We both attended this 1½ day offshore cruising preparation course on 17th-18th November 2018 in Southport, Queensland. The course was presented by experienced mariners John & Lyn Martin, and John & Leanne Hembrow. The course was jam packed with heaps of useful information, tips and techniques about preparing to embark on an offshore cruise. The course touched on a range of topics, some of which are included below.
Major content areas included:
Preparing the vessel
- Equipment requirements and checks
- Navigation and charts
- At sea and offshore communication methods
- Weather forecasting – coastal and offshore
- Managing heavy weather
- Repairs at sea
- Emergencies at sea, search and rescue
- Keeping watch
- Log keeping
Preparing the people
- Safety protocols
- To crew or not to crew
- Medical matters including kits, seasickness
- Money matters
- Insurance
- Provisioning
- Staying sane
Sourcing products and services
Destination Research
Our thoughts:
Both John M and John H were great facilitators – knowledgeable, approachable and encouraged questions from the floor. They told it as it is and didn’t shy away from the challenges associated with offshore cruising.
Participants varied in their seamanship knowledge and experience, some people owned a boat (both mono and multihull were represented), others were looking to purchase in the future. They pitched the presentation at beginner – intermediate level, which was perfect for Sandra.
Lots of takeaways – information, ideas, equipment recommendations, course PPT presentations and additional resources, contacts with fun like-minded people, and 1 year post course email support – brilliant!
We both thoroughly enjoyed this course and would recommend it to anyone looking to embark on an offshore cruising adventure.
The course runs in both Queensland and NSW.
Course Fee: At the time of our course attendance, fees were $550.00 per ‘couple’ (the term couple is used quite loosely here) or $330.00 per single, fee includes GST and payment processing fees.
For more information we suggest you check out: www.downunderrally.com