boot bluewater-Seminar 2027

Extensive Bluewater Expertise for Long-Distance Cruisers | 23 & 24 January

Who is the Bluewater Seminar 2027 for?

The seminar is aimed at sailors who are planning an extended voyage or would like to prepare specifically for bluewater sailing. No special prior knowledge is required, although practical sailing experience is helpful.

Aspiring long-distance cruisers planning their first extended voyage or circumnavigation.
Skippers looking to deepen their knowledge of planning, equipment and safety.
Crew members preparing for a long-distance voyage together.
Sailors with limited experience seeking practical guidance for future cruises.
Experienced sailors wishing to refresh their knowledge in individual areas such as weather, technical matters or communications.
The seminar ticket includes admission to the trade fair on both seminar days, as well as on Monday, 25 January 2027.

The seminar is less suitable for people who only plan short day trips or weekend sailing without an interest in long-distance cruising and bluewater topics.

How can I best prepare for a long-distance voyage?

At boot Düsseldorf, aspiring long-distance cruisers can gain practical advice on preparing for their voyage at the 18th Bluewater Seminar. Whether planning a circumnavigation, an Atlantic crossing or a Mediterranean cruise, the focus is on topics such as equipment, safety and voyage planning.

Organised by BLAUWASSER.DE and led by circumnavigator Sönke Roever, the seminar combines expert knowledge with practical experience. Participants will learn how to avoid common mistakes, make well-informed decisions and save unnecessary costs when preparing and equipping their boat.

Dates, Prices and Services

Dates

Saturday, 23 January 2027, from 12.00 pm to 7.30 pm (including a lunch break)
Sunday, 24 January 2027, from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm (including a lunch break)

Prices

EUR 199,00
EUR 99,00 for an accompanying person

Services

Drinks included on both seminar days
Trade fair admission tickets for both days, plus Monday, 25 January 2027
Free participation in the online seminar “Energy Management” in February 2027
€10 discount on "Bluewater Sailing Compact" and "1,200 Days of Saturday"

Seminarsprache

German

Secure your ticket for the bluewater Seminar now

Program

Saturday, 23 January 2027

12:00

Bluewater Yacht and Sails: with Sönke Roever

Monohull and multihull yachts, hull materials and hull designs
Sizing, engine options, tank capacities and sail equipment
Sail plans for light winds, downwind sailing and storms, as well as reefing systems

13:15

Break

13:30

Medical Preparation and On-Board First Aid Kit: with Dr Stefanie Kamke

Medical voyage planning and preparation of on-board medical supplies
First aid kit, equipment, vaccinations and medical training
Preventing and managing seasickness, plus individual advice for sailors

14:15

Break

14:30

Highlights of a Circumnavigation: with Finn-Ove Putensen and Talissa Hackbarth (@Sailing.Beluga)

36,000 nautical miles and 3.5 years aboard BELUGA
Route from the Mediterranean via the Atlantic, Caribbean, Panama Canal, South Pacific and Asia, back to Europe
Experiences, challenges and special moments from a circumnavigation

17:00

Break and change of venue

17:30

Seven Colours (optional): with Jonathan Buttmann and Claudia Clawien (Radiopelicano)

Seven years of adventure at sea, despite having little sailing experience at the outset
A journey beyond the usual sailing routes, from Berlin to Kiribati in the Pacific
21,000 nautical miles filled with experiences, challenges and remarkable encounters

(c) Thomas Rainer

18:00

boot Happy Hour powered by BLAUWASSER.DE (Hall 15)

Meet and exchange ideas with speakers, seminar participants and well-known sailors from the sailing community
A networking opportunity for crews setting off on long-distance voyages in the same year
A relaxed end to the day with complimentary drinks, supported by boot Düsseldorf and Pantaenius

19:30

Sunday, 24 January 2027

09:00

Welcome: Petros Michelidakis

09:10

Communication on a Bluewater Yacht: with Johannes Erdmann

Mobile and satellite communications, VHF marine radio and HF radio
Internet, Wi-Fi, email and onboard networking systems
Weather information via NAVTEX, weather fax and GRIB data

10:00

Break

10:15

Bluewater Weather: with Jonathan Buttmann

Weather windows, forecast models and key weather parameters for passage planning
Software, weather routing and forecast reliability
Managing calms, squalls and tropical cyclones at sea

11:00

Break

11:15

Safety on Board: with Sönke Roever, special guests Martin Daldrup (M Jambo Sailing) and Jörg Flackus (Federal Police Piracy Prevention Centre)

12:30

Lunch Break

(c) Thomas Rainer

13:15

Bluewater Insurance: with Dirk Ammann

Choosing the right insurance cover for long-distance cruisers
An overview of hull, third-party liability, personal accident, legal expenses and health insurance
Advice drawn from over 20 years of experience advising bluewater sailors

13:45

Break

14:00

Everyday Bluewater Cruising and Costs: with Dr Judith Roever and Sönke Roever

Authorities, documents, provisions and onboard organisation
Food, fresh water, energy, storage space and practical everyday tips
Costs for maintenance, repairs, berths, fuel, communications and leisure activities

15:00

End

Speaker

Sönke Roever

Editor-in-Chief and Founder of BLAUWASSER.DE

Jonathan Buttmann

Ocean sailor and editor at BLAUWASSER.DE

Dr. Robert Möckel

Marine engineer

Dirk Ammann

Sales and Underwriting Coordinator at Pantaenius

Johannes Erdmann

Naval architect and watersports journalist

Dr. Stefanie Kamke

Doctor and sailor since her youth

Martin Daldrup

Sailor (M Jambo Sailing) with shipwreck experience

Jörg Flackus

Federal Police Piracy Prevention Centre

Dr. Judith Roever

Circumnavigator and PhD-qualified pharmacist

F. Putensen und T. Hackbarth

Circumnavigator (@Sailing.Beluga)

What Makes a Bluewater Yacht?

A bluewater yacht is equipped for extended and largely self-sufficient passages on the open sea. However, there is no single boat design that is equally suitable for every crew and sailing route. What matters is that the yacht is reliable, safe and suited to the voyage being planned.

Bluewater Life: More Than Sailing on the Open Sea

Bluewater cruising means freedom, new destinations and memorable experiences. At the same time, the yacht becomes home during a long-distance voyage.

Energy, fresh water, food, spare parts, communication and medical care often have to be managed independently for extended periods. There are also official formalities, entry requirements, insurance, maintenance work and ongoing costs for berths, fuel, repairs and provisions.

Living together in a confined space and dividing responsibilities within the crew also shape everyday life. During the seminar, experienced long-distance cruisers speak openly about these challenges.

This gives participants a realistic understanding of how to turn the dream of bluewater sailing into a sound and workable plan.

Bluewater Seminar Testimonials

“Thank you for the excellent Bluewater Seminar. I learned so many new things from you and came away with plenty of inspiration. It has taken me a big step further in planning our circumnavigation!” — boot 2026 visitor

“I would like to thank you for the professional event. For me, there were two key takeaways: first, the reassurance that I am on the right track in my approach and thinking; and second, a clear structure for the preparations that are needed. It is no longer an overwhelming chaos that makes planning a longer voyage difficult. Thank you very much!” — boot 2025 visitor

“Finally, someone has presented topics such as energy management in an exemplary way.” — boot 2024 visitor

Questions and Answers about the Bluewater Seminar

What is bluewater sailing?

Bluewater sailing refers to sailing on the open ocean, far from coasts, harbours and marinas. The term comes from the deep blue colour of the water offshore. Sailors often spend days or even weeks without land in sight and need to be largely self-sufficient.

What distinguishes bluewater sailing from coastal or cruising sailing?

Bluewater sailing is the most demanding form of cruising, combining long-distance voyages, self-sufficiency and life on the open sea.

Who is the Bluewater Seminar suitable for?

The boot Bluewater Seminar is aimed at sailors planning longer cruises or extended voyages who want practical preparation in areas such as safety, weather, equipment and life on board. Experienced coastal and cruising sailors can also benefit from the advice and experience shared by seasoned bluewater sailors.

How do you prepare for a longer bluewater sailing voyage?

Careful preparation includes choosing and equipping the boat, planning for safety and weather, provisioning, and organising navigation, energy supply and crew. The boot Bluewater Seminar provides practical guidance on what matters most and how to avoid common mistakes during the planning stage.

What requirements must a bluewater yacht meet?

A bluewater yacht should be seaworthy, reliable and designed for long, self-sufficient voyages. Key requirements include robust construction, suitable safety equipment, and sufficient storage, energy and water capacity for extended passages.

Which topics are particularly important for long-distance cruising?

Key topics include onboard safety, weather and weather routing, navigation, energy and water supply, medical preparation, provisioning, and careful passage and crew planning. Good preparation in these areas makes a significant contribution to a safe and successful long-distance voyage.

What do participants learn at the boot Bluewater Seminar?

Participants gain practical knowledge across all key aspects of long-distance cruising - from boats and equipment to weather, safety and navigation, as well as energy supply, provisioning and life on board. Experienced bluewater sailors also share valuable real-world advice and show how to avoid common mistakes when planning a passage.