Secrets of Successful Cruising

with Gio & Julie Cappelli | Pelagic Blue Cruising Services

Learn essential skills and insights to navigate the challenges of life at sea

Live 3 Hour Seminar

Hosted By Gio & Julie Cappelli

Live Q&A

This live seminar in Annapolis, MD will delve into the practical preparations crucial for successful cruising. Hosts Gio and Julie Cappelli, seasoned sailors with over 20,000 miles under their keel, share their extensive experience and expertise as USCG licensed Masters and graduates of Skagit Valley College’s Marine Maintenance Technology Program, and guide you through prioritizing boat maintenance, effective communication as a crew, and cultivating a self-reliant mindset. Tailored for cruising partners, coastal and offshore cruisers, and aspiring adventurers this seminar covers everything from mastering DIY skills to balancing boat care with self-care, providing a comprehensive roadmap for setting sail with confidence while maintaining a harmonious relationship and a well-prepared vessel.

NO BOAT SHOW TICKET REQUIRED TO ATTEND SEMINAR

REVIEW

We think it's important to share why we’re so passionate about teaching you what we've learned about sailing. See, we teach it because we live it. It wasn’t too long ago that we were trying to figure out how to chart our journey and set sail. We did all the research, watched the YouTube videos, and read thousands of articles and blog posts. Everyone was saying something different! It was overwhelming and made the decision to start our adventure even harder. Quite frankly, we were nearly terrified... But we didn't give up on our dream life. Through trial and error we found what works, and more importantly, what doesn’t work. Over the last few years, we’ve been able to help change thousands of people’s lives by sharing our experiences.

Chris and Keith of Bluewater Cruising

Annapolis • October 10-14, 2024

This year, during the Annapolis Sailboat Show, American Sailing will be offering a lineup of live, in-person seminars led by some of the world's most esteemed and well-known sailors covering an array of topics - from mastering marine diesel engines and navigating the complexities of boat electronics to insider tips on purchasing the perfect cruising boat. Our expert-led sessions will cover essential topics for every sailor. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just setting course, these seminars will offer invaluable insights meant to enhance your sailing journey.

Choose A Seminar

Secrets of Successful Cruising

Who is this class for?

This seminar is designed for cruising partners seeking to navigate the unique challenges of life at sea while strengthening their relationship, as well as for coastal and offshore cruisers aiming to enhance their self-sufficiency in boat maintenance and interpersonal dynamics. It also welcomes aspiring cruisers and experienced liveaboards curious about the holistic preparations required for a fulfilling and joyful sailing experience.

What Will I Learn?

Embark on a journey towards mastering the essentials of successful cruising. From understanding the intricate dynamics between your vessel, your crew, and yourself to fostering the confidence and competence necessary for an enriching sailing experience, you'll uncover the foundational pillars that ensure a smooth voyage. Drawing from personal experiences and encounters with fellow cruisers, Gio and Julie Cappelli will navigate through the common pitfalls and challenges faced at sea, offering insights on effective preparation strategies and the importance of a supportive network. Through a blend of practical advice and introspective guidance, you'll emerge equipped with the knowledge and skills to tackle boat maintenance tasks, foster harmonious communication with your partner, and cultivate a fulfilling and joyful cruising lifestyle.

Photo Credit: McDonald Photography

TOPICS COVERED

PART 1 AVAILABLE ON DEMAND

(included with purchase)

Reframing challenges into opportunities
The importance of training and preparation for all crew
Shorthanded sailing and communication as a couple
Preparing and caring for your cruising boat as a team
Priority projects for safe and comfortable offshore cruising
DIY skills that will make you a confident and self-reliant cruiser
Balancing taking care of your boat and taking care of yourself while cruising
How to stay focused on your cruising goals so you can get out there and play!
Getting started in the cruising life

Photo Credit: McDonald Photography

YOUR HOSTS

GIO & JULIE CAPPELLI

Pelagic Blue Cruising Services, Owners

Gio & Julie Cappelli are both graduates of Skagit Valley College’s Marine Maintenance Technology Program and USCG licensed Masters. They have sailed more than 20,000 miles together through the Pacific aboard their Malӧ 39. As owners of Pelagic Blue Cruising Services, they help cruisers prepare themselves and their boats for offshore cruising through offshore sail training expeditions, private training, boat refit consultation, and cruising skills workshops. In addition to running Pelagic Blue, they teach offshore cruising workshops with John Neal of Mahina Offshore Services and Michael Beemer of Skagit Valley College. 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.

Gio is ABYC certified in Marine Diesel Engines and Marine Systems and previously worked as a fishery 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 is ABYC certified in Marine Electrical, a NMEA certified Marine Electronics and Advanced NMEA 2000 Installer, and has worked as a scuba instructor, marine biologist, 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!