Join us for an ocean sail training expedition with instruction aboard our bluewater cruising boat
2024 & 2025 Ocean Sail Training Expeditions
2024 & 2025 expeditions will be conducted in the Pacific Northwest, including Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and Alaska!
During each 10-day expedition you'll sail approximately 350-450 miles, completing at least one 100+ mile overnight passage while learning to deal with significant tides and currents in remote cruising areas. You'll master traditional and electronic navigation, storm tactics, Lifesling overboard rescue, and gain valuable experience at sea.
Training combines our marine maintenance expertise with John Neal's Mahina Expeditions offshore sail training curriculum. You will receive a copy of his Expedition Companion textbook as part of your tuition.
Don't hesitate to ask about the wait list if the expedition you're keen on is marked as full as cancellations do occur.
You can expect
To be fully immersed and involved in learning all aspects of operating and maintaining an ocean cruising boat including steering, watch standing, sail trim, anchoring, provisioning, cooking, cleaning, and vessel repair.
6-8 hours per day of dedicated, hands-on instruction.
A copy of John Neal's 116 page Expedition Companion textbook covering all aspects of cruising.
To gain essential knowledge and skills needed to make sound decisions about refitting, outfitting, and maintaining your cruising vessel.
To be challenged, to be excited, and to become capable and confident in handling and operating an offshore cruising sailboat.
You will receive
Exceptional sailing instruction and hands-on systems training, tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.
The opportunity to increase your confidence and safety at sea by sailing a 100+ mile overnight passage and practicing light and heavy weather sailing techniques.
A uniquely designed training experience that prioritizes safety and self-sufficiency, and will help you learn if the cruising lifestyle is right for you.
Three nutritious, balanced meals per day (plus snacks), making use of local ingredients and regional flavors as much as possible.
Certificate documenting your experience and training to assist you with qualifying for insurance.
2024 Vancouver Island Expeditions
Beautiful and remote, Vancouver Island offers exceptional opportunities for ocean sailing training, particularly on the wild west coast which is subject to incoming ocean conditions from the Pacific. History, natural beauty, and wildlife, along with stunning anchorages, hot springs, and hiking await you.
Price: $5,000 per person
Leg 1: June 5-14, Anacortes, WA to Port Hardy, BC
FULL, waitlist full
Leg 2: June 17-26 Port Hardy to Victoria, BC
FULL, waitlist full
Leg 3: August 6-15 Victoria to Port Hardy, BC
FULL, waitlist open
Leg 4: August 19-28 Port Hardy to Victoria, BC
1 berth available
Cancellations happen! Submit your application (no deposit) to join the wait list.
2025 Pacific Northwest Expeditions
Starting in Anacortes, Leg 1 will sail through the picturesque Gulf Islands to Port Hardy on the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Leg 2 will continue north to Prince Rupert, BC, stopping to explore treasured natural and historical sites. Leg 3 will focus on tactics for navigating the notorious Dixon Entrance on the north side of Haida Gwaii. Leg 4 will sail largely nonstop south down the challenging Hecate Strait and explore the west coast of Vancouver Island. The diversity and abundance of wildlife, natural beauty, picturesque anchorages, and hiking will be outstanding.
Price: $6,000 per person
Leg 1: May 10-19, Anacortes, WA to Port Hardy, BC
4 berths available
Leg 2: May 22-31 Port Hardy to Prince Rupert, BC
4 berths available
Leg 3: June 3-12 Prince Rupert, BC to Ketchikan, AK
4 berths available
Leg 4: August 15-24 Ketchikan, AK to Victoria, BC
4 berths available
Cancellations happen! Submit your application (no deposit) to join the wait list.
Ready to apply?
Submit your expedition application via the form below.
Pay the $500 application deposit using the button below.
Once accepted, final payment is due 15 days after the date on your acceptance letter or by January 1 of the calendar year of your expedition, whichever is later.
The expedition berth price includes instruction, food, fuel, and moorage. It does not include your airfare, visas, meals ashore, personal expenses of any kind, or personal insurance.
In the unfortunate event you must cancel, a full refund less the $500 application deposit will be issued provided we receive written notification more than 150 days prior to departure, and we are able to rebook your berth.
We strongly encourage you to obtain comprehensive travel and trip cancellation insurance and recommend DAN Boater Insurance.
Application
Please review and carefully complete the Expedition Application below. It is detailed and comprehensive but critically important to your success. Once completed, pay the $500 application fee.
Application Deposit
Pay the $500 application deposit using the button below. Your application will not be reviewed until payment is received. In the event your application is declined or the expedition is cancelled, this deposit will be refunded.
Sea Bag List
We've prepared a specific packing list for your expedition and ask that you follow it carefully. Download the Pacific Northwest Sea Bag List below to learn what to pack and how to pack it for your sail training expedition. Email us with any questions.
Seasickness
Seasickness prevention and treatment is everyone's responsibility and is a health and safety matter aboard any cruising boat. Please download and read the Seasickness Avoidance & Treatment document below carefully and arrive prepared.
Interested in a private expedition?
Do you prefer a more intimate learning setting? We also offer private sail training expeditions. You'll have the whole boat to yourself (minimum 2 people) and be able to choose your dates. We'll work with you to create an itinerary to help you reach your goals.
