If you want to learn how to sail and handle a boat on your own, this course will get you there. Over a week, you can earn ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat Sailing) and ASA 103 (Coastal Cruising), building the skills to sail safely and confidently.
Our Sailing Courses for Beginners are for anyone who has little or no previous experience. Let us introduce you to the world of sailing during an unforgettable week with like-minded souls and plenty of exploration, and earn your first American Sailing Association certifications on a catamaran or a monohull: ASA 101 and ASA 103.
The best way to learn a new skill and open yourself up to a new world is in an environment that will make the learning fun and allow you to comfortably explore. If you are curious whether sailing is for you, find out during our sailing lessons for beginners.
*If you have some sailing experience, and it matches the ASA 101 skills, then check out our Intermediate Level sailing courses.
ASA 103 builds on the skills from ASA 101, preparing you to sail in coastal waters. We train on yachts 40 feet and larger, giving you hands-on experience with larger vessels. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll cover:
Identifying federally required safety equipment for a 33-foot recreational vessel with an inboard diesel engine.
Understanding ASA-recommended safety equipment for a cruising sailboat.
Learning safe refueling procedures for both gasoline and diesel-powered vessels.
Reading and interpreting navigation charts and symbols.
Understanding aids to navigation (buoys, beacons, markers).
Determining location with latitude and longitude.
Measuring magnetic direction and distance.
Using different sail plans to adjust for wind conditions up to 33 knots.
Understanding reefing techniques to manage strong winds safely.
Learning the benefits and procedures for heaving-to.
Understanding the roles and responsibilities of both skipper and crew.
Practicing anchoring, docking, and crew coordination.
At Sailing Virgins, we don’t offer ASA 103 on its own. It’s part of our Beginner Sailing Course alongside ASA 101 or included in our Intermediate Course with ASA 104. This structured approach helps you build skills progressively while earning multiple certifications.
Beginners looking to earn two certifications in one week
ASA 101 graduates ready to move up
Weekend sailors looking to expand their skills
Couples, families, and friends who want to experience life on the water
When you enroll in Sailing Virgins’ Sailing Course, you’ll get:
World-class instruction from seasoned sailing gurus
A cozy berth on a sweet modern yacht
Delicious provisions to fuel your adventures
All the course materials and certification exams you need
The only extras you'll need to budget for are getting to and from the course, onshore drinks and meals, and any personal splurges.
Tripadvisor
Reviews
Eric P
@ericpR7101JAMar 2025 • Solo
Sailing Virgins is a great company that is well organized and has great values that match their clients. They keep a fun and positive attitude at all times and focus on the adventure and experience, not just the learning! Have been on trips with them twice and each time has been a blast!
Nathan S
@337nathansFeb 2025 • Couples
James is one of the best leaders I have ever met. He has a kind and genuine way about him that earns your respect immediately, not because he asks for it, but because he deserves it. He puts the group first and the person he’s teaching a close second. He is especially good at teaching by letting you learn through doing. He doesn’t over-explain or hover. Instead, he gives you space to practice and steps in with the right feedback at the right time. It makes for a great learning experience and an even better trip. I would sail with him again in a heartbeat. Highly recommend.
Javier S
@javiersO9063PWJan 2025 • Solo
Outstanding. Perfect combination between learning and fun. Finn, the instructor was excellent. He made sure that each one of us had a chance to practice not only sailing itself but also things like mooring and docking. I am particularly grateful that he made sure we tried as many times as necessary so that each one of us had done it right, which I am very grateful for. Definitely recommend!
Clara S
@clarasX2778YFJan 2025 • Solo
A great week learning how to sail a monohull with instructor Finn in one of the most renowned sailing spots in the world. The mixture of adventure and instruction was perfect, and I came away from the week with more confidence on the water.
Matt A
@mattaO2034KTAfter many years of debating a Sailing Virgins trip, finally pulled the trigger and joined on a catamaran adventure in the British Virgin Islands. Should not have waited so long. Went solo but had no issue blending with a likeminded crew of genuinely good and friendly people. Coordination prior to the trip was handled smoothly by the SV team and communications were frequent and clear. The boat itself was fantastic - well equipped and in great condition. Captains Chris and Fin kept us safe, entertained, and taught along the way. They went above and beyond fulfilling our desires for adventure, beach hoping, finding great moorings, and overall being enjoyable blokes to be around. Particular highlight was a beach bonfire after an already long sail day - vibes were great the entire week. Only downside was the trip had to end. Won't be long until the next one.
Laksh
@its_lakshDec 2024 • Couples
Outstanding sailing experience with Virgin Sails in BVI. I got my ASA 103, 104 and 114 under the tutelage of Capt James Finney. He was a great instructor. Patient and thorough. The only drawback was because so much learning happened in one week we were unable to go as deep in the course material and practice the maneuvers as regular ASA course. This was not fault of the instructor or sailing course. It was just because three certifications were covered in one week on a Catamaran. We also got to snorkel and swim. Loved it !!
Stef
@stefK4277QXNov 2024 • Solo
Sailing Virgins! The best way to get into sailing or train to become a skipper. I had the best time with them in the BVI in November 2024. The concept is to bring sailing closer to younger people, which is quite different from what's mostly the case. SV offers an effective methodology to train their students, either from the ground up or to hone their skills. The training is practice-oriented and aims to encourage people to become self-sufficient, either as crew members or as skippers. More importantly, SV puts the emphasis on a positive experience. Sailing is an adventure and is fun; it's about collaboration as a crew and having a great time together.
Kushagra V
@Extraordinary560702Nov 2024 • Solo
Great group of people and made new friends. A great experience that improves your life back home. Helpful to get excited about sailing and peaceful as well.
Bluewater Breeze Co
@BluewaterBreezeCoNov 2024 • Solo
I attended the BVI Sailing week and had a blast! I took several ASA courses and added onto my sailing skill set! Flying into and out of Tortola was extremely easy. Kathi gave me clear directions on where to meet and when. James is a incredible teacher and instructor and could cater to each students learning style!
Our instructors aren’t just expert sailors. They’re passionate teachers and adventure guides who have been trained through our Instructor Academy.
With years of experience leading courses and expeditions worldwide, they bring the knowledge, patience, and skills to make your learning experience unforgettable.
If you're ready to challenge yourself and discover the freedom of coastal cruising, our Beginner Sailing Course is the adventure you've been waiting for.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your sunscreen, and your sense of adventure, and let's set sail!
ㆍDo I need to bring my own sailing gear?
Nope, we provide all the sailing equipment you'll need for the course.
ㆍWill I have time to explore onshore?
Absolutely! While our primary focus is on improving your sailing skills, we also believe that immersing yourself in the local culture and environment is important. That's why we include plenty of opportunities for onshore exploration in our itineraries.
ㆍWill I have free time to relax?
Yes! While this is a hands-on course, there will be opportunities to swim, explore onshore, and enjoy the surroundings when not training.
ㆍCan I bring a non-sailing guest?
Yes, non-sailing guests are welcome to join at a discounted rate. They can enjoy life onboard and the destinations, but they won’t participate in training or earn certifications.