Realizing Your Cruising Adventure

with

John Neal

Team Mahina

An online class based on lessons learned from 400,000 miles of cruising offshore.

90-Minute Live Session

On Demand Replay Available

Live Q&A

This online class will teach you how to go from dreaming to experiencing your own blue water cruising adventures. Discover the essentials of finding, purchasing, and outfitting a seaworthy vessel for bluewater cruising while gaining valuable insights on budget management, insurance qualification, and mastering safe sailing techniques worldwide.

FREE

Realizing Your Cruising Adventure

Online class overview

John Neal sailed away from Seattle on a Vega 27 in 1974 and has since helped more than 10,000 boaters realize their dreams. In this online class, he will teach you how to find, purchase, and outfit a boat worthy of sailing offshore. Plus tips on working within your budget, qualifying for insurance, and how to sail safely anywhere in the world.

Who is this online class for?

An online class designed for dreamers of all levels, from novice to seasoned sailors. Whether you’ve been inspired by YouTube, Social Media or are simply ready for the adventure of a lifetime this online class will guide you through the process of turning your sailing dreams into reality.

What will I learn?

You will learn how to turn your cruising dreams into a realistic, actionable plan covering how to choose the right boat, prepare it for offshore sailing, manage budgets and insurance, and develop the skills and mindset needed for safe, confident bluewater cruising anywhere in the world.

List of topics:

BUYING A BOAT
Buying a boat, or the thought of it, can be a daunting task. If you are considering taking the leap into purchasing your own boat and setting sail, this online class is a great place to start. Even if it is just a far-off dream, this online class will give you a fundamental understanding of the boat-buying process, things to consider, and what makes a boat right for your sailing style.
THE CRUISING LIFESTYLE
Ensure cruising is right for you before diving into boat buying. Discover what cruising is all about, without owning a boat. Learn actionable steps to take before searching for your boat.
SHARING THE ADVENTURE
With over 400,000 miles sailed, John will reflect upon some of his most important lessons learned while cruising, including the importance of being present, openness to adapting to new cultures, and clear communication with family and friends. This online class will teach you to go from a dream to an action course to becoming a cruiser yourself.

HOW TO BEGIN CRUISING

From Dream to Departure

For many sailors, offshore cruising begins as a dream, but turning that dream into reality can feel overwhelming. This online class brings clarity and direction to the early stages of bluewater cruising, guiding you through the essential decisions that shape a safe, rewarding life at sea. John Neal will share practical, hard-earned lessons to help you move confidently from inspiration to action.

Practical Guidance for Aspiring Bluewater Cruisers

This online class goes beyond romantic notions of cruising to address the real-world considerations that matter most. You’ll learn how to evaluate and purchase a seaworthy boat, understand what truly matters when outfitting for offshore sailing, and avoid common mistakes that cost time, money, and safety. The online class also covers realistic budgeting, insurance qualification, and foundational sailing practices needed to cruise safely anywhere in the world, whether your plans are coastal, offshore, or global.

Essential Preparation for Future Cruisers

Designed for dreamers and doers alike, this online class is valuable whether you’re just beginning to explore the idea of cruising or actively preparing to sail away. You’ll gain a clear framework for deciding if the cruising lifestyle is right for you, how to prepare before owning a boat, and how to share the adventure successfully with partners, family, and crew. If you’ve ever wondered where to start (or how to start), this online class provides the knowledge, perspective, and confidence to turn long-held cruising dreams into a realistic, achievable plan.

Your Host

John Neal

John Neal’s 400,000 offshore miles include six Cape Horn roundings plus expeditions to Antarctica, Africa, Australia, and Spitsbergen. Since 1976, John’s passion has been sharing his ocean cruising knowledge through 204 sail training expeditions aboard Mahina Tiare III, a Hallberg-Rassy 46 and various other yachts. John is author, co-author or contributing author of 17 books including Log of the Mahina. When John’s not at sea leading sail-training expeditions he teaches Mahina Offshore Cruising Workshops and offers boat purchase consultation services. Details on mahina.com

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!

Online Course
Course*
- Realizing Your Cruising Adventure
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.
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