Sailboat Refit for Blue Water Cruising
with Nicolas Authier
Learn the right approach to outfitting a sailboat for blue water cruising.
Finding the perfect well-equipped cruising boat isn't always possible but with the right approach, you can consider outfitting any viable sailboat for blue water cruising. Sailing and cruising have always been lifelong passions for me and in October 2012 it was time to go cruising so I purchased a brand new 2013 Bavaria Cruiser 40. After 10 years, here is my perspective on whether or not a production boat is an appropriate platform to turn those cruising dreams into reality.
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ONLINE COURSE OVERVIEW
This online class explores the realities of converting a standard modern production sailboat to a capable world ocean cruiser. Learn about vessel selection and the equipment you'll need. Gain an understanding of the compromises between the vessel’s quality and its cost, along with the maintenance required to keep a vessel seaworthy.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
- Boat selection
- Financial consideration for cruising life
- Boat configuration and equipment selection
- Sail wardrobe
- Dinghy selection
- Renewable energy on-board
- Navigation option destinations
Your Host
Nicolas Authier
Nicolas Authier began his sailing journey in June 1977, navigating an Invitation dinghy at Old Orchard Beach, Maine. He later sailed a 1984 Kelt 8.50 on Lake Champlain in upstate New York. Over the years, he became an avid windsurfer on the lakes around Montreal, later expanding his skills to the Caribbean and Maui. During this period, he also sailed high-performance 20-foot catamarans.
There is never enough sailing in Nic’s life. After 11 years of service as a CC-130H pilot in the Canadian Air Force, he purchased a brand-new Bavaria Cruiser 40 in 2013 and set off on new adventures. He has extensively sailed the U.S. East Coast and the Mediterranean Sea, from Sicily to Gibraltar. His voyages include a North Atlantic crossing and a Pacific journey from Panama to California via the Galapagos Islands. And countless trips from California to Mexico and the Sea of Cortez.
In 2019, after completely refitting Paradigme 2.0 and waiting for the COVID-19 pandemic to subside, Nic embarked on a voyage from Mexico to French Polynesia, then to Hawaii, and finally back to California.
Throughout his oceanic journeys, Nic has leveraged his robust sailing skills, honed through years of small boat and windsurfing experience, combined with his professional aviation background, to accomplish safe and successful ocean passages. He loves sharing his knowledge and experience through online classes and onboard sailing lessons.
