Marine Biology for Cruisers
Elective Class | Available
Cruising sailors spend countless hours immersed in the ocean environment, often witnessing wildlife and natural phenomena few people ever experience. This class introduces cruisers to the fascinating marine ecosystems they travel through, from plankton and seabirds to whales, dolphins, and pelagic fish. You’ll learn how ocean currents, upwelling, and seasonal cycles shape marine life in different cruising grounds, and how to recognize and interpret the wildlife encounters that happen offshore. Understanding the ocean’s ecology adds a deeper layer of appreciation to every passage, particularly when tied to traditional navigation techniques that modern cruisers can utilize and benefit from.
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!