Discover Go Sail Virgin Islands Posts

Many sailors are a bit uneasy when docking a boat before and after sailing. Understandably so! It’s no easy feat to maneuver even smaller boats in and out of crowded harbors—but it’s also necessary.  There are many factors to consider when chartering a bareboat, and a docking endorsement is at the top of the list…

Familiarizing yourself with the helm and steering station before your Virgin Islands sailing vacation can help you gain confidence steering a sailboat even before you leave the dock! The sailboat’s charter checkout attendant will walk you through the features of the gauges, steering wheel, and engine controls during your in-person sailboat safety briefing. We also…

So, you’ve finished the basic courses and are ready to start sailing solo. Congratulations—the time and effort will pay off once you’re on the water! Not only can this help you avoid getting caught in irons once you hire a bareboat charter, but it’s also lots of fun to learn new skills. Mile building is…

The Basics The boat: Lagoon 46 Crew: Captain Trevon (instructor) and Stephanie (first mate) ASA Students: Dave, Jake, and Nina Courses Completed:   ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran) Day 1: Big Sailing Dreams The crew met up for dinner and drinks at Compass Point Marina and swapped…

Imagine cruising around the Caribbean Sea with a few of your closest friends—sunshine, a constant breeze , and the crystal clear open water all around you. Chartering a yacht is a great way to connect with nature and make the most of your vacation. But before you can call yourself captain and set sail in…

Claire DeDeckere had never stepped foot on a sailboat before her boyfriend, Jalil, invited her down to see him at work in the Virgin Islands.  “I hadn’t ever been sailing as a kid. I grew up in Michigan,” she said. “The sailing culture there is more racers— and powerboats. Mostly powerboats in Michigan.” At first,…

Taking up sailing? Get ready to have the time of your life. But before you cast off into the Caribbean, you’ll want some nautical miles under your belt. ASA courses are the best way to get your sea legs and learn the basics (and advanced techniques) before chartering a yacht.  So, which sailing certification is…

Bob Labine is Go Sail Virgin Island’s newest sailing instructor. However, he’s not new to the Go Sail family and he certainly isn’t new to sailing!  Bob got his start sailing at a family summer cottage six decades ago.  “Everyone had small sailboats and thought that would be something I would be interested in,” he…

The British and US Virgin Islands are popular vacation destinations, but the Spanish Virgin Islands are a hidden gem of the Caribbean. The SVI, consisting of Vieques, Culebra, and several small islets and cays, is much less known compared to its sister islands. Yet for sailors who dream of exploring uninhabited landscapes and anchoring off…

The USVI attracts a wide range of tourists seeking differing vacation styles. While staying at US Virgin Island resorts may be the right choice for some, for those who seek adventure and a unique experience, a sailing vacation might be a better option. Here is our comparison of resorts vs sailing vacations: Resort Vacations: Comfort…

The Basics The boat: Calypso, a 2023 Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 Crew: Captain JT (instructor)   ASA Students: Lizzy and Alex Courses Completed: ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), ASA 104  (Bareboat Cruising), ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran)   Day 1: Staff Trip This trip was a unique one— the crew was all Go Sail VI staff and…

The Virgin Islands National Park is what sets the island of St. John apart. Covering about 60% of the island, the park protects it from overdevelopment, resulting in pristine beaches and lush hiking trails. These are some of the best-kept secrets within the Virgin Islands National Park: Denis Bay Beach All the beaches of the…