FAQ: Sailing Schools vs Private Instructors
Sailing is an exciting way to experience the Virgin Islands and explore the Caribbean in style. If it’s your first time booking a liveaboard sailing vacation, you may wonder whether to learn with a private sailing instructor or join a group. While either option can help you build skills, earn certifications, and gain nautical miles, they offer different levels of flexibility, pricing, and interaction with other sailors.
These frequently asked questions can help you decide whether a sailing school or private instructor is the best choice for your trip.
What’s the Difference Between a Private Sailing Instructor and a Sailing School?
If you’re deciding between taking ASA courses with a sailing school in the Virgin Islands or hiring a private instructor, the main difference is whether you need your own boat and who you’re sharing the sailboat with. A private instructor requires you to find a charter boat on your own or use a sailboat you already own. At Go Sail Virgin Islands, our sailing school finds the boat for you. You can choose who you sail with, if you’d like with a private friends and family course. However, we also offer various options with our sailing school to book trips with like-minded sailors from around the world that you don’t yet know! Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll build the sailing skills you need to explore the BVI, USVI and many other sailing locations on your own after the course is complete!
Do I Need to Take ASA 101 Before Hiring a Private Sailing Instructor?
No. There aren’t any prerequisite courses you need to complete before hiring a private sailing instructor. You can take Go Sail Virgin Islands ASA sailing courses as a group lesson or when hiring a private ASA sailing instructor.Either way, ASA 101 is the first course you’ll start out learning.
Can I Earn an IPC With a Private Sailing Instructor?
Yes. You can earn an International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) when you hire a private instructor or when sailing with a sailing school like Go Sail Virgin Islands. If you plan to charter a bareboat in other parts of the world, having proof of competency can help you qualify. Requirements vary, but the IPC can provide internationally recognized proof of sailing competency.
Should I Choose a Private Instructor or a Sailing School in the Virgin Islands?
If you already own your own boat, hiring a private instructor is a great way to go. If you don’t own your own sailboat, it’s easier to set sail with a sailing school. Both options allow you to see the beautiful Virgin Islands from a sailboat while learning the basics or advanced sailing skills. If you want to socialize and make new friends, programs like cruising with couples or solo travelers courses are a fun way to meet new people while discovering a new hobby. For those who want to spend time with loved ones, booking a private course lets you enjoy quality time together while seeing a beautiful part of the world by sailboat.
Learn More About Go Sail Virgin Islands ASA Sailing Courses
Ready to learn more about whether you should choose a sailing school vs. a private instructor? Get in touch with our ASA sailing instructors at Go Sail VI!