Catamaran Courses
Are you dreaming of a spot at the helm of a stunning catamaran?
Sailing Virgins invites you to experience the thrill of gliding across crystal-clear waters, exploring breathtaking destinations, and earning valuable ASA certifications!
Catamaran Courses
Join us for one of our 7-day lifeaboard catamaran courses that allow you to immerse yourself in learning combined with a fun vacation. Discover the space and comfort of a catamaran, ideal for those seeking both luxury and adventure.
Whether you're transitioning from monohulls or just starting out with your sailing journey, our courses provide the opportunity to master your sailing skills. Depending on your previous experience, you can complete two ASA levels, plus ASA 114 for those who join us with some sailing experience or ASA 101.
Our itineraries include stunning locations like the BVI from November to June, Croatia from July to September, and selected dates in Tahiti. Contact us if you are interested in a private catamaran course for a more personalized sailing experience.
Why Choose a Catamaran?
Catamarans offer more space and comfort than monohulls. With two hulls, they provide greater stability, making for a smoother ride in choppy waters. That means less rocking, more relaxation, and a more enjoyable experience on board.
The open deck and roomy cabins give you plenty of space to move, socialize, and unwind between sailing sessions.
Enjoy a Week of Unforgettable Experiences
Our 7-day liveaboard courses combine hands-on learning with a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience.
Here's what you can expect:
Expert guidance from ASA-certified instructors.
Hands-on practice with sailing skills like tacking, jibing, and anchoring.
Opportunities to explore stunning destinations like the BVI, Croatia, and Tahiti.
Delicious onboard meals and plenty of time for snorkeling, relaxing, and socializing.
What’s Included in Our Catamaran Sailing Courses?
A well-equipped, modern catamaran to call home for the week.
Guidance from experienced instructors trained at the Sailing Virgins Academy.
Everyone on board helps prepare meals and clean up, just like a real crew.
Sailing-related fees and expenses for a hassle-free experience.
What’s Not Included in Our Catamaran Sailing Courses?
Travel arrangements to and from your chosen sailing destination.
Meals and drinks consumed ashore
Personal travel insurance
Gain Confidence and Earn ASA Certifications
Picture this: you're at the helm, guiding your crew through crystal-clear waters and hidden coves with a newfound confidence and expertise. Whether you're new to catamarans or an experienced sailor looking to level up, our courses will turn you into a skilled catamaran sailor in just one unforgettable week!
Here's the scoop on the ASA certifications you can earn:
If you're starting from scratch, you'll complete ASA 101 and ASA 103.
For those joining with some sailing experience, you can tackle two more advanced ASA levels and add ASA 114 to your repertoire.
No matter your starting point, you'll gain the skills to set sail on your own adventures!
Learn from the Best Sailing Instructors
Our instructors are passionate mentors dedicated to helping you achieve your sailing goals. Trained at our own Sailing Virgins Instructor Academy, they have the expertise and patience to guide you through every aspect of catamaran cruising.
Is a Sailing Virgins Course Right for You?
If you're nodding along to any of these, then it's time to set sail with us:
You crave adventure and new experiences.
You're eager to transition from monohulls to catamarans.
You want to create unforgettable memories with friends or family.
You dream of bareboat chartering or owning a catamaran.
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 !!
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.
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.
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!
Ready to Make Your Sailing Dreams a Reality?
If you dream of exploring hidden anchorages, mastering catamaran sailing, and meeting fellow adventurers, now is the time to join our Catamaran sailing courses.
FAQs About Our
Catamaran Sailing Courses
ㆍWhat's included in the course fee?
Almost everything! Your catamaran home, onboard meals, instruction, and sailing fees are all covered. Just bring your travel essentials!
ㆍWhat destinations do you offer?
We run courses in four incredible locations: the British Virgin Islands (BVI) from November to June, Croatia from July to September, Greece during select weeks, and magical Tahiti on select dates.
ㆍHow do I get to the destination?
You'll need to make your own travel arrangements, but we're happy to provide guidance and advice. Many students coordinate with their crewmates to share rides or explore together before and after the course.
Tripadvisor
Reviews
Viktoria
@Viktoria_SebastianSep 2024 • Couples
We are just back from French Polynesia - full with beautiful memories. Stunning islands and on top a sailing course with Sailing Virgins and the best instructor on earth Cam. We did ASA101 and ASA103 and highly recommend Sailing Virgins. The way of teaching was great in combination with hands on sailing, and fun activities inbetween. We had an amazing crew, so much fun and laughter- it was one of the best weeks of our life. We will proceed with the next level and there is only one company we go for… Sailing Virgins since everything is smooth, fun, great way of learning with amazing instructors and very comfort, new Sailing boats. Cam has been very patient at any time, explained complex topics easy to understand, trusted in the crew, guided along the way when we sailed by our own and he is a person you like to have around you. Thanks Cam for the increadible week! Katharina, a big thanks to you as well. From the first contact to the last day you have been always there for all our questions. Great communication!!! Thanks for everything!
Chase S
@M6522RRchasesSep 2024 • Solo
Just had the most incredible time in French Polynesia with Sailing Virgins! With previous experience limited to a 36’ mono, I was excited to explore Raiatea, Taha’a, and Bora Bora via catamaran. Katharina was a huge help getting everything sorted and made the process a breeze. Cam, our skipper & instructor, made our week unforgettable. A Yachtmaster with racing & offshore experience, Cam was humble enough to “explain this to me like I’m five.” He was very patient and tailored the courses to each individual student. The sailing was great, the islands were spectacular, and the activities were a blast. Came away with some fresh certifications, but more importantly, a boat load of laughs and shared memories with our exceptional crew. Going forward, I’ll be doing all of my training exclusively through SV, and highly recommend Sailing Virgins to anyone interested in sailing, travel, or adventure. Looking forward to our BVI reunion! Thanks again, Cam & Katharina!
Sally h
@Sallyh301Aug 2024 • Couples
Go sailing with Oran, he is so passionate, patient, encouraging and fun. Not only is he a brilliant instructor, captain, MasterChef and tour director he excels at photography and is extremely kind. We learnt soooo much in just a one week sailing course. Check out Oranteach on instagram. Sal
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!
Mathew S
@561mathewsAug 2024 • Solo
Wow. What an epic week. Sailing was a dream of mine and Sailing Virgins made it come true. What to expect: turning strangers into family while you work together to sail a boat around some of the most beautiful places on earth for a week, amazing dinners and drinks in beautiful anchorages, learning and pushing your boundaries whether you are a newbie or an experienced sailor. Sailing Virgins offers a pretty all inclusive experience, where the boat charter, marina fees, on-board provisions, etc. are all taken care of. On-shore meals are on your own and you and your crew can decide how you want to spend your week outside of sailing. The makeup of the crew really decides the vibe for the week. Want to do more partying at night? Want to enjoy quiet evenings on the boat and get to bed early? All can be done depending on what you and your fellow crew want. How to be a good crew member: be flexible and be willing to learn about what other people like, whether it be food, boat music, or evening activities. Our instructor Oran was a true legend and made for both an amazing teacher and great boat-mate and friend. In short: if you’re thinking about doing a course - do it. You won’t regret it.
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 !
At369876
@At369876Jun 2024 • Solo
I took the beginner course in Madeira Portugal and had the most amazing week I could ask for! Our instructor, Rubrio, was a phenomenal teacher and was able to focus on each student individually to improve our skills! I learned a lot and am walking away with a new skill set I can’t wait to put to use and continue to improve. The course was also filled with loads of adventure and discovery of the beautiful island! Rubrio was the best local tour guide we could ask for and showed our group the amazing things Madeira had to offer! Overall, a good mixture of learning, developing skills, and fun! Could not recommend Sailing Virgins more, especially in Madeira!
Rino p
@rinop701May 2024 • Solo
Overall great experience. I've never sailed before this was a great intro lesson. 3 of us on the boat were novices, while 2 had some experience and the mix worked very well together. The captain did a great job educating, cooking, and managing the group for 7 days. The group was great and worked well together. I originally thought 7 days was a lot, but it goes by quick and was the perfect amount of time. Its a balanced trip, so you're not in lessons all day and get some time for cooking, hiking, relaxing, etc. I would recommend doing the pre-work from the textbook. Getting down the terminology and basics will help you learn much more when on the boat. Enjoy!
Mtinucci
@MtinucciApr 2024 • Solo
I extremely enjoyed my experience with Sailing Virgins. I took the 101, 103, 104 & 114 courses. Oran was our instructor and couldn't have asked for a better one! He was friendly, attentive and focused on each of the four student's needs, as some of us were taking more advanced courses. I would recommend Sailing Virgins to anyone looking to get their ASA certifications. Be sure to ask for Oran as your instructor!