Offshore Cruising Seminar
Seminar - All-Day | Available
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.
This intensive session covers more than 18 essential topics, including boat selection, offshore rigging, heavy weather tactics, provisioning, crew dynamics, and voyage planning. The seminar includes a copy of John Neal’s Offshore Cruising Companion, a comprehensive 265-page resource that supports the day's learning (normally $65). Whether you're planning your first bluewater passage or refining your coastal cruising readiness, this seminar offers practical insights, real-world strategies, and a supportive environment to help you turn your cruising dreams into reality.
Julie Cappelli
Gio and Julie Cappelli are both graduates of Skagit Valley College’s Marine Maintenance Technology Program. They people prepare themselves and their boats for offshore and extended cruising through sail training expeditions, private instruction, and boat refit consultation through Pelagic Blue Cruising Services. Both are USCG licensed Masters and have sailed more than 20,000 miles through the Pacific aboard their Mal? 39. In addition to running Pelagic Blue, they teach offshore cruising workshops with John Neal of Mahina Offshore Services. When they’re not at sea you can find them planning their next big offshore cruise and helping their clients get ready to set sail for distant shores. Details at pelagicbluecruising.com.
Gio is an ABYC certified Marine Diesel Engines and Marine Systems Technician. He’s been working on cars, boats, and houses for decades and previously worked as a fish biologist and motorboat operator instructor. He loves a good mechanical or electrical challenge and is a champion spearfisherman. His life goal is to spearfish in every ocean on the planet. Brrr! Julie used to be terrified of electricity but is now ABYC certified in Marine Electrical and a NMEA certified Electronics and Advanced NMEA2000 Installer. She’s been trying to grow a set of gills her entire life, and has worked as a marine biologist, scuba instructor, and expedition leader. She loves a good electronics or cruising logistics challenge and is an absolute genius when it comes to tracking down the gremlins hiding in your boat’s networks. Her life goal is to meet every species of whale in every ocean on the planet. There are about 94 currently recognized species and so far, she's got 16!