The Importance of Sailboat Briefings
Go Sail Virgin Islands requires all students and customers to attend a boat briefing before sailing in the Virgin Islands. Whether you are a student, captain, or just along for the ride, it’s important to know the basics of safe sailboat operation while out on the water. These boat briefing videos and articles will give you a general idea of what you need to know before you sail in the Virgin Islands but they don’t take the place of an in-person boat briefing. This boat briefing is specific to a Fountaine Pajot catamaran and the information is not universal for all our sailboats in the Virgin Islands. However, you can use these resources after your in-person boat briefing as a refresher guide at sea or watch and read them before your trip so you’ll be as prepared as possible for your in-person boat briefing!
Helm Briefing
If you want to get anywhere on your VI sailing vacation, you are going to need to know how to drive the boat! In this boat briefing, you’ll become familiar with a sailboat’s helm and steering station. Here’s the basics of what’s covered in the helm briefing video and article:
- Engine Controls
- Helm/Steering Wheel
- Gauges
- GPS
- Multi-Functioning Screens
- Autopilot
- Safety Tips
Engine Briefing
The engine set-up on every sailboat is different, however, this Fountaine Pajot catamaran engine briefing gives sailors a good foundational understanding of how sailboat engines work and what you can expect during your in-person boat briefing! Use this sailboat engine guide to come up with specific questions to ask your charter check-out attendant during your boat briefing in the Virgin Islands or use it as a quick reference guide on the water! Here’s what we cover in our full engine briefing:
- Pre-Departure Engine Check
- In the Starboard Engine Room
- In the Port Engine Room
Electrical Panel Briefing
This boat briefing covers the basic buttons, gadgets, and switches you’ll find on your sailboat’s electrical panel. We cover each of these topics more in-depth in our electrical panel briefing video and article:
- Batteries and Generators
- Lights
- Bilge Pumps
- Other Electronics on the Electrical Panel
Dinghy Briefing
Ready to explore land? You’ll want to become familiar with your dinghy first! There are a few different types of dinghies, but the most common (and the ones we use) are rigid inflatable dinghies. This boat briefing will walk you through the following elements of dinghy use in the Virgin Islands and beyond:
- Starting the Engine
- Dinghy Safety Tips in the Virgin Islands
Stove and Grill Briefing
Everybody needs to eat onboard your Virgin Islands sailboat! However, if you want to cook, you are going to need to know how to use your stove’s solenoid first. These are the basics of how to fire up your stove and grill that we cover in our stove and grill boat briefing:
- Opening the Solenoid Valve
- Solenoid Valve Safety
- Igniting the Flame
- Safety Tips for Using a Sailboat Stove and Grill
Mooring and Anchoring Briefing
You’ll be dropping anchoring or grabbing a mooring ball every night of your Virgin Islands sailing vacation with Go Sail, so you’ll want to be familiar with the basic principles of mooring and anchoring! We cover the following mooring and anchoring topics in this boat briefing:
- Boat Hooks
- Docklines
- Windlass
- Windlass Remote
- Bridle
GPS and Generator Briefing
Learn about the brains behind the technology on your sailboat in this GPS and generator boat briefing! Here’s what’s covered in this boat briefing article and video:
- GPS System and What it Monitors
- Powering the Generator
- Operating the Generator
Man-Overboard Procedures and Briefing
One of the best ways to stay safe in the Virgin Islands is to prepare for emergencies so you are ready in-case the worst-case scenario becomes a reality. That’s why we put a large focus on man-overboard procedures and drills during our ASA courses. However, it’s also useful information to review before your Virgin Islands vacation or any sailing trip, for that matter. Here’s a quick breakdown of what we cover in the MOB briefing article and video:
- Spot the Person in the Water
- Throw Them a Flotation Device
- Get in Position for Rescue
- Get the Crew Member Back On Board
- Follow Up on Their Well-Being
Go Sail Virgin Islands’ 5-star reviews on USVI and BVI Yacht Charters say it all ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Go Sail Virgin Islands provided, my daughter and me, the best possible sailing, learning, and entertaining island and water experience. We achieved our goal of learning and getting certified to charter a bare boat in the most realistic and satisfying way. Captain Genevieve chartered for the ASA classes the appropriate boat for our experiences and desires. Captain Trevon, as our instructor and Captain, quietly assumed responsibility for the wellbeing of his crew and ship. At all times he checked on our actions, and made sure we were proceeding according to the rules and spirit of seamanship. First Mate Stephanie provided us with healthy, tasteful meals, great pictures and videos, and a reassuring graceful presence. The trip was organized as a sail around the US Virgin Islands, as a captain and crew would do in a sailing, exploration, and vacation setting. The one week trip could be replicated as a two weeks’ vacation in USVI, just by expanding the times spent in various places and adding more entertainment and recreation activities. For the aspiring Captains this is, in my opinion, the best first step to take in order to learn, experience, and practice chartering and coastal sailing a blue water vessel. Go Sail Virgin Islands has provided a professional, reasonable priced, and meaningful experience, enabling us to achieve our goals. I would highly and sincerely recommend Go sail Virgin Islands to all aspiring sailors of any level of experience for its classes and trips. Captain Genevieve is one of the best persons to guide and help anyone in the sailing world. It is an honor and a privilege to work with her anytime, anywhere.
– Edi S | Google
It felt like a lot of growth happening in just a few days and each day felt pleasantly long but not overdone and there was something to be learned throughout the day.
– Marc G | Google
We had a great experience with Captain Genevieve at Go Sail Virgin Islands. Captain Genevieve kept us up to date and provided alot of good advise preparing and planning for the charter and the ASA training. She took all of the guess work and uncertainties away which made for a great sailing experience. We will definitely use Captain Genevieve for our future ASA classes and future bareboat charters. My wife and I cannot say enough good things about the ASA Sailing Instructor Captain Jalil Jacallen. His instruction was top notch. He was organized and he explained everything clearly so we felt very comfortable during the hands on sailing of the 44 Leopard. His knowledge of sailing is quite impressive. He answered all of our questions and provided plenty of time to practice. He is very patient and calm allowing us to learn how to sail and develop confidence as sailors.
– Mark M | Google
It is a unique experience going from reading your manual, practicing the skills and then wrapping up the afternoon swimming with sea turtles. We took our student level in 2015 and then in 2021 we came back for our instructor course.
– Matt F | Google
I completed ASA 103 -114 with Captain Jalil and the only thing that surpassed his patience and passion for sailing was his expertise! A great week building and refining skills in a safe but challenging environment. I recommend Go Sail Virgin Islands without hesitation!
– Michael S | Google
My wife and I had a thoroughly enjoyable time learning to sail with Go Sail Virgin Islands. Captain Jalil was awesome! He has a relaxed and comfortable manner, that allowed us to learn the ropes without making us feel pressured or nervous. He’s also a great cook and makes a delicious painkiller! On top of that, he’s also a wealth of information on the area—knows all the best places for snorkeling and dining. We made this trip with another couple, who are friends of ours, and the instigators of this trip as a steppingstone for future bareboat chartering and possibly owning their own catamaran. Three of us completed the ASA 103, 104, and 114 classes, and the fourth, who already had some previous classes/experience, completed ASA 106 and 118. I feel confident that, after these classes and hands on learning with captain Jalil, we will be able to do it mostly on our own next time. All in all, this was a wonderful vacation and experience, and will open up a whole new set of possibilities for future exploration. Thank you Go Sail VI and Captain Jalil!
– Mike G | Google
Great experience, boat and instructor/ captain... would thoroughly recommend!
– Rob U | Google
It was nice to meet new people from other backgrounds in sailing, as well as parts of the country, and learn from them as well since it’s an interactive sport. It was great to have that ability to bounce things off of people and learn from each other.
– Todd F | Google
Attended a great 6 day catamaran sailing course in the USVI. Our instructor JT Quinn was top notch! Highly recommend!
– Trish M | Google
We took the Cruising couples ASA course through Go Sail Virgin Islands. Our captain/instructor was J.T. He is a wonderful teacher. Great sense of humour. Very patient with everyone. A super experience. Thank you J.T.
– Wendy T | Google
I had an amazing week of sailing and exploring the US Virgin Islands with Go Sail Virgin Islands and Captain Genevieve Evans. First and foremost, Captain G is a wonderful and knowledgeable teacher. She thoroughly explained concepts and maneuvers, demonstrating them as well, and then gave us the opportunity to practice throughout the week. She was extremely patient and helped to build my confidence behind the helm tremendously. Additionally, she knows the best spots on each island and made the trip not just about learning and growing as a sailor, but also enjoying time away. I will never forget this trip- if you have the opportunity to learn with Go Sail and Captain G, you won’t regret it. Thanks again Captain G for an absolutely perfect adventure!
– Sara V | Google
The whole experience did not disappoint—truly a wonderful life memory. The boat was in nice condition and served us well. Captain J T Quinn was absolutely fantastic at teaching us and was so easy to have around. And doubled as a tour guide. We would recommend it to anyone.
– Matt B | Google
We took the week live aboard sailing lessons for ASA 101,103,104,114 and it was awesome. Sailed around USVI. Our instructor JT was thorough and a pleasure to be with. Thank you for an awesome experience. Already booked our next sailing excursion as a skipper!
– Stephanie B | Trip Advisor
Just spent a week with Capt. Genevieve navigating around the USVI, a thoroughly enjoyable learning experience. Her teaching style a perfect mix of coaching and hands-on, building my ability and confidence with each passing day. Completed ASA Sailing Certifications 101 103 104 114, such that I’ll look forward to returning next season to charter a boat with my family. We also visited their favorite moorages, snorkeling sites, and places to go ashore for food and fun. Even better, they both provide great hospitality with tasty food, a comfortable boat, and good company.
– Larry C | Google
My family and I sailed with Captain JT Quinn, who provided excellent instruction and is just an all-around good guy. While I went through the hands-on ASA instructions for 101, 103, 104, and 114, my family was able to enjoy cruising around the USVI and BVI. Every afternoon, we would anchor or moor in a bay where we would swim, snorkel, paddle board, and relax for the evening. I was nervous after reading the 4 books and preparing but JT made it really comfortable and easy to learn. He's very knowledgeable and answered every question I had. We shared stories and a lot of laughs. He and Go Sail VI aren't just teaching people to sail, they are cultivating a community of sailors. That's what it's all about in the end — knowing how to
– Tom G. | Google
I can’t believe how much we learned while sailing with Captain G and Trevon! They explained everything so well and really helped us understand the art of sailing. We now feel confident to bareboat our own charter soon! This was definitely the way to earn our sailing experience.
– Ashley S | Trip Advisor
Our week-long catamaran sailing instruction for ASA 106, 114 and 118 certifications was phenomenal! We chartered a week-long monohull instruction for our ASA 101, 103 and 104 certifications in Florida a year prior. There was no comparison with our Go Sail Virgin Islands live aboard experience far exceeding our expectations. Sweet & Salty, the 44' cat, was spacious, clean and well provisioned. Trevon is an exceptional instructor. He has a depth of knowledge and experience, was patient and tailored his coaching to our individual needs. Thanks for the learnings, experience and memories! Shirley, Eric and Jeff
– Shirley E. | Trip Advisor
The folks at Go Sail Virgin Islands are wonderful to deal with! From my first inquiry they were very responsive and attentive with clear and timely proactive communications. They provided all the information I needed, including pricing with no hidden fees, in order for me to make an informed decision, and with no pressure. They delivered on every promise and exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend them whether you want to charter or learn, or both. Captain Jalil has years and years of sailing experiences (in addition to a multitude of other interesting life experiences) that have provided him with a wealth knowledge that he humbly shares. He is gentle, kind, clear, wise, practical and is a very good communicator and chef! Without yelling or shaming, he explains and encourages with patience and enthusiasm to help his students understand the “in and outs” and “how’s and why’s of sailing at any level. You will not be disappointed!
– Paul H | TripAdvisor
My husband and I had been looking for a company to learn to sail with. He is experienced and I am not. From the start the owner made everything seem so easy and seamless. We initially picked this company because we could study ahead and spend the time on the boat with practical things. Out captain JT was AMAZING and we will be using his again when we charter out next cruise. He allowed up ample hands on time and was very knowledgeable. If you did not comprehend something one way he explained it he was so patient and tried another approach. We adored him. Don't hesitate to use this company.
– Dee W | TripAdvisor
We just completed an amazing sailing course with Go Sail Virgin Islands completing ASA 103, 104 &114. Captain Trevon and his first mate Stephanie were outstanding. Trevon’s knowledge and experience was exceptional as was his teaching ability. Stephanie provide first class food and assistance with procedures during our 7 day course. Also their company and off shore visits was very much appreciated and made for an enjoyable life time experience 👏👏
– Chris F | TripAdvisor