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Choosing for Offshore Cruising at the Bluewater Weekend



Bluewater Weekend: 20 and 21 May 2017, Lymington UK

More than just a boat show, more than a seminar, and more than simply a cruiser rendezvous; the ARC Bluewater Weekend is a truly unique combination of all three and more still. Designed to encourage visitors think about all aspects of living their bluewater dream, the Bluewater Weekend is a chance to view a wide range of offshore cruising boats to suit all budgets, and meet experts in refits, sails, rigging and boat equipment, all whist mixing and chatting with experienced offshore cruisers in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

We have joined together with leading offshore yacht broker Berthon International, to host a weekend of conversation about bluewater cruising at Berthon’s Lymington UK base on 20 and 21 May 2017. The two day event is free to attend, with an optional sailing supper on the Saturday evening (£20). Attendees will need to pre-register here - The weekend has proved extremely popular in the past and we encourage you to sign up early if you are keen to join us. 

Previous World Cruising Club rally participants are also invited to bring their own boats to the weekend, and share their personal experiences offering "open boat" viewing to other cruisers - contact us at [email protected]

During the weekend, a selection of fine examples of bluewater boats will be open for viewing, hosted by experienced offshore skippers, many of whom have sailed the ARC or around the world.  Mix, mingle and chat about bluewater sailing that is the aim of the weekend. 

Balancing out the dockside chat will be a series of seminar presentations and discussions about how to embark on your bluewater dream. Members of the Berthon brokerage team will present a case study of a boat purchase and refit, and Hamble School of Yachting will help you understand the key skills to you need to master for successful bluewater cruising. Cruising skippers who have been there and done it are also on hand to share their personal experience with the visitors in one-to-one chats and in group discussions. So if you have pondered about boat size versus wallet size; centre cockpit or aft cockpit; mono or multi, then these are the questions the Bluewater Weekend will discuss.

Whilst there may no easy answer to many of these questions, as any yacht club bar conversation will prove, by holding the discussion alongside a portfolio of varying sizes, types and styles of cruising boats, visitors can look, view and think about what might be right for launching their own bluewater dream.

Provisional Seminar Programme

Yacht Cradle to Cruiser – the story of a bluewater boat purchase and refit
Leading bluewater yacht brokers Berthon present a light-hearted guide to buying a boat using a recent yacht sale as a case-study.
Coffee with the Experts – one to one with industry professionals
Our assembled experts will answer your questions on boat refits, communications equipment, sail training; charts and pilot books; boat management; marine insurance; buying a boat and selecting sails.
Training for Cruising
Understand the key skills to you need to master for successful bluewater cruising. We also take a look at the safety equipment you will need for crossing oceans with the ARC.
Rallies & Routes: what, where, when and how
Thinking about the ARC as your Launchpad to bluewater adventures, then this session will help you understand what is involved and how to begin your preparations.
ARC Briefing
Aimed at those sailing the ARC in 2017, but open to all comers, the briefing will cover the route south, marinas, Las Palmas and St. Lucia programmes and ideas for Caribbean cruising.
Living the Dream – cruising tales from around the world
A conversation about cruising with bluewater skippers – those who have been there and “lived the dream” of exploring the world on their boat. Be prepared to be inspired!
Cruising as a Couple – tips for enjoying your sailing life together
A panel discussion with three cruising couples sharing their top tips for transitioning to long-term life afloat and maintaining harmony on board.
Yard Tours
Guided tours of the Berthon Boatyard running throughout the weekend.



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