Embarking on a circumnavigation journey with your family might sound daunting, but for Jamie, Behan, and the kids of Sailing Totem, it was an adventure they couldn’t resist. “Our intention was a sabbatical journey; it happened to become a circumnavigation along the way,” Behan admits to American Sailing. “We wanted to live close to nature, sourcing power through the sun and wind, and raise our children in tune with the environment and away from a consumer-driven society.” Inspired by their love for cruising in Puget Sound, they sought to raise their children with a global perspective.
Their journey is not without its challenges, as each passage presents its own set of obstacles. From navigating the treacherous Christmas winds off the coast of Colombia to strategizing against the powerful Agulhas current near Madagascar. Behan explains, “Passage planning was key to keeping each of these safe and as comfortable as possible; they involved complex interaction between different weather drivers.”
Passage Planning Fundamentals With Jamie and Behan Gifford of Sailing Totem
Jamie offers reassurance and guidance for those intimidated by the prospect of passage planning. “Passages can feel intimidating. Stepping in slowly, with overnights, then two nights, then multiple nights at sea are a great way for many folks to gain confidence.” Starting with shorter trips and gradually building confidence is key, but thorough pre-departure planning is the cornerstone of a successful journey. Setting clear expectations is crucial not only for successful passage-making but also for helping sailors anticipate potential challenges and create a plan to prepare accordingly.
Common mistakes in passage planning, such as misinterpreting weather forecasts or neglecting to test equipment beforehand, can have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. The Passage Planning Fundamentals course addresses these pitfalls, providing sailors with the skills and knowledge to plan for any eventuality. One often-overlooked detail that can make a big difference in a long passage is understanding ocean currents, which can significantly affect speed and arrival times.
Designed for sailors of all levels, Passage Planning Fundamentals focuses on fundamental routing skills essential for safe and successful voyages. Through a live Q&A session and a comprehensive curriculum, participants will gain the confidence to navigate open waters. Jamie explained, “Participants are always welcome to reach out to us for direction and clarification on points after the seminar has ended.”
The course provides flexibility for sailors around the world to participate. Jamie explains, “We hope they’ll walk away feeling that passage planning is an achievable process they can undertake.” Jamie and Behan hope that sailors will walk away from the course feeling empowered to chart their own course, whether around the next headland or across the vast expanse of the ocean. With the proper knowledge and preparation, the possibilities are endless on the open waters.
“We hope [students will] walk away [from our upcoming American Sailing online classes] feeling that passage planning is an achievable process they can undertake.”
Don’t miss the exclusive opportunity to learn firsthand from Jamie and Behan Gifford, of Sailing Totem, in their upcoming online classes.
APR 25 • 4:30PM PT Proactive Safety Tips For Sailors Learn practical strategies and insights to enhance maritime safety and prevent emergencies at sea.
MAY 7 • 4:30PM PT Passage Planning Fundamentals Unlock the secrets of safe and efficient passage planning. Learn passage planning essentials for safer, smoother voyages.
Interview with Jamie and Behan Gifford of Sailing Totem Join Jamie and Behan of Sailing Totem as they share insights and experiences from their circumnavigation journey. Discover the importance of passage planning and learn essential skills for safe voyages in their upcoming online classes: Passage Planning Fundamentals and Proactive Safety Tips For Sailors. Gain confidence to navigate open waters…
Passage Planning Fundamentals Demystify passage planning - uncover everything from pre-departure vessel checks to crew preparation. Gain insights into navigating the seas safely and efficiently while learning how to master your passage planning skills.
Weather Essentials for Cruisers In this online class you'll explore marine weather fundamentals, including wind patterns, clouds, and forecasting. The class will teach you to confidently handle various weather scenarios while cruising, and equip you with valuable knowledge to enhance your sailing experience and ensure safe navigation in changing conditions.
