Learn to Sail in the British Virgin Islands

24 June 2024 5 min

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. With line of sight navigation, steady trade winds and lots of protected anchorages, it’s the ideal destination for first-time sailors.

Do you want to learn to sail in the BVI?

While the British Virgin Islands are brilliant for gaining valuable sailing experience, you will need to have specific qualifications to be able to charter a yacht in the first place. Once you’ve secured your certifications, you will be free to sail into the sunset on your idyllic BVI yacht charter. Find out more about the qualifications needed to sail a yacht.

So, how can you learn to sail in the BVI? At Sunsail, we believe everyone deserves to experience the wonders of these enchanting islands, which is why we are proud to offer several sailing schools around the world to support you in learning to sail ahead of your BVI adventure.

While we don’t have any BVI sailing schools specifically, we do have schools in Greece, Croatia and the United Kingdom where you can look forward to getting fluent in deep water on an island-hopping adventure as you gain hands-on experience out on the open waters.

Learn to Sail in the British Virgin Islands

What courses will help me learn to sail in the BVI?

To prepare for your exciting sailing charter, rather than booking a BVI sailing school, plan in advance and learn to sail before you step foot on these magical islands. Our sailing schools are

RYA-recognised training centres, offering extensive practical and theoretical on-the-water courses.

In fact, all our schools could be considered BVI sailing schools as they offer all the necessary qualifications to be able to hire a yacht and uncover the treasures of this true Caribbean paradise.

We have expert sailing schools in Lefkas, Agana and Portsmouth:

Lefkas Sailing School courses:
- Beginners: RYA Competent Crew and Flotilla Starter Course
- Some experience: Flotilla Hero
- Intermediate: RYA Day Skipper
Agana Sailing School courses:
- Beginners: RYA Competent Crew and Flotilla Starter Course
- Some experience: Flotilla Hero
- Intermediate: RYA Day Skipper
Portsmouth Sailing School courses:
- Beginners: 2-day RYA Start Yachting course, 3-day Start Yachting Follow-on Course, 5-day RYA Competent Crew Course, 2+3-da RYA Competent Crew course
- Some experience: 2-day Yacht Refresher Course
- Intermediate: 5-day RYA Day Skipper Practical Course, 2+3 Day RYA Day Skipper practical course, RYA Day Skipper Online theory & 5-day Practical combined package, RYA Day Skipper Online theory & 2+3 split weekend combined package, ICC Assessment
- Advanced: 5-day RYA Coastal Skipper practical course, 7-day RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Prep, 7-Day RYA Yachtmaster Offshore prep.

If you’re looking for the chance to learn to sail in the BVI, 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 experience in deck work, crew management, navigation, and course-plotting, as well as the confidence to take charge of a vessel under sail and power.

We are also proud to offer advanced and speciality courses to enhance specific skills and develop even the most experienced of sailors.

How old do I have to be to learn to sail in the BVI?

Sailing holidays are fun for all the family. When you learn to sail in the BVI with Sunsail, no one gets left behind:

To be able to complete our Competent Crew Certification Course, you must be at least 12 years old
To be able to complete our Day Skipper Certification Course, you must be at least 16 years old

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult when completing any of our sailing school courses. If you have any questions about learning to sail in the BVI with children, please contact us today.

How will I learn to sail in the BVI?

Whichever sailing school you elect, each RYA course offered is completed over five days, with an initial briefing on the Sunday, a free day to relax and unwind on the Friday and disembarkation on the Saturday.

Once arrived, customers move onto and live aboard one of our world-class yachts which will be your classroom and social space during your training.
You may have the choice to book the whole yacht, a cabin or a berth depending on your preferences and how many of you want to learn to sail in the BVI.
From Sunday to Thursday, sail training is maximised while living your island days aboard the training vessel.
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, idyllic beaches, secluded coves and the chance to immerse in local culture. Whether you’re setting sail in Lefkas, Agana or Portsmouth, there are countless opportunities for exploration.

We understand how important it is to feel supported when you learn to sail in the BVI which is why each Sunsail instructor sets the supportive tone onboard, fostering students’ passion for nautical know-how and stout decision-making on the water.

The crew will take lunch stops and overnights in picturesque, sheltered anchorages and sparkling harbours. Sunsets, snorkelling, 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, admiring the very best of the UK or Mediterranean starry skies.

How much does it cost to learn to sail in the BVI?

As you prepare to learn to sail in the BVI ahead of your blissful holiday, you might be wondering about the cost of our sailing schools around the world.

The cost of learning to sail will differ depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to:

Which of our sailing schools you choose
Which of the courses you enrol in
How many courses you enrol in/how many qualifications you need
How advanced the course is that you choose
Whether you choose a theory or practical course
How many of you are learning to sail in the BVI (families and couples will pay more than individuals as there are more of you learning to sail)

All that’s left to do once you’ve completed your qualifications is to book your BVI sailing charter. Find out more about the best time to sail in the BVI.
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. Find out more about our sailing school opportunities. If you have any questions about learning to sail in the BVI or any of our sailing schools, please get in touch with us today.

What students have to say about our sailing schools & courses

Whether you’re planning your first idyllic bareboat charter and want to learn to sail in the BVI, or know the basics and want to upskill ahead of your upcoming trip, you can gain all the skills and qualifications you need to navigate the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea at one of our sailing schools around the world.
You’ll be island hopping around the beautiful British Virgin Islands in no time at all. Don’t just take our word for it though, take a look at what some of our students have to say about learning to sail through our sailing schools and courses: