As I conclude two weeks of teaching in the Virgin Islands (VI), I think it’s an appropriate time to jot down a few notes about why I love coming here to teach.
Many other writers and bloggers have written extensively about the Islands and why you should visit. This is not that post — this is specifically about learning to sail in the VI.
1. The Wind — Consistent
I absolutely have to list this as the first reason I love teaching here. The VI are located along the trade winds, which blow steadily from the east and usually average around 15 knots. The consistency of the wind speed and direction means most days are good for sailing — not too much wind, not too little, but just right. Sometimes, when I teach a weeklong course in other locations, we have to shuffle the curriculum around the days with good wind for sailing; the other days become docking days or classroom days, which of course are beneficial as well.
In the VI, barring a tropical event or the seasonal Christmas Winds, you can be assured you will have many days of good sailing.
2. The Setting — Forgiving
Unfortunately, steady wind can produce waves and swell, which can make new sailors nervous or (worse!) green with seasickness. The good news is that the numerous islands that form the VI help break up the wave action; sailors enjoy the benefits of the wind, without the inconvenience of the unsettled sea state.
3. The Boats — Diverse
Since the cruising industry plays a huge role in the local economy, most major charter companies have bases here and offer a wide range of sailing mono- and multihullls. If you learn to sail in the VI, you can charter the exact boat you hope to one day charter again (without the instructor). Always been curious to sail a Leopard 45? Charter one from the Moorings and learn to sail on it, and by the end of your week, you will know the boat in and out! It’s great to learn a boat and know that you have a baseline of familiarity with the systems.
4. The Itinerary — A Springboard
When I took my 104 course in the Tampa Bay Area, my instructor and I intentionally planned an itinerary that would cover ground I hoped one day to cover on my own. This experience allowed me to transit the area with an experienced captain on board, with the understanding that I would have to soon accomplish the same feat without his help.
This ”training wheel” strategy served as a great springboard to the first trip I would lead on my own!
The same can be true of learning to sail in the VI — you can hit a few spots with the instructor and then plan to return on your bareboat charter with friends and family.
The Virgin Islands are a big playground for sailors! If you’d like to learn more about a learn-to-sail liveaboard course, please complete our Learn to Sail Questionnaire and receive a complimentary consultation session!
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