5 January 2027 - V&A Waterfront, South Africa

Thinking about heading off on your own bluewater adventure? Join us in Cape Town for a unique opportunity to get advice, inspiration and first-hand insight from people who are already sailing around the world.

Held in partnership with Balance Catamarans and alongside the World ARC 2026–27 fleet, this is your chance to meet sailors who are around 12 months into their circumnavigation and hear what they’ve learned along the way. Find out what they wish they’d known before setting off, what has surprised them and what really matters when you’re thousands of miles from home.

You’ll also be able to explore a selection of bluewater boats, including both monohulls and multihulls, step aboard a Balance Catamaran, and speak to the people who design, sail and support boats for long-distance cruising. Talks throughout the afternoon will cover the practical side of preparing for an ocean adventure, from choosing the right boat and equipment to life at sea and the realities of a circumnavigation.

And because the World ARC fleet will be right there in the V&A Waterfront, you can see the boats and meet the crews who are actually putting all of this into practice.

As the afternoon draws to a close, join us for drinks on the docks with World ARC participants, speakers and fellow sailors. It’s a relaxed way to finish the day, ask those questions you didn’t get around to earlier and make connections with people who share your interest in bluewater sailing.

Date: 5 January 2027
Time: 13:30–20:00 
Where: Workshop 17 and on the docks at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Cost: Free

Advance registration is essential as space is limited - please click the red button below.

What to Expect

The afternoon will combine presentations, practical advice and plenty of opportunities to talk to experienced sailors and industry experts. The programme is still being finalised, but you can expect sessions covering:

• Preparing your boat and crew for long-distance cruising
• Choosing the right boat for your plans
• Bluewater sailing, equipment and maintenance
• The practicalities of life offshore
• First-hand experiences from World ARC participants
• The opportunity to step aboard a Balance Catamaran and explore World ARC boats

We’ll then head out onto the docks for drinks and an informal chance to continue the conversation.

If bluewater sailing is on your radar, this is an event not to miss. Register now and come and find out what it really takes to go cruising around the world.