Batteries

with

Gio & Julie Cappelli

Pelagic Blue Cruising

An online class to help aspiring cruisers gain the knowledge and skill they need to care for their boat’s batteries.

2x90-Minute Live Sessions

On Demand Replay Available

Live Q&A

Your boat’s batteries are essential for powering onboard systems, starting your engine, and keeping you comfortable while cruising. Understanding how they work, how to maintain them, and how to keep them charged is key to safe, self-sufficient sailing, especially when heading offshore or off-grid.

FREE

Batteries

Online class overview

Join experienced offshore sailors Gio and Julie Cappelli for a beginner-friendly, two-part online class covering the fundamentals of your cruising boat’s batteries. Learn how batteries function within AC and DC electrical systems, explore different battery types and their advantages, and discover how to monitor battery health and maximize lifespan. From understanding battery capacity and charging systems to using a multimeter and exploring alternative power sources, you’ll gain the practical knowledge needed to maintain a reliable battery bank and cruise with greater confidence.

Who is this online class for?

Novices who want to learn how batteries work as part of their boat’s electrical system
Sailors who rely on batteries to start their boat engine or power devices and want to learn how to maintain them like the pros do
Cruisers who want to be proactive and self-sufficient in maintaining a healthy boat battery bank

What will I learn?

This class is a must for any sailor who wants to understand the core of their boat’s energy storage system: batteries. We’ve developed this curriculum for beginners, so if you are just starting to become familiar with your boat’s batteries you are in the right place. You will learn about the differences between AC and DC power and how your batteries play an integral role in both systems. You’ll also learn about the different types of batteries available, principles of how they function, and their respective advantages and disadvantages on offshore cruising boats. Once you’ve got the basics down, we’ll teach you how to use your multimeter to evaluate the health of your batteries and best practices for maximizing their usable lifespan. Finally, we will discuss alternative charging sources so that you know what options exist for keeping your batteries full and happy. So you and your boat can keep cruising comfortably even when you are far from shore power for extended periods of time. Whether you are heading offshore or to remote anchorages, this class on battery basics will teach you how to be a self-sufficient sailor and a competent cruiser when it comes to your onboard battery power.

List of topics:

How batteries work as part of your AC and DC system
Battery construction and chemistries
Battery ratings, cycling, and voltage platforms
How to know how much power you use
Understanding and measuring battery capacity
Battery bank wiring in series and parallel
Fuses and overcurrent protection (OCP)
Battery chargers
Battery charge acceptance rates and factors that affect charging rates
Alternative battery charging sources
Why and how to monitor battery health
Installation considerations for maximizing the lifespan of your batteries
Battery best practices for your offshore or off-grid adventures
New technologies in battery chemistries, charging, and managment

MASTER YOUR BOAT’S BATTERY POWER

UNDERSTAND WHAT POWERS YOUR BOAT

Your boat’s batteries are the heart of its electrical system, powering everything from engine starts to essential onboard equipment. But understanding how batteries work, how they store energy, and how they interact with AC and DC systems can feel overwhelming. In this beginner-friendly, two-part online class, experienced offshore sailors Gio and Julie Cappelli break down the fundamentals of marine batteries, helping you understand the systems that keep your boat running safely and efficiently.

KEEP YOUR BATTERIES HEALTHY AND CHARGED

Learn how to evaluate battery performance, measure capacity, and recognize the factors that affect battery health and lifespan. You’ll explore different battery chemistries, charging systems, and wiring configurations, along with practical techniques for using a multimeter and monitoring power consumption. From shore power to alternative charging sources, you’ll discover how to manage your boat’s energy needs and keep your batteries performing reliably during extended cruises.

CRUISE OFF-GRID

Reliable battery power is essential when you’re miles from shore power or exploring remote anchorages. Discover best practices for battery maintenance, installation, and monitoring, along with emerging technologies that can improve onboard energy management. Whether you’re preparing for your first offshore passage or looking to become more self-sufficient aboard your cruising boat, this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to maintain a dependable battery bank wherever your adventures take you.

Your Host

Gio & Julie Cappelli

Gio & Julie Cappelli are both graduates of Skagit Valley College’s Marine Maintenance Technology Program and are USCG licensed Masters. They have sailed more than 20,000 miles through the Pacific aboard their Malӧ 39 and are both owners of Pelagic Blue Cruising Services, where they help cruisers prepare themselves and their boats for offshore cruising. In addition to running Pelagic Blue, they teach offshore cruising workshops with John Neal of Mahina Offshore Services. When they’re not at sea you can find them planning their next big offshore cruise and helping their clients get ready to set sail for distant shores. Gio is an ABYC certified Marine Diesel Engines and Marine Systems Technician. He’s been working on cars, boats, and houses for decades and previously worked as a fish biologist and motorboat operator instructor for the Department of Interior. He loves a good mechanical or electrical challenge and is a champion spearfisherman. His life goal is to spearfish in every ocean on the planet. Brrr! Julie used to be terrified of electricity but is now ABYC certified in Marine Electrical and a NMEA certified Electronics and NMEA2000 Installer. She’s been trying to grow a set of gills her entire life, and has worked as a marine biologist, scuba instructor, and expedition leader. She loves a good electrical or cruising logistics challenge and is an absolute genius when it comes to tracking down the gremlins hiding in your boat’s networks. Her life goal is to meet every species of whale in every ocean on the planet. There are about 94 currently recognized species and so far, she's got 16!

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Online Class Registration

Tue Nov 10th & Thu Nov 12th, 2026

@ 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (90 min)

Regular Price

ASA Member Price

On-Demand Access

All registrations include unlimited on-demand access to the recordings of the live online class. So if you are unable to attend live you can still register and watch at your leisure.

ASA MEMBER DISCOUNT

American Sailing Members can claim their discount in the Member Portal. If you’re not a current member then for only $59/year you can join or renew today!

Online Course
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