Sailing South to the caribbean
with Teresa & Ben Carey | Morse Alpha ExpeditionsReady to point the bow south? This focused webinar walks you through the real-world planning and prep for an 800–1500 mile offshore passage from the U.S. East Coast to the Caribbean, including common routing via Bermuda or The Bahamas.
Sailing south is one of the most exciting upgrades a coastal sailor can make, but it comes with a new set of decisions that matter more offshore: timing, weather, route strategy, and safety preparation. This online class breaks the passage into clear, manageable pieces so you can plan with confidence. You’ll leave with a practical “starter kit” of checklists, tips, and what-to-expect guidance for the southbound run.
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ONLINE COURSE OVERVIEW
Join us for a focused and insightful online class that explores the journey sailing south from the U.S. East Coast to the Caribbean via Bermuda or The Bahamas. We’ll zero in on the essential information you need to safely and successfully navigate this 800–1500 mile passage, including safety protocols, weather considerations, navigation strategy, and smart preparation. Whether you’re dreaming of escaping to the tropics or dialing in your next offshore leg, this online class is designed to make the planning feel clear, realistic, and doable.
Who is this online class for?
This online class is for sailors at any level who want to understand what their first offshore passage will actually look like, from planning to arrival. It’s also a great refresher for experienced cruisers who want to tighten up their prep before heading south. If you’re excited about new destinations but feel a little apprehensive about the crossing, you’ll get the clarity (and the checklists) that help turn “someday” into a real plan.
What Will I Learn?
In this online class, you’ll learn how sailors commonly route from the U.S. East Coast toward Bermuda, The Bahamas, and onward to the Caribbean, and how to choose a window that stacks the odds in your favor. We’ll cover the key safety and boat-readiness items that should be handled before departure, plus the practical realities of provisioning, offshore routines, and arriving in a new region.
List of Topics:
- Common southbound routes: Bermuda option vs Bahamas option (and why sailors choose each)
- Weather timing: seasons, patterns, and picking a realistic window
- Navigation strategy: the Gulf Stream, routing considerations, and key waypoints
- Safety protocols: offshore gear, crew readiness, and vessel checks before you go
- Provisioning and boat prep: what to stock, what to service, and what to simplify
- Offshore realities: watchkeeping basics, fatigue management, and “what it feels like out there”
- Arrival prep: what to expect when you reach Bermuda, The Bahamas, and the Caribbean
- Practical “starter kit” takeaways: lists, tips, and planning considerations you can reuse
PLANNING THE RUN TO THE TROPICS
From Coastal Comfort to Offshore Confidence
Pointing the bow south is an exciting milestone, but an offshore passage demands a different level of planning and decision-making than coastal sailing. Timing, weather, routing, and preparation all matter more once you leave sight of land. This focused online class brings structure and clarity to the process, breaking an 800–1500 mile passage into manageable steps so you can understand what the journey really involves. You’ll gain a realistic picture of what to expect—and how to prepare—before committing to the crossing.
Smart Passage Planning via The Bahamas or Bermuda
This online class dives into the most common southbound routes from the U.S. East Coast, including options via Bermuda or The Bahamas, and explains why sailors choose one over the other. You’ll learn how seasonal weather patterns, the Gulf Stream, and routing strategy influence departure timing and passage planning. Beyond navigation, the online class covers the practical side of offshore sailing: safety protocols, boat readiness, provisioning, and onboard routines. The goal is to replace vague uncertainty with clear priorities, proven strategies, and repeatable planning tools.
A Clear Path from “Someday” to Setting Sail
Designed for sailors preparing for their first offshore passage—and equally valuable as a refresher for experienced cruisers—this online class helps turn ambition into a workable plan. If you’re excited about sailing south but feel unsure about the logistics, risks, or preparation, you’ll leave with confidence grounded in knowledge. With practical checklists, realistic expectations, and a solid understanding of the route options ahead, this online class gives you the clarity needed to plan, prepare, and sail south with purpose and confidence.
YOUR HOSTs
TERESA & BEN CAREY
Teresa Carey and Ben Eriksen Carey are seasoned maritime professionals and co-owners of Morse Alpha Expeditions, a renowned coastal and offshore sail-training program.
Teresa is a US Coast Guard licensed captain, educator, and accomplished media producer. Her experience includes captaining diverse vessels—schooners, motor yachts, sailing yachts, and even a lobster boat—and teaching for sea programs like Outward Bound. Teresa’s solo offshore sailing and her work as a science journalist, and experience teaching high school, college, and on-the-water enrich her teaching with practical and scientific insights.
Ben holds a 200 Ton US Coast Guard Master's License and a 500 Ton Mate of Towing credential. His extensive maritime career spans schooners, tugboats, sailing and motor yachts, with expertise as captain, mate, and beyond. A lifelong waterman and marine biology graduate, Ben brings a deep understanding of seamanship and safety to his instruction.
Together, Ben and Teresa have sailed thousands of nautical miles, co-founded Morse Alpha Expeditions, and produced engaging sailing media including podcasts, like the Morning Muster Sailing Podcast, and documentaries. Their combined hands-on experience and passion for education make them exceptional instructors for this navigation rules online class.
ONLINE CLASS REGISTRATION
@ 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (90 min)
Regular Price
$39
ASA Member Price
$29
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!
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