For nearly five decades, John Neal’s Offshore Cruising Seminar has been the gold standard for sailors preparing to transition from coastal cruising to confident offshore voyaging. Now entrusted to his longtime co-presenters and fellow cruisers, Gio and Julie Cappelli, this full-day seminar will deliver the same trusted, experience-based guidance that has helped over 11,000 sailors set sail safely and smartly. Offshore cruising opens the door to some of the most rewarding sailing adventures in the world, but successful ocean passages require preparation, judgment, and a realistic understanding of life at sea. This seminar provides an overview of what it takes to move from coastal sailing to offshore voyaging, covering passage planning, boat preparation, crew readiness, watchstanding, and managing the physical and mental demands of long passages. We’ll also discuss common misconceptions about offshore sailing and the practical skills that make ocean passages safer and more enjoyable. Whether you’re dreaming about your first offshore passage or actively planning one, this session offers a practical introduction to the world of bluewater cruising.
