Bluewater Weekend inspires, educates and entertains those looking to liveaboard

 Over 150 eager cruising sailors joined the fourth edition of the Bluewater Weekend at Berthon Marina in Lymington on 20-21 May. Many were starting out on the first steps toward a long-term dream of live-aboard cruising, and speaking to those that have sailed thousands of miles all over the world provided an inspirational and thought-provoking weekend. Dockside conversations with previous ARC sailors, and the opportunity to climb on board their boats offered the chance to talk about the 'nuts and bolts' of turning a dream into reality. 

New Forest locals, Simon and Jean Stell attended the two-day event for the first time. "It was a most interesting weekend, both with the great seminars, and the opportunity to meet experienced live-aboard cruising people, who generously shared their vast knowledge of long term cruising. It was an invaluable opportunity for us to meet such nice and helpful people who were imparting their knowledge but also the folks we met over dinner and over coffee who were thinking and already planning similar ventures. All of this helped us to realise that we could possibly undertake something of this nature ourselves."

The Bluewater Weekend has become an annual highlight of WCC's training calendar. Assembling seasoned cruisers, previous participants and industry experts for panel discussions, one-to-one chats and in depth seminars held internationally provides great guidance for those looking cast off their lines and sail away. The regularly updated Training Page of the WCC website provides a list of upcoming forums, seminars and rendezvous, including:

• World ARC Breakfast Meeting in Sydney: Saturday 5 August
  World Cruising Club is hosting a breakfast meeting right beside the Sydney International Boat Show, at the Australian National Maritime Museum. The presentation will be an opportunity to discuss any aspects of the ARC and World ARC rallies face to face, plus meet with other likeminded cruising sailors in a relaxed and friendly environment. The presentation is free to attend, but spaces are limited, so please do let us know as soon as possible if you would like to join us. http://tinyurl.com/wccsydney17

• Ocean Sailing Forum in Southampton: Saturday 16 September
  This two hour panel discussion is a must for anyone considering making a long offshore passage; crossing the Bay of Biscay, the Atlantic or further bluewater cruising. It only costs £15 per person to benefit from all of this advice, and the price includes a ticket for the Southampton Boat Show. After the Forum, participants can visit the boat show and look at the equipment and boats mentioned during the discussion. Attendees are requested to register in advance at http://tinyurl.com/OSForum17

Ocean Cruising Seminar in Guildford: 16-18 March 2018
The Ocean Sailing Seminar combines classroom lectures with group discussions and one-on-one interaction with speakers and fellow students. An all-inclusive programme of seminar presentations, speaker materials, hotel accommodation, meals, and social time together combine to provide a cost-effective, enjoyable in-depth learning experience. Registration is open for the 2018 seminar with a £25 discount available on the delegate rates until 30 September 2017  http://tinyurl.com/OCseminar18