Smithers and Chip always had a goal to sail, and earn their captain’s license.

a man standing in front of a boat next to a body of water

a small boat in a body of water with a mountain in the background

a man sitting on a boat

a man sitting on a boat a person sitting in a boat on a body of water

a sunset over a body of water

Captain’s log: The crew’s goal of the weeklong course was to have the skills and confidence to be able to charter a 40-50’ catamaran bareboat in the future with friends. On Sunday both students expressed their enthusiasm about learning to sail and how this adventure related to past “adventure trips” they’ve taken together, including bull riding trips and shark fishing trips. Captain’s Certifications get you bareboat charter ready. Ready to buy a catamaran and go on and sail the life you see is possible! Hey Man, you need to do this. Do not wait get on the boat and be ready to impress your friends.

Catamaran: 2021 FP Astrea 42

Crew: Captain Trevon with ASA students and courses: Scott “Smithers” and Robert “Chip” 101/103/104/114

When: Premium Catamaran Course Sunday, December 4th 2022 @ 5pm – Saturday, December 10th 2022 @ 10am

Sailing Route:

Day 1: We meet at Compass Point Marina at the catamaran around 5 PM. We started off with a couple painkillers and a light appetizer. We had a nice introduction, discussed sailing goals, discussed locations, and sailing experience.

Day 2: The crew departed Compass Point Marina around 11:00 am after an onboard study session and instruction. We did boat handling drills under motor power in the bay and navigated to Pillsbury Sound, where we hoisted sails and continued drills and practiced boat handling under sail. Practiced sailing at all points of sail and practiced tacking and gybing. Late afternoon we found a mooring ball in Caneel Bay and secured the boat. They struggled a bit, so we let off the ball and retrieved it a second time, doing much better. Went to shore (Cruz Bay) in the dinghy for dinner on the beach. When returning to the boat, seas were high and everyone was quite drenched by the time we made it back. We celebrated with a painkiller.

Day 3: We reviewed 103 Coastal Cruising, establishing a plan for the day, discussing destinations, courses to take, forecasting wind, and seas we might have. We sailed into Coral Bay and dropped anchor and went to Skinny Legs for Mahi.

Day 4: After breakfast and coffee we reviewed 104 Bareboat Cruising. We weighed anchor and had discussion on route for the day’s destination. We practiced figure eight drills near Flanagan Island and sailed downwind on a broad reach with a jibe preventer rigged. Chip and Smithers have a good feel for boat handling and points of sail. The crew moored in Salt Pond Bay, St John and grabbed a national park mooring ball. The delicious taco dinner aboard was enjoyed by all.

Day 5: The crew sailed on a northerly course for Redhook Bay, St Thomas. The crew practiced charting a course with waypoints and calculating time of arrival at destination. Lots of crossing situations and practice on sail trim, reefing. Dropped anchor outside of American Yacht Harbor and went to dinner at Island Time Pizza, ITP ashore. There was a large swell entering the bay, so we set an anchor watch schedule.

Day 6: After breakfast the crew covered the ASA 114 exam. We developed a course to our destination, Christmas Cove. The winds were light so we sailed until the wind died and then motored. We set a good anchoring spot. ASA Marketing rep, Roman came aboard and conducted interviews of myself and each student. We grilled bacon cheeseburgers in paradise aboard.

Day 7: The final day we set off for Compass Point Marina proceeding out toward Buck Island to empty holding tanks and then guided students into the channel and harbor. We contacted Virgin Island Yacht Charters (VIYC) and they guided us to the fuel dock. VIYC docked the boat like absolute professionals and showed us how it’s done. We survey the catamaran through a post charter checklist and cleaning up staterooms.

We had a good laugh about all the good times and shared photos.

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