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 16 and 17 May 2015.

Following the success of their first event last year, World Cruising Club will be running the Bluewater Open Boat weekend to help cruisers plan their ocean adventure. It is primarily aimed at people ‘in the boat search phase of countdown to offshore cruising’.

There will be a range of seminars on topics such as cruising techniques, sails, rigging and safety, and owners who have already completed a long cruise will be on hand to discuss choosing a boat, planning a refit, managing costs and what gear to fit.

A range of different styles and layouts of fully fitted offshore cruising boats will be on display for visitors to climb on board, and there will be a series of talks on key aspects of bluewater boat selection and planning for offshore cruising. Speaking sessions will be staggered throughout the weekend, allowing plenty of time to view boats, discuss equipment requirements, and chat with experienced bluewater cruisers about their personal experiences.

The weekend is free to attend with advance registration. You can even sail to the event, provided you reserve a berth and there will be a Saturday evening dinner for those who want to socialise with other cruisers.

The seminar topics will be:

Rallies & Routes: what, where, when and how
If you are thinking about the ARC as your launchpad to bluewater adventures, 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.

Bluewater cruising techniques

A Q&A session with a panel of experienced bluewater cruisers, with the focus on techniques, great places to cruise and boat selections/preferences.

What to look for in a bluewater yacht

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 boat preparation for bluewater cruising.

Sails and rigging

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

You can find out more and sign up at www.worldcruising.com/training