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10-DAYS OF OFFSHORE SAILING

OFFSHORE COURSE

10 days – 2 days of preparation + 8 days of cruising with 24h watches and real offshore conditions

Duration10 days
AccommodationOn board
Participants4–6
Price1400–2200 EUR
LocationPunat–Palagruža–Punat
PrerequisitesBasic sailing
Offshore Sailing Course
NAS Sailing Center

Course Format

2 days of preparation + 8 days of cruising
Location: Punat – Palagruža – Punat
Vessel: Dolphin 50 "Amica"
Group: 4–6 participants
Schedule: 24h with watch changes every 2–4 hours

What You Will Learn

  • Train participants to plan and execute a multi-day offshore route (100–200 NM): from corridor selection and alternatives to adjustments according to weather and sea state.
  • Establish an effective watch system: organization of 2–3 hour watches, watch handover, maintaining situational awareness and fatigue management.
  • Develop safe night navigation in real conditions: planning, lighting and sectors, waypoints, position checks and radar traffic monitoring.
  • Advanced use of navigation tools: paper and digital charts, layline planning, influence of currents and waves, and use of AIS (and radar where available).
  • Prepare the vessel and crew for long passages: system checks, sails and equipment inspection, verification of safety systems and establishment of clear procedures and checklists.
  • Practice and apply offshore safety procedures: VHF protocols (Mayday/Pan-Pan), emergency plans, emergency simulations and MOB maneuvers under sail and engine.
  • Increase stability and efficiency on long legs: sail trim for "long passage", speed optimization, vessel handling in stronger wind and demanding sea conditions.
  • Develop an operational routine for life onboard during offshore passages: teamwork, task allocation, basic logistics (rest, meals) and maintaining crew functionality.

Program

DAY 1 – THEORETICAL INTRODUCTION & SAFETY

  • Offshore equipment (personal + vessel)
  • Safety procedures, mayday, pan-pan
  • Route planning and weather forecasts
  • Night navigation – basics

DAY 2 – VESSEL PREPARATION + SAFETY MANEUVERS

  • Vessel inspection for long passage
  • Preparation of mast, sails and safety systems
  • MOB maneuvers under sail and engine
  • Emergency situation simulations

DAY 3/5 – ADVANCED NAVIGATION (DAY AND NIGHT)

  • Working with paper/digital charts
  • Laylines, currents, waves, long-range routes
  • Radar procedures and AIS
  • Sail trim for long routes
  • Night watches (first shorter night navigation)

DAY 6–9 – MULTI-DAY OFFSHORE PASSAGE

  • Departure on a longer route (100–200 NM)
  • Watch system – 2–3 hour shifts
  • Navigation by stars (basic references)
  • Vessel handling in stronger wind and sea
  • Speed and stability optimization
  • Night sailing, radar checks, waypoints
  • Life onboard in real conditions (cooking, rest, teamwork)

DAY 10 – RETURN + DEBRIEF

  • Final leg of the route
  • Analysis of decisions, route and weather conditions
  • Skills evaluation
  • Recommendations for further training and offshore practice

Note: The course program may change depending on weather conditions. The instructor will adapt the plan if necessary in order to ensure, in the given circumstances, the highest possible level of safety and course quality.