"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.