Boat Briefings

Boat safety is not something to take lightly, whether you are an experienced sailor or are taking ASA sailing courses for the first time. In the unlikely event that someone falls overboard, understanding the basics of man-overboard procedures can mean the difference between life and death. This article and video are designed to help you learn how to handle a man-overboard as safely as possible. Spot the Person in the Water The first step is arguably the most important. In the event that a crew member falls overboard, you need someone to spot them immediately. The moment someone falls off, it’s this person’s responsibility to yell “man overboard” and keep their eyes locked on that individual the entire time. It’s crucial to maintain constant eye contact during this stage, as turning away and looking back can make it much harder…

The GPS system is the brains of the operation on a sailboat (besides the captain and crew, of course!) The GPS isn’t just responsible for navigation—it also helps you keep an eye on tank levels, battery power, and the mechanics of the engine. The GPS is directly connected to house bank battery system and is DC power.  To maintain power for the house battery bank when you charter a bareboat, you will want to check that the generator is working correctly. Here’s a look at how to avoid some common boat problems by knowing the fundamentals of the GPS and generator. GPS System The GPS system used on our ASA sailing courses or bareboat charters has a color display and touchscreen. Captains use this device to charter and navigate, but it can also help notify sailors about common boat problems…

The Virgin Islands are a popular place for families to travel, and it’s no wonder why! Sunny days on the beach and epic sailing adventures offer fun for all ages.  But what are some family-friendly activities in the VI you can’t miss? Let’s look at our favorite family activities in the Virgin Islands. Beaches We’ll…

Sailing in the Virgin Islands on a BVI or USVI itinerary gives lucky travelers a chance to island hop around some of the most scenic islands in the Caribbean. To experience the beauty of the land and sea, you will want to take advantage of the different islands and dive spots. That requires dropping anchor or visiting a mooring station in many cases. This article is a boat safety briefing on the tools you will need while mooring and anchoring. The goal is to help you locate the equipment and know how to operate each tool when you take ASA courses or charter a bareboat with Go Sail VI.  Mooring and Anchoring Tools  There are several tools you will want to familiarize yourself with when mooring and anchoring a sailboat. Here is a helpful look at some of the most…

It might not be top of mind for all sailors, but when you plan a week-long liveaboard sailing trip, everybody needs to eat! When you take ASA sailing courses with Go Sail VI, we take care of many of the meals on board. If you charter a bareboat and sail on your own, you will…

When you take a live-aboard sailing trip with Go Sail VI, you may spend more time than you think on a dinghy. What’s a dinghy? You’ve probably heard the term, but maybe you’re not all that familiar with the handy little boat stored on or next to a yacht. This small but mighty watercraft is…

Sailboat maintenance is an essential part of owning a yacht and comes in handy when you charter a bareboat, too. As part of our ASA sailing courses in the Virgin Islands, all students are required to attend a boat briefing with a charter checkout attendant before setting sail. These briefings help you to understand how…

Before you set sail, it’s important to understand a sailboat’s mechanics. Students taking ASA sailing courses at Go Sail VI always meet with a charter checkout attendant before sailing to understand how to operate the boat, ask pertinent questions, and get a refresher on the fundamentals of sailing. But it never hurts to plan ahead,…

Familiarizing yourself with the helm and steering station before your Virgin Islands sailing vacation can help you gain confidence steering a sailboat even before you leave the dock! The sailboat’s charter checkout attendant will walk you through the features of the gauges, steering wheel, and engine controls during your in-person sailboat safety briefing. We also…