Online class overview
This online class introduces marine biology from the perspective of experienced cruisers and professional marine biologists, helping sailors better understand the world around their boats. Rather than simply memorizing species names, you’ll learn how to observe the ocean, interpret what you’re seeing, and recognize the connections between marine life, ocean conditions, and the places you sail.
From microscopic plankton that support entire food webs to whales, dolphins, seabirds, and other iconic marine animals, every encounter tells a story about the ecosystem around you. You’ll discover why wildlife gathers in certain areas, how currents and productivity shape marine habitats, and what animals can reveal about the changing conditions of the ocean.
Gio and Julie combine their backgrounds in marine science with decades of offshore sailing experience to make marine biology practical and relevant for cruisers. They’ll share the observations, stories, and scientific insights that have shaped the way they experience passages around the world.
Beyond identifying marine life, this online class is about becoming a more aware observer of the ocean. Whether you’re day sailing, coastal cruising, or crossing oceans, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the living world around your boat and learn to see every voyage through a new lens.
Who is this online class for?
This online class is designed for sailors, cruisers, and ocean enthusiasts who want to better understand the marine environment they travel through. No science background is required. Whether you’re preparing for your first coastal cruise, planning an offshore passage, or simply curious about the life surrounding your boat, you’ll learn how to recognize the ecological connections happening all around you and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for every voyage.
What will I learn?
In this live online class, Gio and Julie introduce the fundamentals of marine biology through the perspective of experienced cruisers and professional marine biologists. You’ll learn how to observe and interpret the ocean around you, gaining practical knowledge that enhances wildlife encounters, deepens your understanding of marine ecosystems, and helps you become a more informed and responsible steward of the sea.
List of topics:
- The major marine ecosystems cruisers encounter around the world
- How ocean currents, temperature, and productivity create hotspots for marine life
- Reading seabirds, whales, dolphins, and other wildlife as clues about ocean conditions
- Identifying and understanding common marine animals encountered while cruising, including whales, dolphins, seals, turtles, and sharks
- Coral reefs, kelp forests, and open-ocean ecosystems
- Plankton: the foundation of life in the sea
- Bioluminescence and other fascinating ocean phenomena
- Responsible wildlife viewing and minimizing your environmental impact
- How marine biology can become another tool for understanding the ocean around your boat
Once you understand the biology behind what you’re seeing, every wildlife encounter becomes more meaningful. Learn why whales migrate where they do, why dolphins gather around your bow, and how changing ocean conditions influence the abundance of life around your boat.