Discover Go Sail Virgin Islands Posts

Merrilee Hertlein had her first introduction to sailing as a young teenager. Her mother had grown up on a sailing lake and made the decision to buy a twelve foot Butterfly sailboat with the hopes of reigniting her own passion for sailing.  At first, the sailboat just sat propped up against the side yard of…

Traveling as a couple can have its trying moments—even on your honeymoon, docking a yacht for the first time can make those rose colored glasses come off really quickly. Tempers can flare, and emotions may run high if you try to dock a boat without the proper skills and training. The good news? If you charter or take courses with Go Sail, you won’t need to deal with the stress of docking. We do it for you! Learn Basic Skills Before You Sail It might go without saying for some, but far too many couples set sail before they have enough nautical miles under their belt. It’s easy to overestimate your experience only to learn the hard way when you have to navigate tricky terrain.  Taking courses with an instructor at GSVI can save you a lot of headaches—and insurance…

St. John Carnival is one of the liveliest celebrations in the Caribbean and it takes place every summer in June and July. The week-long event is a festive introduction to local fashion, food, and music.  Planning ahead can help you make the most out of your visit to the Virgin Islands. Here is some helpful…

A few things are synonymous with the 4th of July, one of which we can’t recommend enough—sailing. The Virgin Islands are the perfect place to celebrate the holiday while building nautical miles. The crowds thin out, and hurricane season hasn’t hit its peak yet, making the summer holiday a great time to sail.  If you…

The Basics The boat: Sea Monkeys, a 2002 Fountaine Pajot Elba 45  Crew: Captain JT (instructor)   ASA Students: Brian, Amy, Deanna, Rory, Robert, Seok Courses Completed:  ASA 101 (Basic KeelBoat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Big Sailing Dreams All three couples arrived at Compass Point…

Virgin Island carnivals offer visitors a chance to learn more about local traditions, history, and cuisine while attending one of the best parties in the Caribbean. The best part? There are 5 different carnivals to choose from.  No matter what time of year you’re planning a Virgin Islands vacation, there may be a carnival happening…

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…