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Captain's Log

First hand experiences from the Captains log. Learn about how the itineray goes and the lessons learned on Go Sail VI Learn to sail vacations from the students and the captain’s perspective.

Captain’s Log: Along for the ride

The Basics The boat: “Endless Joy”, a 2024 Lagoon 46 Crew: Captain JT (instructor)   ASA Students: Ron and Larien (with Lynn and Lois along for the ride) Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Along for the Ride Captain JT met…

Captain’s Log: The Perfect Sail

The Basics The boat: Phoenix, a 2020 Fountaine Pajot Saba 50 Crew: Captain JT (instructor)   ASA Students: Andy, Elaine, Daniel, and Sally Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Two Couples’ Cruising Dream Daniel and Sally and Andy and Elaine all…

Sailing Story: Charny Schwartz

Sailing Story: Charny Schwartz Growing up Charny Schwartz would spend each summer with his aunt and uncle in the Chicago area. “The first few years it was just playing on the beach,” he said. However, as he got older, his uncle roped him into his own weekend hobby— sailboat racing! At 12 years old, Charny…

Captain’s Log: Staying in the Groove

The Basics The boat: Lucky Fin, a Bali 4.0 catamaran Crew: Captain Trevon (instructor) and First Mate Stephanie   ASA Students: John, David, Doug Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Shared Goals John, David, and Doug were all meeting for the…

Captain’s Log: Sporty, Spirited, and Savage

The Basics The boat: Lucky Fin, a Bali 4.0 catamaran Crew: Captain Trevon (instructor) and First Mate Stephanie   ASA Students: Jeff, Angel, Kathy, Fred Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: YouTube Educated Captain Trevon and First Mate Stephanie spent the…

Captain’s Log: A Big Leap in Abilities

The Basics The boat: Sea Monkeys, a 2002 Fountaine Pajot Elba 45  Crew: Captain JT (instructor)   ASA Students: Brian, Amy, Deanna, Rory, Robert, Seok Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Big Sailing Dreams All three couples arrived at Compass Point…

Captain’s Log: Dreaming or Knot?

The Basics The boat: “The Happy Heifer”, 2023 FP Elba 45  Crew: Captain Trevon (instructor) and First Mate Stephanie   ASA Students: Lori, Peter, Jill, Tyler, and William Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Boat Buying Aspirations The crew on…

Your Guide to Virgin Island Ferries

When you take sailing courses with Go Sail VI, we offer itineraries in both the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. If you plan to visit the BVI, the easiest way to get there is by taking a ferry—once you get to Tortola, you can meet your sailing course instructor at Nanny Cay…

Captain’s Log: A Family Affair

The Basics The boat: Beau Budd, a 2022 Lagoon 46  Crew: Captain Trevon (instructor) and First Mate Stephanie ASA Students: Christi, Rick, and Lane Courses Completed: ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: A Family Affair The students met with Captain Trevon and First Mate Stephanie at Nanny Cay. Christi, Rick, and…

Captain’s Log: Chicken Jibe

The Basics The boat: Lagoon 46 Crew: Captain Trevon (instructor) and Stephanie (first mate) ASA Students: Dave, Jake, and Nina Courses Completed:   ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Big Sailing Dreams The crew met up for dinner and drinks at Compass Point Marina and swapped…

Captain’s Log: A Business Retreat

The Basics The boat: Calypso, a 2023 Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 Crew: Captain JT (instructor)   ASA Students: Alex Courses Completed: ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran)   Day 1: Staff Trip This trip was a unique one— the crew was all Go Sail VI staff and their families!…

Captain’s Log: From Powerboats to Sailboats

The Basics The boat: Speculation, a 44′ Leopard catamaran  Crew: Captain Jalil (instructor)   ASA Students: Michael, Eric and Crystal  Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: From Powerboats to Sailboats This crew has no shortage of boating knowledge! Captain Jalil spends…

Captain’s Log: Pure Fun

The Basics The boat: Vesper, a 2023 Lagoon 46 catamaran  Crew: Captain JT (instructor)   ASA Students: Rob and Angela Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Settling In Captain JT met Rob and Angela at the Compass Point Marina at 5pm….

Captain’s Log: Officially Sailors

The Basics The boat: Good Times & Tan Lines, a 2023 Lagoon 42  Crew: Captain JT (instructor)   ASA Students: Axel, Dina, and Paul Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Touring Good Times & Tan Lines Axel, Dina, and Paul arrived…

Captain’s Log: Sailing Out, Sleeping In

The Basics The boat: Speculation, a 44′ Leopard  Crew: Captain Jalil (instructor)   ASA Students: Zander, Hannah, Justin, and Jillian Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: An Adventurous Crew This crew is big into adventure! Zander sails a Laser in his…

Captain’s Log: Sailing to Puerto Rico

The Basics The boat: Peach Paradise, a FP Helia 44  Crew: Captain Jalil (instructor)   ASA Students: Roberto, Robin, Travis & Sandy Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Sailing to Puerto Rico What’s the best time to start sailing? For those…

Captain’s Log: An Unforgettable Family Christmas

The Basics The boat: Speculation, a 2012 Leopard 44  Crew: Captain Jalil (instructor)   ASA Students: Sharlee, Michael, Mason, and Madox Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Giving Chartering a Chance Sharlee, Michael and their two sons, Mason and Madox, have…

Captain’s Log: Sailing and Sightseeing

The Basics The boat: Speculation, a solar-powered 2012 Leopard 44  Crew: Captain Jalil (instructor)  ASA Students: Emily, Mike, Haley Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Sightseeing and Sailing The crew all met at Crown Bay and decided to get to…

Captain’s Log: Father-Son Fun

The Basics The boat: Speculation, a solar-powered 2012 Leopard 44  Crew: Captain Jalil (instructor)   ASA Students: Bill and Conner Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Father-Son Fun Bill and his son Conner didn’t have much experience sailing before arriving for…

Captain’s Log: Celebrating Friendship

The Basics The boat: Noble Shadow, a 40 foot Bali Catspace Crew: Captain Jalil (instructor)   ASA Students: Steve, Lorinda, Mary, Peter, Jeff, and Dana Courses Completed:  ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Celebrating Friendship There wasn’t much need for the crew to get to know each…

Captain’s Log: Breezing Along

The Basics The boat: Peaceful Sol, a 2018 Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 Crew: Captain JT (instructor) ASA Students: Marcel and Phyllis Courses Completed:  ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Off to the races! This crew wasted no time hitting the open waters! Phyllis and Marcel have…

Captain’s Log: Up for the Challenge

The Basics The boat: Good Times & Tan Lines, a Lagoon 42 catamaran Crew: Captain JT (instructor)   ASA Students: Bobby and Jon Courses Completed:  ASA 106  (Advanced Coastal Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran), ASA 116 (Dinghy and Outboard Endorsement) Day 1: Up for the challenge Bobby and Jon both have quite a bit of sailing…

Captain’s Log: Starting From Scratch

The Basics The boat: Good Times & Tan Lines, a 2022 Lagoon 42 Crew: Captain JT (instructor)   ASA Students: Lee, Lisa, and Peter Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran)   Day 1: Sails Goals Captain JT introduced the crew to “Good Times…

Captain’s Log: BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat)

The Basics The boat: a privately owned 2021 Neel 51 Trimaran Crew: Captain Trevon (instructor)   ASA Students: Peter, Kat, Joe, and Ashley Courses Completed:  ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: New boat, new goals Peter and Kat are the proud new owners of a 2021 Neel…

Captain’s Log: In Search of Fair Winds

The Basics The boat: Speculation, a 44’ Leopard catamaran  Crew: Captain Jalil (instructor)   ASA Students: Eric, Crystal, and Michael Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Smoother sailing Eric, Crystal, and Michael all came into their Go Sail trips with less…

Captain’s Log: A Little Bit of Everything

The Basics The boat: Good Times & Tan Lines, a 2023 Lagoon 42 Crew: Captain JT (instructor)   ASA Students: Kostas, Katri, and Peter Courses Completed:   ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: This Is Just the Beginning Kostas, Katri, and Peter met Captain JT at the Compass…

Captain’s Log: Sailing’s A Breeze!

The Basics The boat: Good Times & Tan Lines, a 2022 Lagoon 42,  Crew: Captain JT (instructor)   ASA Students: Kelly, Brian, Meg, and Nathan Courses Completed:, ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Double the Fun Sailing with your partner can be hugely rewarding. Taking a sailing…

Captain’s Log: Skippers in Training

The Basics The boat: Peaceful Sol, a 2018 Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 Crew: Captain JT (instructor)   ASA Students: Chad and Pete Courses Completed:  ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Sunny Swims with Turtles Chad and Pete both arrived in the U.S. Virgin Islands excited to gain…

Beginner’s Luck?

The Basics The boat: Stela, a 2021 Lagoon 42  Crew: Captain JT (instructor)   ASA Students: Robert, Stella, and Jared Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Meeting Stela Getting acquainted before setting sail doesn’t mean just getting to know your fellow…

Thanksgiving at Sea

The Basics The boat: Vayu, a 50’ FP Helia  Crew: Captain Trevon (instructor)   ASA Students: Dodi, John, Christian, Thibaud Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Swapping Stories This crew came to Go Sail Virgin Islands with a variety of boating…

One Trip, Two Boats

The Basics The boat: Sweet & Salty, a 2018 FP Helia 44’  and Vayu, a FP Helia 50’  Crew: Captain Trevon (instructor)   ASA Students: Alan, Becky, Anthony, Ethan  Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Fast Friends Captain Trevon and Go…

Ever-Changing Conditions

The Basics The boat: Sweet & Salty, a 2018 FP Helia 44’  Crew: Captain Trevon (instructor)   ASA Students: Kristi, “Starboard” Mark, Lana, “MarkO”, Tina M. Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Feels Like Home A crew of six eager sailors…

What is a Captain’s Log?

What is a Captain’s Log? A Captain’s Log, also sometimes referred to as a ship’s log, is a way for captains to keep records about a sailing journey. Captain’s Logs have been used for thousands of years for captains to keep track of their trip’s progress, maintenance issues, coordinates of things found at sea, weather…

Captains Log: Sailing Under Stormy Skies

The Basics The boat: 2022 Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 Crew: Captain JT ASA Students: Kathe and Matt Courses Completed:  ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 106 (Advanced Coastal Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran),  Day 1: Happy Anniversary! Kathe and Matt are celebrating their 40th anniversary by learning to sail together! Matt…

Captain’s Log: Sampling the USVI’s Comfort Foods

The Basics The boat: 2018 Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 Catamaran Crew: Captain JT ASA Students: Alex, Austin, and Stephanie Courses Completed:  ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran),  Day 1: Starting Strong All three sailors come to the Go Sail Virgin Island charter with sailing experience! Stephanie and Austin…

Captain’s Log: Cruz Bay Carnival

The Basics The boat: “Peach Paradise,” a 2018 Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 Crew: Captain JT ASA Students: Thomas and Lowell Courses Completed:  ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran),  Day 1: Jumping Right In Oftentimes, Go Sail Virgin Islands trips start with a night of getting to know each…

Captain’s Log: Whale I Never!

The Basics The boat: Speculation, Leopard 44’  Crew: Captain Jalil ASA Students: Bhav, Nike, Ben, Glen, and Vicky Courses Completed:  ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran),  Day 1: Setting Goals This sailing crew jumps aboard Speculation with a wide variety of sailing experience and goals! Vicky and Glen…

Captain’s Log: Tacking Taco Tuesdays

The Basics The boat: Sweet and Salty, a 2018 FP Helia 44’  Crew: Captain JT Quinn  ASA Students: Brandon, George, Reena, Michael Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic Keel Boat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran),  Day 1: A Full First Day This crew wasted no time in starting…

Captain’s Log: Just the Two of Us

The Basics The boat: Speculation, a 2018 FP Helia 44’  Crew: Captain Jalil  ASA Students: Steve and Tirzah Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic Keel Boat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran),  Day 1: A watersport transition Steve and Tirzah meet up with Captain Jalil to begin their “Cruising…

Captain’s Log: Bringing It All Together

The Basics The boat: Speculation, a 2018 FP Helia 44’  Crew: Captain JT ASA Students: Mike, Tracey, and Robert Courses Completed:  ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran),  Day 1: Coming together This sailing crew comes together from all walks of life for the first day of their Go…

Captain’s Log: Racing Along

The Basics The boat: Sweet and Salty, a 2018 FP Helia 44’  Crew: Captain Trevon  ASA Students: Kate, Jeff, Shirley, and Eric Courses Completed:  ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 106 (Advanced Coastal Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran), ASA 118 (Docking Endorsement) Day 1: Making Plans This crew came aboard Sweet…

Captain’s Log: A Couple’s Getaway

The Basics The boat: Speculation, a 2012 Leopard 44  Crew: Captain JT (instructor)   ASA Students: Steve & Tirzah Courses Completed:   ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: The Start of Something New Steve and Tirzah meet Captain JT for dinner and they spend the evening sharing…

Captain’s Log: Captain Jalil’s Famous Fare

The Basics The boat: Speculation, a 2021 Leopard 44  Crew: Captain Jalil (instructor)   ASA Students: David, Adam, and Chris Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: A Range of Experience Ready and excited to set sail, the crew of sailors meets…

Captain’s Log: Birthdays Abound!

The Basics The boat: Calypso, a 2018 FP Helia 44’  Crew: Captain Trevon (instructor) and first mate Stephanie  ASA Students: Todd, Mike, Amir, Kelsey Courses Completed:  ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Exceeding Expectations Todd, Mike, Amir, and Kelsey arrived aboard the Calypso and were immediately…

Captain’s Log: St. Thomas Exploration

The Basics The boat: Jester, a FP Helia 44’  Crew: Captain JT (instructor) ASA Students: Sandy, Chuck, Jon Courses Completed:  ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Getting to know the crew Sandy, Chuck, and Jon all eagerly hop aboard the Jester to begin their weeklong journey…

Captain’s Log: From Small Towns to Open Waters

The Basics The boat: Calypso, a 2022 FP Astrea 42’  Crew: Captain Trevon (instructor)  ASA Students: Casey, Joe, Julie, and Page Courses Completed: ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: A Taste of Home As a Montanan, Trevon was excited to welcome his…

Captain’s Log: Surprises in St. Croix

The Basics The boat: Sweet and Salty, a 2018 FP Helia 44’ Catamaran Crew: Captain Trevon (instructor) and first mate Stephanie ASA Students: Ryan and Sam Courses Completed: ASA 106 (Advanced Coastal Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran), ASA 118 (Docking Endorsement)  Day 1: Getting Acquainted at the Dive Bar As anyone who has taken a…

Captain’s Log: Tricks of the trade

Captain’s Log: Tricks of the Trade | Go Sail Virgin Islands In this week’s Captain’s Log, Captain Trevon works with a student through some issues new sailors commonly face and gets the student on track to pass their ASA courses. Learn about Captain Trevon’s tricks of the trades and the common issues to avoid when…

Captain’s Log: Lessons of learning and overcoming

The Basics The boat: Jester, an FP Helia 44’ Catamaran Crew: Captain Trevon (instructor) and first mate Stephanie ASA Students: Kevin, Peter, Rosie and Kirill  Courses Completed: ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran)  Day 1: Setting Goals It’s New Year’s Day when Captain Trevon and first mate Stephanie…

Captain’s Log: Sailing and Snorkeling

This week’s Captain’s Log is an adventure of sailing and snorkeling from Flamingo Bay to Hawksnest Bay. Along the way, the group sees a variety of amazing USVI flora and fauna and completes a variety of ASA courses. Ready to follow along on the latest Go Sail Virgin Islands adventure? Let’s set sail!  The Basics…