Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Get Set to Sail and Captain's Circle?

Get Set to Sail is for figuring out if this lifestyle is actually right for you, typically 2-3 years out from transitioning. It's about working out whether cruising actually meets what you and your family are after. Captain's Circle comes after that: you, your partner, and your family are all onboard and ready to transition, and you're ready to buy the boat and prepare for the life itself.

Do you offer ASA certifications?

Not ASA specifically, but you can add a recognized certification track through our partner NauticEd. Ask on a call which path fits what you're after.

Is there a payment plan?

Yes, on most programs. Book a call and one of our team will walk you through the payment options for the program you're looking at.

Do you help me buy a boat?

Yes. That's exactly what Captain's Circle is for, and it's the main reason most members join: boat buying services and transaction management are part of it, not a separate add-on. Captain's Circle comes after Get Set to Sail, once your plan is clear.

What does a boat buying coach actually do?

Your dedicated boat buying coach guides you through the entire purchase, not just the paperwork. We'll walk through what that looks like on a call.

Do you only work with catamarans?

No. Our members buy and cruise on monohulls, catamarans, and trawlers, and we'll help you weigh the trade-offs for your plans.

Will you do the survey or inspection on the boat I want to buy?

No. That's on purpose. We connect you with an independent surveyor who works only for you, not us. Then our team reviews the findings with you before you commit.

Does how I finance the boat change what I can do with it?

Sometimes. Some loan structures limit how far offshore or how far from home you can take the boat. It's worth checking before you commit to a lender. Ask us on a call.

Can you help me get insured?

Offshore insurance has gotten harder to find, but we work with the underwriters who still cover long-range cruising regularly. It's rarely about whether you can get insured. It's about how you go about it, and the right questions and level of detail to consider for this specific lifestyle. Ask us on a call.

How long do I have access?

We offer lifetime access to the Get Set to Sail training portal.

What if my partner isn't fully on board yet?

That's normal. It's the single most common thing that comes up on a call with us. Get Set to Sail works with the less-enthusiastic partner directly: shorter trial periods instead of a big first commitment, a written-out plan of what cruising actually looks like day to day, and honest conversations about the parts that worry them. You don't need full agreement to start the conversation.

What about our kids, or other family to consider?

Get Set to Sail is built around your whole situation, not just you and a partner. The plan accounts for family, timing, and what needs to be true for everyone before you commit to anything bigger. We also open the program to your whole family or crew, so everyone can go through the training together.

Is this only for people who bought their boat through Bluewater Cruising?

No. Cruisers' Concierge is for any active cruiser who wants a support system, regardless of how you bought your boat.

What does First Mate do?

It's an AI-powered assistant tool built by cruisers that covers both: your boat management (inventory, maintenance schedules, passage checklists) and quick answers 24/7 whenever you're stuck.

Do I need experience running a boat to join?

No. You don't need experience running a boat, or any experience with boats at all. Our programs give you the support and training to help you buy a boat, set sail, and cruise.

What if something breaks while I'm actually out on the water, not at the dock?

That's exactly what Cruisers' Concierge is built for. Troubleshooting, routing, and passage readiness support doesn't stop when you leave the marina.

Do I need experience to come on a BWC Adventure?

No. Most people who book have never sailed.

Can my kids come on a BWC Adventure?

Yes. It's an add-on. Ask on the call for current availability.

Is a BWC Adventure the same as a certification course?

No. A certification course teaches you to sail. An Adventure shows you what cruising is really like. It's 7-10 days aboard a real cruising boat with people who live it, helping plan passages, anchor, navigate, and manage boat systems. You find out whether this life is for you before you commit to it.

Do you have to be a member to join a BWC Adventure?

Yes. Adventures is a member benefit. If you want to learn more about becoming a member, contact us and we'll walk you through it.

I've never worked remotely. Is Remote From a Boat still for me?

Yes. It's built for people making this transition for the first time, not people who already freelance.

Do I need a specific skill or background for Remote From a Boat?

No specific background required. The income model framework helps you figure out which remote path actually fits the skills you already have.

Can I combine Remote From a Boat with Get Set to Sail or Captain's Circle?

Yes. It's often bundled with Get Set to Sail, or added as a standalone upgrade at any stage.

Can I start Remote From a Boat if I still have a full-time job right now?

Yes, most people do. That's the point: build income clarity before you make the leap, not after.