Three Ps: Planning, Preparation and Practice

The three Ps is a concept developed originally by Capt. John Bonds who, among his many achievements, was the originator of what today are known as the U.S. Sailing Safety at Sea Seminars. These seminars are the gold standard for all sailors who want to get up to speed on what it really takes to get a boat and crew ready for offshore sailing and passagemaking. Many offshore events now require Safety at Sea Certificates to enter. The seminars are usually run in late winter and spring so those needing certificates for summer offshore events can get them in good time. During the pandemic, U.S. Sailing created an online version of the seminars in 15 separate segments that are available to both U.S. Sailing members and nonmembers. Even if you have some offshore experience, it is prudent (the fourth P) for you and your crew to sign up and take these online courses. The wealth of knowledge and experience behind them will benefit all sailors. You can find the offshore seminars here.
On a parallel track, the Salty Dawg Sailing Association has been running excellent online seminars in webinar format for the last few months and has a host of experts to help SDSA members and non-members walk their way through the whole process of getting ready for long offshore passages, such as the Fall Caribbean Rally that sets off from Hampton, VA in early November. More informal than the Safety at Sea Seminars, the SDSA webinars provide a real world, practical (fifth P) way for new passagemakers to learn how their experienced counterparts make safe offshore passages. The webinars are on the SDSA website and available for free to members. The cost of the webinars live is $100. The cost of SDSA membership is only $75, so signing up is definitely worth it. Checkout the SDSA webinar series here.
Stay safe out there and always stick to the Three (Five) Ps.