A free open boat weekend for bluewater sailors is being run by ARC rally organisers World Cruising Club at Berthon Boatyard in Lymington on the weekend of 14 and 15 May 2016.

Following the success of the previous two years, World Cruising Club have joined together with leading offshore yacht broker Berthon International, to host a weekend of conversation about bluewater cruising with the aim of helping cruisers plan their ocean adventure.

Designed to encourage visitors think about all aspects of living their bluewater dream, the 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.

The two day event is free to attend, but prospective bluewater sailors will need to pre-register. 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.

Balancing out the dockside chat will be a series of seminar presentations and discussions about how to embark on your bluewater dream (see provisional programme below). Cruising skippers who have been there and done it, will be on hand to share their personal experience with the visitors in one-to-one chats and in group discussions.

Visitors can attend for either or both days and admittance is free.  Information and registration at: http://tinyurl.com/bluewaterweekend-2016

Provisional Seminar Programme

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.

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.

ARC Briefing
Aimed at those sailing the ARC in 2016, but open to all comers, the briefing will cover the route south, marinas, Las Palmas and St. Lucia programmes and a Q&A session.

Bluewater Cruising Techniques
Panel discussion with experienced bluewater cruisers, looking at techniques for cruising, equipment choices and how to set up a boat for the live-aboard life.

Our Cruising Life – Rod & Lu Heikell
Rod Heikell, renowned cruising author long-term live-aboard sailor will be joined by his wife Lu, to talk about their cruising life afloat. Highlights of the years exploring the Mediterranean and the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean, providing the inspiration for his popular pilot books and guides.

What to look for in a Bluewater Boat
A Question & Answer session with a panel of experienced bluewater cruisers and industry experts, with the focus on boat selections/preferences, budgets and usage.

Refitting for Bluewater
A presentation by Berthon refit manager Keith Harris on key aspects of refitting your boat to properly prepare it for bluewater cruising.

Sails & Rigging Seminar
What any aspiring bluewater cruiser needs to know about yacht rigging and sails selection. Join our panel of expert riggers and sailmakers for a virtual tour of yacht rigs; discussion of sail types and materials.

Yard Tours
Guided tours of the Berthon Boatyard running throughout the weekend.

For more infotmation visit www.worldcruising.com