Caribbean Sailing Schools

dwc2056 · #1 03-01-2010

Has anyone had any experience or can recommend a good live aboard sailing school in the Carabbean....

bacampbe · #2 03-01-2010

Offshore-Sailing (Steve Colgate) offers live aboard classes in Tortola. They work in conjunction with the Moorings (using Moorings boats). If you're planning on chartering, the Moorings seems to take Offshore-Sailing classes pretty seriously. They are a USSailing affiliate.

My wife and I took their Liveaboard Cruising class, and challenged for basic keelboat. (We already had the ASA basic keelboat certificate). The class was enjoyable, and very hands-on.

They offer a fast-track program, where you take a basic keelboat class and the cruising class back to back. Personally, I think that would be information overload.

Zanshin · #3 03-01-2010

The Caribbean is a big place, but if the BVI is your neck of the woods then the Rob Swain sailing school does a commendable job and it is hard to beat the BVI when it comes to ease of sailing and nice destinations.

dwc2056 · #4 03-01-2010

I am thinking of using Blue Water Sailing out of St Thomas.

RealityCheck · #5 03-04-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zanshin

The Caribbean is a big place, but if the BVI is your neck of the woods then the Rob Swain sailing school does a commendable job and it is hard to beat the BVI when it comes to ease of sailing and nice destinations.

Agree! Located in Nanny Cay they have a very talented group of Instructors of which I know several and many of their students. One of the Best is known as "Toddy", a Brit with extensive experience and knows the area and will keep you on your toes!

Zanshin · #6 03-04-2010

I did a 'ride-along' on my old boat while Toddy was giving the new owner instruction and even in that short ride I learned a lot. I agree that Toddy is an excellent instructor and while he teaches the ASA system at the Rob Swain school he is a RYA Offshore Yachtmaster instructor.

WhatTheFoley · #7 03-18-2010

I'm thinking about taking a passage making course with the Swain school. They offer a passage from Newport to BVI via Bermuda. They have broken it into two legs. I wish I had enough time to sign on for the whole trip, but I can't. I'm wondering which would be the better leg? What are the differences between going from Newport to Bermuda vs. Bermuda to the BVI. Being a west coaster, I don't really have a good feel for the prevailing conditions, and the types of sailing that might be encountered. The passage begins Nov 1st, and is about 6 days per leg. Any Thoughts?

Zanshin · #8 03-19-2010

I would think, particularly in November, that the Bermuda-Caribbean leg will be a lot warmer and more comfortable.