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2026 Expedition schedule is live and applications are arriving earlier than usual. Don't delay, apply today
Pelagic means “open ocean” and that’s where we thrive.
We train you to be a capable, independent, and confident cruiser, no matter where you sail.
FEATURED IN AND COLLABORATED WITH
FEATURED IN AND COLLABORATED WITH
GO FROM CURIOUS TO CONFIDENT
GO FROM CURIOUS TO CONFIDENT
Skip the trial and error. Learn the skills you need to realize your own bluewater dreams.
Pelagic Blue offers hands-on, liveaboard sail training expeditions aboard modern expedition yachts led by professional mariners who've logged thousands of offshore miles. You'll learn to handle real weather, make real decisions, and gain the judgment, seamanship, and confidence that only come from time at sea.
In partnership with John Neal of Mahina Expeditions, our expeditions are designed to prepare you for life at sea, whether it be offshore or at anchor. If you're new to cruising or ready to take your skills further, sailing with us will prepare you for the real-world demands and joys of ocean cruising.
WHY SAIL WITH US?
WHY SAIL WITH US?
Most schools focus on basic maneuvers and checklists, but reaching your ocean voyaging goals requires more than certifications and logbook entries. We take you further, turning training into real-world offshore experience.
You'll learn by doing, not just watching. Our expeditions are dynamic live-aboard passages where you face real conditions, make real decisions, and build the judgment only time at sea with experienced instructors can teach.
You will take part in every aspect of the voyage. From plotting courses and trimming sails to standing watches and troubleshooting systems, you’ll be fully engaged in the responsibilities of offshore sailing and leadership.
Whether it’s your first passage or preparation for your own adventures, we help you transform theory into practical skills that last a lifetime.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
Expedition training: Every voyage is a true working passage where you share responsibility for the boat, the crew, and the outcome—with your mastery as the goal. Itineraries are more like guidelines written in the sand at low tide and always subject to change in response to additional training opportunities.
Experienced leadership: Licensed captains and expedition leaders with thousands of offshore miles, rigorous industry certifications, trained and partnered with John Neal of Mahina Expeditions.
Depth where it matters: From weather routing to systems troubleshooting, we focus on the seamanship and problem-solving that make offshore cruising safe and sustainable.
Small crews, big impact: With only 4–6 crew members per expedition, you’ll get personalized coaching, real-time feedback, and the confidence to sail on your own.
Sailing with purpose: 1% of profits go to ocean conservation.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
We’re Gio and Julie Cappelli, professional sailors, educators, and lifelong adventurers dedicated to helping others bridge the gap between dream and departure.
Together we’ve worked on boats from the polar seas to the South Pacific, taught hundreds of students, and sailed thousands of offshore miles.
Our training philosophy is shaped through our partnership John Neal of Mahina Expeditions, our experience as ABYC and NMEA certified marine technicians, and years of cruising in some of the most remote reaches of the globe on Sea Fox, our personal cruising boat.
We know what it takes to finally leave the dock. And what keeps people from doing it.
That's why our goal is to provide you with the best possible opportunity to master ocean voyaging in a safe, supportive, dynamic learning environment.
VOICES FROM THE CREW
VOICES FROM THE CREW
"I had such an amazing experience doing the outside passage of Vancouver Island with Julie and Gio.
I learned more in the 10 days than I had in the last year of racing. From setting up preventers, whisker poles, wind angles, and wildlife!
Going on trip with them is not only like sailing with two amazing professionals, but also like sailing with your own nature guides!
I can’t recommend their services enough, I’d do it again in a heartbeat, and can’t wait for the marine electrical class.
My wife and I will be continuing to work with PBCS in the coming years as we hunt for our own blue water boat."
-Charlie D.
"Sailing down the west coast of Vancouver Island with Julie and Gio was outstanding in many ways! It was a wonderful introduction to how a modern blue water boat should be laid out for safety and ease of use/sailing. I wanted to see what is now considered best practices since I have been sailing for over 40 years, mostly coastal cruising although I did 3 ocean crossings many years ago. A lot has changed.
I found their style of instruction particularly helpful in developing the skills that go into making ocean passages. Their patience and teaching methods really facilitate the learning process.
I consider this a world class level of instruction in blue water sailing. I highly recommend a stint on the water with Julie and Gio if you are serious about upping your skillset to being a competent blue water sailor."
-Geoff B.
"I was a student on the Pelagic Blue Cruising Expedition Leg 2 trip from Port Hardy to Victoria with Gio and Julie Cappelli. It was an outstanding trip. I’ve had about twenty years sailing experience most of which was close to shore. However I’ve also crewed on one circumnavigation of Vancouver Island and an offshore trip from Hawaii to Vancouver.
Gio is a very skilled marine technician and both Gio and Julie are excellent sailors and instructors. They know their stuff. I learned more on this trip than on any sailing course or trip that I have taken in the past. And I love the north and west coasts of Vancouver Island, which is fantastic for it’s sailing conditions, scenery, wildlife and remoteness.
Thank you Gio and Julie for sharing your boat and time with me on a truly outstanding trip."
-Bill H.
WHO IT'S FOR
WHO IT'S FOR
You don't have to be an expert sailor. Just ready to learn. Our expeditions are designed for sailors who:
Are preparing for their own coastal or offshore cruise and want the know-how that only real sea time can give.
Want to experience the cruising lifestyle before committing to the leap of buying a boat.
Value professional, practical instruction without ego in a safe, supportive environment.
Learn best by doing and want to be fully involved in every aspect of the voyage.
WHAT YOU'LL WALK AWAY WITH
WHAT YOU'LL WALK AWAY WITH
Every voyage is designed to give you more than miles in your logbook. You'll build the skills, seamanship, and direction that will carry into your own adventures.
The confidence to lead: Make weather and routing calls with assurance instead of hesitation.
Unmatched passagemaking experience: Real ocean miles, real decisions, and true seamanship that no day sail or online course can replicate.
The skills to keep cruising: From sail trim to systems troubleshooting, the practical know-how to maintain your boat and keep cruising.
A clear path forward: A personalized roadmap that connects your training to your own cruising goals.
READY TO JOIN AN EXPEDITION?
READY TO JOIN AN EXPEDITION?
Each season our expeditions explore the most remote and exotic corners of the globe. Limited berths are available. Secure your spot and start preparing for your own cruising adventures today.
STAY CONNECTED
STAY CONNECTED
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Want exclusive updates, expedition sneak peaks, & pro gear tips?
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