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
On the water activities 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.
1,000+
Members
100
Boats out cruising
4 to 5
Casting off each month
What last year's attendees said
Don't take our word for it
“
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.
The whole family out at the marina, with hands-on lab sessions held aboard the boats. Talk to owners about what full-time cruising is really like, and what they love (or don't) about their boat and the lifestyle.
12:00 to 2:00pm
Lunch
At the marina.
2:00 to 4:00pm
Boat Tour: Afternoon SessionFamily event
More lab sessions aboard the boats, with time to keep talking with owners about their boat and the lifestyle.
4:00 to 5:00pm
Boat debrief
At the Pavilion.
6:00pm onwards
Dinner on your own with new friends
Head out and explore Key West with the friends you've made.
Conch Train shuttle over; sessions also run at the hotel for those who prefer to stay.
6:00 to 9:00pm
Bon Voyage and AwardsFamily event
Part of your Summit ticket, with a DJ on the pool lawn and marina pool and the Sailing Zatara Farewell. The buffet dinner and soft drinks come with the food package.
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. Lunch included on board.
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.
*Food packages (lunch Thursday to Saturday, plus Sunday if you’re going sailing, and the Bon Voyage Dinner) are optional. You can attend the Bon Voyage without the food package; the buffet dinner comes with it.
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
On the water activities 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
A day where members who went through Get Set To Sail, Captain's Circle, or Admirals Club worked the plan, bought the boat, and are out there living it. They are graciously opening their boats to take you and your family sailing.
Get aboard, see up close what life on the water is really like, and ask all the questions you've been wondering about.
Sunday sailing is a complimentary sign-up for Summit attendees. Spaces are limited and filled first come, first served, so sign up early to secure your spot. Children must be 5+ years.
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 8:30am; boats run 10:00am to 3:00pm, approximately
For families
Kids program
While you're in sessions, kids ages 5 and up have a full week of their own: knot-tying and boat-building, a dance party, a snorkel lesson, and a banana split bar, all run by the Be The Show crew. It's a real program, built just for them, not a drop-off room. They'll be begging to come back next year.
Kids (ages 5 to 18) come free. The kids program is a $399 optional add-on per child, and kids food is a separate $200 optional add-on.
⛵
Activities
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.
Parents
Questions about the kids program?
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've also got a Sunday sailing regatta, 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
Fontaine Pajot Helia · Sail Catamaran
44'LOA24'Beam4'Draft
More boats confirmed
These boats are locked in for the docks too, right alongside everyone above. We just don't have a photo from the owner yet, so you'll have to 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
More than a decade living aboard, and the founder who has helped hundreds of cruisers get on the water with a real plan.
Founder & host
Keith Whitaker
Captain & Co-Founder · Bluewater Cruising
Sailed the world with his family aboard Sailing Zatara and built one of the most-followed cruising channels on the water, with 100,000+ miles behind him.
The Summit is hosted at The Perry Hotel and Marina, 7001 Shrimp Road, Key West, FL (Stock Island): easy to reach, right on the water, and warm in January.
Where to stay
Stay with us at The Perry Hotel
We've secured a discounted group rate for Summit guests at The Perry Hotel and Marina. Book online or phone 877.496.8712 using the reference "Bluewater Cruising Summit." The discounted rate is available on stays booked between January 3–12, 2027.
Fly into Key West International (EYW), about 10 minutes from the venue. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are options for connecting drives.
☼
Weather and packing
January in Key West is mild and sunny. Bring layers for the water, sun protection and comfortable shoes.
Pricing
Book early, pay less.
Your Summit pass covers the whole experience, plus a complimentary Sunday sailing sign-up. Spots are limited and filled first come, first served.
What's included
Summit pass
$1,800$1,600
per person · early-bird price
Welcome mixer
Full session pass
Paddleboard race and other water activities
Food (lunch Thursday to Saturday, plus Sunday if you’re going sailing, plus the Bon Voyage dinner) is a $400 optional add-on per adult. You can attend the Bon Voyage without it. Plus a complimentary Sunday sailing sign-up (spaces limited).
Bluewater Cruising members save. Your discount codes are in your email.
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 (lunch Thursday to Saturday, plus Sunday if you’re going sailing, and the Bon Voyage Dinner) is a $400 optional add-on per adult. You can attend the Bon Voyage without it; the buffet dinner is part of the food package. Sunday sailing is a separate, complimentary sign-up with spots limited and filled first come, first served. You'll claim your spot when you complete your guest details. Kids come free, with the kids program ($399) and kids food ($200) as separate optional add-ons.
What's not included?
Accommodation is not included. Food isn't included by default either — it's a $400 optional add-on per adult covering lunch Thursday to Saturday, plus Sunday if you’re going sailing, and the Bon Voyage Dinner. You can attend the Bon Voyage without the food package.
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 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 booked between January 3–12, 2027.
Kids program
What ages does the kids program cover?
The kids program is open to children ages 5 to 18 and runs alongside the daytime sessions. It's a $399 optional add-on, separate from kids food. 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. Kids food is a $200 optional add-on per child, separate from the $399 kids program add-on. 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 five 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.
