In the Caribbean, the water is 78-82 and air, about the same with 10-15 knot breezes 340 days a year. We are based in St Thomas (with more economical flights to and from) but spend most of our time island hopping in the BVIs. With so many islands, the majority of ocean swells are block making for fast, comfortable sailing. Students are limited to 6 per class and matched to our small but outstanding group of highly experienced instructors. (See ‘captain’s bios’ and ‘Our Boats’ on the V.I. Sailing School webpage for more info).
V.I. Sailing School offers 5-8 day (typically) live-aboard sailing courses. From the novice who would like the knowledge and certification to charter their own boat, to the weekend sailor who would like to cross an ocean. School is 6-7 hours a day, leaving time for swimming, snorkeling and exploring the different islands (and their nightlife) along the way. At V.I. Sailing School you learn while living the adventure.
American Sailing Certifications Offered
Learn to skipper a 20' - 27' sloop-rigged keelboat by day, in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards.
Learn to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered 25'-35' keelboat by day in moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather, safety and seamanship.
Learn how to sail a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered 30'-45' sailboat during a multi-day cruise upon inland/coastal waters in moderate/heavy winds and sea conditions. Learn about provisioning, boat systems, auxiliary engines, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation, anchoring / mooring, docking, emergency operations, weather, and more.
Learn the the navigational theory and practices for safe navigation of a sailing vessel in coastal and inland waters. On-water coastal navigation skills elements are contained in the ASA103, Basic Coastal Cruising, ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising, and ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising, in progressively increasing levels of detail.
Learn to safely act as skipper and crew of a sailing vessel about 30 to 50 feet in length in coastal and inland waters, in any conditions.
Learn the celestial navigation theory and practices for safe navigation of a sailing vessel in offshore waters. On-water celestial navigation skills elements are demonstrated in ASA 108, Offshore Passagemaking.
Learn the celestial navigation theory and practices for safe navigation of a sailing vessel in offshore waters. On-water celestial navigation skills elements are demonstrated in ASA 108, Offshore Passagemaking.
Learn to skipper an auxiliary-powered sailing cruising catamaran of approximately 30-45' feet in length during a multi-day liveaboard cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions.
Learn to apply basic celestial navigation theory and practice to determine latitude and longitude at sea using a sextant and Nautical Almanac.
Other Services Available
- ASA 'Challenges'
- Vacation Charters
Contact Information
Virgin Island Sailing School |
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| Address | 6501 Red Hook Plaza #201 St. Thomas, US Virgin IslandsUS Virgin Islands00802Caribbean |
| Phone | (805) 850-8135 |
| Website | sailusvis.com |
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