Certification
Sailing certifications with Sailing Virgins
All ASA sailing certifications offered by Sailing Virgins.
Sailing Virgins vs NauticEd – Hands-On vs Online
Liveaboard school vs online theory – complementary approaches.
Sailing Virgins excels at
Hands-on liveaboard experience, ASA certification, real-world sailing
NauticEd excels at
Affordable online theory, self-paced, good preparation
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Sailing Virgins | NauticEd |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 7-day liveaboard, hands-on sailing | Online theory courses, self-paced |
| Certification | ASA certifications (globally recognised) | SLC (Sailing License Certificate) + completion badges |
| Practical Experience | 100+ hours on the water in 7 days | Theory only – practical experience sold separately via partner schools |
| Price | From $2,700 (all-inclusive 7 days) | From $49 per theory course |
| Best For | Earning your certification through immersive experience | Theory preparation before a practical course |
Format
Sailing Virgins:
7-day liveaboard, hands-on sailing
NauticEd:
Online theory courses, self-paced
Certification
Sailing Virgins:
ASA certifications (globally recognised)
NauticEd:
SLC (Sailing License Certificate) + completion badges
Practical Experience
Sailing Virgins:
100+ hours on the water in 7 days
NauticEd:
Theory only – practical experience sold separately via partner schools
Price
Sailing Virgins:
From $2,700 (all-inclusive 7 days)
NauticEd:
From $49 per theory course
Best For
Sailing Virgins:
Earning your certification through immersive experience
NauticEd:
Theory preparation before a practical course
The Verdict
Use NauticEd for theory preparation, Sailing Virgins for hands-on certification. Many of our best students arrive having completed NauticEd theory first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I do NauticEd before Sailing Virgins?
It's not required, but many students find NauticEd's theory courses helpful preparation. You'll arrive with a head start on terminology and concepts.
Is NauticEd certification enough to charter?
Some charter companies accept the SLC, but ASA certifications are more widely recognised worldwide, especially in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Can I combine both?
Absolutely – NauticEd for theory, then Sailing Virgins for the hands-on certification. It's actually a popular learning path.
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