Certification
Explore ASA certifications
All ASA sailing certifications offered by Sailing Virgins.
BVI Catamaran Family Group Course
classicCatamaran
BeginnerIntermediateFrom$5,190per person
$5,190
Starting from
7
Days sailing
5
Max crew size
5.0
Avg SV sailor rating
What past Sailing Virgins sailors say
British Virgin Islands reviews are coming as our first sailors complete the programme. Until then, here's a sample of what alumni from our Croatia and BVI programmes have written about the experience.
“Our instructor created a team/family out of 4 strangers in just 1 day. He taught from a place of deep experience and instilled that confidence in us.”
“I went stressed out and came back the most relaxed I have ever been. One of the best trips I've ever been on in my life.”
“An amazing experience balancing fun, training and incredible destinations. One week with Sailing Virgins turned out to be one of the best times in my life.”
Book with confidence
- Cancel 90+ days before departure for a near-full refund (admin fee only).
- Full credit or refund if Sailing Virgins has to cancel due to weather, government action, or other force majeure.
- Goodwill resale — even inside the 60-day window, if we resell your spot we'll refund you minus a small fee.
Select Your Adventure Week
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Course Overview
Looking to get your family out on the water without the cost of a full private charter? Our Family Group Courses are the perfect solution! We match like-minded families together, creating a fun, social, and collaborative learning environment where both parents and kids can learn side-by-side. It’s an incredible way to bond as a family and make new friends. Course Prerequisites & Certification Options To ensure the best experience for everyone on board, the minimum age for children is 11. Certifications are tailored by age group and prior experience: Ages 11–13: Kickstart their sailing journey with the ASA 101 certification. Ages 14–15: ASA 101 & ASA 103 certifications. Ages 16–18: Depending on prior experience, older teens can get their ASA 101 & 103, or join as intermediate sailors to get ASA 103, 104 & 114.
Perfect For
- Adventure seekers wanting to learn sailing
- Solo travelers looking to meet like-minded people
- Anyone wanting to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations
You'll Learn
- Basic to intermediate sailing skills
- Navigation and chart reading
- Safety procedures and emergency protocols
What's Included
What's NOT Included
So there are no surprises at checkout — these aren't covered by your course fee:
International flights
Travel insurance
Meals off the boat (shore dinners)
Alcohol and drinks ashore
Optional dive or activity add-ons
Gratuity (if you wish to tip your instructor)
Photo Gallery
Destination Guide
Your British Virgin Islands Adventure
Discover what makes sailing in British Virgin Islands an unforgettable experience — from the daily rhythm aboard to the stunning destinations you'll explore.
A Day in the Life
From sunrise yoga to sunset cocktails — here's what a typical day looks like on your British Virgin Islands sailing adventure.
| Time | Activity | What You'll Learn | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | The 7-7-7 Morning Routine | 7min breathing practice, 7min meditation, 7min workout — the Sailing Virgins way | Zen |
| 07:30 | Turquoise Swim | Dive into crystal-clear Caribbean waters from the swim platform | Zen |
| 08:00 | Caribbean Breakfast | Fresh tropical fruit, local coffee, and crew bonding on deck | Social |
| 09:30 | Theory Session | Charts, trade wind patterns, and passage planning for today's sail | Academic |
| 11:00 | Up Anchor & Sail | Drills: Tacking through the Sir Francis Drake Channel, sail trim in trade winds | Active |
| 13:00 | Beach Bar Lunch | Anchor off a beach bar for fresh Caribbean fare and a quick swim | Social |
| 16:00 | Anchoring Practice | Master anchoring techniques in protected Caribbean bays | High Focus |
| 19:00 | Soggy Dollar Sundowner | Painkillers at the legendary Soggy Dollar Bar, course debrief under the stars | Celebration |
07:00The 7-7-7 Morning Routine
7min breathing practice, 7min meditation, 7min workout — the Sailing Virgins way
Zen07:30Turquoise Swim
Dive into crystal-clear Caribbean waters from the swim platform
Zen08:00Caribbean Breakfast
Fresh tropical fruit, local coffee, and crew bonding on deck
Social09:30Theory Session
Charts, trade wind patterns, and passage planning for today's sail
Academic11:00Up Anchor & Sail
Drills: Tacking through the Sir Francis Drake Channel, sail trim in trade winds
Active13:00Beach Bar Lunch
Anchor off a beach bar for fresh Caribbean fare and a quick swim
Social16:00Anchoring Practice
Master anchoring techniques in protected Caribbean bays
High Focus19:00Soggy Dollar Sundowner
Painkillers at the legendary Soggy Dollar Bar, course debrief under the stars
CelebrationZen
Academic
Active
Social
High Focus
Celebration
See British Virgin Islands in Action
Experience what a week of sailing looks like through the eyes of our students and instructors.
The Experience
90 seconds of pure sailing adventure in British Virgin Islands
Your British Virgin Islands Sailing Route
Sail through the legendary British Virgin Islands on this 7-day Caribbean adventure. From The Moorings in Road Town, you'll explore turquoise bays, coral reefs, and some of the world's most famous sailing destinations.
Start & Finish
The Moorings Road Town
1
Peter Island
First night in Little Harbour
2
Virgin Gorda
The Baths & Saba Rock
3
Anegada
Reef navigation & lobster
4
Cane Garden Bay
Soggy Dollar Bar
5
Norman Island
Treasure Island & Willy T's
6
Cooper Island
The Indians & sunset hike
7
Islands
~81
Nautical Miles
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7-day circular route
Returns to The Moorings Road Town
This is a sample route — your actual itinerary may vary based on weather, wind conditions, and crew preferences. That's the beauty of sailing!
Meet us at The Moorings in Road Town, Tortola. Today you'll meet your instructor and fellow sailors, board the boat, and receive your safety briefings. After getting to know your new home for the week, you'll have your first sail of the week — a short hop across to Peter Island's Little Harbour, where you'll anchor in crystal-clear waters for your first night aboard.
An early morning departure features sailing at sunrise through the Sir Francis Drake Channel. You'll explore The Baths — Virgin Gorda's famous boulder formations — before practicing docking and freediving in Long Bay. Then it's on to North Sound and the legendary Saba Rock Resort for sundowners.
Practice sailing drills in North Sound before cutting through the reef past Necker Island, then a brilliant reaching sail to Anegada — the flat coral island famous for its lobster and flamingos. Navigate carefully through the reef system and anchor off this unique island for a beach barbecue dinner.
Experience night sailing transitions into sunrise sailing as you make your way toward Tortola's north shore. Stop at White Bay on Jost Van Dyke for the legendary Soggy Dollar Bar before sailing on to Cane Garden Bay — one of the BVI's most beautiful beaches — for your evening anchorage.
A relaxed day includes final tutorials and exam preparation. Sail to Sopers Hole on the west end of Tortola for coffee, then onward to Norman Island — the legendary 'Treasure Island' that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson. End the day at the infamous Willy T floating bar for dinner.
Morning instruction on deck before sailing to The Indians — a cluster of rocks perfect for snorkeling and freediving. Continue to Little Harbour on Peter Island for lunch and final exams, then an afternoon sail to Cooper Island for a sunset hike, dinner at the Cooper Island Beach Club, and one last Caribbean night under the stars.
An early morning sail will have you returning to The Moorings in Road Town by around 9 AM. Complete your final debrief, receive your ASA certifications, and say goodbye to your crew. The course ends before noon, leaving you time to explore Tortola or catch a ferry to the US Virgin Islands.
Flexible sailing: Routes adapt to conditions. Your instructor will tailor the experience to maximize your learning and enjoyment.
FAQs About Our British Virgin Islands Sailing School
Absolutely! The BVI is widely considered the best place in the world to learn sailing. Protected waters in the Sir Francis Drake Channel, consistent 15-20 knot trade winds, and short island hops create perfect learning conditions for complete beginners and experienced sailors alike.
The BVI offers ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat) through ASA 106 (Advanced Coastal Cruising), plus the ASA 114 catamaran endorsement. You'll earn certifications through daily hands-on learning and practical exercises, completing written and practical exams at the end of the week.
The BVI enjoys near-perfect sailing conditions from November to June. Expect steady trade winds of 15-20 knots, warm temperatures around 80°F (27°C), and mostly sunny skies. The dry season (December-May) is ideal for sailing.
BVI sailing courses start at $3,790 for a 7-day liveaboard course including accommodation aboard a modern yacht, expert ASA instruction, certification fees, and the adventure of a lifetime. Visit our courses page for current pricing and availability.
Pack light! Quick-drying clothes, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a light rain jacket, and a soft duffel bag (no hard luggage). Bring water shoes for beach bars and island exploring.
No prior experience needed! Many of our most passionate sailors started as complete beginners in the BVI. The protected waters and steady trade winds create perfect learning conditions. Our instructors love teaching newbies.
We'll provision the boat with fresh Caribbean staples before departure. Expect tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and plenty of snacks. You'll also enjoy meals at legendary beach bars like Soggy Dollar and local restaurants on the islands.
Your course starts at The Moorings in Road Town, Tortola — your booking confirmation has the exact start time. We recommend arriving the day before. Fly into Terrance B. Lettsome Airport (EIS) or connect via St. Thomas (STT) with a ferry to Tortola. The course ends before noon on the final day.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Choose your perfect week to sail British Virgin Islands
From
$5,190
per person