John and Jean Silverwood: John & Jean are the authors of a true life best selling novel “Black Wave,” the story of a real life shipwreck. The kind of story sailors has nightmares about. Bound for Australia with their four young children, they found themselves shipwrecked and fighting for their lives. Their story has been told on 48 Hours, Inside Edition, CBS’s the Morning Show and other places. A story not to be missed and learned from!
Visit their website at www.jsilverwood.com



Larry Berlin: With a profound understanding of diesel engines, Larry Berlin is Director of Mack Boring’s Training Services division. Larry has taught diesel theory and hands-on training to over 20,000 diesel operators and enthusiasts on virtually every make of diesel engine. An industry icon and on Mack Boring staff for over 40 years, Larry Berlin has been featured in numerous boating publications and is a welcomed addition to this year’s program and Educational Series.
Charles Daneko: Charlie is the Senior Technical Representative with WINSLOW LifeRaft Company. Charles has been with WINSLOW 10 years and prior to joining WINSLOW he spent 23 years in the US Navy and is a retired Senior Chief Survival Equipment Specialist. While on active duty in the Navy, part of his responsibility was to train pilots and aircrew in water survival. At WINSLOW Charles is responsible for educational seminars. Charles has spent many days in life rafts during numerous training exercises.
Elizabeth O'Connor: Founder and head instructor for Sea Kayaking Skills and Adventures, Ltd (SKSA), Elizabeth grew up on the waters of Long Island and for 20 years has had a paddle in her hand. She is the only ACA Instructor Trainer in our region having trained with the American Canoe Association. She currently serves on the ACA National Safety, Education and Instructional Council and is the lead Instructor Trainer for American Red Cross in Suffolk County. She works closely with the US Coast Guard Coordinating the Long Island Paddlesport Symposium and participates on the Long Island Sound Harbor Safety Committee where she advises on small craft issues.
Domenic Mantoan: This free spirited boater is a freelance travel writer for several boating publications and owns/operate www.boatingcruising.com, a destination and marina search resource. Domenic has over 16 years cruising experience along the Coast from Chesapeake Bay to the St Lawrence River. He currently cruises aboard the Mon Cherie, a Bayliner 4087 cockpit aft-cabin motor yacht. Dom’s presentation, Cruise Planning the Hudson River will enhance your Hudson River cruising with planning tips, worksheets and checklist. Hear first hand the beauty and wonders of the Hudson and its historic towns, lighthouses along with pictures and short video clips.
Capt. Katherine Giampietro Redmond: Capt. Katherinehas provided boating safety instruction and certification to more than 2,500 students in the metropolitan New York area. She has traversed the Intracoastal Waterway from New York to Florida five times and cruised the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. She is the author of the Chartracker Navigation Guides and the instructional handbook and DVD. On the web at www.boatinstruction.com.
Todd Russell: Todd has an accomplished 15+ year career in marketing and publishing spanning a variety of categories including retail, premium brands, professional sports, financial services, and the marine industry. Having spent the majority of his professional life in the Los Angeles and New York markets, he is accredited with leading teams and managing programs for prestigious global brands such as The Los Angeles Dodgers, Mercedes-Benz USA, and TUMI. Today, he remains entrenched in the marketing communications industry by leading integrated programs for clients- especially those embracing new social media.
Todd is a member in good standing of Newport Harbor Yacht Club in Balboa, California. There, he has sailed in vessels ranging from Sabots to Big Boats- and most everything in between. At one point, Todd owned hull #38 of the Original One Design Windsurfer. Moreover, he has been fortunate enough to race with top sailors from around the globe, including victorious America's Cup skippers and crew.
Todd graduated from the University of Southern California.