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FEATURED IN & COLLABORATED WITH
FEATURED IN & COLLABORATED WITH
CONTINUING THE LEGACY
CONTINUING THE LEGACY
For more than 40 years, John Neal of Mahina Expeditions/Mahina Offshore Services has set the global standard for offshore cruising training. We are deeply honored that John has entrusted us to carry on the Sail Training Expeditions and Offshore Cruising Seminar he created that shaped so many successful cruising journeys. As we carry his legacy forward, we remain committed to preserving the excellence he built while bringing our own experience-driven approach to the next generation of cruisers and sailors.
For more than 40 years, John Neal of Mahina Expeditions/Mahina Offshore Services has set the global standard for offshore cruising training. We are deeply honored that John has entrusted us to carry on the Sail Training Expeditions and Offshore Cruising Seminar he created that shaped so many successful cruising journeys. As we carry his legacy forward, we remain committed to preserving the excellence he built while bringing our own experience-driven approach to the next generation of cruisers and sailors.
In partnership with Mahina, Pelagic Blue offers hands-on, liveaboard sail training expeditions aboard modern cruising yachts led by professional expedition leaders who've logged thousands of offshore miles around the globe. Our goal it to help you acquire the judgment, seamanship, and confidence that only come from time at sea with experienced instructors. Whether you're new to cruising, trying to decide if the cruising life is right for you, or ready to take your skills further, sailing with us will prepare you for the demands and joys of ocean cruising.
In partnership with Mahina, Pelagic Blue offers hands-on, liveaboard sail training expeditions aboard modern cruising yachts led by professional expedition leaders who've logged thousands of offshore miles around the globe. Our goal it to help you acquire the judgment, seamanship, and confidence that only come from time at sea with experienced instructors. Whether you're new to cruising, trying to decide if the cruising life is right for you, or ready to take your skills further, sailing with us will prepare you for the demands and joys of ocean cruising.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
We’re Gio and Julie Cappelli, professional expedition leaders, educators, and lifelong adventurers dedicated to helping others bridge the gap between dream and departure.
Together we’ve led expeditions and worked on boats from the polar seas to the South Pacific, taught thousands of students, and sailed over 80,000 miles combined.
Our training philosophy is shaped through our partnership with John Neal of Mahina Expeditions, our experience as ABYC and NMEA certified marine technicians, and years of cruising and leading expeditions in some of the most remote reaches of the globe including Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Galapagos, French Polynesia, Easter Island, Mexico, Alaska, and more.
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.
WHY SAIL WITH US?
WHY SAIL WITH US?
Most sailing 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 a relevant adventure.
You'll learn by doing, not just watching. Our expeditions are dynamic live-aboard passages where you face real ocean conditions, make routing 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. We should know, because we're out doing it too!
WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE?
WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE?
Expedition training: Every voyage is a 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 over 50,000 ocean miles, rigorous industry certifications, trained by & 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.
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. 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 are excited be fully involved in every aspect of the voyage while exploring some of the most stunning cruising grounds with abundant marine life on the planet.
WHAT YOU'LL LEAVE WITH
WHAT YOU'LL LEAVE WITH
Every voyage is designed to give you more than miles or cert stickers in your logbook.
The confidence to lead: Learn to make weather, sail trim, and routing decisions with assurance instead of hesitation.
Unmatched experience: Sail for days without touching land while building seamanship skills 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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