Sailing Guides

The Annapolis Sailboat Show is almost here, and Go Sail Virgin Islands is looking forward to attending once again. If you aren’t familiar with the fall event, it’s 4 days of fun for sailors of all levels. You can shop for the latest sailboats, meet other boating enthusiasts, and chat about anything from new gear…

The Virgin Islands’ weather is generally more predictable than a lot of popular sailing locations. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan ahead.  Sailing conditions can change quickly, so it’s always important to understand the basics of weather safety before setting sail. Here’s a look at some frequently asked questions about the weather in the…

The Virgin Islands are often described as having “champagne sailing” due to the normally calm conditions and the picturesque Caribbean Sea. For most of the year, the BVI and USVI are an excellent place to learn how to sail, with gentle breezes and small swells.  But as with much of the Caribbean, it’s important to…

Predicting the weather when sailing isn’t always possible, but it certainly helps to have the right tools. If you’ve ever been to the Virgin Islands during hurricane season (or even peak sailing season), you’ll know that the winds can shift and the skies can open up in the blink of an eye.  Sailing weather apps…

From choosing daily activities to deciding how long your sailing vacation should be, there is a lot to consider when chartering a bareboat in the Virgin Islands. When you spend a week on a liveaboard cruise with Go Sail VI, we help you choose some of the top sailing locations in the Virgin Islands that…

Whether you’re taking your first sailing course or have years of nautical miles under your belt, the Caribbean has some of the top sailing spots in the world. From the calm waters of the Virgin Islands to the more challenging open sea in the Southern Caribbean, taking a sailing vacation in the Caribbean is in…

Sailors who want a taste of what the Caribbean was like decades ago can plan a trip to the Spanish Virgin Islands. The 2 main islands and the smaller cays treat visitors to a remote section of the Virgin Islands that is full of wildlife and adventure.  But where should you visit on a Spanish…

A bucket list destination for sailors of all skill levels, the BVI are home to many of the best sailing destinations in the world. From the gentle trade wind breezes to diving spots teeming with sea life, the British Virgin Islands are a sailor’s dream destination. Join us on a beginner or advanced sailing course…

Planning a couple’s sailing cruise is a fun way to connect with your spouse in new ways. It does require careful planning, so we thought we’d offer some sailing vacation ideas for couples. Here is a look at how to plan a couple’s sailing cruise!  Take Sailing Lessons Learning to sail as a couple is…

Sailing with your spouse is a great way to connect and have a romantic adventure in the Virgin Islands. It allows you to work together to problem-solve, communicate, and have some fun along the way! But what experience and training do you need to become your spouse’s First Mate? Here’s everything you need to know….

Traveling as a couple can have its trying moments—even on your honeymoon, docking a yacht for the first time can make those rose colored glasses come off really quickly. Tempers can flare, and emotions may run high if you try to dock a boat without the proper skills and training. The good news? If you…

Whether you just finished taking sailing courses or have sailed for years, chartering a Virgin Islands bareboat requires some planning. Understanding how and when to book a bareboat charter goes a long way to ensuring that your trip to the Virgin Islands is smooth sailing. Here is a quick look at everything you need to…

Sailing is a popular eco-friendly travel option that allows you to see another side of the Virgin Islands that many people simply fly over. However, sailing sustainably requires some planning and understanding of what you need to bring along for the journey. Take a look at some helpful tips we put together so that you…

More and more sailors are pitching in to help promote marine conservation, and for good reason—even small actions can make a large impact. This article lays out a few ways you can protect the sea through ecotourism and sailing best practices. Learn more about how to help marine conservation before booking a bareboat with Go…

Reducing our carbon footprint when traveling is crucial to preserving our national parks and oceans. While many of us travel by air, an eco-tour on a sailboat is a more sustainable mode of transportation, especially when island hopping in the Virgin Islands.  Go Sail Virgin Islands offers eco-friendly travel experiences in the Caribbean Sea. Our…

Sustainable sailing practices are increasingly popular among amateur and professional sailors—and for good reason! Most sailors want to reduce their carbon footprint when traveling. Doing so is especially important for maintaining the reefs and clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.  Before you set sail in the Virgin Islands, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself…

So, you’ve finished the basic courses and are ready to start sailing solo. Congratulations—the time and effort will pay off once you’re on the water! Not only can this help you avoid getting caught in irons once you hire a bareboat charter, but it’s also lots of fun to learn new skills. Mile building is…

Imagine cruising around the Caribbean Sea with a few of your closest friends—sunshine, a constant breeze , and the crystal clear open water all around you. Chartering a yacht is a great way to connect with nature and make the most of your vacation. But before you can call yourself captain and set sail in…

Taking up sailing? Get ready to have the time of your life. But before you cast off into the Caribbean, you’ll want some nautical miles under your belt. ASA courses are the best way to get your sea legs and learn the basics (and advanced techniques) before chartering a yacht.  So, which sailing certification is…

Maritime technology is constantly evolving. Until recently, long ocean crossings with a small sailboat meant accepting that there would be minimal or no internet access onboard. But nowadays, you don’t have to sacrifice staying connected when you set sail.  Internet at sea is still more costly and complicated than it is on land, and the…

With the rise of remote work, many people are fulfilling their dream of living on a sailboat while working. Here is some useful information to help you get started: How can I connect to the internet from a sailboat, and what equipment do I need? Sailboats can connect to the internet through Wi-Fi, mobile hotspots,…

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, working remotely has become commonplace, and more and more spaces have been modified to accommodate remote workers. While the flexibility to work from anywhere can be freeing, many remote workers experience cabin fever from working from home. For those who need a change of scenery, here are some good places to…

Sailing is a pastime enjoyed by people with all sorts of careers. However, many of the skills that sailing utilizes are particularly valuable to entrepreneurs. Learning to be a competent sailor will bolster the abilities that are needed to start and run a successful business. Here’s what makes sailing such an ideal hobby for entrepreneurs: Conquering…

“Old Year’s Night,” as we call it in the Virgin Islands, is a magical event when we say goodbye to the previous year while welcoming the next one. Around here, we celebrate wearing flip-flops surrounded by palm trees and white sand. If you want to join us this year, don’t miss these top activities on…

With Christmas just around the corner, many people are scrambling to find the perfect gift for everyone on their list. Yet, we all know someone who is always impossible to shop for – there never  seems to be anything they want or need.  Give the Gift of Adventure For many, experiences (and the memories that…

Christmas in the Virgin Islands promises warm, sunny weather and sugar sand beaches, but it is also a great opportunity to shop for unique gifts for the holidays! Whether you are browsing for someone special or treating yourself, the Virgin Islands have something to delight everyone! These are some of the top items to look…

Late November is one of the best times to visit the US Virgin Islands because the weather is mild, and peak tourist season has not yet begun. This means you can enjoy uncrowded sunny beaches and lower costs. If you are thinking about spending Thanksgiving in the USVI but are worried about finding a good…

We are thrilled to share some fantastic news with you! Go Sail Virgin Islands has officially opened our very own sailing gear shop, offering an exclusive range of branded shirts and hats that we know you’ll love. Our new shop is stocked with stylish apparel designed to let you showcase your support for Go Sail…

Go Sail Virgin Islands attended the Annapolis Sailboat Show this year, and had an absolute blast– as usual! Held in mid-October, the show is one of the best exhibitions of sailboats in the United States. The Go Sail crew saw countless yachts and new equipment on display, and participated in seminars so they can share…

If you’ve never attended a sailboat show, they are a great chance to delve deeper into the world of sailing. One of the most renowned boat shows in North America, the Annapolis Sailboat Show 2024, will be coming to Maryland from October 10 – 14. You won’t want to miss it!  Go Sail Virgin Islands…

Go Sail Virgin Islands is excited to attend one of the most renowned sailing events in the United States this October— the Annapolis Sailboat Show 2024! If you are attending or considering attending, here are some of the highlights we expect to see at the show: More Than 100 Sailboats The main attraction of the…

Spending a vacation at a resort may be appealing to some people, but there is a better option for those who want a more fulfilling, immersive experience. When you cruise on a Virgin Islands all-inclusive sailing trip, you spend your voyage surrounded by the aquamarine sea rather than in a crowd of tourists who all…

The USVI comprises over 50 islands and cays, each more breathtakingly beautiful than the last. With so many gorgeous locations and exciting activities, choosing where to spend your vacation can feel impossible. Thankfully, sailing gives you the flexibility to customize your itinerary as you hop from island to island. Check out our guide to finding…

https://www.gosailvi.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5908/2024/08/092024_Week1_AdvancedCourses.mp4 If you have already taken the American Sailing Association’s popular beginner courses and are eager for a new challenge, Go Sail VI also offers advanced ASA courses. The topics we cover are ASA 105 (Coastal Navigation), ASA 106 (Advanced Coastal Cruising), and ASA 114 (Catamaran Cruising). Here is why you should join us in…

In search of the best British Virgin Island to visit during your holiday? There is more than one! We’ve detailed our top spots to visit on a few of our favorite islands so you can create the best BVI itinerary to fit your individual interests and timeframe. Norman Island: life of the party While Go…

Ready for an unforgettable vacation sailing in the BVI? Here is our advice to guarantee a successful trip: 1. Fly to the USVI If you are sailing in the British Virgin Islands from the US, flying into St. Thomas will probably be significantly cheaper and more direct than into the BVI’s airports. Then, an easy…

Learning to sail is made easy when you have a great instructor! But how do you find them? Every year, the American Sailing Association (ASA) recognizes the best ASA sailing instructors around the world. This annual award can help you to find the best sailing instructors in the Virgin Islands and beyond. Here’s what you…

Congratulations! You’ve completed your ASA courses and you feel confident bareboat charter for a family and friend vacation! So what’s next? We recommend bareboating in the British Virgin Islands! Here’s what makes bareboating in Tortola and beyond such a fantastic sailing experience and what you need to do to ensure your bareboat trip is a…

What’s the best way to travel to the Virgin Islands? These strategies will make your travel to the Virgin Islands as seamless, cheap, and stress-free as possible.  Flying into the US Virgin Islands The USVI has two commercial airports. One in St. Croix and one in St. Thomas. If you are setting sail in the…

Congress declared May 22 as National Maritime Day in the 1930s and it is still being celebrated today! Find out more about the holiday and how you can celebrate it below: What does National Maritime Day celebrate? National Maritime Day celebrates all those in the maritime industry! That includes those in the marine shipping industry,…

A yacht charter broker is someone with extensive knowledge of the yachting industry and helps match yacht owners with those going on yacht charter vacations. But is it worth booking your sailing charter through a Virgin Islands yacht charter broker? Absolutely! Here’s why: 1. Yacht charter brokers don’t cost you a dime.  It won’t cost…

Planning on sailing the world? You’ll need your International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) first! In this quick guide you’ll learn where you need the ASA IPC to sail, what countries don’t require the IPC, and how to become certified before you take off on your world travels.   What is the International Proficiency Certificate, (ASA IPC)? The…

Before heading out to sail, you always want to be well apprised of the weather conditions! Unfortunately, many traditional weather apps just don’t cut it in the sailing world. Let’s take a look at which sailing weather apps to use and why before hitting the water: Traditional Weather Apps There are a few reasons you…

The learning journey isn’t over once you complete Bareboat Certification or even feel confident as a skipper! Every sailor out there can improve in some form or fashion. Here’s why you should take advanced ASA courses and which ones we recommend you sign up for:  What are ASA Advanced Courses? ASA advanced courses are the…

Oftentimes sailing with your mate is much more fun than sailing alone! Sailing with your spouse can also be a great way to strengthen an already healthy relationship. Here’s 5 ways sailing with your husband, wife, or significant other can help you strengthen your relationship and support each other’s strengths: 1. Sharing Experiences and Hobbies…

The Annapolis Sailboat Show kicks off on October 12th! Here’s everything you need to know about the locations, sailboats, exhibitors, educational opportunities, and more.  Why Should I Attend The Annapolis Sailboat Show? The 2023 Annapolis Sailboat Show is sure to reinvigorate your love of sailing. The event brings together sailors across the world with inspiring…

Is travel insurance a great investment or a waste of money? Here’s our take on whether or not to buy travel insurance for your Virgin Islands sailing trip.  Is Travel Insurance Required in the Virgin Islands? No, it is not required to buy travel insurance in order to visit the Virgin Islands. This might come…

The world is full of sailing itineraries and trips! So how do you choose the perfect sailing location for your trip? The Virgin Islands has some of the best sailing conditions you’ll find anywhere and  should absolutely be a top contender for your next sailing adventure. Here’s what makes sailing here so impressive:  1. Temperatures…

Bareboating sailing provides sailors the opportunity to rent a sailboat without a crew. It’s a truly unique and wonderful experience, made all the better if you plan your trip in the Virgin Islands! Here’s why: 1. Bareboat sailing is the most customizable way to see the Virgin Islands Bareboat sailing gives you the freedom to…

Unsure what you need to bring for a Virgin Islands ASA certification course? This list will make sure you are fully prepared before your adventure begins: 1. The Essentials Many of the things you’ll want to bring to your Virgin Islands ASA certification course are the same things you’d want to bring on any other,…

ASA sailing courses aren’t just for beginners. Captains with all levels of experience can benefit from taking sailing lessons. Here’s why: 1. There is always more to learn The learning journey never ends! This is especially true when it comes to sailing. Even captains  with decades of experience continue to find new tricks of the…

  schedule and price Before sailing the Virgin Islands, there are a few things you should know about the sailing logistics, opportunities, conditions, and culture. This go-to Virgin Islands cruising guide will provide you with all the information you need for the sailing trip of a lifetime. Page Contents Virgin Islands sailing conditions  Virgin Islands…