Is Bareboat Chartering Safe for Beginners?
Getting aboard your own sailboat and sailing around the Virgin Islands is something a lot of people dream about. Many make it a reality with Go Sail VI! Bareboat chartering is an adventure that puts you in control of your own itinerary and allows you to set sail with your friends and family in one of the most beautiful locations in the world. But understanding bareboat charter safety basics is key to keeping your trip fun, organized, and comfortable from start to finish.
Here’s a quick look at bareboat charter safety and what you’ll want to know before setting sail on your own.
Bareboat Charter Safety for Beginners
There is a difference between being a beginner sailor and having no experience at all. Everyone has to start somewhere, but you should have some sailing experience, logged nautical miles, and introductory safety education before safely chartering a bareboat.
Bareboat chartering means you’re in charge of operating the vessel, navigating sailing routes, and monitoring weather. It also means you should be comfortable mooring or anchoring, understand local laws, and know how to respond if something goes wrong.
Safety Tips for Beginners
- Know how to use weather apps and check wind conditions and tide charts before you sail
- Check routes and make sure they match your comfort level
- Review the basics of the engine, helm, and electrical panel and ask questions during your in-person boat briefing
- Locate life jackets and other safety equipment before setting sail
- Avoid sailing when conditions don’t feel safe, and don’t hesitate to call for help when needed
What Training Do I Need Before Bareboat Chartering?
Before you charter a bareboat in the Virgin Islands, you should build skills through sailing courses with an ASA-certified company like Go Sail VI to safely operate a boat on your own. Requirements vary by company, but many will review your previous sailing experience and certifications before you’re approved to sail on your own.
At Go Sail VI, bareboat training can include:
- ASA 101: Learn keelboat sailing skills
- ASA 103: Coastal cruising basics
- ASA 104: Bareboat cruising skill building
- ASA 114: Learn catamaran cruising skills
Go Sail Virgin Islands’ different courses prepare boaters to charter different boat types, based on experience, sailing goals, and the type of vessel they want to charter.
And remember, certifications are only one part of the equation. You’ll also want to practice sailing as much as possible so you’re ready to make your own decisions once ASA sailing instructors are no longer on board.
Explore the Virgin Islands on a Bareboat Charter
If you’ve been considering bareboat chartering but aren’t sure if you’re ready, it doesn’t mean you can’t set sail!
At Go Sail VI, our ASA sailing instructors can help you gain the skills needed to sail on your own during a week-long liveaboard cruise. Contact Go Sail Virgin Islands and learn more about what you need to charter a bareboat safely.