Sailing Schools in the British Virgin Islands

By: Destinations, Learn To Sail

Learn to Sail in the British Virgin Islands

You’ll leap off the bow and feel the warm water. It is not as refreshing as you would like because the water is warm but it is invigorating. The crystal clear water will envelop you and when you surface, you’ll look back at the boat. Your sense of accomplishment will come from understanding that you can sail that vessel. Your time spent learning to sail in the British Virgin Islands will afford you the ability to dream of one day being able to do it alone.

Your British Virgin Islands learn to sail vacation might take you to North Sound to sail what looks like a large pond reserved for sailing instruction or you’ll dart between islands and learn the art of tacking into the wind while watching megayachts that seem to ignore the rules of the water. Your man overboard drills will be honed off the coast of Spanish Town in the shadow of the Baths.

The British Virgin Islands, as a classroom, offers so many varied experiences and reliable wind. Couple the possibilities of visiting a few different islands during your instructional period as well as dropping in a beach day here and there and you have a full-blown vacation experience in addition to your sailing instruction.

Sailing Virgins in the British Virgin Islands

Sail by Day, Enjoy The Islands by Night

While you work on your sailing skills during the day, you’ll notice that the shores are dotted with restaurants and bars. The beaches are also in abundance. 

Soggy Dollar Bar – Jost Van Dyke – A madhouse of a beach party where the signature drink, “The Painkiller” delivers with a stiff reminder that you should be on island time. Dip your toes in the sand and ponder a retirement plan at this seaside bar that is known for its ability to beckon you for “one more” a few too many times.

Copper Island Beach Club – Beachside dining and tropical drinks are the draw at this boutique resort that sits a few feet from the water. There is snorkeling nearby and convenient tables in the water so that you can stay wet while enjoying your rum drink.

Leverick Bay Resort & Marina – Virgin Gorda – You might spend a few hours getting your land legs back at Jumbies Beach Bar where the conch fritters pair perfectly with a Carib Lager or you’ll enjoy one of their evening barbecues while listening to live entertainment. The restaurant delivers with nighttime views of North Sound and Caribbean Cuisine in a windswept room that reminds you that you are on an island vacation. 

Things To See in the British Virgin Islands

Scrub Island – Take a stroll over to the north side of the island to a beach that faces North Bay. The tranquil setting is a recipe for relaxation and the food and drinks coming out of the One Shoe Bar will keep you satisfied all day.

Beach Day at The Pirates Bight – Norman Island – While plenty of people show up to this protected anchorage to visit The Willy T, on your sailing excursion you’ll lounge on the sand and dip your toes in the water in between tasty bites and refreshing drinks. Dinner here can be elegant with views of the cove and then it turns a bit into an upscale dance party as the sun sets and the volume of the music goes up. It does not get wild like the party out on the floating bar but it does get to a respectable level. 

The Baths – Virgin Gorda – You will be told that there are a lot of people at the Baths exploring the grottos and pools that can be found in between the large boulders and naturally formed caves. There are a lot of people and rightly so, as it is an interesting destination to experience. Your instructor might have a clever way to get you to this site earlier by setting anchor right off the beach or you might visit late in the day after the crowds have left. It is a must-do. Snorkel in a cave or climb through tight spaces to get a look at pools of water that glisten with dazzling reflections. You will not regret visiting but, you might be put off by the lines that form later in the afternoon. TIP: Get there early, right at 9 am before the cruise ship passengers arrive.

Sailing Schools in The British Virgin Islands