Limestone cliffs slice through the sky. Turquoise water churns under the hull. Salt clings to your skin, while wind blows through your hair.
The ocean becomes your classroom. This is Thailand Sailing School done the Sailing Virgins way.
Thailand’s Andaman coast is one of the best places in the world to begin your sailing journey. Calm bays, warm water, and dramatic island views create the perfect learning environment.
You’ll sail to well-known destinations like Koh Phi Phi and Railey Beach, along with hidden coves that few travelers ever find. Every day on the water becomes part of your education.
Our courses are run aboard high-quality yachts in partnership with trusted local fleets.
Your classroom is the coastline. Each new anchorage gives you the chance to apply skills in real conditions while enjoying stunning scenery.
We limit each yacht to five students and one instructor. You’ll get more time at the helm and more one-on-one coaching throughout the course.
Courses are structured to help you complete two ASA levels in seven days. If you have prior experience and join a catamaran course, you may also qualify for the ASA 114 endorsement.
The waters around Phuket are warm, calm, and consistent. These conditions help new sailors build confidence quickly, without being overwhelmed.
Spend the week living on your training yacht. Each morning brings a new sailing plan, and each evening ends in a different bay or beach.
Progress through ASA certifications while exploring Thailand's best cruising grounds. Choose our catamaran course to add the valuable ASA 114 endorsement.
Once you achieve ASA 104, apply for the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC). This opens doors to yacht charter opportunities worldwide.
When you join our sailing school, you're entering an exclusive tribe. Connect with adventurers from different countries.
Celebrate victories at sunset over fresh seafood and share sailing stories. Your next sailing buddy could be anywhere!
Tripadvisor
Reviews
Joshwolverton
@JoshwolvertonSep 2024 • Family
Oran is an excellent instructor and boatmate! We saw some amazing places and got some real cruising experience the entire trip!
Casey M
@U763GQcaseymSep 2024 • Solo
The best way to spend time. Learning, adventuring, achieving goals and making amazing friendships. Not to mention exploring amazing natural beauty only accessible on the water.
Ruben B
@rubenbL9250XTSep 2024 • Couples
One week in Croatia with Sailing Virgins turned out to be one of the best times in my life. Our teacher Oran Teach (look hime up on IG and youtube) delivered an amazing experience balancing fun, training and increadible destinations in Croatia. I came out of this week having made new friends, learned sailing skills, inspired, confident and motivated to continue growing as a sailor and as person I cannot recommend this experience enough!
kristen f
@P1110TVkristenfSep 2024 • Couples
The Sailing Virgins Sept 24 course in Croatia was an amazing, full experience. Our instructor Oran 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. My husband and I were first timers on a sailing boat for this long of a time and really new to sailing in general. However, we were empowered by Oran to feel comfortable sailing and living in a boat almost right away. Not only did we learn to sail (and pass our exams) we learned so much about life. We were encouraged to adventure past our comfort zones. We hiked, did breathwork, cooked, explored and so much more. Can’t speak highly enough of the course and our instructor. We will be doing many more SV courses in the future!
Kim H
@kimhZ7417AHAug 2024 • Couples
We sailed with Oran as our instructor from Split in Croatia. 3 couples and the most passionate teacher who worked hard to make sure we all developed the critical skills to enjoy our own bareboat charter. It is worth checking Oran out at Oranteach on instagram. He makes 60+ year olds feel like 20 year olds with his humour. He is also a great chef and provider. If you want an adventure where you learn new skills this could not be better!
Shoefella
@ShoefellaJul 2024 • Friends
The entire experience was well orchestrated and well organized. Communication in advance of the trip was great - from managing all the prep materials to simply setting expectations about what we needed and what we would do. The experience on the boat (in Croatia) was fantastic, and this all had to do with our instructor - Oran - I could not imagine having done this with anybody else (though I’m sure there are many qualified instructors) - the course took real work but I really felt like I had a partner in Oran and how he managed our group as a crew, and on a personal level, I can’t say enough. Well done to the entire Sailing Virgins team for this experience !
Oxy O
@oxyo2023Jose loves sailing. And it shows. He’s an attentive instructor who is invested in helping people learn. It takes boatloads of patience, skillful communication and trust to teach others to successfully manœuvre and dock a 10+ tonne sailboat. Jose helped everyone accomplish that - and he did it with “tonnes” of humour 🤓. What an unforgettable week of sailing and adventuring with beautiful people I now call friends!
Salt Town Realt... A
@salttownrealtyaSep 2023 • Friends
This year I have been on two Sailing Virgins trips and I highly recommend them as a company. My first trip was with Orlaugh and she was an incredible instructor in the British Virgin Islands for our all women’s course. She was thoughtful and thorough and extremely well-versed in sailing. My second instructor was Oran in Croatia, and he is a brilliant sailor and wise beyond his years. He taught us navigation, breathing and diving techniques, and inspired us try things out of our comfort zone. It was such a treat to have been on trip with both of this amazing and truly inspired people. 10/10 would go on another SV trip!
Michael
@Passport06097072477Aug 2023 • Couples
SV is amazing! If you’ve never sailed before, THIS is where you should start if you’re looking to have a blast while learning to sail. My wife and I did it in Croatia and I HIGHLY recommend. Oran was amazing. He gives you chances to try new things and make decisions even in real life docking situations. He is quick to turn the helm and sail controls over to students in as many situations as possible so you get to learn by doing rather than watching. He’s always there for patient, gentle reminders and questions that continually hone your skills over the week. Highly recommend.
NomadChrisS
@NomadChrisSAug 2023 • Solo
This is my second course with Sailing Virgins and my second course with Oran as my instructor. I also had a co-instructor, Jose, on my second trip. The experience was awesome in both BVI and Croatia. Oran is a great instructor who brings both his experience and personality to create a great learning environment. Lessons are both educational and fun while he tailors every lesson to meet the group’s requirements whether they are taking the beginner or advanced courses. He creates a welcoming environment on his boat that fosters a great time and adjusts the schedule to maximize fun while covering all the course material. I couldn’t ask for more from an instructor. Jose brings a lot of sailing experience to his lessons and conveys them in a very understandable and relatable way. When the wind picks up his love for sailing really shines as does his mastery of the sport. It’s hard to tell who is having the most fun as we sail and explore the area in a welcoming yet educational environment. Sailing Virgins has chosen great locations and phenomenal Skippers as their instructors. The skippers are able to create very fun and educational environments where students can have fun, learn, and make mistakes while under the care of very safe and competent skippers.
Sailing isn't just about trimming sails and reading wind. It's about clear communication under pressure. Creative problem-solving when plans change with the tide.
You'll develop confidence that shows up in boardrooms. Decision-making skills that impress at work. Team leadership abilities that transform every challenge.
Bring what keeps you safe, dry, cool, and sun-protected:
Polarized sunglasses
Reef-safe sunscreen
Quick-dry clothing
Swimwear
Non-marking boat shoes
Soft-sided duffle bag
Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
Are you serious about sailing? Limited spots available at our Thailand training base. Book your sailing course today!
Meet your crew at Yacht Haven Marina and board your yacht. After provisioning and your safety briefing, sail to Koh Phanak. Explore hidden sea caves by dinghy, then anchor in Phang Nga Bay surrounded by limestone cliffs.
Start the day with a visit to James Bond Island before the crowds arrive. Then sail past Koh Yao Noi into the clear waters of Krabi. Swim and explore the large lagoon at Koh Hong before settling in for a quiet night on board.
Sail southeast to Krabi’s famous coastline. Go ashore for a massage, try rock climbing with locals, or relax on the beach. End the day with dinner on the sand and enjoy the nightlife or quiet time with your crew.
Cruise toward the Chicken Islands for lunch. At low tide, walk across the sandy strip between the islands. Continue to the Bamboo Islands for snorkeling. Anchor at Phi Phi and explore the town, shops, fire shows, and beach bars.
Spend the day around Phi Phi Leh. Snorkel southern reefs, visit park ranger sites, and cruise past cliffside dwellings. This is a day to slow down, explore, and refine your sailing skills.
Begin sailing back toward Phuket. Stop at Koh Kai Nui for snorkeling and grab lunch at the famous floating restaurant. Anchor at Koh Yao Yai and have dinner at a local beachfront spot.
Enjoy a relaxed morning sail back to Yacht Haven. Log your miles, debrief with your instructor, and wrap up certifications before returning to shore.
ㆍHow long is the Thailand sailing course?
The course runs for seven days. You’ll board the boat on Saturday at 3 PM and finish the following Saturday morning.
ㆍCan I leave the course early if my flight is before Saturday morning?
Yes, you’re free to leave earlier if needed. Let us know in advance, and we’ll help you plan your departure smoothly.
ㆍWhere exactly does the course begin?
Courses begin and finish at Yacht Haven Marina in Phuket. You’ll receive exact directions after booking.
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