Preparing For Long-Term Cruising

with

Gio & Julie Cappelli

Pelagic Blue Cruising

Learn the key elements for effectively planning and preparing for extended sailing trips.

90-Minute Live Session

On Demand Replay Available

Live Q&A

Are you aspiring for an offshore or off-grid multi-year cruise? Gio and Julie will guide you through preparing and maintaining your boat and crew. Learn how to keep water out, people in, and sails full. They’ll cover key vessel systems, priority refit upgrades, and outfitting tips to ensure years of successful cruising.

FREE

Preparing For Long-Term Cruising

Online class overview

This online class is designed for aspiring cruisers, experienced liveaboards, and anyone curious about what it takes to prepare a cruising sailboat for a multi-year voyage. It’s perfect for sailors who are passionate about their boats and want to learn how to maintain them like professionals. Whether you’re a coastal or offshore cruiser looking to be proactive or planning ahead for a future refit, this course will provide the knowledge and skills needed to keep your vessel in top shape for extended adventures

What will I learn?

Ready to embark on a multi-year sailing adventure? Preparing and maintaining your cruising boat requires time, skill, and financial planning. But where do you begin? What projects should take priority? Who will handle them, and where? How can you avoid issues while you’re out at sea? This class answers all these questions and more! Essential for any sailor or cruiser looking to ensure safe and comfortable journeys—especially those planning offshore or extended trips—this course will guide you in keeping your boat in top shape. You’ll learn crucial maintenance tasks before you set sail, during your voyage, and what to address once you dock or during the off-season. We’ll cover the major vessel systems, outlining essential maintenance tasks, service intervals, and priority upgrades necessary for successful cruising. Plus, we’ll provide resources and tips for acquiring hands-on repair skills that can greatly enhance your experience at sea. Whether you’re aiming for remote anchorages or far-off shores, this class will equip you to be a self-sufficient sailor, well-prepared for maintaining and refitting your cruising boat and its systems.

List of topics:

Properly preparing your boat for extended cruising
Maintenance logistics and costs
Preventative, scheduled, and “discovery” maintenance essentials
Priority projects for offshore cruising
DIY skills that will make you a more self-reliant cruiser
What projects to leave for the pros
At sea, in port, and pre-departure boat checks
How to make your boat waterproof
Recommended system upgrades
Best practices for your offshore or off-grid adventures

Docking/Anchoring With Confidence

Understanding Techniques & Procedures

Learning fundamental techniques, and problem-solving approaches is essential. Also, understanding how to use anchor systems, docking lines, and fenders effectively reduces the risk of mistakes under pressure. Plus, having a clear docking or anchoring routine reduces uncertainty. Plan each step, from approach to securing lines or setting the anchor, and communicate effectively with your crew.

Use Technology and Tools

Modern tools like bow thrusters, docking cameras, and wind meters can simplify complex maneuvers. Understanding and using these aids effectively reduces the stress of manual operations and enhances your confidence in handling challenging situations.

Communicate Clearly & Stay Calm

Make sure your crew understands the process and you are able to communicate effectively during maneuvers. Staying calm and focused on the situation allows you to make quick decisions, and good communication minimizes confusion, ensuring a successful outcome.

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

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Online Class Registration

@ 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!