Watchkeeping & Passage Planning
with Teresa Carey & Ben Eriksen Carey
Learn how preparation and good routines help make multi-day passages safe and fun
Planning a multi-day passage can be thrilling or daunting depending on the skill level of the crew. But we want to make it easier for your shipmates to sleep well while you’re on watch, and for the watchkeeper to stay alert and on task. This online class will give you ideas for how to run a tight ship to have a smooth sail. While this class is geared towards shorter near coastal hops of 300-400 miles, the concepts are the same for longer ocean passages.
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Who is this online class for?
Designed for sailors who want to make a 3-4 day passage but have never sailed overnight, out of sight of land, or those who have but didn’t feel safe or confident. We’ll show you how to set yourself up for success with proper preparations and good routines that will boost confidence and make the experience fun! Join us to gain a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate the intricacies of passages while ensuring safety and peace of mind.
List of Topics
- Passage making basics
- Weather tools
- Setting realistic goals
- Routing for comfort and speed
- Offshore communication options
- Essential safety gear
- The logbook
- Preparing your crew for night travel
- System checks
- Energy management
- Efficient sleep rotations
- Maintaining situational awareness
- Approaching other vessels
- Safe sail changes at night
Your Instructors
TERESA CAREY
Teresa Carey is a US Coast Guard licensed captain, writer, and educator. Teresa is the co-owner of Morse Alpha Expeditions, a coastal and offshore sail-training program in the Atlantic. She has worked aboard a variety of sail and power boats like schooners, motor yachts, sailing yachts, and even a lobster boat — as the captain, educator, delivery crew, and charter boat captain. She taught for sea programs such as Outward Bound and has also been a Marine Science educator. Teresa lived aboard a 27-foot boat and sailed the northern Atlantic solo for a few years. She has given inspiring talks, such as her 2011 TED talk and 2012 National Women’s Sailing Association Keynote Speaker Address. She is also a science journalist and podcast producer, and she writes for NPR, Buzzfeed, The Smithsonian, and more.
BEN ERIKSEN CAREY
Ben Eriksen Carey holds a 200-ton US Coast Guard Master’s License, and a 500-ton Mate. He is co-owner of Morse Alpha Expeditions, a coastal and offshore sail-training program. He has worked aboard schooners, tugboats, sailing, and motor yachts — as captain, mate, and even dishwasher. Ben has a long list of maritime certifications including safety, firefighting, medical, etc. He began his sea life as a clammer in Stonybrook Harbor, NY. Ben pursued a degree in Human Ecology from Connecticut College with a focus on marine biology. In 1992 Ben attended the Sea Education Association (SEA) program, which sparked his love for sailing. He lived aboard Elizabeth, his 28ft cutter while chasing his girlfriend Teresa’s 27ft sloop, Daphne for several years. It worked because now they are married. He is excited to teach cruising and sailing again this summer with Morse Alpha Expeditions.
