A weekend of bluewater sailing knowledge
Ideal for anyone taking part in ARC 2026 or 2027, World ARC 2027-28 or simply dreaming about casting off and setting sail.
- When: Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 March 2026
- Where:Solent Hotel, Whiteley PO15 7AJ, UK
- Timings: Saturday 09:00-21:00 (including dinner), Sunday 09:00-16:00
- Cost: £290 per person.
- 'Early bird' discount £25 per person if booked before 19 December 2025.
- £20 discount per person for all registered ARC or ARC+ 2026 and World ARC 2027-28 skippers and crew (ask us for the code).
The Ocean Sailing Weekend covers a variety of subjects around the planning and preparation required for an offshore passage or round the world voyage. Speakers are chosen for their knowledge and expertise, and the event is an opportunity to learn from the experts and fellow cruisers.
Format
A series of classroom presentations and break-out sessions led by industry experts, with opportunities for questions and one-to-one discussions. Alongside the presentations is a mini exhibition of relevant equipment and services, so you can talk about watermakers, power, insurance, safety and other useful things.
There is plenty of time for networking with fellow delegates and presenters in session breaks, over lunch and at the evening drinks and dinner.
Programme
Saturday 21 March
- Introduction
- Planning and problem prevention
- Sails and rigging
- Safety
- lunch
- Choice of breakout/workshop sessions on topics including:MOB prevention & recovery, eating at sea, power generation, downwind sails, watermakers, rigging
- Drinks followed by dinner and inspirational talk
Sunday 22 March
- Choice of breakout/workshop sessions on topics including:first aid, ocean cruising, crew watches, power audit, family sailing, liferafts and outside assistance
- lunch
- Weather
- Countdown to departure
- Skipper panel
- Question time
Note: More information on session presenters coming soon. Delegates will choose breakout sessions in advance.
Included: The cost includes lunch and dinner on Saturday, lunch on Sunday and breaks on both days.
Accommodation: Accommodation is available at the Solent Hotel & Spa, delegates should book direct on the website solenthotel.co.uk or call 01489 880000 using code WCCBB
"It was really, really good - not only in discovering yet more unknown unknowns (!), but also to see and experience first hand how professional, knowledgeable, welcoming and friendly the WCC team is. It’s hugely reassuring to know me, my crew and our boat will be in such capable hands in the lead up to and during ARC+! So once again, thanks very much!" John Crosby
"Most informative and we feel it would have been unwise to embark on the ARC rally without attending it. The presentations were relevant and informative. The presenters were knowledgeable and enthusiastic." Michael Brooks
"What an excellent weekend. Learned a huge amount which has made me more confident for the Atlantic Crossing - and met new people, both fellow sailers and staff members." Pete Andrews