Embedded Files
LEARN BY DOING
LEARN BY DOING
Ocean cruising demands more than knowing how to sail. It requires the ability to understand your boat, interpret conditions, solve problems, make decisions, and work effectively as a crew.
We believe the best way to develop those capabilities is through practical, experience-based training from instructors who bring deep expertise and a commitment to teaching what actually matters at sea.
WAYS TO TRAIN WITH US
WAYS TO TRAIN WITH US
Whether you are preparing for your first offshore passage, getting to know a new boat, or already cruising and want to level up your skills, we'e here to help.
Whether you are preparing for your first offshore passage, getting to know a new boat, or already cruising and want to level up your skills, we'e here to help.
SAIL TRAINING EXPEDITIONS
SAIL TRAINING EXPEDITIONS
We offer structured offshore and ocean cruising sail training expeditions aimed at preparing you to be totally competent operating and maintaining a modern cruising boat anywhere in the world. Our curriculum was designed by our partner John Neal & draws on his 415,000 ocean miles and decades of teaching plus our experience as marine technicians, ocean voyagers, and scientists.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Build knowledge and know-how before you need it. Throughout the year we teach a wide variety of online, in-person, and hands-on classes and seminars that equip you with the skills you need to enjoy a safe, comfortable ocean cruising adventure anywhere in the world.
EXPERTISE
EXPERTISE
If you’re looking for a personal approach to selecting or preparing your boat for ocean cruising, we can help. Through our boat consultation services we’ve helped dozens of cruisers purchase the right boat for their goals, navigate the refit and outfitting process, and get out cruising.
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
Guides, books, workbooks, checklists and other resources designed to help turn cruising plans into action. Download free resources and tools, read expert-written blogs, skim magazine articles, listen to podcasts, and shop books and waterproof logbooks we've authored.
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TAKE TO SEA
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TAKE TO SEA
We’re Gio and Julie Cappelli. Professional expedition leaders, educators, marine technicians, and former marine biologists.
We’ve spent years working and sailing aboard vessels around the world, from the polar seas to the South Pacific. We've led expeditions, taught thousands of sailors, worked in the marine trades, and logged more than 80,000 combined ocean miles under sail alone.
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, and dynamic learning environment.
CONTINUING A LEGACY OF OFFSHORE TRAINING
CONTINUING A LEGACY OF OFFSHORE TRAINING
For more than 40 years, John Neal's Mahina Expeditions set the standard for offshore cruising education.
We're honored to carry that tradition forward through Pelagic Blue's Sail Training Expeditions and Offshore Cruising Seminars.
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 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.
Thank you Gio and Julie for sharing your boat and time with me on a truly outstanding trip."
-Bill H.
TAKE YOUR SKILLS TO SEA WITH US
TAKE YOUR SKILLS TO SEA WITH US
There is no substitute for high quality education, preparation, and hands-on experience from trained professionals.
There is no substitute for high quality education, preparation, and hands-on experience from trained professionals.
Wherever you are in your cruising journey, we're here to help you go farther.
Wherever you are in your cruising journey, we're here to help you go farther.
READY TO SAIL?
READY TO SAIL?
LOOKING TO LEARN?
LOOKING TO LEARN?
NEED SOME GUIDANCE?
NEED SOME GUIDANCE?
Report abuse