FAQ: RYA vs ASA
If you’re interested in learning how to sail, you may come across different sailing certifications, depending on where you live and where you plan to travel. The two most common options are American Sailing (ASA) and Royal Yachting Association (RYA). Both organizations offer sailing courses for different skill levels and help students build essential skills…
How to Prepare for Your First Bareboat Charter
ASA sailing courses are a fun way to learn the basics of sailing while taking a unique vacation in the Caribbean. But sailing in the Virgin Islands is also a way to gain advanced sailing skills that allow you to take the helm on your own during future sailing vacations. A bareboat charter gives you…
Captains’ Favorites: Best Meals To Cook Aboard
Every Go Sail Virgin Islands captain cooks two dinners during your Virgin Islands sailing vacation, giving students the chance to experience authentic Virgin Islands food alongside their sailing education. It’s one of the most memorable parts of learning to sail in the Caribbean, and many students say they enjoy these onboard dinners just as much…
First-Time Sailing: Itinerary Must-Haves in the BVI
If it’s your first time sailing, there are few places as ideal for learning as the Virgin Islands. Crystal-clear waters, warm temperatures, and consistent breezes throughout much of the year make the islands a true paradise for sailing. The British Virgin Islands are among the Caribbean’s most popular destinations, with protected bays, spectacular sunsets, and…
History of the Annaberg Sugar Plantation
Famous for its distinctive windmill, the ruins of the Annaberg Sugar Plantation can be found on the beautiful island of St. John, within Virgin Islands National Park. The Annaberg Sugar Plantation is one of the best-preserved and easiest to reach plantations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, accessible via an easy hike that offers picturesque views…
What a Week in the Virgin Islands Feels Like
A week sailing in the Virgin Islands can feel like the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. With an experienced ASA sailing instructor on board, you can cover a lot of ground without ever feeling rushed on your trip. A typical week in the Virgin Islands gives you time to build sailing skills while making…
The Bob Ross Philosophy of Sailing: Letting the Journey Shape the Destination
Bob Ross would have made a great sailor. While we don’t know if he ever tried sailing out before he passed, we do know his belief in the joy of your craft, no matter the missteps, is something all sailors can still learn from. When people picture their dream sailing trip, they often imagine a…
Best Hidden Gem Sailing Locations in the BVI
Most sailing research into the BVI will lead you to The Baths, Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, and Cooper Island. But ask local captains and seasoned sailors where the real magic happens, and you’ll hear a different story. Many of these stories you won’t hear unless you are onboard with them but our captains were…
FAQ: Sailboat Chartering
The Virgin Islands are one of the Caribbean’s crown jewels, with beautiful beaches, turquoise water and perfect sailing conditions. Visitors from around the world learn how to sail in the USVI and the BVl and continue to develop new skills in one of the most beautiful locations in the world. Once sailors have enough experience,…
In Memory of Christian
If you ever sailed with Christian, the first image that pops into your head may be of him behind a camera, capturing the incredible memories of everyone on board. A camera (or drone) was rarely far from his hands as he captured the people, places, and adventures all around him. Christian tragically lost consciousness while out freediving with his camera, and despite efforts to save him, he passed away. We continue to hold his family, friends, and everyone who loved him close in our hearts as they navigate this unimaginable loss. For those of us at Go Sail, Christian was a treasured part of our crew. To the people who sailed with him, he was also so much more than just another crewmember aboard the boat. He was kind. He was curious. He was full of stories, dreams, and plans…
History of the Ciboney and Arawak Tribes
Before the Virgin Islands became the vacation paradise they are today, and even before Columbus’s western voyages, they were populated by a thriving network of indigenous people. By exploring the history of the Ciboney and Arawak tribes, we gain insight into what life in the Caribbean was like before European contact. The Ciboney Tribe The…
FAQ: The Best Age to Start Sailing
When it comes to sailing, age is just a number! People discover their passion for the open water at all stages of life, and students from a variety of backgrounds and ages are welcomed on Go Sail Virgin Islands’ weeklong learn-to-sail vacations. Here we answer some of the most common questions about the best age…