FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We are the most experienced ASA sailing school in the area. Joining our sailing community brings it all together. Amazing experience with local hosts, we use classic and newer boats, and get the confidence you want to go sailing whenever, wherever with whomever. Host the sails!

We sail and moor or anchor in the U.S. Virgin Islands bays on St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix while learning how to operate the boat on a crew-centered adaptable itinerary. It is different every time because of wind and weather factors. We want to schedule time for sailing skills, island hopping, snorkeling, and beach time. This is a large stable vessel and it’s not as likely for you to get sea sick.

Sleep aboard starts at 5 PM on the day of your booking at the marina where the boat is docked in St Thomas, USVI. The Captain will be you and show you to the boat. Once you are settled, the first crew meeting begins with introductions and itinerary suggestions. Then the captain will show you around the vessel and do a short boat orientation. We will recommend some great dinner spots off the vessel for the first night.

7 AM daily, breakfast, coffee, and/or tea will be available.
Every morning at 8 AM we will spend about an hour at the galley table (classroom), to discuss topics like exam review (1 each day), theory, boat systems, and navigation, and the sailing skills for the day and plans for our desired anchorages.
The sailing daily after the morning class session we will operate the boat until around 4-5 PM, stopping for a midday lunch break, with swimming and snorkeling options.
We will anchor or moor every evening around 4-5 PM. We will have time for knot tying, swimming, debriefing, free time, island exploring, preparing dinner aboard and/or going ashore.

The final day is for finalizing all the paperwork for certifications, logbooks, and sea-time forms. Then we will set sail to the marina. At the dock you will have time for vessel clean up and packing for a 10 AM departure. We can help you arrange a taxi to pick you up.

ASA has certified more than 476,000 ++++ sailing students.

Over 300 professional sailing schools around the world use the ASA system.

ASA membership represents about 85% of the viable, commercial sailing schools in the U.S.

ASA is the standard for sailing education in the US and increasingly elsewhere in the world.

ASA certification is recognized by major charter boat companies as well as other ASA facilities around the world.

ASA has had a functioning, nationwide keelboat program since 1983.

ASA is the only certifying organization which has adopted an instructor code of ethics.

This is the Caribbean and we share our cruising knowledge. The Sailing Conditions can only be described as champagne with fresh breezes and clam seas. Here are the islands we visit.

St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. John is 80% US National Park with an endless supply of pristine beaches with accessible hiking trails all over the island.

BAYS WE OFTEN VISIT, SOME BUT NOT ALL:

• Cruz Bay
• Honeymoon Beach
• Hawksnest Bay
• Trunk bay
• Cinnamon bay
• Maho bay
• Leinster bay
• Lamesur bay
• Coral Bay

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Croix is the largest of the US Virgin Islands and boasts quiet beaches, and the boardwalk in Christiansted is awesome place to grab dinner.

BAYS WE OFTEN VISIT, SOME BUT NOT ALL

Go Sail Virgin Islands, located in sunny St Thomas offers you a 7 day live-aboard sailing instruction and adventure. With over a decade of experience cruising these dreamy waters, our captains and crew know how to deliver industry leading sailing instruction mixed with action-packed fun. Whether you want to learn so you can bring your skills back to your home waters, bareboat, or have your sights set on sailing the world, we welcome you to come on down and GO SAIL the Virgin Islands.

​BTW- They are also USCG Master Captains and ASA Sailing Certified Instructors, Insured, First Aid, CPR and STCW. All legally required. Services are $450 per day for private trips.

Website: http://www.bestofbvi.com/info/bviferry_sttCA_tortola.htm

U.S. Virgin Islands do not require a passport because it is a US territory.

Currently we are not offering trips to the BVI. Click this link to find out Why are US Flagged vessels not able to go to the BVI?

British Virgin Islands REQUIRES A PASSPORT!

Cell service is usually best with At&t, verizon and tmobile are very limited. Once we cross to BVI cell towers international fees will apply. We recommend you get an international data plan that works with your needs.

WIFI is available at many of the ports we stop and sometimes on the vessel. NO Guarantees.

Included

• Your USCG Captain/ ASA Advanced Sailing Instructor for 7 days with local knowledge. 
• All breakfasts, lunches and 2 dinners on board.
• Accommodation aboard the vessel from start to finish.
• Certificates upon successful completion of 100% of skills and 80% scores on the written exams of the certifications selected for your private courses.
• FREE For students ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising certified and are active ASA Members can get the International Proficiency Certificate. The IPC is valid for 5 years from date of issue. (IPC $49 value) which will certify you to bareboat charter in several European countries. ( Belarus, Croatia, France, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Turkey).
•  CG -719s SMALL VESSEL SEA SERVICE FORM signed by the Captain for your time at Sea.

Extras not included

• Any meals ashore
• Any alcohol/soda/mixers/snacks you may wish to bring on board.
• Optional customary gratuity (15-20% of your charter)
• Flight and taxi transportation to and from the vessel departure/return location.

Pick your trip and book with our friendly staff either over the phone or online.

406 207-2408

Why is there a fee to book?

The fees are required. VAT/GST/ similar taxes assessed on the booking fee. If applicable, are included.
We are not allowed to take checks, cash, or wire transfers because we operate in the Virgin Islands.

Please provide your mailing address and the needed textbooks when you book. We will mail you the textbooks after your deposit is paid.

If you prefer a digital copy you can find a link here on the ASA Website. https://store.asa.com/asa-textbooks/

Included:

• 6 glorious days sailing with your USCG Captain/ ASA Sailing Instructor. (First Mate premium only)
• Drinking Water, all breakfasts, all lunches and 2 dinners aboard.
• Queen bed en-suite cabins (private bathroom (head) and shower with warm fresh water, bunk, linens, towels).
• Course Textbooks, logbook, and certificates upon successful completion of knowledge 100 % skills and 80% exam scores.
• FREE IPC For students ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising certified and active ASA Members. ($49 value)
• CG -719s SMALL VESSEL SEA SERVICE FORM signed by the Captain for your time at Sea.

Extras not included:

• Any meals ashore
• Any alcohol/soda/mixers/snacks you may wish to bring on board.
• Instructor and First mate gratuity (15-20%)
• Flight and taxi transportation to and from the vessel departure/return location.

Yes! It will be a customized trip. We do offer the option of booking the entire vessel for your family or friends. In this case, the group will be closed and no one except your family or friends will be aboard the vessel. You would choose the Entire Vessel Option.

You may also invite your significant other to join you on board for one of the group classes. She/he is welcome either to support you in your beginnings and enjoy the sea or to be a full-time/part time member of the course.

Please see our calendar for pricing. https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/gosailvi/?full-items=yes&flow=647835

The textbooks are included and will be shipped after the deposit is paid.

Digital versions 0r paperback can also be ordered and downloaded at https://store.asa.com/asa-textbooks/

Yes, of course. Gratuities welcome. If you like your ride, tip your guide!

The crew is paid well based on Industry standards. The Crew works to make sure your experience is exceptional and would absolutely appreciate a gratuity.

Optional customary gratuity (15-20% of your charter) These are the payment options.

• Venmo
• Credit card
• Cash

We highly recommend travel insurance. You are responsible for ensuring that you have travel insurance, which will cover any issue that may arise. Here is one company we have worked with in the past.

https://www.worldnomads.com

We usually go barefoot but sometimes a clean deck shoe is nice. We do not wear shoes that have been worn on the street. The dirt gets on the deck.

ASA Sailing Challenge App download on any device.

Yes, we always have type II PFD onboard for every person. We do not have type V (self-inflating type) PFDs on the vessel. Please bring it with you if you would like. You can bring them on the plane as a carry on. TSA information here

We provide all of the safety gear required by the USCG Regulations.  We also have the ASA recommend safety gear. We have snorkel gear.

If you like, deck shoes, sailing gloves, light rain jacket, favorite snorkel mask and fins.

Music we can dance to.

Favorite coffee and/or specialty foods like gluten free pasta, special sweeteners.

The weather is 80-85 F during the day, with some rain showers occasionally. So pack warm weather clothing, SPF protection is best, and maybe a light long sleeve for night time.

We recommend the Food Center which is very near Compass Point Marina.

We recommend Pueblo Supermarket near Crown Bay Marina.

U.S. Virgin Islands do not require a passport because it is a US territory.

Currently we are not offering trips to the BVI. Click this link to find out Why are US Flagged vessels not able to go to the BVI?

British Virgin Islands REQUIRES A PASSPORT!

Sure, but not mandatory. Some of our students like the burn of the lines in there hands all day. We may call you mittens if you do, but you’ll have those memories for a life time. 🙂

We will provide all of these things on the vessel for Classic and Premium courses.

We have common small to XL sizes of masks, snorkels and fins. If you have your own please feel free to bring it along.

Yes, you can charge your devices, cell phone, tablets and laptops. USB and 110 outlets available. We need it too!

No, we have all that for you. If you have your favorite tools, feel free to bring them along.

Yes! Please make sure it is ocean friendly and no sprays or aerosols they are very bad for the fiberglass decks. Usually there are a plethora of choices left behind by your fellow sailors you are welcome to use. Why not support the local economy and buy local stuff. The sun is very intense. We try to find shade and recommend a big brimmed hat, SPF shirts, and staying hydrated by drinking at least 1/2 gallon of water per day. If you want to spot a local look in the shade.

Yes. We do not provide alcohol except the welcome drink. You can bring your own and enjoy it as a prudent sailor.

See the food menu below for the food we will provide. We will also provide drinking water. Please bring your favorite coffee and/or specialty foods like gluten free pasta, special sweeteners.

Food Menu

We order provisions from a provisioning company to be delivered to the vessel either the evening of arrival or the first morning on the dock. We provide all breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners aboard for a 6 day trip.

Breakfasts Includes: Always coffee and tea! Alternating yogurt, fruit & granola and eggs, bacon, sausage, toast

Lunches: cheese, turkey sandwiches wraps, condiments, chips

Dinners (2): Fresh catch fish (when available) or Chicken and Cheese burgers.

We sail in the U.S. Virgin Islands to St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix while learning how to operate the catamaran on a crew-centered adaptable itinerary. It is different every time. We want to schedule time for sailing skills, island hopping, snorkeling and beach time. We will always discuss and consider wind and weather factors. This is a large stable vessel and it’s not as likely for you to get sea sick.

Sleep aboard starts at 5 PM on the day of your booking at the marina where the catamaran is docked in St Thomas, USVI. Please call the Captain upon arrival and he or she will show you to your cabin to sleep aboard on the Catamaran. Once you are settled, the first crew meeting begins with introductions and itinerary suggestions. Then the captain will show you around the vessel and do a short boat orientation. We will recommend some great dinner spots off the vessel for the first night.

7 AM daily, breakfast, coffee, and/or tea will be available.
Every morning at 8 AM we will spend about an hour at the galley table (classroom), to discuss topics like exam review (1 each day), theory, boat systems, and navigation, and the sailing skills for the day and plans for our desired anchorages.
The sailing daily after the morning class session we will operate the catamaran until around 4-5 PM, stopping for a midday lunch break, with swimming and snorkeling options.
We will anchor or moor every evening around 4-5 PM. We will have time for knot tying, swimming, debriefing, free time, island exploring, preparing dinner aboard and/or going ashore.

The final day is for finalizing all the certifications, logbooks, and sea-time forms. Then we will set sail to the marina. At the dock you will have time for vessel clean up and packing for a 10 AM departure. We can help you arrange a taxi to pick you up.

We order provisions from a provisioning company to be delivered to the vessel either the evening of arrival or the first morning on the dock.

We provide a welcome drink, all breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners aboard for a 6 day trip.

Breakfasts Includes: Always coffee and tea! Alternating yogurt, fruit & granola and eggs, bacon, sausage, toast

Lunches: cheese, turkey, and sandwiches wraps, condiments, chips

Dinners (2): Fresh catch fish (when available) or Chicken and Cheese burgers.

Dinner Sunday night is off the boat, Dinners (3) are ashore at guests expense.

We do not provide snacks, mixers, sodas, beer or alcohol, besides a welcome drink.

We carry all the federally required safety equipment including:

Hull numbers + Certificate + documentation numbers

8 Type II PFD

3 B I type fire extinguishers

Distress flares smoke day or night

Distress flares night flares

Distress flag

whistle

Navigation lights side lights, stern lights, and masthead light

Placards Discharge of oil + MARPOL discharge of garbage + Waste management

USCG Navigation Rules

Knife

Flashlights

Extra lines

Fenders

Compass

Binoculars

Sunscreen

Water

Gloves

Yes, of course. Gratuities welcome. If you like your ride, tip your guide!

The crew is paid well based on Industry standards. The Crew works to make sure your experience is exceptional and would absolutely appreciate a gratuity.

Optional customary gratuity (15-20% of your charter) These are the payment options.

• Venmo
• Credit card
• Cash

We arrive at the dock on the final day before 10:00. You will want to plan on being at the airport 2 hours prior to departure.

Travel Time:

15 minutes to Crown Bay Marina

45 minutes from Compass Point Marina.

Yes, Ask your Captain. We provide a CG -719s SMALL VESSEL SEA SERVICE FORM signed by the Captain for your time at Sea as well as to record sea time in your logbook.

YES! We are the only school to pay for you, submit the request to ASA, and get it mailed to you with every 104 cert!

#FREE For students ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising certified and are active ASA Members can get the International Proficiency Certificate. The IPC is valid for 5 years from date of issue. (IPC $49 value) which will certify you to bareboat charter in several European countries. ( Belarus, Croatia, France, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Turkey).

Click here for more information about IPC.

Anywhere/ Anytime you want! We absolutely encourage our graduates to Go SAIL!! We are the connection to bareboat companies all over the world. They will be very happy to know you got certified at Go Sail Virgin Islands.

We offer a 10% discount when you book a bareboat charter directly with Captain Genevieve and Go Sail VI. We will help arrange your bareboat charters. Please see our bareboat page for details.

1. Your agreement/contract with Go Sail Partners, LLC

2. Changes to your course

3. Cancellations

4. Deposits

5. Payment

6. Refund Policy

7. Legal Obligations

8. Personal Legal documents

9. Vessel details

10. Acts of nature

11. Conduct aboard school vessels

12. Photography

13. Passing or failing courses

14. Complaints

15. Insurance

1. Your agreement/contract with Go Sail Partners, LLC

Your agreement/contract is with Go Sail Partners, LLC. The following Terms and Conditions will be incorporated into every agreement between you and Go Sail Partners, LLC. By making a payment you will be accepting the Terms & Conditions for all members of your party and you are therefore advised to read them carefully. The booking will become binding when your first payment is received by Go Sail Partners, LLC.

2. Changes to your course

No changes will be allowed within 30 days to the agreement either date and/or type of a class booking once confirmed. The class booking will be nonrefundable 30 days before the class booking. You will be billed additional fess if more certifications are desired during the trip.

3. Cancellations

You may cancel your course at any time subject to the following penalties:

Any cancellations more than 60 days prior to this agreement/ contract has been committed to 10% of the payment collected plus the cost of textbooks, logbook, and shipping, if shipped.

Between 60 and 30 days before your course: 50% of the total course fee collected plus the cost of textbooks, logbook, and shipping, if shipped.

Less than 30 days before your course: The total payment collected.

Cancellations must be notified to us in writing by post or email. The penalties will be calculated from the date we receive your cancellation.

We may need to cancel a course due to unforeseen circumstances or natural events outside the control of Go Sail Partners, LLC including but not limited to hurricanes and hurricane affected areas. No refunds will be issued but an alternative date will be offered. A number of companies provide travel insurance, including some credit card companies. We are not affiliated with any of them, but one option is available here.

https://www.worldnomads.com

We reserve the right to cancel a course at any time without reason. If we cancel without reason, we shall return all collected payments paid by you.

4. Deposits

A deposit of at least 50% of the total payment will be due at the time of commitment to secure your booking.

5. Payment

Final payments will be collected 30 days prior to departure date specified. Go Sail Partners, LLC will process the fee 30 days if credit card was used, prior to the confirmed start date, as specified in the credit card authorization form or online. If payment was made with bank transfer, and the final payment has not been made within 30 days, Cancellation policy will go into effect.

6. Refund Policy

We recommend travel insurance, in all cases, any interrupted or shortened charter, any service not used by Student/ guest/charter, for any reason, is not refundable. A number of companies provide travel insurance, including some credit card companies. We are not affiliated with any of them, but one option is available here.

https://www.worldnomads.com

7. Legal Obligations

You are solely responsible for complying with all laws, regulations, orders, demands and requirements of the departure location. We shall not be liable in any way whatsoever to you in connection with obtaining necessary documents or complying with such laws, regulations, orders, demands, requirements or instructions, whether given orally or in writing or otherwise, or for the consequences to you resulting from your failure to obtain such documents or to comply with such laws, regulations, orders, demands, requirements or instructions. You should note in particular that no-one whose details are not registered on the crew list may be carried aboard. Please note also that you may not remove any items or antiquities from land, beach, or the seabed.

8. Legal Personal Documents

You are responsible for obtaining and must possess and have available for presentation as required all entry and exit, health and other documents required by laws, regulations, order, demands or requirements of the place where the course takes place at the departure location. We reserve the right to refuse to provide a course to anyone who has not complied with, or whose documents do not appear to comply with, such applicable laws, regulations, orders, demands or requirements.

9. Vessel details

Go Sail Partners, LLC may alter the boat used for the class/charter to ensure the safety of yourself, other crew members and other water users.

Boats booked with a specific charter company or specific owner will be under the terms and conditions of the charter agreement with that company.

10. Acts of God, weather and forces of nature.

Weather happens. We will try to work with you; however, if weather conditions are the reason for postponement then an alternative date(s)/location(s) will be offered, where possible. An alternative date must be accepted within three months from the original date. We do not provide a refund where weather is the reason for postponement. Any reasonable increase in cost due to seasonal variations or change in sailing selection will be met by you.

We require travel insurance, in all cases, any interrupted or shortened charter, any service not used by Student/ guest/charter, for any reason, is not refundable. A number of companies provide travel insurance, Please verify this will include Covid Medical, quarantine and emergency evacuation costs if you have covid. We are not affiliated with any of them, but one option is available here.

https://www.worldnomads.com

11. Conduct aboard vessels

You will be removed from the vessel or measures will be taken at our discretion to prevent such conduct, if your conduct aboard the vessel is to endanger the vessel or any person or property on board or behave in a disorderly manner or in a manner to which other clients may reasonably object. You may be prosecuted by local authorities for offences committed on board the vessel or ashore.

You agree to abide by the orders of the Captain/Instructor in command of the vessel at all times. We reserve the right in our absolute discretion to terminate, without further notice, the sailing arrangements of any student/ guest/ charter who refuses to comply with the instructions or orders of the Captain contracted by Go Sail Partners, LLC.

You accept responsibility for the proper conduct of yourself and any members of your party onboard the vessel or ashore, or whose behavior is likely to cause distress or danger to anyone. Go Sail Partners, LLC shall not be liable for any extra costs incurred by you.

12. Photography

Go Sail Partners, LLC Captain/ instructors and may take photographs for use in publicity material. If you have any objection to your image being used for this purpose, please inform Go Sail Partners, LLC or the photographer.

13. Passing or failing courses

ASA certifications for each level of completion is a two-part assessment of skills and exam. All certifications are authorized by the Captain/ instructor who is instructing the class. Passing scores for the exam is 80/100 and skills is 100/100. You may always ask for more clarification on any skill or knowledge section and retake the assessment at during the class. If you are unable to complete each level of the assessment, you will not be certified for the next level. No refunds will be given for levels not completed, however if the uncompleted assessments are conducted during subsequent classes during a different time they will be granted without fees.

14. Complaints

We sincerely hope you will not have a cause for complaint. Should you have a complaint about any aspect of our course or service, please make it known to your Instructor at the time. Any complaint will be taken very seriously. If you are still dissatisfied, please let us know in writing on the Feedback Form that you will be given at the end of the course. We take the quality of our service seriously and will do what we can to remedy the situation. If you have something on your mind now, please call Captain Genevieve Evans +1 (786) 905-6865. Thanks!

15. Insurance

You are responsible for ensuring that you have travel insurance, which will cover any luggage, medical expenses and repatriation if necessary, and that this insurance covers you while sailing. A number of companies provide travel insurance, including some credit card companies. We are not affiliated with any of them, but one option is available here.

https://www.worldnomads.com

WE WILL NOT RESCHEDULE OR REFUND IF YOU ARE INJURED OR SICK PRE DEPARTURE.
You may cancel your course at any time subject to the following penalties:

Any cancellations more than 60 days prior to this agreement/ contract has been committed to 10% of the payment collected plus the cost of textbooks, logbook, and shipping, if shipped.

Between 60 and 30 days before your course: 50% of the total course fee collected plus the cost of textbooks, logbook, and shipping, if shipped.

Less than 30 days before your course: The total payment collected.

Cancellations must be notified to us in writing by post or email. The penalties will be calculated from the date we receive your cancellation.

We may need to cancel a course due to unforeseen circumstances or natural events outside the control of Go Sail Partners, LLC including but not limited to hurricanes and hurricane affected areas. No refunds will be issued but an alternative date will be offered. A number of companies provide travel insurance, including some credit card companies. We are not affiliated with any of them, but one option is available here.

https://www.worldnomads.com

We reserve the right to cancel a course at any time without reason. If we cancel without reason, we shall return all collected payments paid by you.

There are no travel restrictions in place for travel between the US and the USVI.

WE WILL NOT RESCHEDULE OR REFUND IF YOU ARE INJURED OR SICK PRE DEPARTURE.
You may cancel your course at any time subject to the following penalties:

Any cancellations more than 60 days prior to this agreement/ contract has been committed to 10% of the payment collected plus the cost of textbooks, logbook, and shipping, if shipped.

Between 60 and 30 days before your course: 50% of the total course fee collected plus the cost of textbooks, logbook, and shipping, if shipped.

Less than 30 days before your course: The total payment collected.

Cancellations must be notified to us in writing by post or email. The penalties will be calculated from the date we receive your cancellation.

We may need to cancel a course due to unforeseen circumstances or natural events outside the control of Go Sail Partners, LLC including but not limited to hurricanes and hurricane affected areas. No refunds will be issued but an alternative date will be offered. A number of companies provide travel insurance, including some credit card companies. We are not affiliated with any of them, but one option is available here.

https://www.worldnomads.com

We reserve the right to cancel a course at any time without reason. If we cancel without reason, we shall return all collected payments paid by you.