Onboard Repair Essentials
with Gio and Julie Cappelli | Pelagic Blue Cruising Services
Learn to build, store, and use an essential onboard tool and repair kit for cruising.
90 Minutes
English
Unlimited Access
Heading offshore or off-grid? Discover the tools we carry for boat maintenance and repair while cruising. Learn about our onboard toolkit, the essentials for extended cruises, and tips for selecting and storing tools to ensure durability. Perfect for sailors and cruisers who want a well-rounded repair kit for safe, comfortable journeys
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Maintaining and refitting a cruising boat takes time, skill, plus a healthy budget. And if you’re heading offshore or to isolated atolls, you also need to bring the right tools to take care of your boat. But what tools are truly essential? What are the most important factors to consider when selecting your tools and stocking your repair kit? How can you leave prepared to tackle most of the projects or issues you’re likely to encounter? We’ll cover all that and then some in this class! It’s a must for any sailor or cruiser who wants to understand how to build, store, and use a well-rounded onboard tool and repair kit that will keep you cruising safely and comfortably, particularly if you are heading offshore or on an extended cruise.
List of Topics:
- What tools we carry onboard and why
- What we stock in our repair kit for offshore or long cruises
- How to select and store tools properly to maximize longevity
- Specialized tools and supplies for mechanical and electrical systems, rigging, sails, and more
- Common repairs and projects you should be prepared to address
- Resources and recommendations for acquiring hands-on repair skills
- How to become a self-sufficient sailor and competent cruiser for offshore and remote cruising
Your Instructors
GIO & JULIE CAPPELLI
Pelagic Blue Cruising Services
Gio and Julie Cappelli took a “seabattical” from their careers as marine biologists in 2021 and opted not to return to terrestrial life. They’ve since graduated from Skagit Valley College’s Marine Maintenance Technology program, earned ABYC and NMEA certifications, and are USCG Masters. They’ve sailed 30,000 miles through the Pacific, plus 10,000 miles as expedition staff on National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions ships in Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington. They lead sail training expeditions in their favorite places across the globe that focus on preparing students for safe and comfortable bluewater cruising on their own boats. In addition to running Pelagic Blue, they teach offshore cruising workshops and classes with John Neal of Mahina Offshore Services and the American Sailing Association (ASA). When not at sea they enjoy hiking, fishing, planning their next cruise, and helping their clients prepare to set sail.
Gio Cappelli is an ABYC certified Marine Diesel Engines and Marine Systems Technician. He’s been working on cars, boats, and houses for decades and previously worked as a fish biologist and motorboat operator instructor for the Department of Interior. He loves a good mechanical or electrical challenge and is a champion spearfisherman. His life goal is to spearfish in every ocean on the planet. Brrr!
Julie Cappelli used to be terrified of electricity but is now ABYC certified in Marine Electrical and a NMEA certified Electronics and Advanced NMEA2000 Installer. She’s been trying to grow a set of gills her entire life, and has worked as a marine biologist, scuba instructor, and expedition leader. She loves a good electrical or cruising logistics challenge and is an absolute genius when it comes to tracking down the gremlins hiding in your boat’s networks. Her life goal is to meet every species of whale in every ocean on the planet. There are about 94 currently recognized species and so far, she's got 18!
