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Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival 2026
Friday September 11, 2026 8:00am - 11:00am PDT
*Additional ticket purchase required for this paid workshop. Purchase workshop tickets here

If your boat has an electrical system, unfortunately, there’s a good chance something isn’t quite right.
In fact, many of the most common electrical system problems on boats—both power and sail— are built in by the boatbuilder. Poor design and questionable installations are compounded over time by well-intentioned but incomplete upgrades. 
Most mistakes remain hidden until vibration, corrosion, or some other factor results in an electrical system failure. Some are inconvenient. Others can be unsafe. The majority of boat fires originate in electrical systems.
Nigel Calder has seen it all.
In this workshop, Nigel walks through the most common electrical installation mistakes found on boats today—many of them surprisingly widespread—and shows you how to identify and correct them. From wiring issues to system design flaws, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of what’s happening behind the panels on your own boat.
You don’t need prior experience. This is about learning what to look for, what matters, and how to make your system safer and more reliable.
Chances are, you’ll recognize something that needs fixing on your own boat.
This workshop is the first of two complementary electrical sessions on Friday. Each stands alone, but together they provide a deeper understanding of onboard electrical systems.

Speakers
avatar for Nigel Calder

Nigel Calder

For decades, Nigel Calder has been one of the most trusted voices in marine systems—helping boat owners understand, maintain, and troubleshoot the systems they rely on. His books and teaching have guided countless sailors toward greater confidence and self-sufficiency on the water.Nigel... Read More →
Friday September 11, 2026 8:00am - 11:00am PDT
Technical Stage

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