Learn to Sail Vacation Cruising Guide 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 USVI Yacht Charter, exploring the breathtaking US 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.
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.
Leopard 44 2012 Select Catamaran Course
Excellent boat for cruising and live aboard lifestyle
The Leopard 44 catamaran combines luxury and performance, perfect for adventurous sailors. Its innovative design maximizes space and comfort, featuring continuous hull side windows, a sleek hardtop, and an inviting upper lounge area. Inside, natural light floods the interior through well-placed windows and a saloon skylight. The L-shaped galley encourages social cooking, while options for three or four cabins, each with private ensuites and designated shower areas, ensure comfort on any voyage. The Leopard 44 is designed to exceed modern sailing expectations. The owner has installed over 250k of replacements and upgrades to this 44 Leopard (refit in 2021). Including new mainsail, solar panels, RO water filter, electric dinghy, and a huge inverter that can run AC at night without the generator! The 44 leopard is a clean well maintained vessel with comfortable seating. You will not be disappointed!
International Bareboat Cruising Certification with American Sailing Certifications in a learn to sail week-long
- Series 1 ~ ASA courses (take them all together on a weeklong liveaboard course!):
- ASA 101: Keelboat Sailing
- ASA 103: Coastal Cruising
- ASA 104: Bareboat Cruising
- ASA 114: Cruising Catamaran
- Series 2 ~ Advanced ASA courses (take them all together on a weeklong liveaboard course!):
- *Prerequisite 104
- ASA 106: Advanced Coastal Cruising
- ASA 114: Cruising Catamaran
- 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