LK Traders, producers of the Boat Accessory Market USA, recently have moved their offices from southern Virginia to Annapolis, a move prompted by company plans to conduct the Boat Accessory Market twice a year here, said Lucas Kornman, president of LK Traders.
The Boat Accessory Market USA made its first appearance in Annapolis last fall during the boat shows.
Annapolis shows and sales will take place in April and October annually. Added to the event will be a nautical antique section, offering a myriad of articles from legendary naval and commercial vessels and lots of polished brass.
The Boat Accessory Market USA is based on a concept originating from Holland, that enables boaters to buy and sell their used equipment, parts and small boats through a consignment program at savings.
LK Traders expects a large turnout for its 10-day event this spring. Items for sale are both new and slightly used, selling at 30 percent to 70 percent and more below retail.
The list includes engines, outboards, galley equipment, dinghies, life rafts, electronics, rope, masts, booms, sails, winches, clothing, instruments, wind-surf equipment, high performance exhausts, and virtually anything else necessary for both powerboats and sailboats. Only items that are in good condition are accepted.
Boat owners, marinas, boatyards, retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers can turn their spares, stock overruns and stored equipment into cash with a minimum of effort. Sellers need not be present; the Boat Accessory Market organizers handle promotions, advertising, inventory, pricing, displays, sales, collection and payment of sales tax, as well as all the other administrative details.
A small application and competitive consignment fees help make the program work by attracting many sellers of both new and used equipment. Prices are set by sellers with guidance from experienced personnel of the market.
Reception of items to be sold begins in April, so start checking through your unused stuff to see what you can unload for cash. For information, call (410) 280-1373 or 1-800-753-2607.
Let's go cruising
West Marine will sponsor an appearance by noted cruising sailors and authors Larry and Lin Pardey at a slide show and talk at 7 p.m. March 5 at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis.
In addition to sharing some of their favorite adventures, the Pardeys will provide tips to make potential cruisers feel more comfortable with the choices involved in planning and executing a cruise.
Tickets, at $10 each, are available at the West Marine Store at Forest Drive and Hillsmere Road in Annapolis. Call (410) 268-0129.
Ockam U seminar
The guys from Ockam Instruments Inc. will be in town Saturday for the annual Ockam U seminar, "Racing to Win," sharing the tactics, techniques and tricks of some of the world's greatest racing sailors and demystifying the dynamics of racing a sailboat.
The course costs $125, including all materials (a 10 percent discount is offered to groups of five or more). To register by phone with a credit card, or for more information, call (203) 877-7453.
Other winter seminars
Fawcett Boat Supplies on City Dock in Annapolis will present "Boat Rehab: Using a Survey to Help Upgrade Your Boat to Standards," at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday with Pat Kearns of the American Boat and Yacht Council and Josh Roberts of Worton Creek Marina; and "Proper Propane Installations," at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 28 with Bruce Dining of Marine Energy Systems.
Seminars are free and open to the public. Reservations are unnecessary, but a call ahead to make sure the schedule is holding, particularly in case of bad weather, is advised. For information, call 1-800-456-9151 or (410) 267-8681.
West Marine in Annapolis will present Dave Flynn of Sobstad Sailmakers Annapolis speaking on "Cruising Sails and Sail Hardware," at 7 p.m. Wednesday. No reservations are required. Call (410) 268-0129 for information.