Boat gear specials, demos and ‘Tips from the Shipwright” are among the offerings when Jamestown Distributors hosts its 6th annual spring tent sail from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, rain or shine.

The day’s lineup inside the expanded 7,000 square foot store and outside in the tent includes:

• Bottom Paint Seminar — Dr. Scott Rutherford of Roger Williams University Marine & Natural Sciences Department will talk about the extensive bottom paint study conducted in 2015. Learn how 22 different paints performed over a full season in varied test environments.

• Product demonstrations — talk application technique, materials, prep, safety and more as during bottom paint, topside paint, varnish, epoxy and other TotalBoat product demonstrations.

• Meet and watch Lou Sauzedde from the Jamestown Distributors-sponsored video series as he shows how to accomplish a variety of boat tasks.

• Manufacturers representatives from many of the store’s top brands will be on hand to answer questions, provide expert advice, and help make the right product selection.

• Discounted marine gear and clothing including popular items, discontinued inventory and more.

Zim celebrates new headquarters

Zim Sailing hosts its grand opening and boat swap on Saturday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the new

Zim Sailing World Headquarters, 373 Market Street, Unit 3, Warren.

A used boat auction will enable visitors to sell their used Optimist, 420 or Laser and find a deal on a used boat. The auction (cash or check only) starts at 10 a.m.

Sell your Opti, 420, Sunfish, or Laser.

“Zim will take your used Opti, 420, Laser or Sunfish. We are lining up interested buyers and we will help you pick the right asking price,” the company said.

Boats can be brought to Zim before the event. 

For more details contact Nate Williams at 237-6117, or via email to nate@zimsailing.com. 

Also at the event will be factory tours, new boat specials, BIC stand up paddleboard specials, 20 percent off parts and gear, and clearance racks. 

Launch boat training

Confident Captain and the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association announce a free, grant-funded program to train launch boat and water taxi drivers. This four-day program in Middletown includes two days of classroom instruction, a full day for first aid and CPR certification and a day focused on the application process. The first session will take place on April 16-17 and 20-21.

Candidates should be 17 or older, unemployed or underemployed, be able to provide documentation of 120 days of service on small vessels, and hold a safe boating certification. 
Space is limited and the deadline for applications is April 7.
Visit www.confidentcaptain.com for more information.