This unique conference brings together a wealth of experienced round the world sailors and adventurers professional and amateur, for the first time to share their stories and learnings from decades of ocean exploration. The key focus is on safety and accident prevention at sea.

Who is it for?
This event is for ocean event organisers, sailing authorities and organisations, together with adventure sailors and those who aspire to explore new horizons for the first time . It’s for those who are curious to meet, hear and learn from an elite group of ocean racers and adventurers, who together, bring a wealth of knowledge across multiple ocean related topics.

Why go?
At this two-day event you will:

• Hear real-life adventure stories from world class sailing professionals.
• Learn from their experience in handling adversity and lessons learned in aspects of safety at sea.
• Meet and network with like-minded individuals and the speakers themselves

Key Topics
A preparation session will examine the full range of risks and realities facing offshore sailors, from external threats such as orcas and floating shipping containers to the lessons learned from sinkings and other serious incidents. We explore how climate change and shifting global weather patterns are affecting passage planning, alongside the growing impact of ocean pollution. We will cover the latest safety products, ways to  counter the increasing number of rescue call-outs, and practical man overboard experiences with a focus on prevention. In addition, we will explain what happens when a Mayday is issued, highlight emerging construction concerns in modern yachts, address key medical issues at sea, and shine a light on avoidable deaths and injuries so that sailors can better prepare, respond, and stay safe.

Speakers
This unique group brings together deep offshore sailing expertise, maritime leadership, safety governance, and technical innovation. All have outstanding bluewater and round-the-world sailing experience. Many have completed or led major offshore races and circumnavigations, including the Whitbread/Volvo/Ocean Race, Clipper, Golden Globe, Globe 40 and Ocean Globe races together with Oyster and Swan world rallies. And Global Solo Challenge, Transatlantic and Trans-Pacific races, Sydney–Hobart, Newport–Bermuda, Cape to Rio, and other major passages. The group includes sailors who have represented their countries at world championship level, set records, completed first-of-their-kind national voyages, and led sailing expeditions to remote high-latitude regions.

They bring a unique perspective to training, safety and seamanship. Multiple members have shaped offshore safety standards through organisations including World Sailing, U.S. Sailing, the Royal Ocean Racing Club and Storm Trysail Club. Their experience covers safety equipment and training, seamanship education, rescue procedures, mentoring and developing future offshore skippers.

Organisers
The event is presented by the International Association of Cape Horners (IACH) chaired by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Jean-Luc van den Heede. Our membership is made up of those from all nationalities who have rounded Cape Horn under sail as part of a non-stop passage of at least 3,000 nautical miles, passing above 52° South in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans without the use of engines for propulsion. Our goal is to promote and strengthen the ties of comradeship which bind together this unique body of men and women who enjoy the distinction of having voyaged round Cape Horn under sail.