience needed, all levels welcome. There is a mandatory safety briefing that morning that everyone sailing must attend, and Sunday sailing is open to guests ages 5 and up.
What if Sunday sailing is full?
Sunday sailing spots are first come, first served. If they're full by the time you register your guests, you can join the waitlist and we'll reach out if a spot opens up.
