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Ocean Sailing Weekend 2026 UK



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.

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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

TRAINING FEATURES

Hamble School of Yachting Courses

Dates throughout 2025, Southampton UK

Hamble School of Yachting are running several specialist courses that are ideal for anyone preparing to cross an ocean. These take place in Hamble, near Southampton UK.


Click here for more info...


Bluewater Webinars

English language webinars on bluewater cruising topics. The schedule will be updated regularly - please check back
Click here for more info...


Ocean Sailing Weekend 2026 UK

21-22 March 2026, Hampshire, UK

An in-depth weekend of seminars on cruising topics, ideal for anyone sailing the ARC or independent ocean cruising.


Click here for more info...


Cruisers' Question Time - UK

20 September 2025, Southampton, UK

A popular two-hour Q&A session featuring real-life boat owners and crew sharing their knowledge and experience of ocean sailing. Held in Ocean Village, approx 15 minutes' walk to the boat show.


Click here for more info...


World ARC Seminar - UK

21 September 2025, Southampton UK

Interested in sailing round the world with World ARC? Come to our free breakfast presentation to learn more about the rally and the practicalities of circumnavigating. Join us in the morning then head over to Southampton Boat Show to look at boats and equipment.


Click here for more info...


Sailing South Seminar - UK

27 September, Southampton UK

The Sailing South Seminar is ideal for anyone planning to cross the Bay of Biscay and cruise the coast of Portugal before heading to the Canary Islands or into the Mediterranean. Aimed at those considering joining ARC Portugal or ARC, but everyone is welcome.


Click here for more info...


Annapolis Sailboat Show - USA

October 9-12, 2025, Annapolis MD

Come and talk to the World Cruising Club team on our booth at Annapolis Sailboat Show. We're happy to answer any questions and talk about all aspects of ocean sailing


Click here for more info...


World ARC Presentation - USA

Friday October 10, Annapolis MD

Breakfast presentation on the World ARC circumnavigation rally - route, options, boats and crew. Join us to learn more about sailing round the world with World ARC.


Click here for more info...


Sailing an Atlantic Circuit - USA

Saturday October 11, Annapolis MD

Join our breakfast seminar to answer your questions about sailing from North America for summer in Europe, and back to the Caribbean with the famous ARC rally. Or maybe you're considering buying a boat in Europe and sailing it home - plenty of people do. Click to read more...


Click here for more info...


Training Courses for Bluewater Cruisers

Hamble School of Yachting offer rally participants exclusive training dates and discounted prices for the ISAF Offshore Safety course, RYA Sea Survival and RYA First Aid courses.  These are highly recommended for any skippers and crew going offshore, and especially for anyone participating in or considering the ARC, ARC Portugal and World ARC.


Click here for more info...