Online class overview
In this online class, John Neal will discuss survival tactics for all types of vessels including some new techniques based on his 400,000 ocean miles and 50 years’ experience including decades of Southern Ocean and Arctic Ocean and Barents Sea experience, six Cape Horn roundings, two Drake Passage crossings, two cyclones, and the 1994 Queen’s Birthday Storm.
Who is this online class for?
This online class is designed for offshore sailors, coastal cruisers, passagemakers, and anyone preparing to sail in challenging weather conditions. Whether you’re planning your first offshore passage or looking to improve your heavy weather decision-making and storm preparedness, this class provides practical knowledge that can help you better protect your crew and vessel at sea. It’s especially valuable for sailors interested in offshore cruising, ocean passagemaking, weather strategy, storm preparation, and real-world heavy weather tactics for both monohulls and multihulls.
What will I learn?
In this online class, you’ll learn proven storm survival tactics developed through John Neal’s 400,000 offshore miles and decades of real-world experience in some of the world’s most demanding conditions. You’ll gain practical insight into storm preparation, sail reduction planning, storm sail options, weather routing, sea anchors, drogues, and the advantages and limitations of different heavy weather tactics.
List of topics:
- Considerations & Preparations
- Yacht Design: Choosing a boat that allows you the widest range of storm tactic choices.
- Gain experience in gradually increasing conditions
- Increase your knowledge of marine weather and storm system movement.
- Develop and post a Sail Reduction Guide
- Storm sail options
- Consider storm management devices: drogues, sea anchors.
- Install communication systems for receiving weather and routing information.
- Ensure your wind instruments are accurate and dependable.
- When is it prudent to employ a professional weather router, and who offers the best services available for each region?
- Storm Procedures
- Before departure
- When in a storm
- Crew responsibility
- Rogue or exceptional waves
- Ten Specific Storm Tactics
- Advantages and cautions of each tactic explained in detail as conditions deteriorate considering specific boat handling characteristics of mono and multihull.
- Dealing with Anxiety
- Seasickness: Avoidance & Treatment
- Bonus Content: