Ocean Nomads Beginner Sailing Adventure: 3 Days, 4 Nights of Hands-On Learning & Exploration ⛵

Sail, Learn & Connect: A Beginner-Friendly Voyage Before Offshore Mastery

This 4 day / 4 night beginner sail training is designed to get you comfortable on a sailboat, build your skills, and prepare you for our Offshore Skillbuild Training, or other ocean adventures. Whether you’re completely new to sailing or need a refresher, this immersive experience will set you up for success on the water.

How to Join

1️⃣ Apply Today via this form
2️⃣ Hear Back Within 7 Days
3️⃣ Secure Your Spot with a Deposit

📅 Trip Dates: March 15-19 

🔥  300€ bundle discount if joining both the Competent Crew + Offshore Masterclass together.
+ €100 discount for Ocean Nomads members (on either standalone or bundle).

 TODAYS BONUS: Free access to the Ocean Nomads Crew Course for confirmed bookings before February 15 (€297 value). 

✅ Excited to learn, share skills, and build community
✅ Hands-on mindset, eager to contribute

✅ Adventurer & explorer
✅ Open to alternative, off-grid, nature-connected living
✅ Passionate about ocean conservation and sustainable travel

✅ Anyone eager to learn the basics of sailing in a hands-on environment.
✅  Those who dream of offshore sailing but want a strong foundation first.
✅  Adventurers looking to gain confidence, experience teamwork, and live the sailing lifestyle before committing to a longer trip.
✅  Anyone who want to do the Wild Blue Masterclass: Offshore Sailing & Ocean Exploration but doesn't have the base level yet. 

The Ocean Nomads Crew Mix
The people make the adventure. We curate a diverse, multi-skilled crew with a shared mindset to create a powerful, collaborative team dynamic. That's we ask everyone to apply first to align expectations. This is a community of adventurers, explorers, alternative lifestyle seekers, and impact-driven ocean lovers.

We live beyond the status quo (or desire to do so). We care for the planet, simplify, minimize waste, and reduce our environmental footprint where possible. We lift each other up, support one another, and thrive on teamwork.

Hell yeah? Apply here today.

We are incredibly proud to have Thomas, aka Tomaatje, as the skipper and instructor leading our Beginner & Offshore Training. He has been with Ocean Nomads since the very beginning, guiding countless members through unforgettable offshore adventures. Many Ocean Nomads have already sailed with him, and many more will set sail on future journeys, whether on an Ocean Nomads adventure or aboard his own vessel, SV Windfall.

A born and raised sailor, ocean activist, and passionate educator, Thomas brings a wealth of experience, energy, and dedication to every offshore passage. Most recently, he successfully led our Canary Islands to Cape Verde Masterclass, where he mentored a crew of Ocean Nomads on a long-distance Atlantic adventure.

A Life Shaped by the Ocean

"Hello, my name is Thomas, an ocean lover at heart. My passion for the water and adventure began almost before I could walk, and it has guided my life ever since."

Growing up in Almere, the Netherlands, Thomas started his sailing journey on the Dutch lakes before advancing to offshore and ocean crossings. His love for teaching and adventure led him to work with Amorgos, a renowned sailing school, where he refined his skills navigating Dutch waters and the stunning Croatian islands. He also gained valuable experience aboard the tall ship Twister, deepening his connection with traditional sailing.

In 2014, he completed his first Atlantic crossing, a transformative voyage that opened his eyes to the devastating impact of plastic pollution on our oceans. This experience inspired him to establish The Ocean Movement, a nonprofit organization focused on ocean conservation, education, and research sailing expeditions dedicated to studying microplastics.

Seven years ago, Thomas became the proud owner of Windfall, a 53-foot steel ketch that he now calls home. Together, they have explored the North Atlantic Ocean, and he is currently preparing her for new adventures—including a planned circumnavigation next summer. His ultimate dream? To venture into the Arctic and drop anchor amidst its breathtaking wilderness.

An Experienced Skipper & Passionate Educator

Thomas is a graduate of the Enkhuizer Nautical School and holds a Yachtmaster Offshore certification. With more than 40,000 nautical miles of offshore sailing experience, he has developed extensive knowledge in long-distance navigation, seamanship, offshore training, and boat preparation. He now dedicates his time to leading charters, teaching others, delivering yachts, and preparing Windfall for future expeditions.

"Sailing represents true freedom, the ability to explore limitless horizons, driven by nothing but the wind and a sense of adventure."

Thomas is thrilled to be part of the Ocean Nomads Offshore Masterclass in the Canary Islands. He is excited to mentor like-minded sailors and share his expertise in boat handling, offshore navigation, heavy-weather tactics, night sailing, and seamanship.

"You can’t change the winds, but you can adjust your sails."

With Thomas at the helm, this will be an unforgettable offshore adventure, filled with hands-on learning, teamwork, and real-world sailing experience. We can’t wait to embark on this journey with you!

We embrace the Ocean Nomads "slow sailing" philosophy, where the focus is on simplicity, health, local food, skill-sharing, community connection, adventure, and sustainability. This journey is about more than just sailing—it’s about immersing yourself in the rhythm of the ocean, embracing self-sufficiency, and learning to thrive at sea.

Ocean Nomads is a tribe of young... at heart, adventurous ocean lovers who seek an active, outdoor lifestyle. We live and sail with an explorer’s mindset, fueled by curiosity and a deep respect for nature. Throughout the journey, we’ll share ideas and projects on mindful, self-sufficient, and positive-impact ways to live and travel sustainably at sea, no matter your age or budget.

This is an action-packed intro training where everyone plays a role in creating the vibe and shaping an unforgettable experience. From sailing and cooking to sharing stories and skills, the magic of this journey comes from the crew itself.

With sailing, things rarely go as planned, and that’s the beauty of it. This isn’t a pre-packaged itinerary, but a real training adventure where we adapt to the wind, weather, and crew decisions. Each day brings a new challenge, a new skill to master, and a new chance to embrace the raw power of the ocean.

To keep our energy high and connection with nature deep, we maintain a smoke- and alcohol-free onboard policy and follow a vegetarian diet. This allows us to stay sharp, energized, and in sync with the elements.

Curious What It’s Like?

Follow our journey from the Canary Islands to Cape Verde on Instagram for live updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments from offshore life.

Watch our film: Sailing in Greece – A Film on Adventure, Impact & Community. This 50-minute documentary captures the essence of Ocean Nomads and the Ocean Nomads lifestyle—what it means to sail with purpose, adventure with impact, and build a community at sea. Watch it here

 www.oceannomads.co/film 

Sailing the Wild Blue of the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands provide an exceptional environment for building offshore sailing expertise, offering a mix of steady trade winds, dynamic sailing conditions, and breathtaking landscapes. This region is an ideal playground for mastering seamanship, navigation, and offshore decision-making in a challenging yet supportive setting.

March Conditions: Ideal for  Training

Mild Temperatures range from daytime highs of 20-25°C (68-77°F) with cooler nights, perfect for long sailing days and comfortable evenings at anchor.
Consistent Trade Winds of 10-20 knots provide excellent conditions for sail trimming, navigation, and downwind sailing practice.
Low Rainfall keeps conditions generally dry, with occasional light showers and plenty of sunny days at sea.
Manageable Atlantic Swells create an excellent learning environment, providing the perfect balance of challenge and comfort.

This region offers a challenging yet rewarding offshore training ground, easily accessible from many destinations in Europe and beyond.

A Flexible Weather & Crew-Driven Route

Rather than following a fixed itinerary, you and your crew will shape the journey together. Route planning is part of the skill-building process, learning to assess weather patterns, chart a course, and make informed navigational decisions.

Check-in March 15 in the afternoon / early evening

Check-out March 19 in the morning (unless you are joining the next Offshore Skillbuild Trip)

🚀 High Demand. Secure Your Spot Early
Our trips have always been FULL. This trip has been in high demand, and we are finally making it happen! As an Ocean Nomads Member , you get a Priority Spot + a Discount. Don’t miss the chance to secure your spot before it fills up.

Not a member yet? Join the Ocean Nomads community here to enjoy the member discount, crew connections, and exclusive access to skill-sharing, resources, and more.

💥 Special Offer! Apply by February 15 and Get:

• Access to the Ocean Nomads Crew Course to help you prepare, pack, stay safe, and get ready for offshore sailing (valued at €297)

🌱 Contribute to Ocean Impact
€50 of your trip fee goes directly into the Ocean Nomads Member Impact Project Grant Fund, where you'll vote for the winning project to support an ocean-positive initiative.

💡 Budget Concerns? Apply for a Scholarship
Would you love to join but it’s out of budget? On almost all of our trips, we facilitate 1 scholarship position, as long as our budget allows. Apply via this Scholarship form. We believe in supporting determined ocean changemakers and, when possible, create scholarship opportunities to make this experience more accessible. Convince us why we should partially fund your trip, we’d love to hear your story.

🌍 Connect & Explore More

• Check out and join the Ocean Nomads Network today where 300+ ocean nomads and 70+ vessel members connect for adventure and impact (& claim the special offer)
• Stories, Testimonials & Transformations from past participants.
• Follow us on Instagram  & Youtube to get a taste of the experience.

📌 Important Information

Trip Terms

Cancellation Policy

• Explore the Ocean Nomads website to understand our vibes and values: www.OceanNomads.co 

This isn’t just a trip—it’s a chance to become part of a growing community of ocean adventurers, explorers, and change-makers. See you on board!

Ocean Nomads is more than a sailing trip—it’s a launchpad for a life of adventure, connection, and ocean exploration. Many of our crew members have gone on to buy their own boats, lead sailing trips, and embrace the nomadic lifestyle. Here’s what they had to say about their journeys with Ocean Nomads:

"I have been a member of Ocean Nomads for over five years. The community has been incredible over that time—very supportive and helpful. I’ve gone from working as an environmental awareness yacht skipper to a sailing school instructor, running trips with Ocean Nomads members, and now owning my own yacht as part of the fleet."
— Andy, South Africa

"So happy to be part of this..! Without Ocean Nomads, I would never have gotten into sailing or bought my own sailboat. I’m so grateful for everything Ocean Nomads brought me! Thanks so much, Suzanne, and all the incredible ON members who helped me pursue my dream!"
— Nadiem

"We joined the Ocean Nomads meet-up in Greece. More than just an online network, we found a great community in real life, exploring the Greek islands together. Eleven days of inspiration, ocean- and nomad-life-related workshops, hikes, workouts, cooking sessions, and endless laughter. Nomads from all over the world came together—from Australia to Austria, Hawaii to South Africa, Ireland, and beyond. It’s more than just sailing—it’s a network of like-minded people creating a positive impact."
— Maxx & Sigrid

"It’s amazing how many awesome friends you can make and how much just one week on an Ocean Nomads trip can change your life."
— Marcin, Poland

"The most unforgettable week. The trip preparation and crew turned what would have already been an adventure into something truly special. I’ve now taken part in two Ocean Nomads trips. To say it was life-changing sounds dramatic, but it really was. Sharing time and experiences with people from different backgrounds but a similar mindset was incredible. I hope to create and contribute to similar experiences for others as part of the Flotilla crew."
— Ben, Australia

"Ocean Nomads adventures are: 1. A reward for the senses, discovering incredibly beautiful places and breathtaking scenery. 2. An unbeatable way to get introduced to the sailing lifestyle. 3. A window into seeing the world and people from a more conscious perspective. Suzanne is an inspirational person who helps others redefine life projects and use their inner energy for noble purposes. Our oceans need strong, committed people like her to protect our natural resources and leave them intact for future generations."
— Jose, Spain

"A tribe of cool people who LOVE the sea! Ocean Nomads has opened doors into the sailing world in such a safe, conscious, and fun way—beyond what I imagined when I joined almost four years ago."
— Paula

"If you told me this time last year that I would have spent the better part of the last 365 days sailing around the Canary Islands, surfing in Ireland, sleeping in a van alone in England, and writing this from an island in the Adriatic Sea, I would have rolled my eyes at you. But after joining Ocean Nomads on SV Twister a little over a year ago, my life has done a complete 180° (in the best way possible), and I have this network and so many of you to thank for that!"
— Brianna, SV Twister Crew '21

"The experience on SV Twister with other Ocean Nomads was just really beautiful. I felt connected for the first time in decades, part of a true community. It was so inclusive—of gender, race, religion, nationality, and, most importantly, age. It connected me with like-minded people of all generations. As a single parent who works from home, my life had been incredibly isolated. But for the first time in 22 years, I felt happy and free. It gave me everything I was looking for—connection, companionship, purpose, and being one with nature."
— Cay, SV Twister Crew '21

📌 More Stories, Testimonials & Transformations

Want to hear more? Check out our crew stories, testimonials, and transformations:
📍 Website: Stories, Testimonials & Transformations

📍 Instagram: See the comments
📍 Facebook page Community Testimonials
📍 Youtube: Ocean Nomads in Action

📍 Trustpilot

💬 Ready to be part of the adventure? Apply Today via this form and start your own Ocean Nomads story!

Hands-On, Real Offshore Experience
You won’t just learn offshore sailing, you’ll live it. This is a fully immersive training ground where you’ll actively participate in navigation, night sailing, passage planning, and real-world seamanship. No theory-only courses, every skill is applied in dynamic ocean conditions.

Expert Mentorship & Community Connection
Learn from seasoned skipper Thomas, a 40,000+ nautical mile sailor, boat owner, and ocean activist. His experience extends beyond sailing, from boat ownership to sustainable cruising and full-time ocean nomad life. Plus, you’ll be sailing with a handpicked crew of like-minded ocean adventurers, making this an experience that extends far beyond the trip itself.

Raw, Wild, and Purpose-Driven Exploration
Unlike predictable sailing courses, this expedition is shaped by the elements. The Canary Islands provide an unparalleled offshore training ground, with trade winds, acceleration zones, and diverse sea states, all set against breathtaking volcanic landscapes. Every day is about slow, conscious travel, teamwork, and truly living the ocean nomads lifestyle.

We know that joining an offshore sailing adventure comes with questions. Below are the most common concerns potential crew members have. If you don’t find your answer here, feel free to reach out.

Why is this trip such a great investment?
If you’ve looked into offshore sailing courses, you’ll know that similar programs often cost close to double, sail only for 7 days, and often don’t offer the same level of hands-on experience, passage-making, and mentorship.

With Ocean Nomads, you’re not just paying for a a sailing trip, you’re investing in skills, confidence, and a network that will open doors for your future adventures. You’ll gain the experience, knowledge, and connections that would take months or even years to figure out on your own.  This trip saves you time, money, and mistakes by providing real-world experience in a supportive learning environment.

Do I need prior sailing experience?
Yes, basic sailing experience is required. You should be familiar with sailing terminology and comfortable with the basics. If you’re unsure, completing the Ocean Nomads Crew Course is a great way to prepare.

What if I’ve never done an offshore passage before?
Great! This is the opportunity to do it while minimizing risk. This trip is designed for those looking to build confidence and skills in offshore sailing. You’ll receive hands-on guidance and gradually gain experience with night sailing, offshore navigation, and watch systems.

How safe is offshore sailing?
Safety is our top priority. The boat is equipped with liferaft, EPIRB, flares, AIS, VHF, Ocean Worthy lifejackets, life lines, and all necessary emergency equipment. Skipper Thomas has 40,000+ nautical miles of experience and will ensure that all crew members are trained in safety procedures.

What are the sleeping arrangements?
The boat has shared cabins and bunks. You’ll be living in close quarters with your fellow crew members—an essential part of learning how to work as a team at sea.

Will I get seasick?
Seasickness can happen, but most people adjust within the first few days. We’ll provide tips on managing it, and there are natural remedies available. 

What about food?
Together we provision the boat with fresh, local, vegetarian ingredients. Everyone takes turns cooking, this is part of the experience. If you have allergies or special dietary needs, let us know in advance. Also part of the offshore training is provisioning so you can make sure, you're happy with what we provision.

Can I bring my phone or laptop?
Yes, but expect limited connectivity. Offshore, we disconnect from daily life and immerse ourselves in the experience. You’ll have time to take photos and videos, but Wi-Fi won’t be available while sailing. We take satellite emergency equipment on board.

What should I bring?
You’ll receive a detailed packing list once confirmed. There's is no need to invest in advanced foul weather gear. Essentials include a headlamp, non-marking shoes, warm layers, and waterproof gear. We recommend packing light and choosing quick-dry clothing.

How do I prepare for this trip?
We recommend completing the Ocean Nomads Crew Course before departure. This self-paced online course provides a reality check on ocean travel, safety insights, and practical preparation tips to help you get the most out of the trip. You’ll learn key skills, what to pack, how to stay safe, and how to step into the Ocean Nomads lifestyle with confidence.

Before departure, we also create a private group on the Ocean Nomads Member Hub, where you can connect with your fellow crew, share preparations, plan meet-ups, and even team up for travel arrangements. This allows you to get to know each other in advance, exchange insights, and start building the team spirit before you step on board.

Can I join if I’m not an Ocean Nomads member?
Yes. However, Ocean Nomads members get priority booking and a €200 discount. Not a member yet? Join the community to access exclusive benefits.

Where does the trip start and end?
The journey begins and ends in the Canary Islands. The exact marina will be confirmed closer to departure.

How do I get to the departure point?
The Canary Islands are well connected by flights and ferries from Europe and beyond. We’ll provide recommendations for arrival options.

What are the trip dates?

• Main trip: March 19-29 (Guaranteed Departure)
• Extra dates: March 8-18 (Minimum 5 participants)

Why is the trip alcohol- and smoke-free?
We aim to keep our energy high, our minds sharp, and our connection to nature deep. This is a trip about learning, adventure, and teamwork, and we want to ensure everyone is fully present for the experience.

What is the sustainability approach on board?
We minimize waste, reduce single-use plastics, and practice conscious provisioning. Wherever we go, we leave the places cleaner than we found them. Beach clean-ups and responsible travel are part of our daily rhythm.

Want more support in preparing for ocean adventure?

Explore  the Ocean Nomads Crew Course  , a shortcut to starting your sailing journey, including real-world insights, safety tips, and step-by-step guidance. 

Still have questions? Write us at ahoy @ oceannomads.co and We’re happy to help. We can always jump on a phone call too.

1️⃣ Apply Today via this form 

2️⃣ Hear Back Within 7 Days

 3️⃣ Secure Your Spot with a Deposit

📅 Trip Dates: March 19-29 (Guaranteed Departure)

 📅 Extra Dates: March 8-18 (Minimum 5 participants)

🔥 Ocean Nomads Member Offer: €200 OFF for confirmed bookings before February 15, 2025 + Free access to the Ocean Nomads Crew Course (€297 value). Claim you discount code here.