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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Quick answers to your questions about sailing in the British Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands.

All Your Virgin Islands Sailing Questions Answered

We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked sailing questions we receive from clients before, during, and after their Virgin Islands sailing vacation. Through videos, quick answer drop-downs, and longer form articles, we are sure you’ll find the answers you need for your US Virgin Islands or British Virgin Islands sailing trip here! 

Our goal is to provide you with all the sailing information you need before you arrive so you can step aboard your Virgin Islands sailboat confident, prepared, and ready to learn. Notice important sailing information we’re missing on this page? Contact us so we can provide you with an answer and add it to our sailing FAQ

Planning Your Virgin Islands Sailing Vacation

Packing list for the Virgin Islands Sailing Cruise and ASA course

Unsure what you need to bring for a Virgin Islands ASA certification course? This list will make sure you are fully prepared before your adventure begins: 1. The Essentials Many of the things you’ll want to bring to your Virgin Islands ASA certification course are the same things you’d want to bring on any other,…

Planning the Ultimate Virgin Islands Spring Break Vacation

A Virgin Islands Spring Break trip is the perfect way to spend the spring season with family and friends! From where to visit and how to get there to the best events to enjoy, this guide will help you to plan the ultimate spring break vacation in the Virgin Islands. 1. Decide Which Islands to…

A Guide to Internet Access While Sailing

Maritime technology is constantly evolving. Until recently, long ocean crossings with a small sailboat meant accepting that there would be minimal or no internet access onboard. But nowadays, you don’t have to sacrifice staying connected when you set sail.  Internet at sea is still more costly and complicated than it is on land, and the…

Sailing Magazine’s Top Choice for Customized Sailing Courses

Go Sail Virgin Islands is proud to have made “Charter News” in the oldest magazine on the sport of sailing in the U.S! Sailing Magazine recently made headlines for having top-notch, customizable sailing courses. In the article, they noted how Go Sail gives students the opportunity to explore the pristine bays and hidden gems of…

Traveling to the Virgin Islands

A video is worth far more than a thousand words when it comes to describing what your arrival in the Virgin Islands will look like! While we have extensive FAQs on Virgin Islands travel, the best way to learn about it is to see it for yourself. Check out our video on “Arriving in the Virgin Islands” and if you still have questions, learn more in the FAQs below!

What is the Best Month to Sail in BVI

Choosing the best month to sail the British Virgin Islands can make a big difference in the success of your voyage. Sailing is possible year-round in the BVI, but some periods of the year have easier weather conditions, while others will be less crowded. This is your guide to picking the best month to visit…

Top Tips for Traveling to the Virgin Islands

What’s the best way to travel to the Virgin Islands? These strategies will make your travel to the Virgin Islands as seamless, cheap, and stress-free as possible.  Flying into the US Virgin Islands The USVI has two commercial airports. One in St. Croix and one in St. Thomas. If you are setting sail in the…

Where to Stay in St. Thomas Before or After Your Sailing Vacation

You’ve booked your sailing trip but what about your accommodations before you set sail? Here’s a few options of where you can stay in St. Thomas before or after a sailing trip with Go Sail Virgin Islands: Short-term stays in St. Thomas If you are looking for where to stay in St. Thomas for just…

Packing list for the Virgin Islands Sailing Cruise and ASA course

Unsure what you need to bring for a Virgin Islands ASA certification course? This list will make sure you are fully prepared before your adventure begins: 1. The Essentials Many of the things you’ll want to bring to your Virgin Islands ASA certification course are the same things you’d want to bring on any other,…

Sailing Itineraries

Typical Sailing Day in the Virgin Islands

The best way to explain what a typical sailing day in the Virgin Islands looks like for students taking ASA courses is to see it for yourself! While every sailing day and sailing itinerary is unique, this video details some of the Virgin Islands activities you can expect to enjoy, regardless of which Virgin Islands sailing itinerary you choose.

Choosing between the BVI Sailing Itineraries vs USVI Sailing Itineraries

One of the biggest decisions to make about sailing in the Virgin Islands is which islands to see and what to do on each! The US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands tend to attract different types of sailors. Learn more about sailing in the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands in this video. It’s sure to help you decide where you would be best suited to take ASA courses!

Choosing between sailing the BVI vs USVI

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) and U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are both absolutely gorgeous sailing locations. However, if you are only able to visit one on your upcoming Caribbean trip, these tips will help you to make an informed decision about which territory to go to first:  BVI vs USVI Passports and Visas For U.S….

What is the best USVI cruising itinerary? 

The best USVI cruising itinerary is the itinerary that best meets your needs and goals. In this post we discuss how to make an informed decision when choosing a USVI cruising itinerary and provide you with a sample itinerary so you know what to expect aboard.  What’s the best length for a USVI cruise? If…

The Best Kept Secrets of the Virgin Islands National Park

The Virgin Islands National Park is what sets the island of St. John apart. Covering about 60% of the island, the park protects it from overdevelopment, resulting in pristine beaches and lush hiking trails. These are some of the best-kept secrets within the Virgin Islands National Park: Denis Bay Beach All the beaches of the…

The Best BVI Itinerary for Sailors

In search of the best British Virgin Island to visit during your holiday? There is more than one! We’ve detailed our top spots to visit on a few of our favorite islands so you can create the best BVI itinerary to fit your individual interests and timeframe. Norman Island: life of the party While Go…

ASA Courses in the Virgin Islands

Why Take ASA Courses in the Virgin Islands?

What better way to understand how much fun you’ll have and how much knowledge you’ll gain from taking ASA classes in the Virgin Islands than hearing it directly from other students! In this video, Jake and Nina talk about their ASA courses in the USVI and sailing plans for the future. Read other ASA students’ sailing stories and better understand why other sailors took to the Virgin Island seas with Go Sail in our “Sailing Stories” blog series.

What Is A Learn to Sail Vacation?

Caribbean Learn to Sail vacations are American Sailing (ASA) sailing trips you can take with an instructor to become a (ASA) American Sailing certified sailor. Here’s the scoop on Caribbean Learn to Sail vacations: What’s Included with a Caribbean Learn to Sail Vacation ?  A Learn to Sail vacation with American Sailing will come with…

What is an International Sailing Certificate?

Setting sail outside of the U.S. and not sure if you need a sailing certificate? Read on to discover everything you need to know about international  sailing certificates, when you need them, and how to get one:  What is an international sailing certificate? An international sailing certificate is proof that you meet the basic requirements…

Which Sailing Certification is Right for Me?

Taking up sailing? Get ready to have the time of your life. But before you cast off into the Caribbean, you’ll want some nautical miles under your belt. ASA courses are the best way to get your sea legs and learn the basics (and advanced techniques) before chartering a yacht.  So, which sailing certification is…

Why You Should Take ASA Advanced Courses

The learning journey isn’t over once you complete Bareboat Certification or even feel confident as a skipper! Every sailor out there can improve in some form or fashion. Here’s why you should take advanced ASA courses and which ones we recommend you sign up for:  What are ASA Advanced Courses? ASA advanced courses are the…

Virgin Islands Bareboat Charters

What is Bareboat Sailing?

If you are starting to dabble in the sailing world, you’ve probably heard the word “bareboat” thrown around. So what exactly is bareboat chartering ?  What Is Bareboat Sailing? Bareboat sailing is the term used to describe sailing a rented boat without a hired captain or crew. Going bareboating essentially means you are choosing to…

5 Reasons to Use a Yacht Charter Broker for your Sailing Trip

A yacht charter broker is someone with extensive knowledge of the yachting industry and helps match yacht owners with those going on yacht charter vacations. But is it worth booking your sailing charter through a Virgin Islands yacht charter broker? Absolutely! Here’s why: 1. Yacht charter brokers don’t cost you a dime.  It won’t cost…

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Captain vs. Chartering Your Own Bareboat in the Virgin Islands

Stuck between the choice of hiring a captain vs. chartering your own bareboat in the Virgin Islands? Let us help you make an informed decision. Read on to find out which option is best for you. What Does It Mean to Charter Your Own Bareboat? To put it simply, bareboating means sailing without a crew….

Bareboating in the British Virgin Islands

Congratulations! You’ve completed your ASA courses and you feel confident bareboat charter for a family and friend vacation! So what’s next? We recommend bareboating in the British Virgin Islands! Here’s what makes bareboating in Tortola and beyond such a fantastic sailing experience and what you need to do to ensure your bareboat trip is a…

4 Reasons to Try Bareboat Sailing in the Virgin Islands

Bareboating sailing provides sailors the opportunity to rent a sailboat without a crew. It’s a truly unique and wonderful experience, made all the better if you plan your trip in the Virgin Islands! Here’s why: 1. Bareboat sailing is the most customizable way to see the Virgin Islands Bareboat sailing gives you the freedom to…

Scuttlebutt SE Recognizes How Go Sail Makes Chartering Easy

Chartering a boat seems like a daunting task but then Go Sail Virgin Islands swoops in and makes it easy! That’s what Scuttlebutt Southeast found when they started looking into what makes sailing with Go Sail Virgin Islands so special.   “In order to make the charter process less daunting for future sailors, Go Sail VI…

How to Plan A Yacht Charter Vacation in the Caribbean

Sailing on a private boat in the Caribbean offers ultimate freedom and luxury! Here is what you need to know before booking a yacht charter vacation in the Caribbean:  Booking Sailing Trips Directly vs. Through a Broker When you start searching for companies to book a yacht charter vacation through, you’ll be met with two…

Provision shopping in the Virgin Islands for Sailing Vacations

Provision shopping for a weeklong live aboard sailing trip can feel intimidating. However, there are plenty of options to make sure you have everything you need before you set sail! Here’s our guide to shopping in the Virgin Islands for provisions and other items you may want on your sailing vacation.  Provision shopping at home…

Virgin Islands Safety and Sailboat Safety Equipment

We Take Sailing Safety Seriously.

Safety is our number one priority for our ASA sailing students, customers, and crew. That’s why we require everyone on board to take a boat briefing before you set sail in the Virgin Islands! During your boat briefing, you’ll learn where sailing safety equipment is located, how to troubleshoot issues you could face aboard your sailboat, and be able to ask as many safety questions as you’d like. Learn more about Go Sail’s mandatory boat briefings and their importance in this video.

Is it Safe to Sail in the US Virgin Islands?

The U.S. Virgin Islands is generally regarded as a safe place to sail. However, before setting off on your USVI adventure, there are a few things you should know regarding safety in the Virgin Islands.   Safety While Sailing the U.S. Virgin Islands The safety risk while sailing in the U.S. Virgin Islands is very low….

Sailing FAQs: Safety in the Virgin Islands

When planning a vacation to a new place, it is always necessary to consider your safety. Virgin Islanders are known for their hospitality and kindness, and they are often eager to help. However, safety issues are possible anywhere, so visitors must be vigilant and take certain precautions during trips. Here is our guide to Virgin…

How do you have the safest US Virgin Island vacation?

While the United States, Canada, and other countries don’t have any travel advisories for the Virgin Islands, there are still steps you can take to ensure you have the safest US Virgin Island experience possible. Here are a few safety recommendations to keep in mind when visiting the US Virgin Islands. Don’t flash your cash…

Virgin Islands Weather

Guide To Sailing Weather Apps

Before heading out to sail, you always want to be well apprised of the weather conditions! Unfortunately, many traditional weather apps just don’t cut it in the sailing world. Let’s take a look at which sailing weather apps to use and why before hitting the water: Traditional Weather Apps There are a few reasons you…

Top 5 Tools for Checking Sailing Weather

Checking the weather is an absolute must before heading out on the water. However, what are the best tools for checking sailing weather before setting off on your adventure? Check out the 5 favorite tools of Go Sail Virgin Islands: 1. NOAA NowCOAST The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is one of the best…

Do I Need Travel Insurance for a Virgin Islands Sailing Trip?

Is travel insurance a great investment or a waste of money? Here’s our take on whether or not to buy travel insurance for your Virgin Islands sailing trip.  Is Travel Insurance Required in the Virgin Islands? No, it is not required to buy travel insurance in order to visit the Virgin Islands. This might come…

Why are the Virgin Islands known for the best sailing conditions?

The world is full of sailing itineraries and trips! So how do you choose the perfect sailing location for your trip? The Virgin Islands has some of the best sailing conditions you’ll find anywhere and  should absolutely be a top contender for your next sailing adventure. Here’s what makes sailing here so impressive:  1. Temperatures…

Sailing Policies and Forms

Go Sail Virgin Islands’ 5-star reviews on USVI and BVI Yacht Charters say it all ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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"An eyeopener into life on a sailboat"

Go Sail Virgin Islands provided, my daughter and me, the best possible sailing, learning, and entertaining island and water experience. We achieved our goal of learning and getting certified to charter a bare boat in the most realistic and satisfying way. Captain Genevieve chartered for the ASA classes the appropriate boat for our experiences and desires. Captain Trevon, as our instructor and Captain, quietly assumed responsibility for the wellbeing of his crew and ship. At all times he checked on our actions, and made sure we were proceeding according to the rules and spirit of seamanship. First Mate Stephanie provided us with healthy, tasteful meals, great pictures and videos, and a reassuring graceful presence. The trip was organized as a sail around the US Virgin Islands, as a captain and crew would do in a sailing, exploration, and vacation setting. The one week trip could be replicated as a two weeks’ vacation in USVI, just by expanding the times spent in various places and adding more entertainment and recreation activities. For the aspiring Captains this is, in my opinion, the best first step to take in order to learn, experience, and practice chartering and coastal sailing a blue water vessel. Go Sail Virgin Islands has provided a professional, reasonable priced, and meaningful experience, enabling us to achieve our goals. I would highly and sincerely recommend Go sail Virgin Islands to all aspiring sailors of any level of experience for its classes and trips. Captain Genevieve is one of the best persons to guide and help anyone in the sailing world. It is an honor and a privilege to work with her anytime, anywhere.

– Edi S | Google
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"Learned throughout the day"

It felt like a lot of growth happening in just a few days and each day felt pleasantly long but not overdone and there was something to be learned throughout the day.

– Marc G | Google
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"Allowed us to learn how to sail and develop confidence as sailors."

We had a great experience with Captain Genevieve at Go Sail Virgin Islands. Captain Genevieve kept us up to date and provided alot of good advise preparing and planning for the charter and the ASA training. She took all of the guess work and uncertainties away which made for a great sailing experience. We will definitely use Captain Genevieve for our future ASA classes and future bareboat charters. My wife and I cannot say enough good things about the ASA Sailing Instructor Captain Jalil Jacallen. His instruction was top notch. He was organized and he explained everything clearly so we felt very comfortable during the hands on sailing of the 44 Leopard. His knowledge of sailing is quite impressive. He answered all of our questions and provided plenty of time to practice. He is very patient and calm allowing us to learn how to sail and develop confidence as sailors.

– Mark M | Google
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"A unique experience"

It is a unique experience going from reading your manual, practicing the skills and then wrapping up the afternoon swimming with sea turtles. We took our student level in 2015 and then in 2021 we came back for our instructor course.

– Matt F | Google
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"I recommend Go Sail Virgin Islands without hesitation!"

I completed ASA 103 -114 with Captain Jalil and the only thing that surpassed his patience and passion for sailing was his expertise! A great week building and refining skills in a safe but challenging environment. I recommend Go Sail Virgin Islands without hesitation!

– Michael S | Google
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"A thoroughly enjoyable time learning to sail"

My wife and I had a thoroughly enjoyable time learning to sail with Go Sail Virgin Islands. Captain Jalil was awesome! He has a relaxed and comfortable manner, that allowed us to learn the ropes without making us feel pressured or nervous. He’s also a great cook and makes a delicious painkiller! On top of that, he’s also a wealth of information on the area—knows all the best places for snorkeling and dining. We made this trip with another couple, who are friends of ours, and the instigators of this trip as a steppingstone for future bareboat chartering and possibly owning their own catamaran. Three of us completed the ASA 103, 104, and 114 classes, and the fourth, who already had some previous classes/experience, completed ASA 106 and 118. I feel confident that, after these classes and hands on learning with captain Jalil, we will be able to do it mostly on our own next time. All in all, this was a wonderful vacation and experience, and will open up a whole new set of possibilities for future exploration. Thank you Go Sail VI and Captain Jalil!

– Mike G | Google
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"Great Experience!"

Great experience, boat and instructor/ captain... would thoroughly recommend!

– Rob U | Google
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"Learning from each other"

It was nice to meet new people from other backgrounds in sailing, as well as parts of the country, and learn from them as well since it’s an interactive sport. It was great to have that ability to bounce things off of people and learn from each other.

– Todd F | Google
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"Our instructor JT Quinn was top notch!"

Attended a great 6 day catamaran sailing course in the USVI. Our instructor JT Quinn was top notch! Highly recommend!

– Trish M | Google
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"A super experience."

We took the Cruising couples ASA course through Go Sail Virgin Islands. Our captain/instructor was J.T. He is a wonderful teacher. Great sense of humour. Very patient with everyone. A super experience. Thank you J.T.

– Wendy T | Google
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"Absolutely perfect adventure!"

I had an amazing week of sailing and exploring the US Virgin Islands with Go Sail Virgin Islands and Captain Genevieve Evans. First and foremost, Captain G is a wonderful and knowledgeable teacher. She thoroughly explained concepts and maneuvers, demonstrating them as well, and then gave us the opportunity to practice throughout the week. She was extremely patient and helped to build my confidence behind the helm tremendously. Additionally, she knows the best spots on each island and made the trip not just about learning and growing as a sailor, but also enjoying time away. I will never forget this trip- if you have the opportunity to learn with Go Sail and Captain G, you won’t regret it. Thanks again Captain G for an absolutely perfect adventure!

– Sara V | Google
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"The whole experience did not disappoint"

The whole experience did not disappoint—truly a wonderful life memory. The boat was in nice condition and served us well. Captain J T Quinn was absolutely fantastic at teaching us and was so easy to have around. And doubled as a tour guide. We would recommend it to anyone.

– Matt B | Google
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"Sail VI premium ASA course!"

We took the week live aboard sailing lessons for ASA 101,103,104,114 and it was awesome. Sailed around USVI. Our instructor JT was thorough and a pleasure to be with. Thank you for an awesome experience. Already booked our next sailing excursion as a skipper!

– Stephanie B | Trip Advisor
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"I highly recommend!"

Just spent a week with Capt. Genevieve navigating around the USVI, a thoroughly enjoyable learning experience. Her teaching style a perfect mix of coaching and hands-on, building my ability and confidence with each passing day. Completed ASA Sailing Certifications 101 103 104 114, such that I’ll look forward to returning next season to charter a boat with my family. We also visited their favorite moorages, snorkeling sites, and places to go ashore for food and fun. Even better, they both provide great hospitality with tasty food, a comfortable boat, and good company.

– Larry C | Google
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"Excellent Instruction!'

My family and I sailed with Captain JT Quinn, who provided excellent instruction and is just an all-around good guy. While I went through the hands-on ASA instructions for 101, 103, 104, and 114, my family was able to enjoy cruising around the USVI and BVI. Every afternoon, we would anchor or moor in a bay where we would swim, snorkel, paddle board, and relax for the evening. I was nervous after reading the 4 books and preparing but JT made it really comfortable and easy to learn. He's very knowledgeable and answered every question I had. We shared stories and a lot of laughs. He and Go Sail VI aren't just teaching people to sail, they are cultivating a community of sailors. That's what it's all about in the end — knowing how to

– Tom G. | Google
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"So Rewarding!"

I can’t believe how much we learned while sailing with Captain G and Trevon! They explained everything so well and really helped us understand the art of sailing. We now feel confident to bareboat our own charter soon! This was definitely the way to earn our sailing experience.

– Ashley S | Trip Advisor
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"Phenomenal Experience!"

Our week-long catamaran sailing instruction for ASA 106, 114 and 118 certifications was phenomenal! We chartered a week-long monohull instruction for our ASA 101, 103 and 104 certifications in Florida a year prior. There was no comparison with our Go Sail Virgin Islands live aboard experience far exceeding our expectations. Sweet & Salty, the 44' cat, was spacious, clean and well provisioned. Trevon is an exceptional instructor. He has a depth of knowledge and experience, was patient and tailored his coaching to our individual needs. Thanks for the learnings, experience and memories! Shirley, Eric and Jeff

– Shirley E. | Trip Advisor
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"Exceeded Expectations"

The folks at Go Sail Virgin Islands are wonderful to deal with! From my first inquiry they were very responsive and attentive with clear and timely proactive communications. They provided all the information I needed, including pricing with no hidden fees, in order for me to make an informed decision, and with no pressure. They delivered on every promise and exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend them whether you want to charter or learn, or both. Captain Jalil has years and years of sailing experiences (in addition to a multitude of other interesting life experiences) that have provided him with a wealth knowledge that he humbly shares. He is gentle, kind, clear, wise, practical and is a very good communicator and chef! Without yelling or shaming, he explains and encourages with patience and enthusiasm to help his students understand the “in and outs” and “how’s and why’s of sailing at any level. You will not be disappointed!

– Paul H | TripAdvisor
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"JT is an amazing Captain"

My husband and I had been looking for a company to learn to sail with. He is experienced and I am not. From the start the owner made everything seem so easy and seamless. We initially picked this company because we could study ahead and spend the time on the boat with practical things. Out captain JT was AMAZING and we will be using his again when we charter out next cruise. He allowed up ample hands on time and was very knowledgeable. If you did not comprehend something one way he explained it he was so patient and tried another approach. We adored him. Don't hesitate to use this company.

– Dee W | TripAdvisor
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"Outstanding"

We just completed an amazing sailing course with Go Sail Virgin Islands completing ASA 103, 104 &114. Captain Trevon and his first mate Stephanie were outstanding. Trevon’s knowledge and experience was exceptional as was his teaching ability. Stephanie provide first class food and assistance with procedures during our 7 day course. Also their company and off shore visits was very much appreciated and made for an enjoyable life time experience 👏👏

– Chris F | TripAdvisor