BECOME A CAPABLE CRUISER

Pelagic Blue Training Expeditions put you in the middle of the action, not on the sidelines.

You'll stand watches, navigate, steer, trim sails, reef, anchor, troubleshoot, manage the boat, and make decisions alongside experienced offshore sailors.

This is your opportunity to learn what it actually takes to go cruising. And find out if you're ready.

EXPLORE THE SAILING SCHEDULE →

APPLY TO SAIL →

WHAT DOES AN EXPEDITION ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

STAND WATCH

Learn to take charge of the helm and give directions.

NAVIGATE

Master traditional and electronic navigation.

HANDLE SAILS

Trim, reef, and respond to dynamic ocean conditions.

WEATHER

Learn proactive analysis and decisionmaking.

RUN THE BOAT

Get hands-on with systems, anchoring, and boatkeeping.

LIVE AT SEA

Eat, sleep, work, and learn together as a crew.

LEARN FROM PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY DO THIS

80,000+ COMBINED OCEAN MILES

Ocean voyaging experience from polar seas to the South Pacific and beyond.

MARINE SCIENTISTS & EDUCATORS

We bring curiousity, observation, and expert problem-solving to life at sea.

MARINE SYSTEMS EXPERTISE

Certified marine technicans means we can teach you how boats really work.

JOHN NEAL / MAHINA EXPEDITIONS LEGACY

Proud to continue a tradition of world-class offshore cruising training.

YOU WON'T JUST LEAVE WITH MORE SEA MILES

You aren't here to collect miles. You're here to become the person who can confidently make the decisions those miles demand.

You'll leave with a better understanding of:

What you're capable of
What your boat needs
How you make decisions at sea
Where your skills need work
If the cruising lifestyle is right for you
Whether you're actually ready to cruise
What your next steps should be

IS THIS EXPEDITION RIGHT FOR YOU?

You don't need to be an expert. But you should:

Know the basics of sailing and points of sail
Have some navigational knowledge
Be physically capable of working aboard a sailboat
Want to actively participate, not just ride along
Be serious about eventually reaching or figuring out your cruising goals

This is not a macho sailing experience. Everyone is a valued member of our crews, and instruction is adapted to different learning styles.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

SAFETY SYSTEMS

Learn to prepare for and respond to true emergencies.

VESSEL NAVIGATION

Plan, navigate, and track your progress with confidence.

ON-DECK PROCEDURES

Master essential techniques and seamanship.

MODERN BOAT SYSTEMS

Understand, operate, and troubleshoot.

STORM SAILING TECHNIQUES

Prepare for and respond effectively to heavy weather.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Build your skills, leadership, and resilience.

SEAMANSHIP

Master techniques for working safely on a cruising boat.

ANCHORING

Learn anchorage selection and proper anchoring.

COMMS

Use radios and other tools to stay safe and in touch.

METEOROLOGY

Understand weather and how to make decisions.

By the end of your expedition, you’ll be fully equipped to make informed decisions about purchasing and outfitting your own boat and take meaningful next steps toward your cruising goals.

EVERY EXPEDITION INCLUDES

3–6 hours of focused instruction each day.
Hands-on participation in all aspects of boat operation.
John Neal’s Expedition Companion textbook (116 pages).
John Neal's Offshore Cruising Companion textbook (260 pages).
Three nourishing, balanced meals per day.
A certificate of training and official letter of sea service.

Highly experienced, professional instructors and a small crew (typically 4-6 students).
A supportive, engaging learning environment designed to help you master skills.
Our commitment to answering all your questions and concerns about ocean voyaging.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

SEE WHEN WE'RE SAILING NEXT

Explore upcoming expeditions and find the right trip for you.

VIEW THE SAILING SCHEDULE →

READY TO JOIN US?

Submit your application and take the first step toward sailing with us.

APPLY TO SAIL →

PREPARING FOR YOUR EXPEDITION

Everything you need to know before you apply.

Application and payment

Start by completing the short application form on our website. We’ll respond within 24–48 hours to confirm bunk availability. If space is available, we’ll send you a more detailed expedition questionnaire and medical form to complete. After we review your full application and accept you onboard, you'll receive an invoice for a $500 deposit to secure your berth.

The remaining balance is due within 15 days of acceptance if your expedition is in the same calendar year, or by January 1 of the expedition year if your trip is scheduled for the following year. Acceptance is based on berth availability and suitability for the expedition. If you are not accepted, any deposit you’ve paid will be refunded promptly. Your berth fee includes instruction, food, fuel, and moorage. It does not cover airfare, visas, meals ashore, personal expenses, or personal insurance.

Physical ability, health, learning, and safety

You should have at least intermediate sailing skills, a passion for sailing, and have completed some navigation learning. Safe and enjoyable voyaging relies on everyone working together, even in strenuous and mentally demanding situations. It’s crucial that all crew members can handle all onboard duties, including steering by hand (as we don't use autopilot) and working on deck in challenging conditions. If you exercise regularly, enjoy outdoor activities, are comfortable in and on the water, are in good mental health, and are not significantly overweight, you’ll be a valuable asset on board.

Our expedition members come from diverse backgrounds and countries. This is not a macho adventure; women are equal and valued participants. Training is tailored to different learning styles—either hands-on with practical tasks like reefing, charting, and anchoring, or conceptual with explanations, documentation, and procedures.

Before joining us, consider enhancing your sailing knowledge. We recommend starting with NauticEd’s free courses, Rules of the Road and Sail Trim, and strongly suggest completing their Captain Rank, which covers coastal navigation, safety at sea, weather, anchoring, and more.

Cancellation policy

In the unfortunate event you must cancel, you’ll receive a full refund (minus the $500 deposit) if we’re notified in writing at least 150 days before departure and we’re able to rebook your berth. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel and trip cancellation insurance. We recommend DAN Boater Insurance for global coverage.

Travel and trip cancellation insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel and trip cancellation insurance. We recommend DAN Boater Insurance for global coverage.

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