Onboard Repair Essentials

with

Gio & Julie Cappelli

Pelagic Blue Cruising

Heading offshore or off-grid? Discover the tools we carry for boat maintenance and repair while cruising. Learn about our onboard toolkit, the essentials for extended cruises, and tips for selecting and storing tools to ensure durability.

90-Minute Live Session

On Demand Replay Available

Live Q&A

Maintaining and refitting a cruising boat takes time, skill, plus a healthy budget. And if you’re heading offshore or to isolated atolls, you also need to bring the right tools to take care of your boat. But what tools are truly essential? What are the most important factors to consider when selecting your tools and stocking your repair kit? How can you leave prepared to tackle most of the projects or issues you’re likely to encounter? We’ll cover all that and then some in this online class! It’s a must for any sailor or cruiser who wants to understand how to build, store, and use a well-rounded onboard tool and repair kit that will keep you cruising safely and comfortably, particularly if you are heading offshore or on an extended cruise.

FREE

Onboard Repair Essentials

Online class overview

Learn how to build a reliable onboard toolbox and repair kit for safe, self-sufficient cruising. Experienced offshore sailors Gio and Julie Cappelli share the essential tools, spare parts, and supplies they carry for mechanical, electrical, rigging, and sail repairs. Discover how to select, organize, and store tools, prepare for common maintenance challenges, and develop the skills to handle unexpected repairs at sea.

Who is this online class for?

This online class is ideal for boat owners, coastal and offshore cruisers, and sailors preparing for extended voyages or remote destinations. Whether you’re building your first onboard toolkit or refining your repair skills, you’ll gain practical knowledge to maintain your boat.

What will I learn?

You’ll learn what tools we carry onboard and why, what we stock our repair kit with when we’re heading offshore or on a long cruise, and the nuances of selecting and storing tools properly to maximize their longevity. We’ll cover specialized tools and supplies for mechanical and electrical systems, your rig, sails, and more. We’ll also discuss some of the most common repairs and projects you should be prepared to address. Finally, we’ll give you resources and recommendations on what, where, and how to acquire some of the coveted hands-on repair skills that can make or break your cruise. Whether you are heading offshore or to remote anchorages, this class will teach you how to be a self-sufficient sailor and a competent cruiser when it comes to being prepared to make repairs to your cruising boat and its systems.

List of topics:

What tools we carry onboard and why
What we stock in our repair kit for offshore or long cruises
How to select and store tools properly to maximize longevity
Specialized tools and supplies for mechanical and electrical systems, rigging, sails, and more
Common repairs and projects you should be prepared to address
Resources and recommendations for acquiring hands-on repair skills
How to become a self-sufficient sailor and competent cruiser for offshore and remote cruising

BUILD YOUR OFFSHORE REPAIR TOOLKIT

BE PREPARED FOR REPAIRS AT SEA

When you’re miles offshore or anchored in a remote destination, having the right tools onboard can make all the difference. From unexpected equipment failures to routine maintenance, being prepared to handle repairs is essential for safe, self-sufficient cruising. In this online class, experienced offshore sailors Gio and Julie Cappelli share what’s inside their onboard toolbox and repair kit, explaining how to equip your boat for the challenges of extended cruising.

STOCK YOUR TOOLBOX WITH THE RIGHT ESSENTIALS

Discover which tools and supplies deserve a place onboard and how to choose equipment that stands up to the demanding marine environment. You’ll learn what to carry for mechanical and electrical systems, rigging, sails, and other essential boat components. Gio and Julie will also share practical strategies for organizing, storing, and protecting your tools, helping you build a reliable repair kit without wasting valuable space on unnecessary equipment.

DEVELOP THE SKILLS TO CRUISE WITH CONFIDENCE

A well-stocked toolbox is only as useful as your ability to put it to work. Learn about common onboard repairs, maintenance challenges, and the hands-on skills every cruiser should develop before heading offshore. Whether you’re preparing for your first extended passage or planning to explore remote anchorages, this class provides practical guidance, resources, and recommendations to help you troubleshoot problems, make repairs, and become a more capable, independent cruiser.

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!

Get the class Bundle

View all

Online Class Registration

Thursday November 5th, 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
Course*
- Onboard Repair
ASA Certification
ASA Online Achievement Seal
- ASA Online Achievement Seal
  *recommended
  $19.00
By completing this entire course you can earn an ASA Online Achievement Seal - an official ASA seal that can be entered into your ASA Logbook!
Official ASA Logbook
- ASA Logbook
  $29.99
The ASA Logbook is a living document that chronicles your certifications and can also be used to keep a record of any and all sea-hours accrued along the way. If you chose to earn an ASA Online Achievement Seal and don't have an ASA Logbook then you *must* chose this option and purchase one.
Registration Information
Name*
First Last
Email*
Enter Email Confirm Email
ASA ID Number
If you know your ASA ID Number please enter it below.
Phone Number
Mailing Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country
Purchase Summary
Course Fee
Price: $0.00
Course Certifications
Price: $0.00
Promo Code
ERROR: This is not a valid promo code!
Discount
Price:
ASA Member Discount
Price:
ASA Instructor Discount
Price:
Grand Total
Price: $0.00
Payment Information
Credit Card*

American Express
Discover
MasterCard
Visa
Supported Credit Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Card Number Expiration Date Security Code Cardholder Name
Billing Address
- Billing address is different than the mailing address provided above
Billing Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country
CAPTCHA