Are you tired of your monotonous routine? Ready to break free and sail through the crystal clear waters of Tahiti, Madeira, Croatia, or BVI? That’s possible with Sailing Virgins' ASA 104 sailing course!
We're not your average sailing school. We're a bunch of fun-loving, thrill-seeking, salt-water-obsessed pirates who live and breathe the high seas.
Join one of our intermediate courses and get ready to bareboat charter on your own! You can earn ASA 104 (Monohull Bareboat Charter Certification) on either a monohull or a catamaran. If you choose a catamaran course, you'll also have the option to earn the ASA 114 certification, which qualifies you to charter catamarans as well.
After this fun-filled week, you will be confident to plan your next vacation on the water and make your first charters. Our instructors will guide you every step of the way!
The prerequisite for this level is having experience equivalent to an ASA 101. Check out our Beginner Courses if you still need to obtain this.
If you already have your ASA 104 and would like to earn the next certifications, please check out Advanced Courses.
ASA 104 builds on previous experience, adding the skills needed to skipper a sailboat on a multi-day coastal cruise. This course focuses on boat handling, seamanship, and the practical knowledge needed for bareboat chartering.
Read charts, plot courses, and plan routes using modern and traditional techniques.
Learn how to operate a larger, auxiliary-powered vessel in varying conditions.
Practice maneuvering in marinas and securing your boat for overnight stays.
Learn crew overboard recovery, heavy weather tactics, and onboard troubleshooting.
Manage provisioning, sail combinations, and daily operations for multi-day sailing.
Sailing Virgins does not offer ASA 104 on its own. It is included in the Intermediate Sailing Course, which includes ASA 103 and 104, plus ASA 114 for those training on a catamaran.
ASA 104 certification for monohull bareboat cruising
ASA 114 certification if training on a catamaran
Hands-on experience in navigation, docking, and anchoring
Real-world coastal cruising practice in stunning locations
After completing this course, you will have the skills to charter a monohull.
Our Intermediate Sailing Course is open to:
Sailors who have completed ASA 103.
Those with ASA 101 or equivalent experience who want to earn both ASA 103 and ASA 104 in one course.
Aspiring bareboat charterers looking to skipper their own boat.
Couples, families, and friends who want to build sailing skills together.
Anyone looking to gain hands-on experience in coastal cruising and multi-day sailing.
This all-inclusive sailing experience provides everything you need to learn, live, and love life on the water. Here’s what you get:
7 days/nights aboard a sweet, modern cruising yacht
All the sailing knowledge our instructors can fit into your brain
ASA 104 certification
Cozy cabin accommodations
Delicious onboard meals and snacks
Snorkeling gear
To keep things simple, here are a few things not covered in your course fee:
Airfare and transportation to the destination
Meals on land
Personal travel insurance
Hear from sailors who have completed the course and embarked on their own bareboat chartering adventures. Their experiences speak for themselves!
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.
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.
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!
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 !!
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!
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.
Get your ASA 104 certification and learn the skills needed to charter a sailboat and explore new destinations at your own pace.
Sign up for our Intermediate Sailing Class today!
ㆍDo I need any prior sailing experience?
You’ll need ASA 101 certification before taking this course. Don’t have them yet? No worries! Start with those courses, then come back when you're ready to level up.
ㆍWhat should I pack?
Bring a few swimsuits, some comfy shorts and tees, a hat to keep the sun at bay, and don't forget the sunscreen!
ㆍCan I bring a non-sailing guest?
Yes, non-sailing guests are welcome to join at a discounted rate. They can relax onboard and enjoy the destinations, but they won’t participate in training or earn certifications.