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Two-Day Ocean Sailing Seminar


  • O'Callaghan Hotel 174 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401 (map)

Another event Mia and I are running with World Cruising Club USA. 

From Recent Ocean Sailing Seminar participants:

"I have to say that the two day seminar was one of the best events of my life. No kidding. Its one thing to read about passage making and quite another to hear about it from folks who have done it."

"My wife told me that prior to your seminar, she was looking for a way to bow out of the trip - primarily out of fear.  But now, she is not only willing, but enthusiastic.  She is now looking forward to planning and preparing for the adventure. She's always a bit of an adventurer and usually needs good, trustworthy information "Not necessarily from the Spouse" to feel comfortable moving ahead."

The two day Ocean Sailing Seminar, supported by SAIL magazine, covers all aspects of preparing to go ocean sailing, presented by experts, industry professionals and experienced cruisers.Lecturers have been chosen for their knowledge and practical experience in their specialist fields. Special emphasis will be on the ARC Caribbean 1500 and what to expect in terms of weather and equipment issues, but anyone interested in offshore sailing will gain valuable lessons from the weekend. The complete package includes 2 nights accommodation and meals at a quality hotel, plus full lecture notes, a free copy of SAIL magazine, and a copy of Advanced Bluewater Cruising by Hal Sutphen ($24.95 value).

REGISTRATION Open: click here

You’ll learn about ...

Outfitting your boat for offshore cruising 
- how to convert your boat from a coastal cruiser to an offshore passage-maker, how to plan you refit, and the equipment you need to consider 

Sails and Rigging 
- are your sails ready for offshore? Choosing and maintaining your sails. Top tips for maintaining your rig 

Safety Equipment 
- what equipment you will need and how to use it to keep your crew safe 

Electronics Equipment 
- taking the mystery out of choosing the right navigation systems. 

Ladies Roundtable 
- a chance to share knowledge and concerns without the men around 

Managing your Boat and Crew Offshore 
- tips on crew management, watches and running a good ship. 

Power Management 
- how to do a power audit; understanding batteries and charging methods. 

Communications Systems for Offshore 
- how to keep in contact and get weather forecasts at sea 

Developing your Water and Fuel Plan 
- planning your passage so you don’t run out 

Enjoying Life At Sea 
- it is fun to go sailing – what its really like --- including tips for provisioning 

Understanding Offshore Weather and Navigating the Gulf Stream 
- learn the tricks for getting south safely 

Tactics for Heavy Weather Sailing & Planning for Offshore Emergencies 
- keeping crew and boat safe when the going gets tough 

Common Problems At Sea 
- things that break, and how to stop them breaking! 

Enjoying Life in the Islands 
- make the most of your Caribbean cruising -- customs, pets, security, things to do 

Timeline to Departure 
- most important things to remember 

 

And it’s a great excuse to spend a spring weekend in Annapolis! The small waterfront community has loads to offer sailors. Head out to Bacon Sails on Legion Ave, just a five minute drive from the O’Callaghan Hotel to search through a treasure trove of new and used sailing gear, from bronze sextants to anchor windlasses and used sails in one of the most unique chandleries around. Take the short walk down to the waterfront to watch the sailboats and grab a coffee at Andy’s favorite writing hangout, City Dock Café, or check out the gorgeous campus of the US Naval Academy (just bring your ID!). And make sure to pop across the drawbridge to the locals’ ‘Maritime Republic of Eastport’ for lunch or dinner at Davis Pub or simply a walk around the quiet, picturesque residential streets. 

Discounts

  • All seminar delegates are eligible for a $125 discount off ARC Caribbean 1500, 2014 or World ARC 2015 crew fees, if entered in the rally by April 30, 2014.

All-Inclusive Package Includes

  • Two full days of Seminar Lectures: 8am to 5pm on Saturday; 8am to 3pm on Sunday
  • Seminar lecture notes
  • Copy of Advanced Bluewater Cruising – by Hal Sutphen, a $24.95 value
  • Two nights accommodation (Friday and Saturday) at the O'Callaghan Annapolis Hotel. Continental Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings.  Based on two people sharing a twin room.
  • Dinner on Saturday night
  • World Cruising Club staff support including management of hotel bookings and other administrative activities.

BOOKING OPEN now click HERE
The booking can be made completely online, including secure online payment.  If you prefer to book over the phone, please call us on 757 788 8872