OVERVIEW
Top Tier Sailing’s Private Yacht Courses are perfect for groups of students traveling together and those students looking for a more tailored, custom learning experience. During this 7-day live aboard course, which takes place on board our luxury Elba 45 Catamaran, you will be able to work with your private ASA Instructor to create your own custom itinerary as well as tailor your experience to match your desired learning pace and ASA course requirements.
COURSE LENGTH
LOCATION
COURSE ID
7 Days
British Virgin Islands
Customized,
you pick it!
PRICE:
VARIES DEPENDING ON CUSTOMIZATION
DESCRIPTION
Create your own memorable Learn to Sail vacation!
ASA Certification: Pick and choose from ASA 101 through ASA 114 certifications.
SAILING COURSE SUMMARY
The entire boat is yours as you learn how to sail and get captain certified in our live-aboard, Private Catamaran Yacht Course. During your week-long course, you’ll learn expert catamaran sailing techniques from your Private ASA Instructor and will be able to complete any of the certifications you need from ASA 101, 103, 104, and 114. As you work with your instructor to accomplish your custom sailing goals, by the end of your training you will be able enjoy Catamaran cruising anytime with your official ASA sailing certifications.
LIVE-ABOARD IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
During your Private Yacht Course, you’ll experience all that the British Virgin Islands has to offer! Each day of your sailing course aboard a luxury boat is full of possibility. From snorkeling in the crystal clear BVI waters to sipping on your favorite beverage as the sun sets - this course is more than just a course, it’s also a vacation!
Besides the captain’s quarters, there are three rooms available per excursion. Use your down-time to make lasting memories aboard an exclusive, private boat as you sail around the Caribbean.
The live-aboard, private sailing course can combine any of the following ASA courses: ASA 101, 103, 104 and 114. So, by the end of your private excursion, you’ll graduate from this course as a certified Catamaran captain. You’ll then have the ability to charter your own vessel and set sail any time!
Note: Each ASA level includes a written exam and requires continuous practical assessment.
CRUISING CATAMARAN SAILING COURSE DESCRIPTION
BASIC KEELBOAT SAILING (ASA 101)
Learn to skipper a 20’-27’ sloop-rigged keelboat by day in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. You will also learn basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship, and safety, including basic navigation rules.
BASIC COASTAL CRUISING (ASA 103)
Build upon your basic keelboat sailing skills to skipper a larger vessel by day in moderate winds and sea conditions. You will also learn cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather, safety, and seamanship.
BAREBOAT CRUISING (ASA 104)
Take your sailing skills to a new level and learn to proficiently handle multi-day cruising upon inland/coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds and sea conditions. You will also learn about provisioning, boat systems, auxiliary engines, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation, anchoring/mooring, docking, emergency operations, and weather.
CRUISING CATAMARAN (ASA 114)
Learn to skipper an auxiliary-powered, 30-45 foot sailing cruising catamaran during a multi-day liveaboard cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots, or 34 mph) and sea conditions.
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TOP ITEMS TO PACK FOR SAILING COURSES
The most important thing to keep in mind for your sailing adventure is to pack light. You’ll be spending the majority of your trip aboard our Catamaran, which includes your room, the captain’s quarters, and two other guest rooms. A soft-sided bag is recommended for easy stowing and access during your stay.
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The unspoken rule of the Caribbean is to keep things casual. After all, this is practically a seaside vacation! When you’re not learning important sailing knowledge and getting hands-on experience with the captain, you’ll be enjoying island life. Snorkeling, beach cocktails, and shopping are all on the table during your stay with us. Remember to keep your clothing and shoe choices comfortable and light.​
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QUICK BREAKDOWN OF EVERYTHING YOU MIGHT NEED DURING YOUR CARIBBEAN SAILING COURSE: ​
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Sun protection like 50 spf sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, sun hat, and long sleeve shirts
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Comfortable, airy clothing (avoid cotton!)
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Deck shoes
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Bathing suit and beach towel
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A small, dry bag for trips ashore
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Rain or moisture-wicking coat
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Sailing gloves
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Toiletries/wash kit
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Water bottle
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Personal flashlight
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Headphones or earplugs for sleeping
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Mosquito/bug spray
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Travel insurance
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Passport
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Debit/credit card and U.S. currency
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Sailing textbooks
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There are, of course, many items that are provided as complementary to you during your stay. All Caribbean sailing courses include luxury accommodation in a private cabin with its own ensuite bathroom. Towels and linen are provided during your stay, as well as breakfasts and snacks. Lunch and two dinners are also available during the live-aboard stays in the British Virgin Islands.
When traveling among the islands, you’ll be responsible for your on-shore meals. We find dining at local restaurants during the week allows guests to get the full experience of the islands and the amazing Caribbean food. These dinners often occur on a beach or a marina depending on the anchorage.
Items that are not included in your stay are:
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Any meals ashore (mainly dinners)
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Lunch and dinner while staying at our base
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Soft drinks or alcoholic beverages you wish to bring aboard
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Gratuity for instructors
​​BOOK NOW!
Book now for the ultimate Learn to Sail Vacation experience in the British Virgin Islands. There is no better way to learn how to sail than your own custom, private yacht experience with your own private ASA Instructor. By the end of the week, you will truly be a top tier sailor! ​​​​