Learn how to sail -- Carribean?

[dantm]

Hi,

Recently I took some sailing lessons on a dinghy here in Boston...I would be interested to get some more experience on a larger (30 ft?) boat as part of a crew and see whether that life is for me anytime in the future.

Some time ago I was reading up on schools that are offered for like 1-2 weeks in the Carribean or somewhere in a warmer climate. Can anybody recommend any place or how to even start doing some research on this?

Are there any 'budget' ones? I don't mean cheap but I'm not looking into the $3K/week type of schools either.

Any ideas?

Thanks and best regards!

[jswwrites]

I googled "sail school caribbean" and a lot came up. Here's one that's $1600/week/student. Don't know anything about it, just post it as an example!

http://www.sailingschool.com/mof15/availability.htm

[camaraderie]

This is a good one in the BVI's and on 38' boats... The BVI's are a great place to learn and the boat size will be ideal to learn on. Here's also a listing of some of the other schools there.
One other way to get some cheap experience is to offer to crew for free on OPB's. (Other Peoples Boats). In about 5 weeks a fleet of boats will leave Norfolk VA on the Caribbean 1500 for the 10-14 day trip to the BVI's. Many of these boats will need crew. See the website if this is appealing.

[Valdare]

I would recommend Maryland school of seamanship and sailing. mdschool.com
They sail a boat from Rock Hall to the VI's then run weekly training classes. Tom Tursi runs a very good school. The classes are ASA but you do not need to to be trying for a qualification. Great way to learn and vacation. Boat is normally a 45ft Island Packet.

Good luck
John

[Zanshin]

I just finished some classes at Rob Swain Sailing school (see http://www.swainsailing.com/index.asp) and can highly recommend them. The prices are fair and the tuition excellent. The sailing condition in the Caribbean are great [even during the hurricane season] and the Rob Swain school has a great Jeanneau 43DS and a wonderful Jeanneau 45.2 to choose from (there might be others, but those were the 2 at the dock last week). The classes not only teach you what you need to know but combine that with a tour of some of the more picturesque islands and locales. Plus you get to put "Anegada" into your logbook - most charter companies keep Anegada "off limits" to charterers unless they give you a captain or you can show that you've already been there.

[Valdare]

After the volcano BVI and US virgins is Anagada not cool?? 17 ft above sea level. Shelf between the Caribbean and Atlantic I understand. Great Lobster (Caribbean Lobster) BBQ's dinners. Great beach restaurants for lunch. Snorkeling thru a maze and having to swim backward to get out sometimes. Different!!

[Chuteman]

Learning in the BVI.............so many distractions & warm water......why didn't I think of that?

two more for your list:

http://www.oceansail.com/

http://www.offshore-sailing.com/brit...in-islands.asp