Proven 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 course offers practical techniques to keep you safe, efficient, and confident when crew is limited.
REGISTER NOW
ONLINE COURSE 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 course 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 class will help elevate your seamanship and decision-making.
Who is this online class for?
This 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 course, 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 course 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 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 course 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 HOSTs
John Neal
John Neal has sailed over 400,000 miles, including six Cape Horn roundings and expeditions to Antarctica, Africa, Australia, and the Arctic. Since 1976, he has led over 200 sail-training expeditions aboard his Hallberg-Rassy 46 Mahina Tiare III and other yachts.
An accomplished author and teacher, John shares his knowledge through books, workshops, and personalized consultation services. When he’s not offshore, he teaches Mahina Offshore Cruising Workshops and assists sailors with boat purchase advice. Learn more at mahina.com.
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!
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.
