16 May 2026. Lymington, UK

If you're planning to do the ARC or World ARC and are interested in choosing a boat or preparing your boat for ocean sailing, come to our free open day in Lymington.

The Bluewater Day is a unique opportunity to discover more about ocean cruising life, connect with other like-minded cruisers and learn from experienced offshore skippers and marine experts.

Whether you already have your ‘dream boat’ or are at the dreaming stage, the Bluewater Day can help you on your way. Chat with experts, meet ARC skippers and mingle with other aspiring cruisers at this informative and relaxed open day. Our experts and skippers will share their knowledge, top tips, and ideas on all things connected with long-distance cruising.

Hop onboard our open boats – a mix of private boats and brokerage boats from Berthon International - and see how a bluewater cruiser is set up to sail; join group discussions; explore the Berthon refit facility and learn how to plan and prioritise your own refit.

Date: Saturday 16 May 2026

Time: 10:00-18:00

Where: Berton Marina, Lymington, UK

Cost: Free!  Registration in advance is essential. Please click the red button below:

Provisional Schedule

10:00    Registration and coffee
10:30    Boat buying & VAT with Berthon International
11:00    Countdown to departure - getting ready to set sail
11:30    Choosing for cruising - equipment
12:15    Safety demonstration in the marina
13:00-14:00    Break for lunch
14:00    Safety demonstration in the marina
14:30    Avoiding problems
15:00    Downwind sailing
15:30    My ARC adventure
16:15    Tour of Berthon's refit facilities
18:00    Close

Boats

ARC skippers have kindly volunteered to bring their boats to the Bluewater Day to demonstrate what an ARC-ready boat looks like, and are happy to chat and show you around. The 2026 open boats will be confirmed closer to the date, but our 2025 boats were:

• Bolero, Swan 47. Sailed in ARC Portugal 2022, ARC+ 2022 and ARC Baltic 2019
• JolieF, Rustler 42. Sailed in ARC 2024
• Sea Candy, Malo 42. Sailed in ARC 2017 and ARC+ 2022
• Blue Mist, Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42DS. Sailed in ARC 2021 and spent 3 years in the Caribbean
• Attitude, one-off alloy 50'. Sailed in ARC 2000 and circumnavigated
• Blonde Moment, Hallberg-Rassy 48. Sailed in ARC 2017, ARC+ 2022, ARC Europe 2018 and 2023
• Kelpie, Najad 391. Sailed in ARC+ 2018
• Lady J of Cowes, Oyster 53. Preparing for ocean cruising

In addition, there will be a curated selection of Berthon International bluewater brokerage boats - maybe you'll find your perfect boat at the Bluewater Day! See the range of boats for sale with Berthon.

Leading marine companies will be displaying their products, ready to answer your questions and help with decision-making. These include: Mactra Marine, PYD, Berthon, White Dot Sailing, Hamble School of Yachting, Admiral Marine Insurance and more.