Mahina Offshore Cruising Seminar

1606 R Avenue,Anacortes WA 98221

12 March, 2022

Description

Learn the practical and inspirational aspects of offshore cruising from master voyager John Neal, and technical guru Mike Beemer This two-day workshop combines the Mahina Offshore Cruising Seminar (174 presented since 1976 to 11,000 sailors) with Skagit Valley College’s Cruisers College top hands-on classes including marine diesel engines and systems, marine electrical systems, plus sail repair, canvas making, sewing and line splicing. Included in the seminar cost of $329 per single or $559 per couple is one copy of the Offshore Cruising Companion, the 260-page textbook which retails for $60. SATURDAY 7:45 Registration 8:30 Introduction 9:00 Boat Selection: Choosing the right boat. 10:00 Getting Started: Transitioning to the cruising life. 10:20 Break 10:30 Diesel Engines: Overview of how they work. 11:00 Workshops: A total of four hands-on workshops - 30 minutes at two workshops now and at 2:45: 1. Fuel Systems: Changing filter, priming fuel system. 2. Electrical: Install leads on a test breaker using of wire stripper, ratcheting crimper and heat-shrink connectors. Use the test breaker for emergency engine starting. 3. Sailrite Sewing Machine: Repair sail tears, seams, luff tape and batten pocket. 4. Handwork: Use sailmaker’s palm & needle to repair rips & seams plus sew on a sail slide. 12:00 Lunch: Several options within two blocks. Instructors available to answer questions. 12:50 Priority Equipment: Outfitting with the essential gear you really need. 2:00 Fuel Systems: Maintaining this critical system. 2:30 Break 2:40 Workshops: Complete remaining workshops from 11:00. 3:45 Seamanship: Self-reliance, awareness and responsibility. 4:05 Weather and Passage Planning: Latest weather resources, storm avoidance and passage strategies. 4:05 Storm Survival Tactics: Details of nine specific storm tactics. 4:50 Sails and Rigging: Sail wardrobe overview and avoiding rigging failures. 5:20 Best of Northwest Cruising: San Juans to Alaska. 5:30 End 6:30 No-host Pizza Party at Village Pizza - five-minute walk. You’re welcome to bring partners, children, musical instruments and your singing voice! Live Celtic band, games and prizes. SUNDAY 8:00 Optional Offshore Equipment: Cool gear that makes cruising easier! 9:00 Communications: Coastal and offshore options. 9:15 Engine Cooling Systems: Overview, maintenance and troubleshooting. 9:45 Cruising Medicine: Common problems, prevention, treatment and necessary supplies. 10:00 Break 10:15 Workshops: 30 minutes at each of these two stations now and at 1:45. 5. Cooling System: Replacing raw water pump impeller, thermostat and sacrificial zincs. 6. Electrical: Use of clamp-on multimeter for electrical fault finding. 7. Canvas Making: Sewing protective covers and installation of canvas fasteners. 8. Rope Work: Qualities of double braid and Dyeneema, use and splices. Creating a soft eye loop in double braid. 11:20 Electrical Systems: Understanding and troubleshooting. 12:00 Lunch 12:45 Anchoring: Equipment and six techniques for worldwide conditions. 1:05 Galley Essentials: Organization, stowage, provisioning and meal planning. 1:35 Psychological Aspects: Keeping the balance 1:45 Workshops: Complete remaining two workshops from 10:20. 2:45 Workshop Review: Discuss completed projects. Q&Q with instructors. 3:00 Cost of Cruising, Finances and Responsibility: Managing your finances. 3:20 Customs, Leaving your Boat & Low Impact Cruising: Avoiding drama and leaving a clean wake. 3:40 Coolest Cruising Destinations in the World: John highlights his 45 years of cruising. 4:00 The End. Collect course completion certificates. INSTRUCTORS John Neal’s 382,000 offshore miles include six Cape Horn roundings plus expeditions to Antarctica, Africa, Australia and Spitsbergen. Since 1976, John's passion has been sharing his ocean cruising knowledge through 195 sail-training expeditions aboard Mahina Tiare III, a Hallberg-Rassy 46 and through Offshore Cruising Seminars presented annually at major boat shows. John is author, co-author or contributing author of 17 books including Log of the Mahina. www.mahina.com Michael Beemer is the department chair for Skagit Valley College’s Marine Maintenance and Repair program. Michael has been presenting and teaching professionally for 20 years and holds a master’s degree in education. At the college he teaches all the systems courses, including ABYC certifications. He and his wife have cruised extensively from Anacortes to southeast Alaska for many years on their motor-sailor. Some of the many topics he has taught include: diesel engines, electrical systems, solar, new battery technologies, extended inside passage cruising, and more. Anacortes, Washington is located one-hour north of Seattle airport and one-hour south of Vancouver airport and is considered the gateway to the San Juan Islands and the Inside Passage to British Columbia and Alaska. There are several hotels within walking distance of Skagit Valley College’s Marine Maintenance Tech Center and the closest are Cap Sante Inn (very reasonable, not fancy and offering a discount rate for workshop attendees) and Majestic Inn & Spa (very nice). The Marine Tech Center is located within Cap Sante Marina. Started in 2016 to provide high quality marine courses to boat owners--Cruisers' College is where it's at! These courses are offered in a first class marine training facility with the opportunity for demonstrations and hands-on activities. The SVC technical program provides training for new technicians, and has great material for boat owners, but requires 12 weeks per course—which was difficult for boat most owners. Cruisers College brings in expert staff to provide delivery designed for 1 day courses. This program is great for the community as participants visit our town, and use a building/equipment that often sits idle on the weekends.