Seven months a year John Neal &Amanda Swan Neal of Mahina Expeditions [1] conduct offshore instructional expeditions worldwide aboard Mahina Tiere III, their Hallberg-Rassy 46.
TheMahina Offshore Cruising Seminar skillfully presents the knowledge gained from their combined 658,000 sea miles and 81 years of offshore experience. The course includes the excellent 260 page Offshore Cruising Companion reference book. The seminar’s 18 dynamic Power Point presentation topics are included in this book.
This seminar is valuable both for those considering going offshore and those well into their preparations. All the key subjects you need to know will be covered. In addition, John and Amanda will be available to answer your questions.
Topics include:
- Getting Started in the Cruising Life: Understanding your partner
- Boat Selection:Design and Construction Criteria – what makes a boat safe and comfortable
- Priority Equipment:Outfitting with the gear you REALLY need
- Engines:Spares and Maintenance
- Galley Essentials: We’re not talking about camping out!
- Anchors and Anchoring: Five anchoring techniques
- Seamanship:Self reliance, awareness and responsibility
- Storm Survival Tactics:Details of ten specific tactics
- Optional Equipment: Outfitting with the cool gear that makes cruising more comfortable
- Rigging and Sails: Keeping the mast up and sails set
- Medical:Common problems, preventions and treatment
- Communications:Realities of staying in touch
- Psychological: The nuts and bolts of keeping the balance
- Cost of Cruising:How much will this cost? Working while cruising.
- Managing Your Escape:Piracy, firearms and security issues, insurance, pets, home base
- Clearing into a Foreign Port: Procedures and courtesies
- Leaving your boat in a Foreign Port
- Worldwide Cruise Scenarios
About the Instructors
John Neal & Amanda Swan Neal [2] are highly regarded global offshore voyagers and instructors. Their seminars and training expeditions have trained and encouraged many hundreds of sailors to head over the horizon, including countless BCA members. They are also authors of numerous books and countless articles in key bluewater sailing magazines. John offers expert consulting advice on offshore boat selection.
Course Materials
Registration includes The Offshore Cruising Companion [3] by John & Amanda. It is an indispensable guide for preparing yourself and your boat for a safe offshore adventure.
Notes
- Registration fee includes one book
- You can bring a bag lunch or go to a nearby café or the Granville Island Market
- No Host Dinner with John & Amanda at After Seminar: A private no-host dinner party with John and Amanda Neal following the seminar has been added to the program. Those attending the seminar are invited to mingle with these famous voyagers and to network with other offshore enthusiasts over dinner in the cozy lounge at the Granville island Hotel.
- Location and Hotel Discount: Granville Island Hotel in down town Vancouver – Quarterdeck Room. A discounted rate for rooms is available at the hotel. Say you are with a Bluewater Crusing Association function when making your reservation and ask for the special group rate.