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Winter Seminar: 1812, The Navy's War


Hear award-winning naval historian George C. Daughan tell the story of the U.S. Navy's amazing showing against themighty Royal Navy during the War of 1812. Annapolis Maritime Museum, Annapolis. 7 p.m. 410-295-0104; www.amaritime.org.

3 

Smith Point Oyster Roast

Whether you like 'em steamed or slurpable, you'll be able to get your fill of plump and juicy oysters at this annual roast to benefit the Smith Point Sea Rescue. There will also be special bean soup, hot dogs, beer and more. Little River Seafood, Burgess, Va.2-5 p.m. 804-453-5325; www.smithpointsearescue.com.

8 

Winter Seminar: Maryland Pilots

Since the 1640s, Maryland pilots have been ushering ships up and down the Bay. In this maritime lecture, Captain John Hamill of the Maryland Pilots Association talks about their history, plus the stories of the ships, shipwrecks and vessels at anchor in Annapolis Roads. 

Annapolis Maritime Museum, Annapolis.

7 p.m. 410-295-0104; www.amaritime.org.

9-11 

Battle of Hampton Roads
Commemorate the 150th anniversary of the historic Civil War ironclad battle between the U.S.S. Monitor and the C.S.S. Virginia with special tours, lectures, displays, Civil War encampments and re-enactors, family activities and even an Ironclad Chef competition. Mariners'Museum, Newport News, Va. Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. Noon-5 p.m. Call for specific events and times. 757-596-2222;www.mariner.org.

10 

Second Saturday

Head to Cambridge, Md., for fun evening events, gallery receptions, special dinners and sales. Downtown Cambridge, Md. 5-9 p.m.443-477-0843; www.cambridgemainstreet.com.

10 

Emergency Management at Sea

Join the Chesapeake Area Professional Captain's Association (CAPCA) to learn about how to handle emergencies on the water. Annapolis Elks Lodge, Edgewater, Md. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 410-573-0201; www.capca.net.

10 

Windjammers Lecture: Sandy Purdon 

 Lifelong sailor and ocean racer Sandy Purdon talks of his switch to "the dark side" and subsequent 90-day cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to San Diego. Severn School, Severna Park, Md. 8 p.m. www.windjammers-chesapeake.com. 

10 

Eagle Festival 

Learn all about the bald eagle during this annual celebration filled with bird walks, live eagle and falcon programs, children's activities and more. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Cambridge, Md. 8 a.m.-
4 p.m. 410-228-2677; www.fws.gov/blackwater.

10 

Annapolis Food and Wine Festival


Savor delicious wines and gourmet food during this inaugural festival with a tasting event in the Marriott ballroom, a "sip and stroll" throughout local restaurants and an intimate, chef's table event. Annapolis Waterfront Marriott, Annapolis. Noon-6 p.m. 410-263-4012; www.annapolisfoodandwinefestival.com.

10-11 

Ready, Set, Cruise Seminar

Get ready for the 2012 cruising season with cruising pros from Chesapeake Bay Magazine, West Marine, Weems & Plath and the Annapolis School of Seamanship during this weekend program for boaters interested in cruising the Chesapeake Bay. Topics include cruising readiness, navigation, seamanship and a virtual tour of the Chesapeake. Preregistration required. Annapolis Maritime Museum, Annapolis. Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 410-295-0104; www.amaritime.org.

10-11 

Marine Diesel Basics


Learn the basics of diesel maintenance and troubleshooting during this hands-on course. The Level II Diesel Engine Course will take place Mar. 12-13. Annapolis School of Seamanship, Annapolis. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 410-263-8848; www.annapolisschoolofseamanship.com.

15 

Winter Seminar: Oyster Wars


Lieutenant Greg Bartles of the Maryland Natural Resources Police tells the fascinating history of the NRP, which began in 1868 as the State Oyster Police Force, and reveals the story behind the visiting exhibit featuring a relic of the Oyster Wars: an 1868 cannon that battled "piratical Virginia oyster crews." Annapolis Maritime Museum, Annapolis. 7 p.m. 410-295-0104; www.amaritime.org.

17 

Spring Training 

Singles on Sailboats will host this day of boating courses and lectures for boaters wishing to brush up on seamanship skills. Area boating professionals will cover topics ranging from marine electronics and weather to cooking aboard and environmental impact. Participants do not have to belong to S.O.S., but preregistration is required by Mar. 9. Broadneck High School, Annapolis. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 410-268-9382; www.singlesonsailboats.org.

17 

Medical Emergencies at Sea 

Go beyond first-aid techniques in this advanced class, which will give you the confidence to handle medical emergencies responsibly and logically. Annapolis Elks Lodge, Edgewater, Md. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 410-573-0201; www.capca.net.

17-18 

Rappahannock River Waterfowl Show

More than 90 artists, carvers, photographers and sculptors will exhibit their wildlife artwork at this annual show. This year will also include a preview night gala on the 16th (ticketed event), a carving contest on Saturday and children's activities. White Stone Firehouse, White Stone, Va. Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 804-435-6355; www.rrws.org.

17-18 

Fishing Flea Market

The Essex-Middle River chapter of the MSSA holds this annual flea market, where you can find lots of new and used fishing tackle, boats and trailers. Commodore Hall, Essex, Md. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 410-686-2348.

17-18 

Basic Navigation & Piloting

This two-day basic navigation class will feature both lecture and hands-on instruction using charts, plotting tools and government publications. The Level II navigation course, electronic navigation, continues on March 19. Annapolis School of Seamanship, Annapolis. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 410-263-8848; www.annapolisschoolofseamanship.com.

17-18 

Military Through the Ages

Military re-enactors will depict centuries'worth of military encounters from the Middle Ages to modern times. See what camp life was like and learn about military tactics and weaponry. Jamestown Settlement, Williamsburg, Va. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 888-593-4682; www.historyisfun.org.

Oyster Roast and Sock Burning Party 

Celebrate the spring equinox with live music, oyster shucking and cooking demonstrations, family activities and plenty of great oysters to eat at this annual oyster feast and sock-burning party. Annapolis Maritime Museum, Annapolis. Noon-4 p.m. 410-295-0104; www.amaritime.org.

24 

Maryland Day 

Head to Maryland's first city to celebrate Maryland Day with special ceremonies, a wreath-laying and flag ceremony, plus free admission to the St. Mary's City exhibits and special programs. St. Mary's City, Md. Noon-4 p.m. 800-762-1634; www.stmaryscity.org.

24-25 

Fishing Fair 

The Southern Maryland chapter of the MSSA hosts this annual fishing fair, featuring more than 80 indoor and outdoor tables of new and used fishing gear, plus food, drinks and raffle prizes. Solomons Firehouse, Solomons, Md. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 301-373-3071; www.mssasmc.com.

24-25 

Patuxent Wildlife Art Show 

Over 40 wildlife artists will exhibit and sell their works at this annual show. Patuxent River Research Refuge, Laurel, Md. Sat. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 301-497-5789; www.fws.gov/northeast/patuxent.

25 

Maryland Day

A day of pageantry and ceremonies marks the anniversary of the settlers' first landing in Maryland. St. Clements Island Museum, Coltons Point, Md. 2 p.m. 301-769-2222; www.co.saint-marys.md.us.

31 

Taste of Solomons 

Local restaurants will offer special samplings of their food during this annual culinary tour of Solomons, Md. Solomons, Md. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. www.solomonsmaryland.com.

Mar. 31-April 1


Safety at Sea Seminar

This popular seminar focuses on both inshore and offshore safety issues. Seminar topics will include medical emergencies, weather and boat preparation. This year both racing and cruising tracks are available, as well as a five-year ISAF certification and three-year US Sailing certificate. U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. www.mtam.org.

Through May 27 

Apprentice For a Day