In partnership with John Neal's Mahina Expeditions, we offer bluewater cruising training expeditions that prepare aspiring cruisers for safe, self-sufficient ocean voyaging
Master Ocean Cruising with Expert-Led Training Expeditions
Go beyond coastal cruising - train with Mahina Expeditions partnered instructors and gain real offshore cruising skills. Our hands-on training expeditions prepare you for your own bluewater adventures with personalized instruction, real-world experience, and a proven curriculum developed by John Neal.
HANDS-ON OFFSHORE EXPERIENCE Learn by doing, not just watching.
MAHINA EXPEDITIONS CURRICULUM Trusted by serious ocean sailors.
SMALL GROUPS, EXPERT COACHING Get real feedback and confidence at sea.
Why Choose Pelagic Blue for Your Cruising Preparation
Unlike typical sailing schools, Pelagic Blue offers real bluewater cruising training - not just coastal or day sailing. Our focus is on preparing you for safe, comfortable ocean voyaging on your own boat. Here's what makes us different:
MAHINA EXPEDITIONS TRAINING Backed by decades of offshore expertise using John Neal's Mahina Expeditions curriculum, the gold standard for offshore cruising education.
TRUE LIVEABOARD EXPERIENCE We take you beyond day sails between busy ports- our training expeditions visit remote destinations and teach you how to manage multi-day offshore passages with confidence.
PERSONALIZED INSTRUCTION IN SMALL GROUPS You won't be lost in a crowd. We keep small groups so every stydent gets hands-on experience and individual coaching.
WHO WE ARE
About Us
We're Gio and Julie Cappelli. After pausing our careers as marine biologists to take a "seabattical" we opted to make the ocean our home and teach others to do what we did - enjoy a safe, comfortable start to the bluewater cruising life. We've since partnered with John Neal of Mahina Expeditions, and are honored to teach along side him. With extensive experience as expedition staff with National Geographic-Lindblad and ABYC and NMEA certified marine technicians, we specialize in preparing you for safe, self-sufficient, and confident bluewater cruising.
Our Values
SAFETY We prioritize the well-being of our students by ensuring that all training, expeditions, and equipment meet the highest safety standards.
SELF-RELIANCE We strive to empower our students with the knowledge and practical skills it takes to cruise confidently on your own boat anywhere in the world.
SUSTAINABILITY Our deep love of the ocean is what inspired us to go cruising and keeps us wanting to be at sea. That's why we commit one percent of our profits to support ocean conservation.
WHAT WE DO
Bluewater Cruising Training Expeditions
Pelagic Blue Expeditions are fun, liveaboard cruising training experiences conducted across the globe that include mastering seamanship, navigation, and vessel systems. 2025-2026 expeditions will be conducted in the Salish Sea and west coast of Vancouver Island.
Boat Refit & Readiness Consultation Service
An analysis of your boat’s condition and discussion of which projects should be tackled first based on your budget, timeline, and cruising goals. We’ll help you create a clear, actionable plan for each phase of your refit and provide as much or as little support as you prefer.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING
"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.
Their knowledge and experience level for all things sailing/boat maintenance and boat set-up is very impressive. In addition, they are wonderful and easy going people, just a pleasure to be on a boat with. And the meals are fantastic and filling!
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.
My purpose on this trip was to refresh my offshore sailing skills, see how Gio and Julie have outfitted their sailboat Sea Fox, and to learn “best practice” for offshore sailing. I got that in spades.
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.
EXPLORE RESOURCES
Seminars
Check out our teaching schedule for online classes, hands-on workshops, and boat show seminars offered throughout the year.
Blogs
For expert perspectives on boat maintenance, cruising success, and marine science musings, read our blog.
Books
We've published and contributed to a growing number of books and scientific papers for you to enjoy and learn from.
