Discover Go Sail Virgin Islands Posts

Christi Grindstaff had heard enough about sailing from her friends— it was time to try it herself! “We have friends that have done sailing in the BVI,” she said. “Just hearing their stories and [hearing] how beautiful it is really piqued our interest.” So Christi signed herself, her husband Rick, and her son Lane up…

With Wreck Week 2025 just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your travel itinerary for one of the top sailing events in the Caribbean. There’s fun on land and in the sea with all the activities and dive sites around the British Virgin Islands this summer. Are you planning a trip to BVI…

Boat safety is not something to take lightly, whether you are an experienced sailor or are taking ASA sailing courses for the first time. In the unlikely event that someone falls overboard, understanding the basics of man-overboard procedures can mean the difference between life and death. This article and video are designed to help you learn how to handle a man-overboard as safely as possible. Spot the Person in the Water The first step is arguably the most important. In the event that a crew member falls overboard, you need someone to spot them immediately. The moment someone falls off, it’s this person’s responsibility to yell “man overboard” and keep their eyes locked on that individual the entire time. It’s crucial to maintain constant eye contact during this stage, as turning away and looking back can make it much harder…

Introducing kids to sailing is a fun way to bond and build core memories. Sailing can give children first-hand experience operating a yacht, and the experience may teach them valuable life lessons. But what should you know before teaching your kids how to sail? Here’s a look at what you should know before sailing with…

The GPS system is the brains of the operation on a sailboat (besides the captain and crew, of course!) The GPS isn’t just responsible for navigation—it also helps you keep an eye on tank levels, battery power, and the mechanics of the engine. The GPS is directly connected to house bank battery system and is DC power.  To maintain power for the house battery bank when you charter a bareboat, you will want to check that the generator is working correctly. Here’s a look at how to avoid some common boat problems by knowing the fundamentals of the GPS and generator. GPS System The GPS system used on our ASA sailing courses or bareboat charters has a color display and touchscreen. Captains use this device to charter and navigate, but it can also help notify sailors about common boat problems…

The Virgin Islands are a popular place for families to travel, and it’s no wonder why! Sunny days on the beach and epic sailing adventures offer fun for all ages.  But what are some family-friendly activities in the VI you can’t miss? Let’s look at our favorite family activities in the Virgin Islands. Beaches We’ll…

The Basics The boat: “The Happy Heifer”, 2023 FP Elba 45  Crew: Captain Trevon (instructor) and First Mate Stephanie   ASA Students: Lori, Peter, Jill, Tyler, and William Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Boat Buying Aspirations The crew on…

Sailing in the Virgin Islands on a BVI or USVI itinerary gives lucky travelers a chance to island hop around some of the most scenic islands in the Caribbean. To experience the beauty of the land and sea, you will want to take advantage of the different islands and dive spots. That requires dropping anchor or visiting a mooring station in many cases. This article is a boat safety briefing on the tools you will need while mooring and anchoring. The goal is to help you locate the equipment and know how to operate each tool when you take ASA courses or charter a bareboat with Go Sail VI.  Mooring and Anchoring Tools  There are several tools you will want to familiarize yourself with when mooring and anchoring a sailboat. Here is a helpful look at some of the most…

Whether you just finished taking sailing courses or have sailed for years, chartering a Virgin Islands bareboat requires some planning. Understanding how and when to book a bareboat charter goes a long way to ensuring that your trip to the Virgin Islands is smooth sailing. Here is a quick look at everything you need to…

When you take sailing courses with Go Sail VI, we offer itineraries in both the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. If you plan to visit the BVI, the easiest way to get there is by taking a ferry—once you get to Tortola, you can meet your sailing course instructor at Nanny Cay…

  Dave Work started sailing about seven years ago and immediately fell in love.  “I went with a buddy of mine, who took me on a charter, and then since that first charter I’ve just kind of gotten hooked,” he said. “I think it was love at first sail. I just loved it.”  Since his…

Facts About Virgin Islands National Park Virgin Islands National Park is full of adventure and fun! Here are a few things facts about Virgin Islands National Park that are worth knowing before you visit: This is no British Virgin Islands National Park The British Virgin Islands is home to a few different national parks but…