There is really no such thing as a “typical” week at Virgin Island Sailing School. With so many islands, beaches, bays and reefs to explore, no two school weeks will ever be exactly the same.

Some things, however, are guaranteed. First, you’ll truly master the basics, and then some, with our comprehensive, ASA certified curriculum. Next, you’ll apply what you learn – right away – as you navigate a unique island itinerary that you help craft. And lastly, you’ll wear the school uniform, which is pretty much bare feet, bathing suits, and sunburn protection. So, get ready for your first of many no-roads adventures, which will look kind of like this:

Day 1 | St. Thomas

Welcome aboard. Get to know your fellow students, provision up and relax into the pace of the Caribbean. Learn your way around the boat, get your bearings, and help chart your course around the islands based on weather forecasts and where you’d like to play after school.

If everyone is in early enough, we may head over to St. Johns, or not.  Because it’s the first night after a long day of travel for some, dinner is typically ashore, with no shortage of options on food and drink. 

Days 2-6 | St. John and St Thomas, always… Order and exact locations – Weather Dependent.

Now we do not go out if it is unsafe, and it is the very rare ocassion that typically does not last a day. (Though there are plenty of knots and other school work to attend to). Still, we like to plan for the weather, especially in the early part of the week to not be “pounding to weather”, but instead something more comfortable that allows everyone to get their “Sea Legs”.

Start the day a swim (which we do most days). We spend the first full day on the basics, where everyone gets to know the boat, the captain and each other a little bit more in depth. We are working as a crew with the same goal in mind: How do I become a better sailor? We do a lot tacking as we head windward, typically along the north coast of St John, which is a US National Park and there No Anchoring in most areas of the park, but there are plendy of mooring balls to pick up (also part of the course).

After lunch, more basics and hands-on practice, then depart for points further east, OR….. we take a trip around St Thomas instead. Since Covid, St Thomas has built more sailboat friendly anchorages with access to restaurants (which are some of the best in the Caribbean) along with new beach bars filled with other interesting sailing folks (usually with good stories of adventure).

Practice Test (about every other day as we tackle ASA level by level. Then Snorkel. Swim. Maybe a quiet anchorage, or a bit of night life. Then….. Repeat.

 

Day 6

Back to St John for your final round of lessons, and the last bit of testing for your ASA certifications. Take the boat for a spin in your own private bay, then pour a glass of your favorite beverage, settle in for the sunset as we congratulate each other on becoming sailors.

Day 7 | St. Thomas

“Yet behold I was an able seaman. I had graduated from the right school.” – Jack London

The week ends where you started, but you won’t be the same person you were on the first day. Welcome to the club, and to a lifetime of ocean adventure.