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Sailing As Your Spouse’s First Mate or Able Bodied Crew

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.

What Is the First Mate on a Ship?

The First Mate on a ship is the captain’s most qualified assistant. Think of them as a sous chef or co-pilot. a man holding a sign

First Mates have many responsibilities, including: 

  • Instructing the crew.
  • Navigating the yacht.
  • Sailing the ship when the captain isn’t there.
  • Helping passengers on and off the boat.
  • Keeping an eye on the tides and weather.

Will I Become a First Mate With ASA Courses

Taking ASA courses is an excellent way to gain sailing skills and learn the fundamentals needed to sail safely and successfully. However, even advanced sailing courses won’t officially make you a First Mate. 

You often need other certifications and a license before earning the title of First Mate. The good news? You don’t have to get your certifications with Go Sail VI to become a sailor just because your spouse is! 

Join a Cruising Couples course and enjoy the ride/vacation without the stress of courses.

First Mate vs. Able-Bodied Crew

You don’t need to be a first mate to be a good sailing mate! ASA courses teach you the fundamentals of sailing so that you can help your partner out on your yacht. 

Introductory courses can teach you fundamentals, including: 

  • Understanding how a yacht works.
  • Knowing how to care for your boat.  
  • Forecasting weather patterns.
  • Watching out for safety issues.
  • Knowing how to heave-to.
  • Practicing tacking and jibing.
  • Learning anchoring or mooring basics.

If you plan to buy your own yacht, taking advanced courses with Go Sail VI can help prepare you and your spouse for your future sailing adventures.

Cruising Couples Sailing Courses

Learning how to sail with a sailing mate can be a lot of fun. Our Cruising Couples course pairs you with other sailing spouses, where you can learn basic and advanced skills on a weeklong liveaboard course. 

We also have private yacht courses, which makes the learning aspect of the courses optional for your spouse if they just want to kick back and enjoy the ride. These courses also give sailors a chance to earn their International Proficiency Certificate.

The Cruising Couples Courses include the following curriculum:

  • ASA 101
  • ASA 103
  • ASA 104
  • ASA 114

Not interested in becoming abled body crew? No problem! You can lie back, catch a tan, and watch your spouse learn the ropes. 

Raise the Sails With Your First Mate

You and your sailing mate can have a blast with our expert team at Go Sail VI. Whether you’re ready to learn how to be an able-bodied crew or just want to see the beauty of the Virgin Islands from a yacht, our sailing courses are a great way to sail the Caribbean Sea. 

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