Short-hand Cruising Techniques
with John Neal | Team MahinaProven strategies for sailing safely with a small crew.
Whether you're cruising with a partner or managing a passage solo, short-handed sailing demands unique tactics and mindset. When every task falls to just one or two sailors, preparation and strategy make all the difference. This online class offers practical techniques to keep you safe, efficient, and confident when crew is limited.
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ONLINE Class OVERVIEW
Short-handed sailing presents a rewarding yet demanding challenge. Without a full crew, each sailor must be ready to manage multiple roles—from navigation and sail handling to emergency response and boat maintenance. This online class prepares you with tactics rooted in real-world experience and proven offshore best practices.
Veteran sailor John Neal, who has logged over 400,000 offshore miles, shares the skills, tools, and mindset needed to sail safely and confidently with a small crew. Drawing from his decades of training and adventure, John outlines how to sail smartly, reduce fatigue, and prepare for the unexpected.
Whether you’re cruising locally, voyaging offshore, or just want to be more self-sufficient on board, this online class will help elevate your seamanship and decision-making. Students will also receive a handout outlining seven weekend courses designed to help take their learning to the next level.
Who is this online class for?
This online class is ideal for sailors who regularly cruise as a couple, sail solo, or simply want to be better prepared in case of reduced crew. It's also perfect for anyone planning offshore or coastal cruising and looking to increase confidence and capability when operating with limited hands.
What Will I Learn?
In this online class, you'll gain actionable insights from a master voyager. Expect practical solutions, gear recommendations, and essential protocols that can transform your short-handed experience from daunting to empowering.
List of Topics:
- Developing an Onboard Safety Ethic
- Gear that Makes Short-Handed Sailing Safer
- Communication Systems for Small Crews
- Setting Up an Effective Watch Schedule
- Preventing and Treating Seasickness
- Weather Planning & Routing
- Navigation Without Distraction
- Creating Easier Sail Changes
- Heavy Weather Tactics for Short-Handed Crews
- Galley Tips for Easy Cooking Underway
- Smart Docking and Anchoring Techniques
SAILING SELF-reliant
Sail smart, sail strong
When the crew is small, every decision counts. Whether you’re cruising as a couple or venturing solo, this online class teaches you how to stay safe, efficient, and self-reliant on the water. From gear strategies to watch schedules, learn what it takes to thrive without backup. This is your playbook for managing real-life sailing with limited hands and maximum clarity.
Tactics, Tools, and Offshore Wisdom
Led by legendary voyager John Neal, this course blends 400,000 miles of offshore experience into clear, practical steps. You’ll learn how to prioritize safety, simplify sail handling, and reduce fatigue without sacrificing performance. From storm tactics to galley hacks, this online class helps you prepare for anything, even when you’re the only one on deck.
For Couples, Solos, and Serious Cruisers
If you sail with one other person or often go it alone, this online class is for you. Ideal for liveaboards, weekend cruisers, and those dreaming of bluewater passages, it gives you the mindset and skills to manage your boat with calm control. Because good seamanship doesn’t require a big crew, just the right preparation.
YOUR HOST
JOHN NEAL
Author, Log of the Mahina
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.
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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