OFFSHORE SAILING TRAINING PASSAGES

Offshore Sailing Training passages are the heart and soul of John Kretschmer Sailing. These trips  are unique and so are the people who find their way aboard. I am not a sailing school, there are plenty of those around and many do a fine job of teaching offshore sailing skills. What we do is different. We make passages, we make voyages. They’re real, sometimes all too real, you are part of the crew. Each passage is comprised of crew-members with varying levels of experience and we learn from each other. I learn something new on every trip. And you learn  by doing, life aboard Quetzal is the epitome of hands-on training.

Stand watch in fair weather and foul. Reef the main when it’s blowing–maybe even blowing a gale. Help with repairs, meals, and the dirty dishes. Lastly, you will revel in landfalls, because everyone shares the navigational responsibilities. In order to instill confidence, there is nothing like navigating when it really counts. You can draw as much from a passage as you’re willing to put into it. You may master celestial navigation and you may learn to bake bread. Or you may be more interested in learning how to pace yourself through a long voyage. Passage making requires a mix of philosophy and skills. And one thing I know from experience, you will have a lot of fun and laughs and make profound friendships.

However, don’t just take my word for it. Read some of the folks who have completed passages with JK Sailing and Ocean Passages.

Preview schedules by Year and Tab, scroll down to view Ultima’s schedule.

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John Kretschmer Sailing & Workshop Schedule 2023

Find our schedule in the table below and keep scrolling down to see Nathan and Vivian's available passages aboard Ultima.

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John Kretschmer Sailing & Workshop Schedule 2024

Find our schedule in the table below and keep scrolling down to see Nathan and Vivian's available passages aboard Ultima.

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

Ultima Sailing & Workshop Schedule 2024

Many thanks for your interest in John Kretschmer Sailing, we appreciate your ongoing support and friendship through the years. 

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Ultima Sailing & Workshop Schedule 2025

Many thanks for your interest in John Kretschmer Sailing, we appreciate your ongoing support and friendship through the years. 

Best viewed in landscape mode. Scroll left and right to see the full table.

What is there to say about John Kretschmer that you will not have already read multiple times? Oh sure, when you sail with him you will learn about boats, and ports, and navigation- and many other things as well. As one of the most experienced sailors in the world, his expertise and experience are axiomatic. But this comes to you in such a gentle way, with such humility and generosity and good humor, that you are immediately set at ease. After leaving and reflecting upon your time at sea, you will realize you have been in the presence of a man whose humanity is as transcendent and powerful as the ocean he calls home. You will be not only a better sailor, but also a better person.

Guy Dugan

Chicago, IL

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