What we do
Ocean sailing for Adventurous Souls
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Outer Passage offers a unique opportunity to explore the sailing lifestyle aboard a performance cruising catamaran. Whether youβre new to sailing, looking to build miles, or simply curious about cruising, each bespoke adventure provides hands-on involvementβfrom route planning and weather forecasting to optimizing sail trim and anchoring techniques. Gain the experience, skills, and confidence needed to embrace the freedom and pure adventure of life on the open water.
The Boat
Meet βPippilottaβ a Balance 526
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A Pure Sailing Machine
One of the latest 526's from Balance, built by Nexus Yachts in South Africa, Pippilotta sets a new standard for performance luxury cruising. With her carbon reinforced hull and epoxy construction, she sails like a racer yet remains amazingly easy to operate and maintain.
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a helm station you'll love
Balance Catamarans are the creators of the VersaHelmβ’, allowing Pippilotta to be piloted up top in the open air, or down below in the protected copit when in inclimate weather. Whether up or down, each position offers four-corner visibility, making sailing safer, easier, and an absolute pleasure.
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Luxury Accomodations
Known for their semi-custom builds, this Balance 526 has an incredible bespoke luxury interior. With distinctive veneers and euro-style accents, you will be nothing short of impressed as you cozy into your private stateroom.
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Length 52.5ft (16.0m)
Width 27.2ft (8.2m)
Draft 3.8ft (1.2m) / 7.2ft (2.2m) - Boards Down
Weight 12.5 metric tons (27,500 lbs)
Engines: Yanmar 57hp with saildrives and Gori folding propellers
Dessalator 100l/hr Watermaker
Batteries - 600ah at 48v of Victron Lithium Batteries (28.8KW!)
Over 2,500W of Solar
Integrel Solutions 48V High Output Alternators
Victron 120V & 230V inverters.
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Mainsail - 106 m2 / 1,141 ft2 - Full battens for maximum power with three reefs, utilizing single-line reefing from the cockpit for quick sail changes.
Working Jib - 43 m2 / 461 ft2 - Self tacking jib on roller furler.
Furling Staysail and Storm Jib on Removable Inner Stay
Spinnakers - Equipped with two flying headsails - 88 m2 / 947 ft2 Code 0 and a 240 m2 / 2,582 ft2 asymmetric spinnaker, both on furlers.
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The Balance 526 is equiped with three private double cabins. The guest cabins are located in the port hull, separated by a separate shower and head facilities. Each cabin has plenty of stowage, ample ventilation, and fantastic views. Your captain and first mate are located in the starboard cabin, which is also equiped with shower and head facilities.
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Centrally located, the galley is at the heart of our sailing. It offers a four-burner induction stove, convection microwave oven, coffee maker, and a voluminous double sink. We have lots of food storage in the double-stainless steel pull-out fridge and freezers. Great food makes for a happy crew!
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In certain situations, we may utilize the AST Tender to shuttle persons and supplies to and from shore. When not in use she is simply stowed under sturdy aft davits for easy launch and retrival.
FAQβs
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None! Whether youβre new to sailing and cruising or just multihull curious, no prior experience is required. We only ask for a sense of adventure and a positive attitude.
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passage /Λpasij/
nounthe act or process of moving through, under, over, or past something on the way from one place to another.
We call each one of our trips a βpassageβ whether itβs coastal cruising or offshore passagemaking.
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Losing sight of shore is not for the faint of heart, but it is one of the most rewarding experiences. We encourage all soon-to-be sailors to try their hand at passage making while learning the ropes from expert sailors at Outer Passage.
Itβs ok if you arenβt ready for that kind of voyage yet, we also offer coastal cruising passages which provide all the hands-on sailing you can muster, while enjoying a peaceful anchorage every night.
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As a crew member for our offshore passages, you will serve shifts called βwatches.β Basically, everyone will be assigned a watch in the daily schedule and a watch partner depending on experience and comfort level. Although our watch schedule is flexible, usually we rotate on 3-4 hour shifts.
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Living aboard is quite different than living on land.
On our coastal passages, you can get as involved as you want with the sailing, learn about all things sailing and boat life, from sail trim, anchoring and mooring to navigation and boat maintenance. Or sit back and relax as you enjoy life on the water, go snorkeling or explore ashore.
On our offshore passages, you will learn to sleep in shifts and sail at night. Everyone will be involved in every aspect of life onboard as we sail nonstop to our destination. Weβll take a deeper dive into topics like weather and route planning, boat polars, safety at sea, sail plans and provisioning.
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Outer Passage offers coastal and offshore passages from the East coast of the USA, Bahamas, Caribbean islands, and across the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Check our passages for upcoming salling locals!
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All prices are listed in each passage, and are priced per cabin, which can accommodate up to two persons per cabin, your option.
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Costs cover all expenses while on the boat, including food, drink, dockage, fuel and port fees. You will need to provide your own transportation to the port of departure and from the port of arrival. Depending on the port, the boat might be in a marina, mooring or on anchor. If we are out in the anchorage, we will pick you up via the dinghy or schedule a water taxi.
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We strongly encourage you to pack light. Keep in mind the itinerary and the season. Once signed up we will provide a more detailed suggested packing list.
We supply bedding (pillow & sheets), towels, basic toiletries and personal flotation devices (PFDs).
So just bring your own personal items in a soft travel bag - duffel or backpack. Hard wheely suitcases are strongly discouraged as they are difficult to store onboard - think carry-on sizes.
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We take food very seriously aboard! We like to cook fresh and flavorful dishes, and simply eat good food. We believe this is a great way to keep the morale high!
We will create a menu for the passage based on your food preferences and dietary restrictions, and stock the cupboards with a variety of snacks and drinks. All food and beverages aboard are included, however meals ashore are not.
NOTE: For safety, we do not allow drinking alcohol on our offshore passages. So enjoy the journey, learn sailing and discover what the ocean has to offerβ¦itβll make your first cold one taste that much better when youβve earned it!
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Offshore life raft (8 person)
PFDs and tethers
ePIRB & satellite phone
We are trained in First Aid and CPR with a fully-stocked medical kit to handle various medical situations. Please be honest with us about any medical conditions you have in advance so that we can be better prepared should any health concerns arise.
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The number one concern about going on a boat is seasickness. Some people get it and some donβt, but when you do, it can feel like one of the worst experiences. Luckily, it does eventually go away, between 24-48h, and usually the best cure is just getting sick and over with it, but here are a few remedies that we have found to help prevent seasickness.
Avoid going inside the cabins. Fresh air and looking at the horizon go a long way to help your inner ear.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine and spicy or acidic foods before departure.
Natural remedies such as ginger (chews, candies, ginger ale, tea etc)
Dramamine or other motion sickness drugs such as the patch - we tend not to use these because they can cause excessive drowsiness, however try taking these PRIOR to departure to see if this could work for you.
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Because this experience is very training-focused it is adults only. If you want to experience the boat life with your kids, we suggest a normal vacation yacht charter program. However, if you have an interested, eager and boating/sailing experienced teenager, we can discuss on a case by case basis.
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Take a look at our upcoming passages and fill out a new crew Sign Up form. If you have any questions or want to customize your experience please send us a message through the contact page.
Offshore and coastal Sail Training
Planning
Every successful passage begins with a thorough plan. Take part in all tasks required prior to hosting the sails. Together, we will delve into weather forecasting, routing, and safety procedures
hands-on
You choose your level of involvement in furthering your sailing education. We take a hands-on approach, putting you behind the helm. From trimming sails, setting the spinnaker, or making navigational decisions, our aim is to expand your knowledge and confidence as a sailor.
adventure
We love sailing aboard, but the fun doesnβt stop there. Our adventures are always located in beautiful and picturesque sailing locations. After the anchor is set, enjoy a rewarding hike, invigorating swim, or simply relax and relish in the dayβs experiences.