Offshore sailing experts World Cruising Club (WCC) is teaming up with Yachting World and leading bluewater yacht brokers Berthon to host a unique weekend rendezvous at Berthon’s Lymington UK base on the weekend of 7 and 8 June. The new Bluewater Open Boat weekend is for sailors who are aiming at going offshore cruising and want to know what to look for when choosing a bluewater cruising boat.  

For those in the boat search phase of their countdown to offshore cruising, the Bluewater Open Boat weekend will provide the knowledge to help make the right choice of boat, plan a refit, and manage the costs of cruising, as well as meeting and mingling with experienced bluewater cruisers to share knowledge and gain inspiration, all in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

World Cruising Club’s Jeremy Wyatt, explains: “We already run a series of very popular seminars to help sailors prepare for their first ocean crossing. However, these are aimed at people who have boats. Since we often get asked about boat choices by people planning for their retirement boat, we wanted to create an event totally focused on bluewater boat selection.

“By displaying a range of different styles of boats, we aim to show how their varying attributes affect the overall boat package. Throughout the weekend there will also be displays of offshore cruising equipment, and a chance to mingle with industry experts and other cruising sailors. Previous World Cruising Club rally participants are invited to bring their own boats to the weekend, and share their personal experiences offering “open boat” viewing to other cruisers.”

Visitors will be able to sit in on selected presentations, chat with experts and other cruisers, step aboard up to eight styles of bluewater cruising boats, and immerse themselves into the world of offshore cruising. A range of different styles of fully fitted out offshore cruising boats will be on display for visitors to climb on board, supported by a selection of talks aimed at educating sailors about key aspects of bluewater boat selection and planning for offshore cruising.  

In addition to practical sessions on boat choice and refitting, other speakers will focus on what it is really like to sail across an ocean, with the aim of reassuring and inspiring new bluewater cruisers. A women’s round table will provide an opportunity for discussion about all aspects of the offshore cruising life, with experienced sailors leading the discussions.

Topics for the weekend presentations include:

• Choosing the right boat
• How to plan a refit
• Key systems, eg hull, rig, steering, rudder, engine, tankage, heads, sea berths, refrigeration
• Outfitting your boat for offshore cruising
• Planning for maintenance
• Power audit
• Sails for cruising
• Costs of cruising
• Cruising as a couple
• Enjoying life in the island – Customs, pets, security, where to cruise
• Ladies Roundtable

The event is open to all cruisers, and attendance is free with pre-registration. Visitors can opt to take part in the whole weekend, or choose selected sessions from the programme. Local marine and leisure businesses are also backing the event, with discounts available at pubs, restaurants and marine suppliers in Lymington for those who want to make it a weekend away.

Register free now at www.worldcruising.com/training