Amid the Caribbean’s blissful waters lies the idyllic chain of the British Virgin Islands, a destination nothing short of a personal playground in paradise. Spoiling its visitors with dazzling natural pools, dramatic rock formations, and intimate anchorages, this collection of 60 unspoilt, sun-soaked islands not only charms its way into many holidaymakers’ hearts but acts as an exquisite outdoor classroom for sailors of every experience level. Naturally, Sunsail is beyond thrilled to launch the re-opening of its BVI Sailing School at this most popular seafaring spot, celebrated as the long-standing sailing capital of the world.
Beginning January 18, students of the Sunsail BVI Sailing School can once again get fluent in deep-water, island-hopping adventure while capturing wind-drawn power as they weave in and out of the Sir Francis Drake channel. The territory satisfies ocean dwellers with the most ideal elements and a reliable, robust learning environment—calm currents, consistent winds, simple line-of-sight navigation, and easy anchorages. During a BVI Sailing School course, the unlimited possibilities for wander and wonder are met with beautiful temperatures thanks to warm trade winds that moderate the idyllic region.
The BVI Sailing School is an RYA-recognized training center offering extensive practical and theoretical on-the-water courses. If you’re looking for the chance to learn to sail, novice students can learn the ropes during the RYA Competent Crew course, gaining sound knowledge of basic techniques and terminology. Intermediate sailors with significant previous sailing experience can build upon their confidence, training level, and seamanship during the RYA Day Skipper course, taking away a comprehensive understanding of the theory behind the practice. Following the Day Skipper course, participants gain the experience of deck work, crew management, navigation, and course plotting, as well as the confidence to take charge of a vessel under sail and power.
Whichever training track you elect, each RYA course offered by the BVI Sailing School is completed over five days and takes off as well as concludes from the Wickhams Cay II base on Tortola. Once arrived, customers move onto and live aboard a Sunsail 51 under the supervision and company of a qualified skipper instructor. Each Sunsail instructor sets the supportive tone onboard, fostering students’ passion for nautical know-how and stout decision-making on the water.
From Sunday to Thursday, sail training is maximized while living your island days aboard the training vessel. The crew will take lunch stops and overnights in picturesque, sheltered anchorages and sparkling harbors. Sunsets, snorkeling, and beachcombing follow suit after hard work is paid to sailing instruction and applied practical skills throughout the course’s days. By the end of the week, student crews even experience the thrills of night sailing under an expansive star-freckled sky.
The Sunsail Schools’ empowering student experience comes to a close during a Friday Free Sailing day, when participants have the opportunity to discover crystal clear waters, palm-lined white sand beaches, and dreamy Caribbean culture on their agenda. You can spend the day exploring the BVI’s capital island of Tortola or charter a yacht for a maiden voyage to surrounding island escapes. On a dive excursion with Sail Caribbean Divers, discover the wonders of the renowned Wreck of the Rhone or stay above sea-level exploring the mountainous 12-mile island of Tortola by rental jeep. During a joy ride around the island, hike to Sage Mountain National Park, wander through BVI Botanical Gardens and lose track of time relaxing in Smugglers’ Cove, sipping on iconic Painkillers. You won’t be short of ideas to fill the free-to-roam day after speaking with our local Activities Department who is sure to brew up some adventure.
If you’re ready to season up your sailing education Caribbean-style, our Sailing School Specialists are on hand to get your training underway, your way. You can book or enquire about Sunsail’s school opportunities, including pricing and availability, by visiting www.sunsail.co.uk/sailing-schools, or calling or emailing our specialists at 023 9222 2894 or [email protected].
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