Sailing Virgins

How to Use Telltales: Reading Your Sails Like a Pro

Find out how to use telltales to spot attached flow, set your jib lead position, dial in mainsail twist, and squeeze more speed from every point of sail.

How to Reduce Weather Helm: Causes, Fixes & Sail Trim Adjustments

Heavy helm wearing your arms out? Learn how to reduce weather helm using flatter sails, an eased traveler, an early reef, and mast rake adjustments.

Storm Sailing Basics: What to Do When Conditions Turn Dangerous

How do you handle a storm at sea? Learn storm sailing basics, from float plans and reefing early to heaving-to, hand signals, and post-storm surveys.

How to Communicate as a Crew: Sailing Hand Signals & Commands

Learn how to communicate as a crew with hand signals and commands for docking, anchoring, reefing, and man overboard drills.

Understanding Boat Polars: Sailing Faster Using Performance Data

Find your target speed and angle by understanding boat polars. Book a Sailing Virgins course and train it on your next passage.

How to Sail Downwind Safely: Preventing Accidental Gybes

Learn how to sail downwind safely with tips on sail trim, steering, and crew coordination to avoid an accidental gybe.

5 Best Sailing Apps for Navigation, Weather, and Anchoring

Compare the best sailing apps for navigation, weather, and anchoring, from Windy's forecasts to MarineTraffic's ship tracking data.

How to Perform a Quick Rig Check Before Every Sail

Not sure how to perform a quick rig check before every sail? This step-by-step guide covers everything from the mast base to your engine.

Sailing with Currents and Tides: Techniques for Better Passage Planning

Sailing with currents and tides affects your depth, speed, and track. Learn how to plan routes, time departures, and stay on your intended track.

How to Dock a Catamaran vs. a Monohull (Key Differences)

Beginner’s Guide to Sailboat Steering: Helm Balance and Feel

Learn the basics of sailboat steering with helm grip tips, sail trim rules, and four drills you can run on your first day at the helm.

How to Sail in Light Wind: Techniques for Keeping the Boat Moving

Learn how to sail in light wind. Get your sail shape, crew weight, steering, and momentum right so your sailboat keeps moving when the breeze dies off.

Why Millennials Are Taking Sailing Sabbaticals to Beat Burnout

A new wave of millennials is abandoning the traditional career path for extended sailing sabbaticals. Discover why this generation is choosing blue water over burnout, and how a sailing adventure could be the life reset you've been searching for.

Before & After Your BVI Sailing Course: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) offer more than world-class sailing. They’re a tropical escape filled with quiet beaches, lively bars, and local charm.  Before your BVI sailing course, you can...

Before & After Your Patagonia Sailing Course: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore

Patagonia is one of the most striking sailing destinations on Earth. Its fjords, glaciers, and untamed coastlines create an unforgettable setting for adventure.  If you’re joining a sailing...

Before & After Your Tahiti Sailing Course: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore

Tahiti isn’t just a beautiful island. It’s an experience that stays with you. From black sand beaches to coral reefs and lively local markets, every corner invites you to explore.  If you’re...

Before & After Your St. Martin Sailing Course: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore

There’s a special rhythm to life on St. Martin that draws you in the moment you arrive. The water shines in shades of turquoise and blue. Each sunrise feels like an invitation to explore. If you’re...

Forget Times Square: Why St. Barts New Year's Week is the Ultimate Bucket List Adventure

Let me tell you about a New Year's celebration that makes the ball drop in Times Square look like a neighborhood block party. Here's the scene: You're anchored in crystal-clear Caribbean water,...

Splicing the Perfect Eye: Step-by-Step Rope Splicing for Sailors

Rope splicing creates a strong loop without weakening the line. Knots often reduce a rope’s strength. A splice keeps it intact. That matters when mooring, anchoring, or setting up rigging. In this...

Why 98% of Sailing Instruction Is Completely Backwards (And How We're Fixing It)

By James Kell, Founder of Sailing Virgins Let me ask you something: When was the last time you learned something meaningful because someone barked orders at you? I'll wait. Can't remember? That's...

The $6,000 Adventure Question: Why Millennials Are Trading Resort Walls for Open Horizons

When a generation spending $6,380 on leisure travel chooses between poolside predictability and ocean adventure, they're not just booking a vacation—they're investing in transformation. The average...

Running Rigging Essentials: Halyards, Sheets & Outhauls Demystified

If you're learning to sail, all those lines can feel like a mystery. But each one has a purpose, and it’s easier to learn than you might think. Running rigging includes the lines that raise, adjust,...

10 Questions to Ask Any Sailing School

The Simple Questions That Reveal Everything 1. What happens if someone finishes the course but isn't ready for certification? This cuts straight to whether they maintain real standards or just push...

Reading Wind and Wave Patterns: Weather-Routing Fundamentals

When you're offshore, the forecast only tells part of the story. The sky, the waves, and the wind tell the rest. Ever watched the swell angle change and wondered what it meant for your course? Or...

Using a Handheld VHF: Channel Selection, Mayday Procedures & Etiquette

When you're out on the water, a handheld VHF radio connects you to the rest of the boating world. It lets you reach nearby vessels, marinas, and emergency services when you need to speak up fast....

Plotting a Course with Compass and Parallel Rulers (No Electronics Needed)

Plotting a course with a compass might sound old school. But when your chartplotter glitches or your battery dies, what then? Sailors still rely on a pencil, a chart, and a compass for one reason....

When, Why and How to Emergency Anchor

The Moment Every Sailor Fears - And How to Master It The squall didn’t look like much at first - just a smudge on the horizon. Then the wind clocked twenty degrees, the engine coughed once, and your...

Advanced Anchoring Techniques: Setting and Retrieving in Sand, Mud & Grass

Ever woken up at anchor and realized your boat isn’t where you left it? That sinking feeling (haha sorry) can ruin a night. Whether you're settling in for the evening or waiting out shifting weather,...

Is Sailing Actually A Sport?

Spoiler alert: It involves way more than lounging on deck with a cocktail (although there can be some of that too!) You've seen it at the Olympics. You've watched boats racing across your screen...

Watched SLV and Oliver Widger? Here's How to Start Your Own Sailing Journey

Stop watching other people's sailing adventures and start planning your own - because the gap between YouTube viewer and certified skipper is smaller than you think. You know the feeling. It's 11 PM,...

Docking Under Sail: Precise Boat Handling in Tight Marinas

Docking under sail is one of the most rewarding skills a sailor can learn. It requires focus, timing, and a solid understanding of how your boat moves through the water when the engine is off. Plenty...

How to Heave-To: The Emergency Stop Technique for Sailboats

Ever felt like your sailboat had a mind of its own? Like it just wanted to keep going... even when you didn’t? You’re out there. The wind picks up. The sea gets choppy. Maybe you need a break. ...

Spinnaker 101: Hoisting, Trimming & Dousing Your Downwind Sail

Spinnaker handling turns downwind sailing into something a lot more exciting for every sailor. When everything lines up, it's fast, smooth, and feels like the boat's finally showing off what it can...

Reefing Your Sails for Heavy Weather: Timing, Techniques & Tips

Picture yourself out on the water when whitecaps start dancing across those turquoise waves. Your boat begins to heel harder than expected, and you hear those famous words echoing in your mind: "If...

Why I'm Moving Sailing Virgins to St. Martin (And Why You Should Sail Here Too)

After nearly a decade of running sailing adventures across the Caribbean, I'm making a move that might surprise some of you. Come November 2025, we're relocating our Caribbean headquarters from the...

Is Sailing Hard? Why Skiers & Adrenaline Junkies Master It 3x Faster

The same mindset that gets you down a black diamond at Whistler can have you commanding a 45-foot catamaran in the Caribbean - but here's why most people never make the connection. Is sailing hard?...

Why 73% of Adventure Athletes Choose This Over Traditional Trips

Ready to discover why three-quarters of your fellow adventure athletes are making sailing their new obsession? While you were planning your next ski trip to Whistler, scouting mountain biking trails...

Solo Travelers Hate Beach Vacations: The Adventure They Choose Instead

You've scrolled through countless travel Instagram posts of people lounging on pristine beaches, cocktails in hand, looking blissfully disconnected from reality. And honestly? It looks mind-numbingly...

Tacking vs. Gybing: When and How to Execute Each Maneuver

Every sailor, whether just starting out or looking to sharpen their skills, needs to understand how to change direction using the wind. That’s where two essential maneuvers come into play: tacking...

Mastering Points of Sail: From Close-hauled to Running Explained

Picture yourself gripping the helm of a sleek catamaran, turquoise Caribbean water stretching endlessly ahead. Your instructor casually says, "Let's fall off to a beam reach," and suddenly you...

How to Read Nautical Charts: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

That first glimpse of a nautical chart can feel overwhelming. All those squiggly lines, random numbers, and mysterious symbols might as well be ancient hieroglyphics! But here's the awesome news:...

Sail Trim Basics: Optimizing Speed and Heel for Every Condition

Sail trim sounds like something you should already know if you’re on a boat. But if you’re new to sailing, it’s one of those skills no one explains until you're in the middle of the water. Here’s the...

Why America's #1 Sailing School Went Bankrupt (And What We Can Learn)

A personal reflection from James Kell, Founder of Sailing Virgins When I heard that Offshore Sailing School had filed for bankruptcy after 60 years in business, I felt a genuine pang of sadness. This...

Sailing Away From the 9-to-5: What You Need to Know Before Quitting Your Job

Who hasn't watched those YouTube videos of joyful couples and families enjoying life at sea? It's fair to say that Sailing la Vagabonde set the stage with their popular videos. Before their...

Nature's Call: How Sailing Fuels Our Psychological Vitality

It's Greece, 2014, mid-spring. We're anchored off the island of Lesbos. I'm leading a sailing expedition with my co-instructor and six eager students. The weather forecast shows winds no more than 30...

Beyond the Resorts: Discovering Sacred Tahiti by Sea

In a world of chain resorts and predictable tourist packages, there exists a more profound way to experience the mystical heart of French Polynesia. The figure-8 shaped island of Tahiti, formed by...

Insider's Guide to a Perfect Day Off in Tortola

Insider's Guide to a Perfect Day Off in Tortola Let's be honest – while Tortola is paradise, its best gems aren't always on the typical tourist map. After years of sailing these waters and countless...

The Gift of Adventure: Personal Stories of How Friends Helped Me Heal

Hi, I'm Emeline, a French adventurer who now calls Sydney home. After spending most of my adult life in corporate in Southeast Asia, I've become a passionate advocate for sports and adventure as...

How Solo Travel Heals After Breakups: A Science-Backed Guide to Adventure Therapy

Why Solo Travel After a Breakup Is More Than Just 'Eat, Pray, Love' The familiar scene: sitting on your couch, scrolling through old photos, wondering if watching "Eat, Pray, Love" for the third time...

Why Do Skippers Yell at Their Partners at Sea?

Let's address the elephant on the boat: that cringe-worthy moment when a vessel approaches the dock, and suddenly what should be a peaceful day on the water turns into an impromptu theater of marital...

Discover Croatia's Hidden Sailing Gems:

Unforgettable Sailing Experiences for the Bold and Free-Spirited Croatia, a Mediterranean gem with over a thousand islands, crystal clear waters, and ancient coastal towns, has become a paradise for...

Embracing Risk: How Adventure-Driven Professionals Thrive in Uncertainty

Unlocking the Potential of Adventure-Driven Professionals The world of business is often fraught with uncertainty, requiring professionals to navigate ever-changing landscapes and make difficult...

The Art of Networking in Exotic Locations: Sailing Retreats

In today's fast-paced and competitive world, networking has become a vital aspect of achieving career growth and success. Expanding your professional connections can open doors to new opportunities,...

Why Work-Life Balance is a Myth: Introducing Work-Life Integration

The Illusion of Work-Life Balance We've all heard the phrase "work-life balance" thrown around like it's the Holy Grail of modern living. It's touted as the key to happiness, fulfillment, and...

Unveiling La Paz, Mexico: An Unforgettable Sailing Destination

Welcome to La Paz, an Irresistible Paradise for Adventurers Ahoy, adventure-seekers! If you're dreaming of crystal-clear waters, sun-soaked beaches, and a taste of Mexico's rich culture, look no...

The Hidden Power of Vulnerability: Building Trust on a Sailing Adventure

Have you ever considered how the adrenaline-filled journey of sailing might hold the key to unlocking deeper connections with others? Embarking on a sailing adventure is more than just an exciting...

From Burnout to Balance: How Sailing Retreats Transform Your Wellbeing

Introduction: The Modern Professional's Wellbeing Struggle In today's fast-paced world, high-performing professionals and executives often find themselves in a constant race against the clock. As...

Why Traditional Team-Building Activities Fail: The Case for Experiential Learning

Introduction If you've ever sat through an awkward trust fall exercise or participated in a lackluster scavenger hunt, you know that traditional team-building activities can leave much to be desired....

Elevate Your Sailing Skills and Embark on a Brittany Adventure: France's Coastal Gem Awaits

Imagine gliding through the water, with the wind at your back, the sails catching every gust, and the boat cutting through the waves like a knife. Now imagine doing all that while taking in the...

The Impact of Mindfulness on Decision-Making during a Sailing Adventure

And how this translates back to improving your personal and worklife The Intersection of Mindfulness and Sailing Imagine a sun-soaked day out on the open sea, your hands gripping the helm as the wind...

Overcoming the Fear of Failure: Lessons Learned on a Sailing Retreat

Often, the greatest obstacle to success isn't a lack of skill or resources, but the pervasive fear of failure that lurks in the shadows of our minds. It can hamstring even the most ambitious of us,...

Sailing Virgins: Our Genesis Story

The Founding Story of Sailing Virgins Underneath a Grecian sky, James Kell, the then route manager of The Yacht Week in Greece, found himself amidst a sea of stars. He was sitting on the deck of his...

The Art of Self-Care for High-Performing Professionals: A Sailing Retreat Guide

The Need for Self-Care in a High-Stress Environment In today's fast-paced world, the demands of high-performing professionals are greater than ever. A high-intensity Corporate Groups" rel="noopener"...

Sailing Virgin: Your First-Time Guide to Sailing Adventures

The Genesis of Your Sailing Journey "Why sailing?" you may ask. Why not snorkeling, or climbing, or simply lounging on some beach somewhere with a cocktail in hand? Well, sailing offers a unique...

Breaking the Glass Ceiling on a Sailboat: Empowering Female Leadership Through Adventure

In a world where the executive suite is often populated predominantly by men, female leadership is not just about claiming the corner office. It's about navigating the undercurrents of societal norms...

Resilience at Sea: How Sailing Adventures Foster Mental Toughness in Professionals

The wind was whipping wildly, the waves rolled tumultuously, and the yacht threatened to pitch with each surge. Amidst this chaos stood Jack, a high-performing executive used to the predictable...

The Power of Disconnection: Why Unplugging on a Sailing Retreat Can Boost Your Productivity

Introduction: The Paradox of Productivity and Constant Connectivity In today’s rapidly-evolving digital age, the line between work and play is becoming increasingly blurred. With cheap data, zoom...

Mastering the Art of Delegation: Leadership Lessons from Navigating a Sailboat

Have you ever thought about what sailing a boat and leading a team have in common? As an entrepreneur or executive, navigating the waters of your industry can often feel like captaining a sailboat in...

15 Sailing Tips For Skippers In The Caribbean

"What Should I Know About Sailing In The Caribbean?" If sailing in the Caribbean is on your mind this post should help you.  This post contains sailing tips designed for skippers who are...

Ten Items All Skippers Should Own

Ten Items All Skippers Should Own You’re either about to spend some money on gear or want to know that you’ve got everything you need.  If you’re heading on an adventure or have a summer season...

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Liveaboard Sailing Course in 2024

Liveaboard sailing courses offer an immersive experience that's gaining popularity among sailing enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. As 2024 unfolds, more and more people are looking for unique,...

Madeira is Crazy Beautiful.

Picture the sandy beaches of the Balearics, the stunning landscape of Tahiti and the seaside villages of the Bay of Biscay . That is Madeira in a sentence. Discovering this amazing archipelago by sea...

An Introduction to High-Speed Sailing: Mastering Helming Techniques (1 of 2)

In the world of sailing, there's a certain magic that comes alive when you push the boundaries, when the spray of the sea mingles with the thrill of the wind, when your sailboat cruises at high...

Sailing in Style: Top Brands for Sailing Sunglasses

 When sailing on the open sea, vision remains one of the biggest challenges due to the bright sun, blinding reflection on the water, strong winds, and saltwater splashes, making it challenging...

Monohull vs Catamaran: A Deep Dive into Design and Performance

The Genesis of Two Designs In the world of sailing, the debate between monohulls and catamarans is a tale as old as time. The history of these two iconic designs stretches back to antiquity,...

From Skipper to Sensei: How a Sailing Instructor Course Can Catapult Your Career

We've all heard the age-old saying, "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor." But what if I told you there's a way to take your sailing skills from good to downright exceptional, and it doesn't...

Can Adventure Travel Make You a Better Leader? The Science Behind Experiential Learning

Unlocking Leadership Potential Picture this: Sir Richard Branson, the billionaire entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, finds himself dangling from a hot air balloon, thousands of feet above...

Essential Gear for Your First Sailing Adventure (2023)

Embarking on Your First Sailing Adventure: Must-Have Gear and Essential Tips If the call of the open sea has you dreaming of crisp sea breezes, vibrant sunsets, and the rhythmic lapping of waves...

Unveiling the Sailing-Leadership Link for Executives & Entrepreneurs

Navigating Success: How Sailing Principles Enhance Leadership Skills for Business Professionals Charting new courses in experiential learning and team building for America's corporate elite The quest...

Why Your Next Corporate Retreat Should Be on a Sailboat

Are you tired of the same old corporate retreats in conference rooms or generic resorts? It's time to elevate your next corporate retreat to an unforgettable experience on a sailboat. Sailing offers...

Why Is France's Bay of Biscay So Badass?

Feared but respected among sailors, the Bay of Biscay (also called Valley of Death) has been the proving ground of sailors for centuries. Its many shipwrecks, gruelling conditions and unpredictable...

How To Avoid Seasickness: 10 Tips For A Smooth Ride

Seasickness, or motion sickness, is a common problem that can ruin your sailing adventure. It’s caused by the repeated motion of the waves and can result in nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. ...

How to Pack for a Sailing Vacation

Whether you’re an experienced sailor or joining us to learn the fundamentals of sailing, here are some tips on what to bring on your upcoming sailing vacation. Watch our Youtube episode where Layne...

Putting Your Boat to Bed - 7 Tips

Putting your boat to bed at the end of a day of sailing can help keep things tidy and ensure you're ready for another epic day on the water the next morning. In our 35th YouTube episode, Tony covers...

Trip Notes - Cross Caribbean Sailing Adventure, July 2016

An amazing Caribbean adventure In late June Libertas , a Beneteau First 40 racer/cruiser, started its cross-Caribbean odyssey.  Four of us departed Tortola, British Virgin Islands, bound...

9 Tips for Chartering in the French West Indies

Sailing in St Martin, St Barths, Guadeloupe and Martinique The first question I get asked when mentioning chartering a yacht in the French West Indies (FWI) tends to be "...where is the French West...

Trip Review: Sailing Virgins Sails Down Island

A CARIBBEAN SAILING COURSE MIXED WITH ADVENTURE Tuesday, July 18, Fort de France:  We freshly arrive in Martinique (Google maps has us here ) after our July down-island adventure sailing course....

Five Steps To Caribbean Sailing

  Early in 2016 Sailing Instructor James Kell started his own sailing brand in the British Virgin Islands.  This blog post gives the steps required to book your course to improve your...

Sailing Qualifications You Need To Get

For anyone looking to make a career out of sailing or even to charter a boat with friends, certain qualifications must be obtained. This post gives a summary of the various levels across each of the...

An Incredible Passage Planning Tool

Fastseas = Gamechanger Every now and then you come across a product or service that blows your socks off.  Cue Fastseas .  We're going to gush a bit right now.  This service is...

9 Things You Need For Great Barefoot Cruises

Get this right and you'll have the best. vacation. everrrr... Barefoot Cruises are some of the best vacations you'll ever have. No shoes = barefoot = warm weather = ohh yeah. Gather a...

Sailing Virgins makes number one in Huffington Post!

Huffington Post recently published "10 Best Sailing Adventures For You And Your Mates", with Sailing Virgins in the number one spot. If you'd like to see a summary we made of the post in an...

Interview with Fastseas' Creator Jeremy Waters

A brilliant new route-planning tool A month or so ago we came across a route planning tool that was so simple, and so free, that we couldn't contain ourselves.  Using the beautiful animations of...

6 Visa Tips for South African Sailors

...with some extra help for the Caribbean I’m proud to be South African. Yet our passport presents some special challenges. For example, while my Aussie and Kiwi mates can sail through Europe, we...

Notes from a Caribbean Sailing Adventure

October 2015 “What is a Caribbean Sailing Adventure like?” Some people dream of sailing between the myriad islands of the Caribbean. They dream of harnessing perfectly suitable trade winds. Dream of...

2 Fastest Ways To Tie A Bowline

Optimise Your Bowline Knot Technique You may already know how to tie a bowline. Yet unless you’re a member of the special forces or a salty old sailor, chances are you only know one way to...

Briefing: 6 Facts About The America's Cup

The 2017 America's Cup - Sailing Meets Flying The business end of the 35th America's Cup has begun. It will be as fast as it is controversial. Both of these things make it worth watching. This post...

Case Study: Choosing a Sailing Course

How 28-year-old Harvard student Chris got into sailing If you're in your 20's or 30's, from the Northeastern US and are considering doing a sailing course, hear what student Chris had to say about...

American Sailing Association

Accreditation From The Best Accreditation in sailing is important.  It demonstrates a level of expertise.  Through our relationships with the American Sailing Association (ASA), Sailing...

Cross Caribbean Adventure - Trip Notes

Trip Notes - Cross Caribbean Sailing Adventure, July 2016 The Leeward Islands In late June Libertas , a Beneteau First 40 racer/cruiser, started its cross-Caribbean odyssey.  Four of us departed...

Best Time To Visit The British Virgin Islands

When is the best time of year for a BVI vacation? Are you planning your Caribbean vacation and would like to visit the BVI? Want to know the best time to sail? It helps to know which months are the...

15 Things Skippers Should Know About The Caribbean

"What Should I Know About Sailing In The Caribbean?" If that is on your mind this post should help you. This post contains sailing tips designed for skippers who are entering the Caribbean for the...

Interested in a Coastal Yachtmaster (ASA 106)?

Yachtmaster (ASA 106) is now available Last week Senior Instructor James Kell passed his advanced instructor clinic in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands.  This allows him to teach up to ASA...

Fastseas - An Incredible Passage Planning Tool

Fastseas = Gamechanger Every now and then you come across a product or service that blows your socks off.  Cue Fastseas .  We're going to gush a bit right now.  This service is...

How does a Hostess become a Skipper?

Hostess to Skipper Learning Pathway Glad to hear you're interested in becoming a skipper! As you may have seen in our recent Facebook post , this objective can be broken up into three steps which I...

Buying a boat? This will save you $10K

Tips and tricks if you want to buy a boat If you are looking to buy a boat you’ve got plenty of questions. I've been there. You hear plenty of stories like "the two best days of owning a boat" etc....

What Happens After A Hurricane

How long it will take the BVI to recover This blog post looks at hurricanes, and how an area bounces back. We write with the British Virgin Islands - the birthplace and home of Sailing Virgins - in...

How To Build Your Sea Miles

Whether you’re starting from scratch or have some experience on dinghies and keelboats, if you want to reach Yachtmaster level or above you are going to need sea miles.  Not just sea miles, but...

Island Adventure - Trip Review, November 2017

Week 45, November 2017 The trip review here describes our journey from Martinique to Grenada, over two weeks in November 2017. An amazing two weeks with several "champagne sailing" moments. We hope...

14 Reasons Why You Should Learn to Sail In The Caribbean

WHY THE CARIBBEAN IS REGARDED BY MANY AS THE “BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD TO SAIL” Wondering where to have your next sailing vacation? If you are, below we list some great reasons to sail in the...

Boat Safety Briefing - Tips

How to give a great safety briefing As the captain, you will need to give a safety briefing. Let’s make you great at it. Watch the video below and give us some feedback in the comments! Thanks....

How To Anchor Stern-To (Video)

Anchoring stern-to can be daunting. Here's how we do it. Knowing how to anchor stern-to is critical if you want to enjoy your sailing vacation in the Mediterrenean. By anchoring stern-to, we mean...

What are the Virgin Islands Like Now? (2018)

Virgin Islands in 2018 are recovering steadily If you are asking yourself the question "should I go to the BVI now?" you are not alone. This post covers what is open in the BVI as at March 2018. It...

Simplest Man Overboard Recovery Procedure

My Favourite MOB Recovery: First 3 Steps This blog post demonstrates my favourite, simplest Man Overboard (MOB) recovery procedure. In sailing, there is a saying "between five skippers there will be...

10 Tips To Check Out A Charter Boat

Be a boss at check-out Ever wanted a checklist to help you check out your bareboat charter yacht? Our very first YouTube episode addresses this part of sailing, and if you'd like an actual checklist,...

How to Become a Yacht Week Skipper

Possibly the Best Job In Sailing Here at Sailing Virgins, we are often asked about what it takes to become a skipper for The Yacht Week. We should know: all instructors at Sailing Virgins are current...

7 Tips To Finding Your Perfect Crew

...THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GOOD VACATION AND A GREAT ONE. The choice of people can make or break an experience. In sailing, there comes a time when you need to gather your own crew. How you choose...

Top 10 Coolest Things in Sailing (2018)

Our Favourite Sailing Boats, People and Sites There are some things we like so much, we just feel the need to list them. So here is the list. It's not strictly over the past year (like number 9,...

Learning to sail? Watch these 4 videos

Here at Sailing Virgins, we combine world-class sailing instruction with adventure and a party or two. We find our style resonates with young professionals in their 20s and 30s, and provides a nice...

Best Sailing Schools in the BVI - How To Choose

Best Sailing Schools in the BVI - 6 Tips to Help You Choose Looking to become a skipper? If so you need to find yourself a great school. This post specifically looks at the best sailing schools in...

Why Sailing Is The New Golf

For decades, golf has had a reputation as a sport for the rich and successful, as well as anyone aspiring to that position. Golf may still be popular, but many young professionals are looking for...

The Yacht Week Inspired All Out New Years Party

How to have a week partying on a yacht with your mates There is a time in most of our lives when a week of sailing and partying is where it’s at: you have the money, your friends are ready for an...

Qualifications You Need To Charter A Boat

Sailing in the Caribbean is a dream vacation for most people.  There are a few ways to do it.  Booking a cabin on a cruise ship is cheap and popular.  However many of us look...

How to sail a yacht for $700 per person per week

You may have heard us say this before, but sailing really is changing. It’s no longer the old boys club requiring millions of dollars, scotch, cigars and all the baggage that comes with that. Now it...

Becoming a Skipper in the BVI: Celine (Video)

A week spent sailing in the British Virgin Islands People ask us what a week learning to sail with Sailing Virgins is like, so we asked Celine Freixe to help us answer that question. Celine is 24...

5 Reasons to Take an Adventure Sailing Course With Your Partner

Are you looking for an awesome alternative to a traditional holiday with your other half? While lounging by the pool is fun for a while, you'll have a much more memorable time if you book a real...

6 Tips for Sailing in Tahiti

Considering a sailing trip to French Polynesia? Or maybe you’re coming back for more Pacific adventure? Make the most of your time in the Pacific with our top six tips sailing in and around Tahiti....

4 Reasons Why Vacations Are Good For Your Career

If you’re in your 20s or 30s, you probably know how hard it can be to take a break. You may be working towards a promotion, so it can be tempting to avoid taking a week-long vacation, even when you...

The 5 Most Charming Places In The Caribbean

The Sailing Virgins Caribbean Charm List "Where are the most charming spots in the Caribbean?" Sailing for many of us is about exploring cool places. While sailing itself may be great fun,...

How Safe Is Sailing?

Six Ways to Reassure You Sailing Is Safe Planning a sailing vacation in the Caribbean or Mediterranean? If you are, you or someone in your group may be asking how safe is sailing. This is a valid...

Eight Apps Every Sailor Should Have

Sailing Apps We Love Are you looking for some apps to help you with your sailing ? Here we list eight apps that we find very useful. Not all are sailing-specific. Some of them are general (for...

How To Anchor - 10 Tips

Anchor well, sleep well Anchoring is a fundamental skill in sailing. However unless you are living on your boat or sailing for a living, there are several important principles that can easily be...

How To Do Barefoot Cruises

9 Things You Need For Great Barefoot Cruises Barefoot Cruises are some of the best vacations you'll ever have. No shoes = barefoot = warm weather = yessss. Gather a few of your loved ones. Go to a...

Sailing Qualifications Compared

Sailing Qualifications You Need To Get Thinking of making a career out of sailing?  Or just want to charter a boat with your friends for a week?  If so, there are certain qualifications you...

22 Gear Tips for a Caribbean Sailing Vacation

After some gear tips for your next sailing vacation? Looking at a week sailing in the sunray-bending warm waters of the Caribbean (or the Mediterranean)? Earlier this year we wrote a piece offering...

Ten Items All Skippers Should Own (2021 update)

You’re either about to spend some money on gear or want to know that you’ve got everything you need.  If you’re heading on an adventure or have a summer season of sailing ahead here are some...

How To Prepare For A Sailing Course

What to bring, what to read, where to go... You've just invested in a sailing course and you want to come well prepared. This guide provides you with information about what to bring, how to get...

Ultimate Sailing Guide - Austin

Welcome to our first in the Ultimate Guide to Sailing series. People often ask us how best to get into sailing, so we have prepared this series to make it as user-friendly as possible. Our aim is to...

Learn to Sail - 4 Tips to Prepare

You’ve secured your spot on the boat, you’ve booked your plane ticket, and scheduled your COVID test… You are ready to sail! Before you depart, we have a few recommendations to ensure your adventure...

Top 10 Fishing Tips While Sailing

Catching your own fish while sailing is a passion of many a sailor. Many of the most popular sailing destinations, such as the Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands are also great fishing...

4 Badass Sailors You Should Know

There’s been a surge of interest in women’s sailing in recent years. This excites us, as an appetite for adventure has little to do with whether you were born male or female.  In honour of...

Finding a reason for a sailing adventure

There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars…  -Jack Kerouac Matt shares his experience... You were hardly conditioned for this 'new normal' we find ourselves...

Ultimate Sailing Guides Series

If you live in a major North American city and are looking to get into sailing, we are happy to help. At Sailing Virgins, 80% of our students come from the US and Canada. This Ultimate Guide series...

Catamarans vs. Monohulls

Which is better, a monohull or a catamaran? This question gets asked a lot in sailing. Especially if you are looking to take your friends or family out for the week: which will be better, a catamaran...

10 Great Sailing Adventures for You and Your Mates

Sailing can be addictive. Once you’ve got the taste for adventure and the feel of the wind in your hair, nothing quite compares. The compelling part about sailing is that you enjoy a great sport and...

How To Be More Adventurous

Want more adventure? Here are some tips. “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a...

Profile of James Wierzbowski - SailGP Team China Athlete

SailGP athlete James Wierzbowski talks training, technology, and the elusive 50-knot mark. We caught up with SailGP pro and our first Sailing Virgins athlete James Wierzbowski as he gears up for the...

Sailing Virgins Launches Fully Recycled UV Drytop

At Sailing Virgins, we spend most of our days on the water, and ultimately, in the sun. Coming from Australia, Croatia and sunny climes across the globe, our instructors know that there’s only so...

Best Way To Get To Martinique

From Boston To The French West Indies For $100 Looking for the best way to get to Martinique? Here are some suggestions that could help save you both time and money.  Martinique is surprisingly...

10 Must-See Places When Sailing in Croatia

How does an area with turquoise waters, verdant forests, untouched islands, dramatic cliffs, and fairytale towns sound? The good news is such a place actually exists, and it’s called Croatia. This...

5 Spectacular Things You'll See on Night Watch

Night watch can be your next favorite posting After a solid day of sailing, it can be a great feeling to watch the sun as it sets, whilst grilling some fresh fish on the back of your yacht. That...

Best Ways To Get To The BVI

Planning a vacation in the British Virgin Islands?  This post discusses some tips and tricks to making the journey from wherever you are to the British Virgin Islands.  One of the first...

Which Sailing Organisation Is Best?

ASA vs. IYT vs. RYA Anybody formalising their sailing knowledge must make a decision as to which organisation they will become a part of.  Different sailing schools are aligned to different...

22 Sailing Gear Tips for a Caribbean Sailing Vacation

 After some gear tips for your next sailing vacation? Looking at a week sailing in the sunray-bending warm waters of the Caribbean (or the Mediterranean)?  Earlier this year we wrote a...

How to Pick Up a Mooring Ball

Picking up mooring balls is a key sailing skill. Here's how to do it well.  Picking up a mooring ball and securing it effectively to your boat is a technique. If it is not done correctly, your...

Single Handed Alongside

How to dock a boat on your own Every now and then you may be faced with the prospect of having to dock the boat on your own. If that's the case, fear not - there is a simple method at hand. Check out...

Great Sailing Knots

Six of our favourite sailing knots, tied our favourite ways. In the second episode of our Youtube series, we cover the basics. Even if you know knots, there may be a method or two that are new to...

Are Zero to Hero Skipper Courses Worthwhile?

The pros and cons of Fasttrack Skipper Courses For those wanting to charter a boat or work in the sailing industry, qualifications are a must. One of the options is an all-encompassing beginner to...

It's started people

Started. Sailing Virgins is go.  Started.  It's like being at the start of a race with two other people.   I think it's two.  Could be just one and a heat-inspired mirage....

Interview - Giuliano D'Angelo, Sailor & Artist

This week we interview Giuliano D'Angelo, sailor, designer and the creator of  "All The Sailing On A Single Map" poster.  Q&A is under the image. SV: Firstly Giuliano, well done on such...

9 Reasons why the Caribbean should be on your holiday list

Sailing in the Caribbean is one of life’s pleasures. If you live in NZ there is a good chance you have not yet visited this wonderful region. This post provides you a few good reasons to put sailing...

Sailing Virgins Adopts NauticEd Platform

Sailing Virgins engages the world's most advanced sail training platform. Looking for the most efficient way to become a skipper? In our quest to find and work with the best sail training platforms...