Learn to Sail Vacation Cruising Guide and Itinerary in the US Virgin Islands (USVI)
Sailing conditions are Champagne every day! Sail, Sail, Sail in this is a year-round sailing destination with fresh breezes and calm seas. The active learn-to-sail experience keeps people coming back to the tropical conditions with daytime temperatures of 80 – 85°F (27°C) and 15 to 20 knots easterly winds year-round. Serene inviting bays have inviting crystal-clear turquoise waters near 82°F. (27°C)
Sailors find it to be a perfect cruising area! It’s safe for families and groups of friends, the conditions are predictable, and the beaches are beautiful. There are three main islands called St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. The bays are known for great snorkeling, fun beach bars, and very accessible, calm anchorages. These islands will blow you away for their diversity as well as pristine underwater world with turtles, sting rays, tropical fish, and coral.
This area has been intertwined with Sailing since the arrival of Columbus in 1493, on his second voyage to the New World. He first landed on St. Croix, an island with a freshwater source. The area islands were born with piracy with European and Spanish settlements become a treacherous place to be. By 1917, the Danes were happy to sell their Virgin Islands to the United States who were eager to have a military outpost for $25 million.
U.S. Virgin Islands Itinerary for a week-long Sailing Vacation
We sail around the three main islands of the US Virgin Islands called St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix while learning how to operate the catamaran on a crew-centered adaptable itinerary. We want to schedule time for sailing skills, island hopping, snorkeling and beach time. We will always discuss and consider wind and weather factors.
Day 1: Arrive to the Marina on St Thomas after 5 PM, Sleep aboard on the dock.
Day 2: Maho Bay, St John (Virgin Island National Park) or Leinster Bay, St John (Virgin Island National Park)
Day 3: Coral Bay, St John
Day 4: Lameshur Bay, St John (Virgin Island National Park)
Day 5: Cruz Bay, St John
Day 6: Christmas Cove, Little St. James
Day 7: Return to the dock Marina on St Thomas. Plan to take your taxi or flight after 10:00 AM
Please Note. This itinerary is meant to serve as an example of what a week-long sailing journey aboard a Learn to Sail Vacation on a BVI Yacht Charter, exploring the breathtaking British Virgin Islands, may entail. However, it is important to note that the captain may adjust the schedule to ensure optimal sailing conditions and the best possible experience for guests.
ST THOMAS, US VIRGIN ISLANDS
St. Thomas is the main hub of the virgin islands. Home of the St Thomas Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) is where you fly in and out of.
BAYS WE VISIT:
ST. JOHN. US VIRGIN ISLANDS
BAYS WE VISIT:
✔️ Virgin Island National Park Cruz Bay
✔️ Honeymoon Beach
✔️ Hawksnest Bay
✔️ Trunk bay
✔️ Cinnamon bay
✔️ Maho bay
✔️ Leinster bay
✔️ Lamesur bay
✔️ Coral Bay
ST CROIX, US VIRGIN ISLANDS
St. Croix is the largest of the US Virgin Islands and boasts quiet beaches, locally grown produce, much quieter island.
BAYS WE VISIT:
✔️ Christiansted
✔️ Buck Island Reef National Park
✔️ Cane Bay
✔️ St Croix yacht club at Teague bay
U.S. Virgin Island Yacht Charters
We love teaching on this yacht. It is easy to bareboat charter and makes for a great group vacation yacht. Lagoon catamaran is a brand of twin-hulled boats that are designed and produced in Bordeaux, France. It sails well upwind and is a smooth sailing ride. It is 46 ft long and 26ft wide which makes it very stable and easy to single hand. The bridge deck provides a wide space to sail from with a comfortable high platform 360 degree view with a large screen Navionics plotter. There are 4 cabins, and each offers a comfortable queen size bed with linens, pillows, towels and blankets and private head with a toilet and shower. The air conditioning keeps you cool at night and the sea breeze keeps you cool in the day.
Aft outdoor saloon is spacious with plenty of seating with an open window area to the indoor salon. The galley has a propane stove with oven, sink, and all the cooking utensils you need to cook. There are two refrigerators and a freezer. The outdoor salon includes a BBQ and an additional beverage refrigerator.
The generator is located on the bow in a noise canceling compartment which keeps the sound to a minimum. We drink freshly made Reverse osmosis water throughout the trip to keep ourselves hydrated.
Elba 45
Fountaine Pajot Elba 45: 2022-2024
This yacht is brilliant. The high fly bridge has a lounging couch with spectacular views and ocean breezes. It is attractive and well performing. This is one of our favorites because it is so spacious. Fountaine Pajot Yachts are made in La Rochelle, France.
It sails well upwind and is a smooth sailing ride. It is 46 ft long and 24.7ft wide which makes it very stable and easy to single hand. The bridge deck provides a wide space to sail from with a comfortable high platform 360-degree view with a large screen Navionics plotter. There are 4 cabins, and each offers a comfortable queen size bed with linens, pillows, towels and blankets and private head with a toilet and shower. The air conditioning keeps you cool at night and the sea breeze keeps you cool in the day.
Aft outdoor saloon is spacious with plenty of seating with an open window area to the indoor salon. The galley has a propane stove with oven, sink, and all the cooking utensils you need to cook. There are two refrigerators and a freezer. The outdoor salon includes a BBQ and an additional beverage refrigerator.
The generator is located on the bow in a noise canceling compartment which keeps the sound to a minimum. We drink freshly made Reverse osmosis water throughout the trip to keep ourselves hydrated.
International Bareboat Cruising Certification with American Sailing Certifications in a learn to sail week-long ASA 101/103/104/114 or Advavced Courses 106/114/118
ASA 101 Basic Keelboat
ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising
ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising
ASA 114 Catamaran Cruising
ASA 106 Advanced Costal Cruising
ASA 118 Docking Endorsement
We are a crew of expert captains and instructors who have sailed all over the world. We know sailing but better yet we are mastering the art of teaching you everyday with patience and practice. Kindness and respect are at the heart of everything we do. These are 7 key principles we follow and live by.
- Encourage active learning
- Give and ask for prompt feedback
- Emphasize hands-on sailing skills
- Communicate with honesty and clarity
- Respect diverse talents and ways of learning
- Encourage questions and growth mindset
- Develop reciprocity and cooperation
We are also providing this service for the betterment of the sailing community. When you are passing down your knowledge, you will have been inspired by the great mentor and Captain.
Meet the Go Sail Virgin Islands Captains and Crew
You! Solo Sailors, Couples, Friends and Families make our job rewarding and fun.
Solo Sailors who want to join a group course with like-minded sailors and learn to sail.
Cruising Couples who want to learn to work together while learning to sail with a group course.
Couples, Friends and Families who want the entire vessel on a private learn to sail vacation.
Getting to the Virgin Islands is easy.
Find out about VI Travel Tips to Make Your Life Easier when traveling to the Virgin Islands
Go Sail Virgin Islands’ 5-star reviews on USVI and BVI Yacht Charters say it all ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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
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
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
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
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
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
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