All cruisers and dreamers welcome!
If you're thinking about sailing the Atlantic or round the world with ARC or World ARC, and you'd like to meet fellow sailors, talk with experienced cruisers, tour ARC-ready, bluewater sailboats and cats, and learn from the experts, join us for our Bluewater Day.
- When: Saturday May 3, 2025
- Time: 10am to 6pm
- Where: Severn Sailing Association, Annapolis MD
- Cost: Free
Whether you're getting ready to set sail in 2025, you're planning for the future or you sailed in a previous ARC, ARC+, ARC Europe or World ARC rally, we'd love to have you join us at the Bluewater Day.
The Bluewater Day can help you on your way regardless of whether you already have your dream boat or are still in the dreaming stage. Chat with experts, meet ARC skippers and mingle with other aspiring bluewater cruisers at this informative and relaxed open day. Our experts and skippers will be sharing their knowledge, top-tips and ideas on all things connected with bluewater cruising.
You can step aboard to tour our boats and cats that are ARC and offshore-cruising ready, talk to the owners and see how a bluewater cruiser is set-up to sail; join group discussions; and view boats available for purchase.
Schedule
The day is designed for 'grazing' - you can arrive or depart when you wish. There are boats to see, marine experts to talk with and presentations to attend.
- Welcome - Paul Tetlow, World Cruising Club
- Boat buying - Bill O'Malley, Crusader Boat Sales
- European boat buying and VAT - Carrie Schmidt, Annapolis Yacht Documentation
- Outfitting your boat for offshore - Josh Touchton, H&H Marine
- Countdown to departure, getting ready to set sail - Skipper panel
- lunch break
- Safety at sea - Paul Tetlow, World Cruising Club
- Safety demonstration on the dock
- Medical at sea - Paul Colton, fire captain/EMT & liveaboard
- Offshore sails - Chuck O'Malley, Chesapeake Sails
- My ARC adventure - skipper panel
- Close & sundowners on the dock
We can't wait to meet you!
Exhibitors
There are a number of companies in our mini-exhibition for you to talk with - they're also involved in the presentations and demonstrations.
Arrangements
Severn Sailing Association, 311 First Street Annapolis MD 21403. Google maps link
There is a big regatta in Annapolis in May 3-4, and parking will be limited. There is no on-site parking at Severn Sailing Association, but there is local on-street parking, or park in the city and walk across the bridge.
If you are arriving by boat, the closest marina facilities are Safe Harbor Annapolis and Annapolis Yacht Basin, but there are many marinas in the area.
We will provide details for a pre-booked box lunch.