Cara Brown is living your dream life. This American Sailing sailing instructor is teaching and sailing in the British Virgin Islands with Horizon Sailing School. Her life is about adventure and following a dream to work outdoors and share her passions. Ask her about it, and she’ll explain that she traded in her Giant Slalom skis and ski parka for sunglasses and flipflops on a sailboat. Her story is about sailing and she shares he enthusiasm for the sailing lifestyle with her students.
Captain Cara Brown is this month’s Featured Instructor.
ASA: What got you into sailing?
Captain Cara Brown:
My dad grew up sailing and then actually worked around the Caribbean and South America in the 80s so he always wanted to bring our family back to see the BVI. In 2001 we came on a sailing trip to the BVI and we’ve been back every year since! I didn’t become certified until my mid 20s but all the previous years spent on boats definitely helped.
ASA: Why Should people sail?
Captain Cara Brown:
The number one reason why people should sail is to enjoy themselves and because it’s fun! Being outdoors, out on the water, challenging yourself and learning a new skill are all just bonuses!
ASA: What was your most memorable student or class?
Captain Cara Brown:
I think my most memorable class has to be a group I taught on After Physics, a Jeanneau 490, last July. I had been teaching non stop for nearly 9 months and I felt pretty burnt out but this group just made my job so easy. They were great fun to be around, they were enthusiastic to learn and to discover everything about the BVI. We’ve kept in touch and they’ve recently bought their own little boat to sail at home!
ASA: Your favorite place to sail?
Captain Cara Brown:
Without a doubt, the BVI. If I had to go elsewhere then it would be the Spanish Virgin Islands.
ASA: Why do you sail?
Captain Cara Brown:
My previous job was actually as a professional alpine ski racer for Great Britain so I always knew that an office job probably wasn’t the thing for me! I feel so lucky to have been able to take another passion of mine, sailing and turn it into a career.
ASA: What do people not know about sailing that they should?
Captain Cara Brown:
One of the best things about sailing, is that it has something for everyone. Whether you opt for a more luxurious crewed yacht, explore on a bareboat or want to get wet hanging off the side of a dinghy. Once you know how to sail it’s a skill you’ll enjoy forever, solo or with friends and family. Oh, and also, take Dramamine the night before not the morning of your trip!
You can find and sail with Captain Cara Brown at Horizon Sailing School.
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