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The offshore skills you need to be bluewater ready

• April 30, 2021

What are the skills you need before casting off on a transocean or bluewater adventure? Offshore training skippers share their advice

John Kretschmer’s Quetzal heading off on a bluewater training sail. Photo: Vivian Vuong/Ocean Passages

You might have a departure day circled red in the diary and be furiously working through a to-do list to get there. Or maybe you’re considering a bluewater sailing adventure in future, and starting to think through the preparations you need to make. You might even have postponed your big trip, and be considering how to make the most of an extra sailing season at home.

Either way, in between the jobs lists of boat upgrades and household admin and everything else, it can be easy to overlook one area of preparation: yourself. How ready, really, are you?

Are there skills or areas of knowledge you and your partner or crew could work on? Would some coaching or additional experience boost your confidence? Now, with a lot of people’s sailing plans in hiatus, could be just the time to learn.

Learning to anticipate the weather conditions leads to more relaxed sailing, says 59° North’s Andy Schell. Photo: 59° North Sailing

Regardless of whether you followed an RYA/ASA training pathway or similar, or have learnt through time on the water and poring over books and YouTube tutorials, some bluewater skills just can’t be practised until you have to do it for real.

Anchoring in coral, for example, is a hard situation to replicate. Nevertheless, there are a small number of specialist training providers who offer skills coaching specifically for sailors who are preparing for bluewater sailing and ocean sailing. We asked these hugely experienced training skippers which skills they think are worth focusing on.

Beyond your comfort zone

Amanda and John Neal have run Mahina Expeditions for over 30 years, offering onboard teaching courses, as as well seminars and their own coaching manuals.

This year they’re running 9-12 day ‘Ocean’ courses in the Pacific north-west. The curriculum, which includes training in storm survival techniques, reefing techniques , MOB retrieval practice using a life sling, learning how to make sail repairs and rig inspections, diesel and electrical training, and navigation skills from celestial navigation to sat comms, is a great starting point for anyone wondering where they might have a skills gap.

“Our goal is to have people ready to circumnavigate after 10-12 days with us,” explains John Neal. For some sailors, going on a course like this is about accelerating the learning process, for others it’s about pushing themselves out of their comfort zone. “That’s why a lot of clients join us, because they would much rather go through these kind of testing scenarios with some structure and some backup.”

Pragmatically, doing an offshore training course may help reduce insurance premiums. “There’s so few offshore insurers in the world, and they all know who we are and in many cases send people to us,” explains John Neal.

Invaluable real-time weather analysis. Photo: Mahina Expeditions

He adds: “We encourage people to get documentation for everything they learn. Present this to the insurance company because insurers are just working on risk.”

“Your commitment to gaining as much knowledge and experience before setting off will save you time and money, and ensure you have the best chance of realising your goals,” adds Amanda. “Often these plans won’t quite go your way, but this just readies you for the realities of the life at sea.”

Weather forecasting for bluewater passagemaking

“The skill I’m most passionate about teaching, and the one that will give you the biggest bang for your buck, is weather forecasting – interpreting GRIB files, reading synoptic charts and forecasts and anticipating how you and your boat will handle changing weather at sea,” says Andy Schell of 59° North, which offers offshore passages with training opportunities on its Swan 48 and 59 yachts.

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“If you master this, there should rarely be surprises offshore. This, combined with boat handling skills – not just basic sail trim, but rather how you reef the sails to eliminate wear and tear (flogging), how you set up a downwind preventer system, how you trim sails to make life easier on your autopilot – will, more than anything else, make passagemaking more pleasant and drama free.

“I’ve found that by learning to anticipate the weather and make adjustments to the boat’s sail plan and course ahead of time – being proactive rather than reactive – I’m much more mentally at-ease at sea and enjoy the passage more. And learning about weather forecasting is something that’s perfectly suited to lockdown times.”

Schell suggests a good exercise is to practice creating your own routes, before getting the computer to calculate an optimal route. “I keep it simple: based on the weather pattern, is this passage going to be rhumbline? Or will it favour one side or other of the rhumbline?

Know how to interpret your weather data. Photo: 59° North Sailing

Remember too, with offshore cruising, weather routing should be optimised for comfort, not speed. Sometimes spending an extra day at sea beam-reaching is preferable to bashing to windward if you can make a slight route or timing adjustment.”

Schell uses LuckGRIB software on an iPad offshore, into which you can input your own boat’s polars. “In ‘cruising mode’ I set our performance at 75-80% of the polars, knowing I can match or exceed these predictions most of the time.”

Jeremy Wyatt, who has seen hundreds of cruisers off on World Cruising Club rallies, agrees that forecasting is a skill to prioritise. “While ocean weather patterns are often more predictable than those in coastal waters, you need to be able to look at the big picture – literally, if you are using GRIBs.

“Weather forecasts for oceans cover large areas and are much less detailed than closer to shore, so you need to understand how the forecasts are produced, their limits and importantly why and where to expect variations.

“There are some excellent ocean weather courses and it is well worth investing in this type of training.”

For learning resources, Jeremy Wyatt and the Neals both recommend the RYA Weather Handbook  by Chris Tibbs.

“If there isn’t a marine weather course in your area, consider signing up for an online course through www.starpath.com ,” suggests John Neal. “Also, start studying Windy.com for the area that you’ll be cruising. If you’re heading further afield, Jimmy Cornell’s World Cruising Routes provides overview of both regional and specific passage weather patterns.”

Coaching from the cockpit. Photo: Sailing Totem

Other recommendations include a subscription to morganscloud.com by sailor John Harries (‘a bargain’ according to Schell at around $20 per year), and free tutorials available on Luckgrib.com . “Behind it all is a real understanding of the different weather models, how they work, what they do and don’t do, etc. Even if you don’t use the software [it’s] very helpful,” Schell says.

Downwind helming

Often bluewater sailing in tradewinds will, if you’re lucky, involve many miles of sailing deep downwind. However, even relatively experienced sailors may not have sailed in those conditions for sustained periods, says John Kretschmer, who has taught over 130 offshore training passages.

From 2021 John Kretschmer Sailing is running offshore training voyages over a five-year circumnavigation.

“Be prepared for long periods of downwind and off the wind sailing. This might sound obvious but most coastal sailing is upwind, or reaching. A lot of times the only serious downwind sailing we get is racing, with a crew, fully tuned in to the spinnaker. That’s not the way you will sail off the wind on a long passage.

Hone your downwind sailing skills in big breeze conditions. Photo: 59° North Sailing

“We go to great lengths to plan passages with winds, which often means deep reaching or running,” Kretschmer points out. “And yet, the boat is often not set up for it, or the crew is completely surprised how challenging it is to deep reach in 25 knots apparent wind with 4m following seas.

“You need to prepare for this. First, you need to have a well-designed boom preventer system rigged and ready before you head offshore.

“Secondly, you should have a whisker pole on a track and be well versed in poling out the headsail. This is a technique that you must practice before you shove off. Trust me on this one; you’ll use the whisker pole far more than you think. With the boom prevented and the headsail poled out, the boat settles down.

“You also need to hone your downwind helming skills. I take people to sea for a living, some really good sailors too, but I’m always surprised how few have good, deep reaching helming skills. Consider your self-steering, either autopilot or wind vane; can they handle serious, downwind conditions? And can you handle steering in big seas? When it really matters you’ll need to steer with confidence.”

To develop downwind helming skills, you’ll need to put yourself in the right situation to learn. “There are some online videos that do help with downwind helming concepts, but it is one of those things that really only comes with practice,” says Kretschmer.

“On-boat coaching is a great way to go. A ‘pre-passage passage’, with a coach or able skipper, is a really good idea. Be sure to turn it into a skills course, not a pleasure cruise. Turn the autopilot off for the duration of the course, that’s incredibly instructive. It seems crazy to go searching for big seas but it’s well worth it. Our ‘heavy weather’ passages sell out a year or so in advance!”

Bluewater Reefing

One to practice, rather than be taught, but taking a fresh look at your reefing routines and rehearsing them will pay dividends, says Kretschmer. “Make sure your reefing skills are fresh, and your reefing system is effective.

“Consider this scenario: it’s blowing hard, you’re sailing on a deep reach and decide you need the second, or even third reef in the mainsail. Your crew, the family, is feeling a little dodgy, a little scared, the boat is rolling and feels close to being out of control, and you need less sail.

Practise makes perfect when it comes to your reefing routines. Photo: Vivian Vuong/Ocean Passages

You can’t just come up into the wind and start flogging the sail violently, that strategy does not work offshore in a blow, at least not for long.

“You need a strategy and the right system to allow you to a pull another reef into the main, and it’s a combination of having a good mainsail track system, and coordinated sheet and halyard control.

Practice this technique. For some reason we’re rarely taught this but offshore, with a small crew, this is the skill that will make your life better.

“Also, be sure that your headsail furling system is beefy enough to reef without completely flogging the headsail. That’s where the dangers lurk, flogging sails snarl furling lines, flailing sheets break things, and suddenly just shortening the headsail has created an emergency. These are skills, and techniques, that you can practice.”

Another skill that is hard to learn, but key to master, is anchoring. “Many cruisers in UK waters don’t often get the chance to practice their anchoring skills, and certainly not in sand or coral waters,” points out Jeremy Wyatt.

“Having a reliable windlass, sufficient length of chain (100m for the Pacific), and two spare anchors are all key for a bluewater sailing yacht.

“You should have confidence in your anchoring technique. Being able to drop in just the right spot; being aware of currents and planning for wind shifts, and above all, knowing when it isn’t right and pulling up to try again. If you are not confident that your boat will be where you left it when you go ashore, you won’t be able to enjoy exploring the exotic places you are in.”

Seek advice on anchoring techniques. Photo: Tor Johnson

If you’re not confident in your technique it’s worth seeking out experienced skippers to glean advice from.

“In my experience it is a skill picked up from skipper to crew, and in conversation with other cruisers,” adds Jeremy Wyatt.

“YouTube is a good resource as well. Forums will add value for different anchor types, especially across specific boats and cruising areas. Then it is a case of ‘practice makes perfect’.”

Celestial navigation

“Celestial navigation is a foreign concept to most people and it can seem daunting with heaps of confusing mathematic calculations and terms, but there are methods that can be simplified and make it fun,” says Nathan Zahrt of Ocean Passages, which offers sail training passages, mostly between the US and Caribbean, and on-boat coaching.

“There’s no doubt that we live in the GPS age, but there has been a recent resurgence in celestial navigation. Celestial navigation is often thought of as just a skill to have as a back up for more modern methods of navigation, but it can be so much more than that.

The fundamental skills can be used as quick checks on position and heading without even looking at a screen.

Celestial navigation is making a comeback. Photo: 59° North Sailing

“Dead reckoning is the basis for celestial navigation and once a sailor is able to dead reckon, they’ll always have a good idea of their position and course. Knowing where the sun is or where stars and other celestial bodies rise can let you know you’re on course with just a glance at the heavens. The finer skills make every sailor safer and more connected to the natural world.”

Celestial Navigation, The Minimal Manual by Bruce Steely (new in 2020) is “the most simple and comprehensive celestial nav book that I have seen,” according to Zahrt. The Practical Celestial Navigation Facebook group includes frequent webinars and workshops for beginners through experts. Andy Schell also recommends reednavigation.com taught by Frank Reed.

Engine maintenance

“Diesel engines are daunting for many sailors. I meet sailors all the time who are completely intimidated by their diesel, so much so that they just say, ‘I’ll never learn how this thing works,’ and resign themselves to relying on mechanics if anything ever goes wrong,” says Zahrt.

“Once out crossing an ocean, however, there’s nobody to rely on but themselves.”

Engine knowledge is vital at sea. Photo: Mahina Expeditions

Jeremy Wyatt says that taking a diesel maintenance course can be a good investment: “Being able to do the basics yourself saves a lot of time in organising local mechanics. But most importantly, having the confidence to troubleshoot problems, and fix them (while at sea, or to avert a potential problem) is a tremendous asset.”

“Before heading offshore, you must know how to change fuel and oil filters, the water pump impeller, fuel lift pump and adjust belt tension,” advises Amanda Neal.

Nigel Calder’s esteemed handbooks Marine Diesel Engines and Boat Owner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual are still widely recommended. There is an online diesel maintenance course at boatersuniversity.com

Communication

So-called ‘soft’ skills are often overlooked, but in situations where you may be challenging yourself and those around you, interpersonal skills become increasingly important.

“The most important skills to develop are leadership and communication, which many people neglect,” says Teresa Carey of Morse Alpha Expeditions, which runs coastal and offshore sail-training expeditions between Maine and Bermuda.

“Most accidents at sea don’t happen because the crew as a whole lacks the necessary skills. Most happen because of a communication breakdown – even if people don’t like to admit it.

Interpersonal communication skills are often overlooked when it comes to training for life on passage. Photo: 59° North Sailing

“In the maritime world, there’s a tradition of having a strict hierarchy. I often hear people say, ‘I’m the captain, I have the final say.’ I have concerns about people who need to express this overtly. Sailing should never get to ‘the final say.’

“We’ve been in some hairy situations, and still [my husband] Ben and I have always been co-captains. It has never been a problem. We actively practice communication and leadership skills. We also focus on these skills in our training.

“In addition to technical skills, we give people practical, hands-on training as captain, crew, and co-captain. Many of our students have told us years later that the communication training saved their marriage, and they use our ‘tricks’ on and off the boat.”

Nathan Zahrt recommends the book Crucial Conversations by Al Switzler, Joseph Grenny & Ron McMillan for learning more about communication skills under pressure.

If you enjoyed this….

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Bluewater Yachting

4.6 Average rating: Read reviews

STCW Basic Safety Training is comprised of 4 modules taken over 5 days.

1. Personal Survival Techniques (PST) - 1.5 days 2. Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR) - .5 day 3. Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (Basic Fire fighting) - 2.0 days 4. First Aid / CPR (Basic First Aid) - 1.0 day STCW Basic Safety Training focuses on basic safety skills and knowledge in order to provide a framework for safe working practices, emergency procedures and teamwork within the maritime environment.

This course is considered a minimum entry requirement for anyone who wishes to work on yachts or in commercial sector of the maritime industry. It is engaging, challenging and most of all fun! However what you learn during the STCW basic training, could save your own life or that of a crew mate or guest.

STCW stands for the “Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeeping” as determined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The STCW Basic Safety Training course is mandated by ALL flag States for all working seafarers. It is the international standard, approved by MCA, USCG, the Marshall Islands Registry and nearly every leading flag state in the world.

In 2010, the STCW convention was reviewed and ultimately added Security to the basic certification requirement. As a result Bluewater Crew Training in Antibes now offers the Security with Designated Duties module, which runs frequently throughout the year.

STCW Training Centres

Bluewater Yachting have their training centres in the following locations:

• Antibes, France
• Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Customer Reviews

Bluewater Yachting reviews as published on Google:

Viktor Miljkovic

Average rating: a month ago

Amazing team! Keep going! Looking forward to more refreshers in the future.

alberto rizzi

Average rating: 2 months ago

Went to Antibes for the STCW courses and was an amazing experience will come back for sure!!!

All my courses at Bluewater have always gone very well (Captain 3000gt). In January 2023, I attended the refresher course on medical care, which also went very well. Mathieu Le Gall

Aleksandra Cvetošenko

Nice school and lots of courses provided. Most of the instructors are quite professional. Study materials are very good. Problem for the parking near training center only. That's why it's better to take their provided bus from Antibes or go by scooter. I took more than 7 courses with them and had only one negative experience. But it's not worth giving a bad review.

Paulo Aveleira

Average rating: 2 weeks ago

Most professional organisation! Well done.

Diana Bashtanenko (KEep-KalM)

Average rating: 17 January 2023

Perfect place to start your career. Friendly atmosphere, very skilled and professional instuctors that are always ready to answer all your questions and doubts. Will book more courses with them in the future!

Oleksandr Polyakov

Average rating: 2 June 2022

The best yacht agency what I saw in my Life

cardamons pod

Average rating: 8 May 2022

I have made my STCW refresher before with Bluewater, but in Palma. Unfortunately this time around wasn’t so successful, I was away with work and last minute my client had covid and so my return to the south of France was delayed.. I emailed Bluewater to ask if I could change the refresher dates, but technical issues I didn’t receive a reply (to be fair they did send a reply, for some reason I didn’t receive) I drove back to France the day before the scheduled date and called to ask where I should go the following day. Because of the lost emails they had filled my space on the course, and had moved me to the next available position.. Great I thought! But then told me I would have to pay a 50% cancellation fee

Aron Whelan

Average rating: 22 February 2022

Customer service is world class! I had the pleasure of being in contact with the team regarding my stcw training, they were ever so accommodating and Pippa is a living legend!

Robert Bath

Average rating: 31 December 2020

Its all good until it isnt...Really bad attention to detail. Impossible to get access to staff when advice is required concerning an on line course. Attitude from the top down really disappointing.

Julie Mounier

Average rating: 26 January 2020

Very good training center. The training and the crew team are very welcoming and caring. The organization of the course sessions is well oiled (a bus can take you to the training center, the classrooms are well equipped, the free coffee break is very punctual). The trainers are really excellent, very professional, with a touch of humor and very easy to understand for non english native spoken. I highly recommend Bluewater for all your training.

Richard Lickley

Average rating: 23 January 2020

I needed to do my refresher before I could join a boat and they were quick and accommodating to help me out escprcially as I kept having to change locations and dates. Really happy and awesome training

Mirjana Macic

Average rating: 14 January 2020

I had amazing experience with Bluewater courses! Our mentor managed to turn boring subjects in a course full of fun and good experience! He managed to transfer knowledge on us keeping our attention every minute of the class... Was really good and pleasant experience. Keep going like that!!!!

Average rating: 9 January 2020

Professional and really polite individuals. Really good website and useful information. Have opportunity to do some courses and looking forward to do it again.

Average rating: 8 January 2020

Great course, qualified for the seas. Great deliverance of course material. Trainers kept focus of all who attended, free coffee wasn’t bad. Transportation was easy. General course easy to follow, very good support and information provided. Very safe environment also entailing a very practical & easy experience for the “fire service requirements”. Great time.

Christina Klassen

Bluewater is offering an acceptional service. I've enjoyed my trainings with their instructors and found the staff genuine and helpful. I recommend them!

Christopher Harding

Having used Bluewater training to complete all of my courses from basic STCW through OOW modules to Masters modules, I can attest to the quality and professionalism of the staff and facilities at Bluewater Antibes. Their services have proved to be efficient and effective for training and for crew placement. To be recommended!

Ruhan Grobler

Best, most helpful training center agency. I do not even consider other options. Bluewater is always my first choice.

Rábago Marlon

Average rating: 29 August 2017

Christopher Bayle

Average rating: 24 July 2017

Just finished my Yachting in Action course with bluewater last week. Could not have had a better time! The whole team from the office staff through to all of the instructors were great! Very proffessional and freindly. Would definitely reccommend this course and company to everyone.

Becki Milton

Very helpful friendly team, help with lists for accomodation etc. All courses were in English run by instructors who know the yachting industry well. Great advice and support and resturant on site along with coffee/vending machines and a club house

Average rating: 6 July 2017

Société à fuir car proche de l'escroquerie. En effet beaucoup d'éléments ont été volontairement dissimulés comme par exemple l'impossibilité de travailler sur des bateaux français avec leurs formations !!! Il y a un très gros manque d'informations dans cette entreprise qui n'accompagne pas du tout Les gens vers l'emploi. À mon avis ça ne doit pas être dur de trouver mieux ailleurs

Clifton Hunt

Average rating: 7 October 2016

Not very helpful at all. Staff knew nothing about the so called training courses. The person I spoke with seemed to have a limited mental capacity. Try using words with only a single syllable or take a 5 year old with you to help with communication.

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Set a course for adventure: 'Love Boat' cast reuniting for cruise – and a stop in Newport

Bernie Kopell remains proud to have never lost a patient. And that was in 12 years as Dr. Adam Bricker, beloved ship's physician/Casanova on the 1970s-1980s “The Love Boat” television series.

The popularity of Dr. Bricker and the whole ”Love Boat” series refuses to fade. Instead, thanks to four decades of reruns, Doc, Isaac, Gopher, Julie, Vicki and Capt. Stubing may be more popular than ever.

Why else would Princess Cruises keep bringing the ships' crew back again and again and again as ambassadors and stars on their Love Boat-themed cruises? All of the major actors, except Gavin MacLeod/Capt. Stubing (died in 2021), are still with us. And Kopell, Ted Lange (bartender Isaac Washington), Fred Grandy (purser Burl “Gopher” Smith), and Jill Whelan (captain's daughter Vicki) are scheduled to be aboard the Enchanted Princess for its late summer, seven-day, five-port U.S.-Canadian excursion, which includes a Day 2 (Sept. 1) stop in Newport .

“It's a dream, and I've been living my dream with Princess for all these many years,” Kopell, 90, said during a recent phone interview from his home in Tarzana, California. “And I say, lucky, lucky, lucky. Thank you, thank you.”

Christened in the fall of 2021, the 1,083-foot Enchanted Princess features 19 decks, 1,830 cabins and accommodates 3,660 guests served by a crew of 1,346. The summer Love Boat cruise starts and ends in New York City and features port stops in Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Maine, St. John, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia. The dates are Aug. 31 to Sept. 7.

"The Love Boat" television series started out with the Pacific Princess (actually two ships were used) on three-night Mexican cruises out of Los Angeles. With the show's popularity, the cruises expanded to Alaska, the Mediterranean, China and beyond. In their roles as ambassadors, the crew has seen even more of the world. It's one heck of a retirement gig.

“It's never-ending. It just keeps on going,” Kopell said. “We go to other places we've never been before. Just came back with the Ruby Princess. We went down to South America, Central America. All over the place. It's just a treat.”

Also loved for his five-season recurring role as hilarious bad guy Sigfried on “Get Smart,” Kopell was no sailing neophyte when he landed the role of Dr. Bricker. Kopell is a Navy veteran, having toured the world while serving aboard the USS Iowa in peacetime between the Korean and Vietnam wars. Enroute to shooting Love Boat outdoor scenes aboard Princess ships in San Pedro, California, Kopell said he would drive right by his old Navy ship.

Aboard the Iowa, Kopell's duties included teaching a GED course to help shipmates earn a high school equivalency diploma. A graduate of New York University, Kopell was also a ship's librarian. “People say, what did you do in the Navy?” Kopell said. “I said, well, I kept America safe from overdue books.”

What was 'Love Boat' like for Bernie Kopell?

"The Love Boat" was somehow given three pilot episodes before ABC brought it into its regular lineup. The first pilot featured Kopell's friend, Dick Van Patten, as the ship's physician, then named Dr. O'Neil. Kopell said ABC, which had Van Patten under contract, yanked him from "Love Boat" to star in “Eight is Enough,” which enjoyed great success. Shortly before “Love Boat,” Van Patten and Kopell both had supporting roles on the famously flopped ABC TV show “When Things Were Rotten.” Van Patten subsequently made multiple guest star appearances on “Love Boat.”

After Van Patten lost his medical license, so to speak, Kopell landed the ship's doc role, but it was not handed to him. He had to audition where, for one of the rare times in his life, he opted not to be a nice guy. Kopell recalled wearing a spiffy nautical jacket. Another actor there to audition complimented Kopell on the jacket and asked if he could use it for his audition.

“I'm supposed to say yes and be so generous,” Kopell said. “But I said sorry. I got it for my own self. So, of course, that's how I got the part.”

Perhaps Kopell's favorite “Love Boat” episode starred dancer/actress Juliet Prowse playing one of Doc's ex-wives. The script called for the two to become, briefly, romantically reunited. Kopell said he was excited and nervous when he first saw the script. He almost went into cardiac arrest when, after a stuttering inquisition into who would play his ex, he was told it was Prowse, whom he confesses to having had a crush on. “I said oh, how lucky can I get?”

Kopell loves to mention that “Love Boat” numbered multiple Academy Award winners among its guests stars. In fact, he said he's writing a book on that topic. He listed Eva St. Marie, Ernest Borgnine and Shirley Jones. He and the late Borgnine, of “McHale's Navy” fame, became close friends.

Kopell said he routinely watches “The Love Boat” on Sundays at 5 p.m. on his Channel 54. Recently, his 21-year-old son, after watching dad on an episode, complimented Kopell for being fit and trim. Kopell said he stayed fit by playing a lot of tennis and skipping rope, which he is shown doing in at least one episode.

Kopell said that today, at 90, he still whacks the tennis ball around. “Keep coming at 'em. That's been my motto since the beginning,” he said.

Kopell said that when he first came to Hollywood, his agent told him he wasn't handsome enough to be a lead nor gooney enough to play a “heavy.” Kopell survived those first five years by playing roles that called for a Latino accent.

His German/Austrian accent served him so well as Siegfried on “Get Smart.” To this day, fans of the show ask him to recite famous lines, often from an episode where he is captaining a KAOS (the self-professed international organization of evil) submarine which is the target of good-guy depth chargers. After one charger shakes the submarine and his crew starts to scream and run about in fear, Siegfried grabs the microphone and barks out, “This is KAOS. You will not panic until you are given the order to panic.”

After another depth charger rocks the sub much more severely, Siegfried again grabs the mic and this time cries out, “Prepare to panic.”

Kopell said he never had a contract to do his “Get Smart” work. At the same time, he also had a recurring role on “That Girl,” starring Marlo Thomas. He said he got to know the ABC schedulers well and was able to shoot “Get Smart” on Mondays and Thursdays, and do “That Girl” on the other days.

Love Boat cruise is 'like coming home'

He also remains close friends with “Get Smart” co-star Barbara Feldon and with Marlo Thomas, and still meets them for dinner when he's in New York City.

Which is where he will be on the last day of August for the Love Boat cruise and yet another reunion with people he considers family. From the beginning of "Love Boat," he said, the cast got along very well. The chemistry was great.

And it's still the same come cruise time.

“It's like coming home,” Kopell said.

Rooms are still available for the late-summer Love Boat cruise which stops in Newport. Visit  www.princess.com  for details.

First refuelling for Russia’s Akademik Lomonosov floating NPP

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The FNPP includes two KLT-40S reactor units. In such reactors, nuclear fuel is not replaced in the same way as in standard NPPs – partial replacement of fuel once every 12-18 months. Instead, once every few years the entire reactor core is replaced with and a full load of fresh fuel.

The KLT-40S reactor cores have a number of advantages compared with standard NPPs. For the first time, a cassette core was used, which made it possible to increase the fuel cycle to 3-3.5 years before refuelling, and also reduce by one and a half times the fuel component in the cost of the electricity produced. The operating experience of the FNPP provided the basis for the design of the new series of nuclear icebreaker reactors (series 22220). Currently, three such icebreakers have been launched.

The Akademik Lomonosov was connected to the power grid in December 2019, and put into commercial operation in May 2020.

Electricity generation from the FNPP at the end of 2023 amounted to 194 GWh. The population of Pevek is just over 4,000 people. However, the plant can potentially provide electricity to a city with a population of up to 100,000. The FNPP solved two problems. Firstly, it replaced the retiring capacities of the Bilibino Nuclear Power Plant, which has been operating since 1974, as well as the Chaunskaya Thermal Power Plant, which is more than 70 years old. It also supplies power to the main mining enterprises located in western Chukotka. In September, a 490 km 110 kilovolt power transmission line was put into operation connecting Pevek and Bilibino.

Image courtesy of TVEL

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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