Offshore Passage Making
Objective:
Cruising areas are often separated by open-water sails of 24 to 48 hours, and the ability to accomplish such a passage greatly expands the range and variety of one's cruises. For sailors that are ready for this level of challenge, Offshore Passage Making teaches the skills and self-reliance needed to confidently go over the horizon.
Qualifications:
The prerequisite is Boston Sailing Center's Coastal Passage Making Course or equivalent. Prospective students should have at least a season's worth of cruising or racing experience on boats in the 30 to 40 foot range, and must be proficient in basic sailing.
Please note that due to the rigorous nature of this course and the high level of responsibility demanded of each member of the crew, prospective students must meet with the instructor and receive approval from the Boston Sailing Center to enroll.
Format:
The course consists of a one day planning and practice session on Saturday June 9th, and then six days of sailing departing Tuesday June 12th and returning Sunday June 17th. The sailing includes a non-stop passage from Boston to Bar Harbor, Maine, two days exploring the Maine coast, and then a non-stop passage from Maine back to Boston.
Planning and Preparation:
The crew will meet on June 9th at the BSC. We'll review the vessel systems, demonstrate offshore safety and sailhandling techniques, discuss navigational requirements for an open-water passage, and rehearse as a team the basic sailing maneuvers on board Invictus, our C&C 40.
Topics covered will include:
- Changing headsails underway
- Reefing
- Rigging and use of a preventer
- Rigging an inner forestay and storm jib
- Storm trysail
- Use of running backstays
- Jacklines, harnesses, and personal safety equipment
- Menu planning
- Stowage
- Seasickness prevention
- Emergency radio protocol
- Weather analysis/Backup planning
- Fuel requirements
- Logkeeping
- Considerations for making landfall
Outbound Leg - Tuesday and Wednesday
Meet aboard at 9:00am to stow gear,
organize the watch system and develop a weather strategy for the passage. We will plan for a noon departure.
The trip to Bar Harbor is about 180 nautical miles, 30 to 40 hours depending on weather. The majority of the trip, over 100 miles, is out of sight of land and 30 miles from the nearest harbor.
Underway, we'll concentrate on keeping the boat moving efficiently while learning to live comfortably in offshore conditions. Students will alternate through the roles of watch captain, helm, deck crew, navigator and cook - developing a broad foundation of the skills needed to successfully undertake an offshore passage.
And, with luck, we'll see a few whales.
Coast of Maine - Thursday and Friday
Maine is renowned among cruising sailors both for its spectacular topography and challenging conditions. Steep rocky coasts, remote harbors and a relatively sparse population give the Maine coast its unique appeal, while strong currents, unmarked ledges, thickly placed lobster traps and the notorious fog demand a sailor's careful attention.
After recuperating in Bar Harbor with a shower, a meal ashore and a walk around town, we'll head west, along the coast, towards Penebscot Bay. This route will takes us through some of the area's best know passages, perhaps Eggomoggin Reach or the Fox Island Thoroughfare, and provide a chance to anchor at one the outlying islands for lunch, dinner or overnight.
The specific itinerary for this portion of the trip will be shaped by the weather, with an eye on the passage home. Evaluating conditions and determining the optimal plan is a valuable aspect of the course.
Homebound Leg - Friday through Sunday
We'll take our departure late Friday, headed for Boston. The return sail is normally a beat into the prevailing southwesterlies, and takes about 48 hours. For this leg of the trip, the students will take on a greater degree of leadership in running the boat, setting the schedule and planning the route. Expect to arrive at the Sailing Center Sunday afternoon.
Evaluations
At the end of the passage, the instructor will give each student a private, verbal evaluation offering a realistic assessment of skills attained, and appropriate next steps for further sailing. In addition, the instructor will complete a written evaluation that the Sailing Center will keep on file. Students may use these written evaluations as a reference when applying for a bareboat charter.
Equipment
The boat carries a medical kit, basic harnesses and PFDs, inflatable dinghy, paper charts, navigation tools, cruising guides and GPS. There is a 12v socket (cigar lighter) aboard, but phone service and internet connectivity range from unreliable to nonexistent.
Students should bring clothing, toiletries, bedding, medications, flashlights, music CDs and/or reading material, plus foul weather gear and boots. A personal GPS, binoculars, or other navigation gear is helpful but certainly not needed. Cruising sailors often own and carry a comfortable vest-style PFD, safety harness, or combination inflatable PFD/harness, and medium weight foul weather gear and boots. These are a good investment to make before departing on this course.
For a complete list of suggested gear see our Cruising Course Equipment List
The course fee includes food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel and mooring costs. Students should bring cash for any shoreside meals.
