Join us for community learning!
Our Speaker Series consists of informational gatherings designed to spark discussions on topics relevant to our Cape Cod community and PBCB’s mission: boating, marine science, and environmental stewardship. The guest speakers and topics are varied and presentations are followed by a Q&A as we encourage guest participation.
We plan quarterly events that are a mix of virtual via zoom, hybrid (both on campus and via zoom), and in-person on our campus. All are welcome to attend. These events are offered free to the public, but contributions are accepted.
Click here to access previously recorded talks and past line-ups!
Join us in person. All attendees must register.
September 24th at 4:30 PM (Free)
Bog Walk & Talk
Enjoy a guided tour of the Three Towns Cranberry Bog, just across the street from Pleasant Bay. Local expert Herb will talk about the history of the commercial cranberry industry, and specifically the history of this bog–which does span 3 towns. Herb will discuss cranberry growing and harvesting, as well as the bog’s flora and fauna. The guided tour will be followed by sunset refreshments in the boathouse. Space is limited, so sign up today!
Past Events
May 1, 2026 at 5:30 PM (Free)
Tackling the Race to Alaska with Adam Cove
We welcomed Adam Cove, who recounted his preparation and experience of the Race to Alaska, a 750 nautical mile race through the challenging waters of the Canadian wilderness. Racing a locally built Marshall 18 catboat from Port Townsend, Washington to Ketchikan, Alaska, he encounters the threats of double-digit current velocities, whirlpools, constantly changing weather, frigid ocean temperatures, grizzly bears, and breaching whales. The stunning photos and video only begin to tell the story of this single-handed adventure.
About the Speaker: Adam Cove is a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer and has worked across the marine industry as a yacht designer, boatbuilder, rigger, and sailmaker, before adding an MBA, and becoming CEO of Edson Marine. He currently operates as president of Cove Marine Consulting, the technical editor for SAIL Magazine, and the president of Sail America. Adam grew up sailing on the south coast of Cape Cod, captained his high school and college racing teams, and continued to race locally and offshore. He’s a member of New Bedford and Newport Yacht Clubs. He has single-handed to the Caribbean and back, via the offshore route, on Luders 33 Ben-Varrey, cruised engineless throughout New England, and enjoyed plenty of short-handed runs around the Cape and up to Maine with his wife, Alison.
May 29, 2026 at 5:30 PM (Free)
Your Sail, Your Engine with Gary LeDuc
We welcomed Gary LeDuc: sail maker and designer at Quantom Thurston Sails in Bristol, Rhode Island. Gary will be discussing the art of sail making and the care trim and function of your sail.
Gary started making sails in 1969. He has been working at Quantum Bristol for more than 20 years, since before they joined Quantum Sails. He learned his trade the traditional way, making everything by hand. Today, his main focus is designing all types of cruising sails for yachts up to 60 feet.
August 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM (Free)
Meet the Harvesters: Rebuilding Cape Cod’s Local Seafood System
Cape Cod is surrounded by some of the most productive fishing waters in the world, yet much of the seafood landed by local fishermen never makes it to local dinner tables. Join Brett Tolley, General Manager of Chatham Harvesters Cooperative, for an engaging conversation about rebuilding a local seafood system that connects Cape Cod fishermen directly with the communities they feed.
Discover how choosing locally harvested, sustainably caught seafood supports working waterfronts, strengthens the regional food economy, and provides access to fresh, nutritious fish caught just offshore. Learn about the surprising abundance and diversity of local species, how Chatham Harvesters’ Fish Share program is making local seafood more accessible to Cape Cod families, and simple ways you can bring more local seafood into your own kitchen.
Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast, home cook, boater, conservationist, or simply curious about where your food comes from, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the people, fisheries, and innovative community partnerships working to ensure that locally caught seafood remains a vibrant part of Cape Cod’s future.
About the Speaker: Brett Tolley is the co-founder and General Manager of Chatham Harvesters Cooperative, Massachusetts’ only fisherman-owned and operated seafood cooperative. Raised in Chatham as part of a multi-generation commercial fishing family, Brett has spent his career advocating for healthy marine ecosystems and thriving fishing communities. Before launching Chatham Harvesters, he served for 15 years with the North American Marine Alliance, helping support fishermen and local seafood businesses across the country. Today, Brett leads a cooperative of more than 25 Cape Cod fishing families working together to provide sustainable, locally harvested seafood directly to consumers, schools, and communities throughout the region. Through his work, he continues to champion a seafood system that benefits fishermen, consumers, and the environment alike.