Top Tips for Sailing Success in 2026
Sailing a lot of fun, but you can make your time on the water a lot smoother if you’re prepared for the unexpected. Booking a learn to sail vacation is a fun way to explore the Virgin Islands—it also can give you the fundamental skills you need to become a better sailor.
If you are thinking about learning how to sail or are ready to learn advanced sailing skills, these tips will help you sail successfully in 2026.
Know How to Stay Safe When Sailing
Learning basic sailing skills can help you know how to stay safe and avoid injuries on the water. Go Sail VI sailing instructors can teach you how to operate a sailboat and give you practical tips on staying safe.
A few things to keep in mind include:
- Choose a safe location like the Virgin Islands to sail.
- Know the man-overboard procedures in case you or the crew end up in the water.
- Understand sailing safety basics to prepare you for gaining nautical miles.
Learn About Boat Basics
Anytime you sail, you should do a walk-through with an ASA instructor to learn more about the boat you plan to sail. Go Sail VI charter managers will walk sailors through boat briefings before chartering a bareboat or taking ASA sailing courses in the Virgin Islands.
You can also learn more about boats online by watching instructional videos and reading more about safe sailboat operations. Study boat basics with the Go Sail VI boat briefing resources here!
Pay Attention to Sailing Conditions
Knowing what the weather and waves will be like before you sail can save you a lot of headaches out on the water. While the weather can change in a hurry, it’s important to stay on top of predictions to the best of your abilities. You can download weather apps and use the offline features to help predict wind, rain, and swells.
However, Go Sail VI captains and crew pay close attention to the weather, too. We won’t send you out sailing if hurricanes are in the forecast.
Choose a Sailing Location Carefully
Deciding where to sail can mean the difference between successful sailing trips and managing rough waters. While advanced sailors can have a successful sailing trip in many locations worldwide, beginners may want to stick to locations known for calmer conditions, like the Virgin Islands.
When you book a sailing vacation in the Caribbean with Go Sail VI, you can enjoy champagne sailing most of the year. Conditions in the VI are usually calm, with just enough wind and waves.
Take ASA Sailing Courses
There’s no better way to prepare yourself for sailing than taking lessons with ASA-accredited instructors. Go Sail VI has courses for all skill levels, and can teach you anything from basic sailing skills to advanced techniques that will help you improve your sailing as you log more nautical miles.
Book a learn to sail vacation and set yourself up for sailing success in 2026!