The Bluewater Summit 2027

Everyone chasing this dream, in one room

Five days with real cruisers to get the clarity, confidence, and community you need to go cruising.

January 6 to 10, 2027 The Perry Hotel, Key West
Buy tickets See the agenda

What the Summit is

A live gathering for cruisers in the making

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
Buy tickets

Explore the experience

Five days you'll be talking about for years

Day by dayAgendaFive days mapped out, from the welcome mixer to the send-off. SundaySailingGet out on real cruising boats and feel the life for yourself. For familiesKids programA real activities program for ages 5+ — not childcare. FloridaKey WestIt all happens at The Perry Hotel, right on the water.

It's not a boat show

See the life, not just the boats

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.

Buy tickets
January 6 to 10, 2027 · The Perry Hotel, Key West

Agenda

Five days at The Perry Hotel, built to move you from dreaming to doing. Real sessions, time out on the water, and evenings with your people.

TimeSummit sessionsKids program ›
10:00am to 5:00pm

Guest and member arrival

Check in at the hotel lobby, pick up your welcome drink and settle in.

Check in

Kids sign in with the Be The Show crew.

Afternoon

Free time

Explore the resort and meet a few faces before the week begins.

7:00pm

Welcome mixerFamily event

Your first chance to meet the people you'll spend the week with.

TimeSummit sessionsKids program ›
8:00 to 9:00am

Freediving sessionOn the waterOptional

An early session for the first 100 guests, at Longitude.

9:00am

Welcome from the HelmFamily event

The full group together to open the day.

10:00 to 11:30am

First session

Breakout sessions across the meeting spaces.

Session 1: Juggling

11:30am to 12:30pm

Second session

Breakouts continue.

Session 2: Dance party

1:00 to 3:00pm

Lunch

At the hotel.

3:00 to 4:30pm

Third session

Afternoon breakouts.

Session 3: Kids Trivia

4:30 to 6:00pm

Fourth session

Final breakouts of the day.

Session 4: Knot tying, boat building race

6:00 to 9:00pm

Pool PartyFamily event

Grown-ups and kids together by the pool.

Optional Add On: Private VIP Dinner

Details to be announced closer to the event.

TimeSummit sessionsKids program ›
9:00 to 10:00am

Welcome from the HelmFamily event

Group together before heading out.

11:00am to 5:00pm

Boat Tour DayFamily dayOn the water

The whole family out at the marina and on the water all day.

12:00 to 2:00pm

Lunch buffet

At the marina.

4:00 to 5:00pm

Boat debrief

At the Pavilion.

Kids YouTube Q&A

6:00pm onwards

Dinner on your own with new friends

Head out and explore Key West with the friends you've made.

TimeSummit sessionsKids program ›
9:00am

Welcome from the HelmFamily event

The full group at the Pavilion.

10:00 to 11:30am

First session

Breakouts across the hotel meeting spaces.

Banana split party

12:00 to 2:00pm

Lunch

At the hotel.

2:00 to 3:30pm

Paddle board races at Higgs BeachFamily dayOn the water

Conch Train shuttle over; sessions also run at the hotel for those who prefer to stay.

7:00 to 9:00pm

Bon Voyage Dinner and AwardsFamily event

Dinner buffet and a DJ on the pool lawn and marina pool.

TimeSummit sessionsKids program ›
8:30am

Mandatory safety briefing

Everyone sailing must attend. Gather on the pool lawn.

10:00am to 3:00pm

Sunday sailingOn the water

Out on assigned boats from the marina.

Sunday sailing with the familyOn the water

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.

Buy tickets

The experience

Five days on and off the water

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.

Take a closer look

On the waterSunday sailingTake a look → For familiesKids programTake a look →
See the full agenda

From last year's Summit

“The BWC Summit should not be missed.”
Patti C. · 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!

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 just like you, 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.

Limited spaces
Save your spot early

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.

View the agenda →
Included
Comes with a child's ticket

As part of their ticket, every child joins the full kids program and all its activities.

⛵

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 five to sixteen. 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 ›

Speakers and hosts

Who you will learn from

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

Chris Biasutti, Co-Founder 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.

Keith Whitaker, Co-Founder of Bluewater Cruising
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.

Presenters and guests

Chris Knapp
Presenter

Chris Knapp

Co-founder, President, & Principal Broker

Mark Pittman
Presenter

Mark Pittman

Broker, Boat Buying Coach, & Listing Specialist

⛵

More presenters announced soon

Buy tickets
Getting there

Key West, Florida

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.

Book your room
✈

By air

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
$2,200$2,000

per person · early-bird price

  • Welcome mixer
  • Full session pass
  • Daily lunch
  • Paddleboard race and other water activities
  • Bon Voyage dinner

Plus a complimentary Sunday sailing sign-up (spaces limited).

Bluewater Cruising members save. Your discount codes are in your email.
Buy tickets

Pricing windows

Early birdAvailable now · through Sep 6 · lowest price
$2,000
StandardSep 7 to Dec 5
$2,200
Final releaseDec 6 to the event
$2,400

Kids pricing

Per childAges 5 to 16 · includes the full kids program and activities · $599
Infants & toddlersAges 0 to 4 · free

See our refund and cancellation terms, or the FAQ if you have questions before you buy.

Not a member yet?
See what Bluewater Cruising is

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?

Get in touch

Worth every mile

“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!

Allie L.
2026 Summit attendee
Good to know

Know before you go

Can't find your answer below? Email us at vip@bluewatercruising.com and we'll help.

About the Summit

How is this different from a boat show?
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, the Bon Voyage Dinner, and daily lunches. 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. A child's ticket includes the full kids program.
What's not included?
Accommodation is not included, and neither are breakfast and dinners, apart from the final Bon Voyage Dinner on Saturday, January 9th.
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 five to sixteen and runs alongside the daytime sessions. 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?
Yes — daily lunch and the Bon Voyage Dinner are included and shared with the whole family, so kids eat right alongside their parents. 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.
Ready to set sail? Buy tickets
Get in touch

Contact us

Questions about the Summit, tickets, or Bluewater Cruising? Send us a note and we'll get back to you.

Prefer email? Reach us any time at vip@bluewatercruising.com.