Blue Water Rallies, in partnership with Yachting Monthly, is hosting two free cruising seminars this weekend at the London Boat Show.

YM’s technical guru, Nigel Calder, will appear at the sessions to explain how to choose the right boat for blue-water crusing. Other topics include avoiding piracy and lessons learned by former world-rally participants.

The workshops will be held in ExCel’s South Gallery auditorium from 1230 to 1430 on both Friday and Saturday.

The Cruising Association are also holding a seminar to pass on their knowledge to the public.

Its session on crossing the Bay of Biscay is at its headquarters in Limehouse, London this Sunday from 1400.

How to navigate the tidal gates of the Chenal du Four and the Raz de Sein will be included, as will the canal route to the Mediterranean and cruising destinations on the north coast of Spain.

The day includes dinner and costs £27.50 for non-members.

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