I took part in the “Offshore Navigation…
I took part in the “Offshore Navigation Foundations” by Off Watch Labs and overall I’m very satisfied with the course.
What stands out most is the clear and well-thought-out structure. The content builds up logically, making it easy to follow even without prior experience. I personally had little experience with regatta navigation before and mainly relied on mobile apps for weather forecasts as well as Navionics. This course is an ideal next step.
The small group format is a big advantage. It allows for meaningful exchange with other participants and significantly improves understanding. There is also a WhatsApp group, which remains very valuable for sharing experiences even after the course.
Content-wise, the course goes far beyond just using tools. You learn how to better understand and combine different data sources—such as wind, waves, and currents—and integrate them into desktop tools. The course mainly uses Expedition (probably one of the best tools on the market), but the concepts and key takeaways can easily be applied to other routing software as well.
In addition to weather and polar data, there is a strong focus on structuring the overall routing process—from pre-race preparation to decision-making on board. I also found the provided documents and templates particularly useful, as they can be directly used for crew briefings.
Overall, the course is very well designed. Of course, you need to invest some time afterward to apply what you’ve learned—but that worked well for me. I was able to improve my skills relatively quickly and take them to a new level.
Clear recommendation for anyone looking to seriously improve their navigation and routing skills.
12 de marzo de 2026
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