History of the Fireburn of 1878
The Fight for Freedom in the Virgin Islands On October 1, 1878, fires swept through Frederiksted and the surrounding sugar plantations on St. Croix, then part of the Danish West Indies and now part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The event became known as the Fireburn, marking a turning point in the island’s labor history….
The Preparation You Need to Get the Most From Your Sailing Course
Once you get out on the water for your sailing course, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible sailing! One way to spend more time at the helm and less time sitting at the salon table reviewing material is to prepare before you arrive. Go Sail Virgin Islands sends reading, study guides and…
From Nervous to Confident: First-Time Sailors Share Their Stories
Stepping onto a sailboat for the first time often comes with a mix of excitement and nerves. You might wonder if you’re ready for the challenge, how you will respond to the unexpected, and whether you’ll take to the sport. But getting hands-on experience through ASA sailing lessons can help you get a feel for…
Is Bareboat Chartering Safe for Beginners?
Getting aboard your own sailboat and sailing around the Virgin Islands is something a lot of people dream about. Many make it a reality with Go Sail VI! Bareboat chartering is an adventure that puts you in control of your own itinerary and allows you to set sail with your friends and family in one…
FAQ: Sailing Schools vs Private Instructors
Sailing is an exciting way to experience the Virgin Islands and explore the Caribbean in style. If it’s your first time booking a liveaboard sailing vacation, you may wonder whether to learn with a private sailing instructor or join a group. While either option can help you build skills, earn certifications, and gain nautical miles,…
Your First USVI Bareboat Charter: A Beginner-Friendly Sailing Route
Chartering a bareboat for the first time? Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Sailing around the Virgin Islands allows you to explore areas you can only reach by boat, access some of the best diving spots and beaches in the Caribbean, and—most importantly—continue to improve as a sailor. But before you set sail on your…
Captains’ Favorites: The Best Restaurants in the U.S. Virgin Islands, According to Our Captains
A random internet search of where to find the best restaurants in the U.S. Virgin Islands will likely get you a long list of answers. Ask a Go Sail Virgin Islands captain, and you’ll get something a little different. Our ASA instructors and captains spend their days sailing between St. Thomas, St. John, and the…
Virgin Islands Sailing Honeymoon: USVI or BVI?
A honeymoon is one of the first chances couples get to slow down, spend time together, and start their marriage off on the right foot. Choosing the right location and activities can make those moments even more memorable. If you’ve decided to spend part of your honeymoon sailing in the Virgin Islands, you’re already well…
History of the USVI vs. BVI: A Tale of Two Colonizations
When people visit the Virgin Islands, they often focus on the national parks, beautiful beaches, and champagne sailing. But don’t forget about the rich history of both the BVI and the USVI! Comparing the USVI vs. BVI goes beyond knowing the best dive sites or sailing routes. The islands of the USVI and BVI are…
The Best 7-Day BVI Sailing Itinerary for Families
Family vacations are a great chance to break the routine, bond with your loved ones, and create favorite memories—even the ones that might feel challenging at first. A BVI Sailing itinerary offers families a chance to try sailing where it’s a short sail between islands, there are endless snorkeling spots, and national parks showcase the…
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…