Choosing & Refitting an older boat for Circumnavigating

Logistics of the Circumnavigating Workshop

This will be a lecture based classroom presentation. We will start in the morning, light snacks, coffee, and lunch will be provided, and continue through the afternoon. We will block an hour after lunch to answer questions. Please send questions ahead of time to our email // info@sailoceanpassages.com

A single day deep dive into selecting a capable boat and making the right modifications for making comfortable ocean crossings. Focusing on what systems to prioritize, we will share firsthand lessons in preparing boats for offshore sailing and keeping them sailing on extended cruises around the world. We will provide details on installing modern systems on cruising boats with emphasis on keeping costs down while prioritizing safety and usability. Keeping in mind the goal of getting you ready to untie the dock lines and start crossing oceans!

Location TBD in Fort Lauderdale, FL on November 17, 2025

Price: $375 per person

To Sign-Up, email info@sailoceanpassages.com

Some Topics Covered // 

  • Selecting a boat for world cruising: what to look for, how to do an initial survey,  and a short list of my favorite boats.
  • The intricacies and specific of installing systems: solar, refrigeration, electronic instruments, windvane steering, and even starlink.
  • How to and when to replace versus maintain aging boat hardware such as hatches, port lights,  thru hulls, winches, and steering systems.
  • Adding big modifications like hard dodgers, biminis, and arches. Lesser thought about safety equipment like hand rails, and granny bars.
  • Keeping your boat moving: rigging, sails, and diesel engine DIY, how and why they are equally important. Expanding on some of the rigging techniques covered in JKU and a discussion on diesel maintenance, mechanical skills, and important spares to carry.

John Kretschmer Workshop Schedule 2026

Best viewed in landscape mode on mobile devices. Scroll right to left to see full table. 

testimonial

If you want to prepare for an offshore passage or cruise around the world on your own, getting on a workshop or an Ultima passage with Nathan and Vivian is the way to go. They hold a wealth of knowledge and experience, and what’s unique in the industry is their sociability.

I now have a mental checklist of ideas from them to keep friendships going well past the passage.

When I wonder how I overcome immense challenges now, I can trace my skills back to this wonderful learning experience.

Ken Chung

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