Kretschmer is one of the most experienced offshore sailors in the world. He has weathered hurricanes in the Atlantic and Pacific, survived a deadly Coup in Aden Harbor in Yemen and a capsize when he was pitched overboard. He truly believes we find out who we really are, and what we are capable of, offshore, where we find a place where time changes shape–days may merge into one another, but minutes are memorable. For more than 20 years Kretschmer has taken diverse groups of people to sea, encountering everything from survival storms to maddening calms. He deftly translates his ability to lead, engage and inspire his crews through challenging conditions into unforgettable presentations.
John Kretschmer Events Schedule
Reviews from previous events
John Krestchmer was indulged to visit OCSC Sailing during his busy book release tour of Sailing to the Edge of Time. We were honored to have such an inspirational sailor speak to our sailing club members and students. John writes wonderful books and articles, but we were particularly impressed by his natural public speaking abilities. We made the mistake of calling him a ‘legend,’ as he opened with, “I’m not sure how I feel about that word, all the legends I know of are dead!” However, he followed that with a welcoming and warming laugh that would continue to engage us throughout the presentation. John told versions of the stories you’ll read within the pages of his new book and sprinkled in many other anecdotes, expressing his experiences and mistakes from his many thousands of blue water miles. Simply put, his visit earned five stars and many new fans. If not yet, he will be a legend!
OCSC Sailing
I would like to share my recommendation for John Kretschmer as a speaker. John, a well-known deep water ocean sailor and philosopher, spoke at the California Yacht Club while on a recent book tour for his latest book, “Sailing to the Edge of Time”. His presentation was entertaining and informative. He regaled us with amazing stories of survival and seamanship. Despite his talk being just before Christmas, the room was packed. John was generous with his time and gracious about personally autographing his book. I can recommend him as an engaging speaker without reservation.
Stephanie Weston
Vice Commodore
California Yacht Club
My and our thanks to John for a wonderful talk and presentation. As a person our members really and truly enjoyed John and his engaging and outgoing personality. The members of SSYC and the guests that came to hear and listen to John thought his presentation was nothing short of very good, entertaining and very enjoyable. I received nothing but positive feedback and on behalf of SSYC, our thanks to John for taking the time to share with us his adventures and stories of his sailing experiences.
The big question in our minds is: When can John return and share even more? We would like to hear more.
John certainly knows how to “pack” a room.
Regards,
Jerry Kedziora
Commodore SSYC
PREVIOUS LECTURES AND ENDORSEMENTS
2019 – US Naval Academy
2018 – Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club
2018 – Royal Geographical Society
2018 – Stamford Yacht Club
2018 – California Yacht Club
2018 – Southwestern Yacht Club
2018 – Explorers Club, New York
2018 – Miami Book Fair
2018 – Royal Cork Yacht Club
2018 – US Naval Academy
2016 – Explorers Club, New York
2015 – US Sailing, Jensen Beach, FL
2015 – Stamford Yacht Club, Stamford, CT
2015 – Coconut Grove Sailing Club, Miami, FL
2014 – Jeanneau Owners Rendezvous, Virgin Islands
2014 – Sheboygan Yacht Club, Sheboygan, WI
2014 – Lunenburg Yacht Club, Lunenburg Nova Scotia
2014 – Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, Halifax Nova Scotia
2013 – Boston Yacht Club, Marblehead, Ma
2012 – Royal Cork Yacht Club, Crosshaven, Ireland
2011 – Royal Southampton Yacht Club, Southampton, England
2010 – Chicago Yacht Club, Chicago, IL
2018-1984 – More than 100 presentations to diverse audiences ranging from the keynote address at the Institute for Maya Studies to the National Shake-a-Leg Foundation, to the Explorer’s Club in NYC.
2007 – National Book Tour, “At the Mercy of the Sea.”
Television, Video, Radio
2018-1984 – More than 40 appearances on the National and local programs including: CBS Morning News, WNBC, WCBS, NPR, PBS, and BBC.
I have also appeared in commercial advertisements, print, online and broadcast for: Forespar Inc., Harken, Latitudes and Attitudes, Rescue Tape.
I have received sponsorship from: Selden Spars, Doyle Sailmakers, Forespar, Switlik, Walker Bay, Hylas Yachts, Jeanneau, and others.
