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Private Family and Friends Courses: Pick your crew!

Receive your ASA International Bareboat Sailing Certification (IPC) as you learn to sail vacation with family, friends, or both in the US Virgin Islands or British Virgin Islands

Book a private sailboat  to learn to sail exclusively with your friends and family. Cruising with family and friends is a fantastic way to improve your communication skills, deepen family bonds and friendships, and become a confident and capable sailor in your own right! Each student will earn their International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) after completing their American Sailing Association (ASA) courses through Go Sail Virgin Islands. Take a relaxing approach to sailing with your loved ones on a private friends and family sailing course!

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Cruising with Family and Friends: Why Book Private Sailing Lessons

Go Sail’s private sailing lessons are ideal for families and friends looking to sail together, including while receiving ASA certifications and also in future bareboating endeavors! Booking a private boat with Go Sail ensures you’ll know everyone on board and can really focus on building your communication and sailing skills together yet still enjoy the individualized one-on-one instruction from your experienced ASA sailing instructor.

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The Benefits of Sailing With Family and Friends

Go Sail’s US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands sailing courses are the best option for adventurers looking to build a common interest and share a lifelong hobby with their friends and family. We’ve found cruising with family and friends is a great way for students to share an incredible experience with those they care about most. Unlike group sailing courses, students who book private ASA lessons can jump right into learning to sail without as much time spent on learning the communication styles and prior sailing backgrounds of others on board. 

Cruising With Family and Friends Course Details

Go Sail’s learn to sail courses offer cruising families and friends the opportunity to earn their International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) after a week at sea. Once you receive your ASA certifications and IPC you can bareboat charter just about anywhere in the world! During your Virgin Islands sailing courses you’ll earn the following ASA certifications required for the IPC: 

ASA 101: Keelboat Sailing 

ASA 103: Coastal Cruising 

ASA 104: Bareboat Cruising

ASA 114: Cruising Catamaran

If you already have any of these ASA certifications, you can choose to skip them, rather than repeat a specific ASA certification course. If you have already completed these series 1 sailing courses, consider taking advanced sailing courses with Go Sail Virgin Islands

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Topics Covered In Your ASA Sailing Courses:

  • Catamaran sailing skills: By the end of your sailing adventure, you and your friends and family will feel confident tacking, jibing, heaving-to, and handling a catamaran! Go Sail’s hands-on approach to sailing will have everyone on board feeling as though taking the helm of the catamaran is second nature by the end of the week! 
  • Sailing communication skills: What better way to improve your communication skills with friends and family than while out on the beautiful Virgin Island waters! Our “no yelling” approach to teaching sailing encourages positive communication that builds smooth crew dynamics and great sailing partnerships!
  • Personal one-on-one coaching: Our award-winning ASA sailing instructors will provide you with customized sailing instruction based on your personal sailing goals and previous sailing knowledge.
  • Weather forecasting: Discover the most reliable sources for sailing weather information and determine safe sailing conditions with the help of your knowledgeable ASA instructor.
  • Sailing safety equipment: Find out what sailing safety equipment you need on board and where you can find it.
  • Boat systems: Learn the ins and outs of your sailboat’s electrical systems, water maker, desalinator, generators, air conditioning, refrigerators, and more!
  • Anchoring and mooring a sailboat: Anchor and moor your sailboat like a pro with the calm guidance of your ASA instructor. You’ll go over technique, equipment, and have plenty of hands-on learning time to feel proficient in both mooring and anchoring a sailboat by the end of the week. Please note, Go Sail Virgin Islands will dock your sailboat for you before and after every course and charter.

Select one of the options below to see the schedule.

Go Sail’s premium ASA courses feature 2020-2025 Lagoon or Foutaine Pajot sailboats, between 42-46 feet long. These luxury sailboats are the gold standard for friends and family travelers. A premium course with a British Virgin Islands sailing itinerary is the ideal way to learn to sail for friends and family. 

Our ASA bareboat chartering courses feature customized, hands-on skill building activities for you to learn to sail. Your sailing course includes ASA 101, ASA 103, ASA 104, and ASA 114 certifications as well as the opportunity to earn your International Proficiency Certificate (IPC).

From $25,600

Setting sail on a luxury sailboat is one of the best sailing trips you can take in the USVI! The premium USVI catamaran courses feature 2020 or newer and 42-46 foot Lagoon or Foutaine Pajot sailboats. 

Go Sail Virgin Islands provides exceptional hands-on sailing instruction crafted specifically for evach individual students’ sailing goals.  An ASA bareboat chartering course in the USVI provides ASA 101, ASA 103, ASA 104, and ASA 114 certifications as well as the opportunity to earn your International Proficiency Certificate (IPC).

From $22,000

Would you rather learn to sail on a monohull sailboat rather than a catamaran? Students booking out an entire vessel with Go Sail Virgin Islands can choose between catamarans, monohulls, and trimarans for receiving their ASA certifications! Go Sail’s courses aboard a monohull offer the same great hands-on instruction, however, keep in mind you will not receive your ASA 114, cruising catamaran certification aboard a monohull.

From $25,600

Book a completely unique experience as you learn to sail in the US Virgin Islands or British Virgin Islands by sailing on a trimaran! The 2021 Neel 43 trimaran, a 3 hulled sailboat, is only available for students booking out an entire vessel with Go Sail. These weeklong liveaboard sailing trips include ASA 103 and ASA 104 courses or the ASA 106 course for more advanced sailors.

From $25,600

Already own a boat or have a bareboat charter booked? Great! Call us to inquire about having one of our amazing ASA instructors join you on board for 6 days of private ASA instruction. By the end of your trip you’ll have earned your International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) and received any necessary sea time forms. You can choose between taking ASA Series 1 courses (ASA 101, ASA 103, ASA 104, and ASA 114) or the advanced ASA Series 2 courses (ASA 106, ASA 114).

From $6,500

Your Friends and Family Cruising Experience Begins With Go Sail – Here’s Why

  • Receive all the certifications and confidence you need to bareboat charter around the world (IPC and ASA certifications).
  • Enjoy customized sailing itineraries and courses for your friends and family cruise. 
  • Forge deeper bonds and connections with friends and family.
  • Book with the best pricing for friends and family sailboat cruising on top-of-the-line luxury yacht sailing courses.
  • Experience hands-on sailing instruction with qualified and award-winning sailing instructors.
  • Savor time for fun: snorkel, hike, visit beaches, and experience the Caribbean lifestyle as part of your world-class trip with friends and family

Receive individualized and knowledgeable support from a 5-star sailing school with clear communication and friendly staff.

Go Sail Virgin Islands’ 5-star reviews on USVI and BVI Yacht Charters say it all ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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"An eyeopener into life on a sailboat"

Go Sail Virgin Islands provided, my daughter and me, the best possible sailing, learning, and entertaining island and water experience. We achieved our goal of learning and getting certified to charter a bare boat in the most realistic and satisfying way. Captain Genevieve chartered for the ASA classes the appropriate boat for our experiences and desires. Captain Trevon, as our instructor and Captain, quietly assumed responsibility for the wellbeing of his crew and ship. At all times he checked on our actions, and made sure we were proceeding according to the rules and spirit of seamanship. First Mate Stephanie provided us with healthy, tasteful meals, great pictures and videos, and a reassuring graceful presence. The trip was organized as a sail around the US Virgin Islands, as a captain and crew would do in a sailing, exploration, and vacation setting. The one week trip could be replicated as a two weeks’ vacation in USVI, just by expanding the times spent in various places and adding more entertainment and recreation activities. For the aspiring Captains this is, in my opinion, the best first step to take in order to learn, experience, and practice chartering and coastal sailing a blue water vessel. Go Sail Virgin Islands has provided a professional, reasonable priced, and meaningful experience, enabling us to achieve our goals. I would highly and sincerely recommend Go sail Virgin Islands to all aspiring sailors of any level of experience for its classes and trips. Captain Genevieve is one of the best persons to guide and help anyone in the sailing world. It is an honor and a privilege to work with her anytime, anywhere.

– Edi S | Google
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"Learned throughout the day"

It felt like a lot of growth happening in just a few days and each day felt pleasantly long but not overdone and there was something to be learned throughout the day.

– Marc G | Google
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"Allowed us to learn how to sail and develop confidence as sailors."

We had a great experience with Captain Genevieve at Go Sail Virgin Islands. Captain Genevieve kept us up to date and provided alot of good advise preparing and planning for the charter and the ASA training. She took all of the guess work and uncertainties away which made for a great sailing experience. We will definitely use Captain Genevieve for our future ASA classes and future bareboat charters. My wife and I cannot say enough good things about the ASA Sailing Instructor Captain Jalil Jacallen. His instruction was top notch. He was organized and he explained everything clearly so we felt very comfortable during the hands on sailing of the 44 Leopard. His knowledge of sailing is quite impressive. He answered all of our questions and provided plenty of time to practice. He is very patient and calm allowing us to learn how to sail and develop confidence as sailors.

– Mark M | Google
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"A unique experience"

It is a unique experience going from reading your manual, practicing the skills and then wrapping up the afternoon swimming with sea turtles. We took our student level in 2015 and then in 2021 we came back for our instructor course.

– Matt F | Google
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"I recommend Go Sail Virgin Islands without hesitation!"

I completed ASA 103 -114 with Captain Jalil and the only thing that surpassed his patience and passion for sailing was his expertise! A great week building and refining skills in a safe but challenging environment. I recommend Go Sail Virgin Islands without hesitation!

– Michael S | Google
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"A thoroughly enjoyable time learning to sail"

My wife and I had a thoroughly enjoyable time learning to sail with Go Sail Virgin Islands. Captain Jalil was awesome! He has a relaxed and comfortable manner, that allowed us to learn the ropes without making us feel pressured or nervous. He’s also a great cook and makes a delicious painkiller! On top of that, he’s also a wealth of information on the area—knows all the best places for snorkeling and dining. We made this trip with another couple, who are friends of ours, and the instigators of this trip as a steppingstone for future bareboat chartering and possibly owning their own catamaran. Three of us completed the ASA 103, 104, and 114 classes, and the fourth, who already had some previous classes/experience, completed ASA 106 and 118. I feel confident that, after these classes and hands on learning with captain Jalil, we will be able to do it mostly on our own next time. All in all, this was a wonderful vacation and experience, and will open up a whole new set of possibilities for future exploration. Thank you Go Sail VI and Captain Jalil!

– Mike G | Google
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"Great Experience!"

Great experience, boat and instructor/ captain... would thoroughly recommend!

– Rob U | Google
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"Learning from each other"

It was nice to meet new people from other backgrounds in sailing, as well as parts of the country, and learn from them as well since it’s an interactive sport. It was great to have that ability to bounce things off of people and learn from each other.

– Todd F | Google
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"Our instructor JT Quinn was top notch!"

Attended a great 6 day catamaran sailing course in the USVI. Our instructor JT Quinn was top notch! Highly recommend!

– Trish M | Google
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"A super experience."

We took the Cruising couples ASA course through Go Sail Virgin Islands. Our captain/instructor was J.T. He is a wonderful teacher. Great sense of humour. Very patient with everyone. A super experience. Thank you J.T.

– Wendy T | Google
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"Absolutely perfect adventure!"

I had an amazing week of sailing and exploring the US Virgin Islands with Go Sail Virgin Islands and Captain Genevieve Evans. First and foremost, Captain G is a wonderful and knowledgeable teacher. She thoroughly explained concepts and maneuvers, demonstrating them as well, and then gave us the opportunity to practice throughout the week. She was extremely patient and helped to build my confidence behind the helm tremendously. Additionally, she knows the best spots on each island and made the trip not just about learning and growing as a sailor, but also enjoying time away. I will never forget this trip- if you have the opportunity to learn with Go Sail and Captain G, you won’t regret it. Thanks again Captain G for an absolutely perfect adventure!

– Sara V | Google
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"The whole experience did not disappoint"

The whole experience did not disappoint—truly a wonderful life memory. The boat was in nice condition and served us well. Captain J T Quinn was absolutely fantastic at teaching us and was so easy to have around. And doubled as a tour guide. We would recommend it to anyone.

– Matt B | Google
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"Sail VI premium ASA course!"

We took the week live aboard sailing lessons for ASA 101,103,104,114 and it was awesome. Sailed around USVI. Our instructor JT was thorough and a pleasure to be with. Thank you for an awesome experience. Already booked our next sailing excursion as a skipper!

– Stephanie B | Trip Advisor
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"I highly recommend!"

Just spent a week with Capt. Genevieve navigating around the USVI, a thoroughly enjoyable learning experience. Her teaching style a perfect mix of coaching and hands-on, building my ability and confidence with each passing day. Completed ASA Sailing Certifications 101 103 104 114, such that I’ll look forward to returning next season to charter a boat with my family. We also visited their favorite moorages, snorkeling sites, and places to go ashore for food and fun. Even better, they both provide great hospitality with tasty food, a comfortable boat, and good company.

– Larry C | Google
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"Excellent Instruction!'

My family and I sailed with Captain JT Quinn, who provided excellent instruction and is just an all-around good guy. While I went through the hands-on ASA instructions for 101, 103, 104, and 114, my family was able to enjoy cruising around the USVI and BVI. Every afternoon, we would anchor or moor in a bay where we would swim, snorkel, paddle board, and relax for the evening. I was nervous after reading the 4 books and preparing but JT made it really comfortable and easy to learn. He's very knowledgeable and answered every question I had. We shared stories and a lot of laughs. He and Go Sail VI aren't just teaching people to sail, they are cultivating a community of sailors. That's what it's all about in the end — knowing how to

– Tom G. | Google
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"So Rewarding!"

I can’t believe how much we learned while sailing with Captain G and Trevon! They explained everything so well and really helped us understand the art of sailing. We now feel confident to bareboat our own charter soon! This was definitely the way to earn our sailing experience.

– Ashley S | Trip Advisor
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"Phenomenal Experience!"

Our week-long catamaran sailing instruction for ASA 106, 114 and 118 certifications was phenomenal! We chartered a week-long monohull instruction for our ASA 101, 103 and 104 certifications in Florida a year prior. There was no comparison with our Go Sail Virgin Islands live aboard experience far exceeding our expectations. Sweet & Salty, the 44' cat, was spacious, clean and well provisioned. Trevon is an exceptional instructor. He has a depth of knowledge and experience, was patient and tailored his coaching to our individual needs. Thanks for the learnings, experience and memories! Shirley, Eric and Jeff

– Shirley E. | Trip Advisor
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"Exceeded Expectations"

The folks at Go Sail Virgin Islands are wonderful to deal with! From my first inquiry they were very responsive and attentive with clear and timely proactive communications. They provided all the information I needed, including pricing with no hidden fees, in order for me to make an informed decision, and with no pressure. They delivered on every promise and exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend them whether you want to charter or learn, or both. Captain Jalil has years and years of sailing experiences (in addition to a multitude of other interesting life experiences) that have provided him with a wealth knowledge that he humbly shares. He is gentle, kind, clear, wise, practical and is a very good communicator and chef! Without yelling or shaming, he explains and encourages with patience and enthusiasm to help his students understand the “in and outs” and “how’s and why’s of sailing at any level. You will not be disappointed!

– Paul H | TripAdvisor
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"JT is an amazing Captain"

My husband and I had been looking for a company to learn to sail with. He is experienced and I am not. From the start the owner made everything seem so easy and seamless. We initially picked this company because we could study ahead and spend the time on the boat with practical things. Out captain JT was AMAZING and we will be using his again when we charter out next cruise. He allowed up ample hands on time and was very knowledgeable. If you did not comprehend something one way he explained it he was so patient and tried another approach. We adored him. Don't hesitate to use this company.

– Dee W | TripAdvisor
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"Outstanding"

We just completed an amazing sailing course with Go Sail Virgin Islands completing ASA 103, 104 &114. Captain Trevon and his first mate Stephanie were outstanding. Trevon’s knowledge and experience was exceptional as was his teaching ability. Stephanie provide first class food and assistance with procedures during our 7 day course. Also their company and off shore visits was very much appreciated and made for an enjoyable life time experience 👏👏

– Chris F | TripAdvisor