Couples wanting to learn to cruise

jimmyp · #1 (**permalink**) 08-25-2010

I'm sure this has been asked a thousand times before. Another couple and us are wanting to charter a boat and learn cruising in January at the same time in the Caribean. We, the husbands, want to learn and the wives are wanting the sightseeing and atmosphere. We are trying to find a happy medium where the wives have chances to spend some time on shore while we sail or at least being in different ports where they can shop (draining our wallets) and enjoy the different cultural aspects of cruising. I have had limited sailing experience having completed ASA 101 and 103, but do not care if it is U.S. Sailing or ASA accredited. My goal is to learn and let my wife have the vacation of the lifetime. If you could recommend a school I would be greatly appreciative. We all are in the retail sector so it will be a chance for us all to recharge our batteries.

Thanks in advance,
Jpatter

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010

I would recommend that you separate the two functions... getting a charter boat and learning to cruise is pretty much a full-time thing unless you have a friend coming along to act as your captain and do the teaching... Most instructors aren't going to want to deal with the need to have the wives, who are not students, aboard the boat, as it will interfere with their instruction.

Unless you and your wives are all interested in learning to sail/cruise, having the wives along is a bad idea. From what you've posted, your wives are not interested in learning to sail or cruise.

jackdale · #3 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010

I have done several courses with couples in which the husbands are learning the ropes and the wives are along for the ride. It really has not presented and problems at the "lower" levels. A Yachtmaster Offshore course may present some problems.

Check with the instructor to see how he feels about the course.

Jack

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010

Yes, but that isn't what the OP is looking to do. He clearly states that the wives would want to be going ashore and shopping, etc., and most sailing schools/instructors don't want to be bothered with acting as a ferry service for the wives.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackdale

I have done several courses with couples in which the husbands are learning the ropes and the wives are along for the ride. It really has not presented and problems at the "lower" levels. A Yachtmaster Offshore course may present some problems.

Check with the instructor to see how he feels about the course.

Jack

jackdale · #5 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010

Duh?

Missed that part.

Actually we could do that in the Gulf Islands - Victoria area: the Ganges market, Buchart Gardens, wine tours, etc..

Cruisingdad · #6 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyp

I'm sure this has been asked a thousand times before. Another couple and us are wanting to charter a boat and learn cruising in January at the same time in the Caribean. We, the husbands, want to learn and the wives are wanting the sightseeing and atmosphere. We are trying to find a happy medium where the wives have chances to spend some time on shore while we sail or at least being in different ports where they can shop (draining our wallets) and enjoy the different cultural aspects of cruising. I have had limited sailing experience having completed ASA 101 and 103, but do not care if it is U.S. Sailing or ASA accredited. My goal is to learn and let my wife have the vacation of the lifetime. If you could recommend a school I would be greatly appreciative. We all are in the retail sector so it will be a chance for us all to recharge our batteries.

Thanks in advance,
Jpatter

I think that sailing is so freaking easy. Really. Don't worry about teh wives, that does nota make them any different than a good percentage of gals (and guys) whose spouse is all over sailing and they are not. My suggestion might be to see if you can get a captain to go with you for the first day or two or three. If not, see if you can crew on a boat beforehand up in your area. Don't kill yourself over the sailing part... just worry about teh motoring part and grabbing a moor!! That is where teh skill comes in!

Don't sweat it. You will have teh adventure of a lifetiume and might find yourself fighting the wives over who gets to steer! Take pics and keep us posted.

See ya,

Brian

tjvanginkel · #7 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010

I have been doing some research of a similar type myself recently....

One of the sites I came across has individually owned boats that run charters and also offer ASA certification.

They may be more likely to be able to offer you the flexibility you are looking for.

This link is for one of them but there are certainly more out there

BVI Sailing School - 43' Beneteau - Private learning charter rates

Hope you can work it out and have a great trip.

Regards,

Tanya

tomandchris · #8 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010

Let's see. Two couples, want to charter a boat and have a captain teach some or them for a week. Charter/ASA/US sailing schools are not that busy. They recognize the need, the money, and the customer service aspect of this. Money talks...and if you want to speak they will listen.

Actually, this does not sound like a big deal. Call any of the charter companies that offer instruction and you should find a willing audience.