5 Reasons Why Your Kids Should Be Sailing With Sail Caribbean This Summer

Each summer, teens from around the country trek to the Caribbean to learn life skills, make new friends, and become stewards of the environment. At the same time, parents across the country are worried sick about their babies being out on new adventures without their parents in tow. I’ve been there. Set your mind at ease. Sail Caribbean has been in operation for four decades, and they have perfected the summer program experience. In a complete package where kids learn to sail and get in plenty of SCUBA diving, they are also introduced to marine biology concepts and give back to the Caribbean community.

If sailing and SCUBA are your passions and you’re eager for your children to embrace them while also seeking an exciting summer activity, Sail Caribbean could be the perfect solution. Imagine the joy of learning a new skill, exploring the seas, and embarking on an unforgettable adventure—all in one fantastic experience!

Sail Caribbean offers a unique adventure camp for teens aged 11-18, spanning two to three weeks. Located in the British Virgin Islands, campers embark on a travel adventure aboard 45-50-foot catamarans, exploring new islands daily amidst breathtaking landscapes. This immersive experience not only fosters personal growth and independence but also allows teens to earn scuba and sailing certifications, foster environmental stewardship, and create cherished memories.

Why Your Kid Should Be Sailing With Sail Caribbean This Summer

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The Sail Caribbean staff share their passion for the programs that welcome students each year.

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All programs incorporate immersive Marine Science and Community Service lessons. Sail Caribbean has cultivated strong partnerships with local organizations, facilitating enriching excursions for students.  This sense of community grows each student’s worldly perspective and encompasses a global perspective on their Community Service work.

No Experience Necessary

Your student will get out of their comfort zone right from the beginning, and that is where the treasure of these programs resides. The students will sail on day one; even if they have no sailing experience, they will immediately learn the ropes. With over 40 years in business, Sail Caribbean has welcomed first-time sailors and helped them grow into sailing experts. While students live and learn on 45-50 foot Catamarans or Monohulls, there is no need to know how to sail before joining the crew. Sail Caribbean believes in finding comfort out of your comfort zone.

This was my first year on the Sail Caribbean staff and I can say it is truly inspirational seeing the students learn so much in 2 or 3 weeks. On the first day of the program, We would throw the crews and lines and say goodbye before they embarked on their adventure. They would have no idea how to catch a line or the correct terminology. Then, as they returned to the marina 2 or 3 weeks later, they were pros! Taking over the boat and bringing it back to our homebase, these students have no idea how much they had learned, but it was pretty apparent to me.

 Nora E. Minneapolis, MN

STUDENTS TAKE OVER THE BOATS AND GAIN LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Leadership is a cornerstone of summer programs, and every student will grow as a leader. About halfway through each program, the students will participate in “Challenge Day,” where each crew takes over the whole boat. They are in charge of everything from navigation between islands to dropping the anchor. As a crew, they are supposed to get the vessel safely from one place to another; individually, they are challenged to share their voice in a team setting and execute the sailing skills they have been taught. Sail Caribbean’s programs allow students to find their voice and build on it. These skills will be the long-lasting effects of a summer program. If you have navigated a Catamaran in a mooring field on a Caribbean Island, imagine how much easier it will be to navigate your first week as a college freshman.

I keep coming back as a staff member because of the great campers and friends that I keep in touch with to this day! So inspiring to get younger campers interested in marine biology, conservation, and the ocean.

Abby M., Massachusetts

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

For sailors and SCUBA divers worldwide, the environment is where we thrive. A summer program predicated on using these resources would be compelled to highlight the importance of environmental stewardship. Sail Caribbean students have the opportunity to dive deep into the exquisite and unique ecosystems that exist in the BVI. Besides sailing, their PADI 5-star dive company, Sail Caribbean Divers, certifies them while bringing them to exclusive scuba diving destinations around the islands, such as the RMS Rhone and Ginger Steps. The Sail Caribbean staff prepares Marine Biology lessons throughout the programs. These programs often offer the opportunity to tag sea turtles for conservation purposes or visit the mangroves with local marine biologists. Again, these experiences craft the overall effectiveness of a life-changing experience for young people in summer programs.

Sail Caribbean is a perfect combination of sailing and diving. I get to do the two things I love. Sailing among the islands in the BVI is a lot of fun, and the diving is amazing. I study marine science and biology and love seeing the campers learn more about the ocean. Another big reason to come back is the community. I get to see my friends, and the campers and staff work together and create a great energy at the camp.

Ebba S., Sweden

FRIENDSHIP/THE SAIL CARIBBEAN FAMILY

Over the past 40+ years, Sail Caribbean has cultivated a community in the BVI and worldwide. Some went from the camper and turned into a staff member; some found Sail Caribbean by chance from around the globe. Sail Caribbean has become more than a summer program; years and generations have passed, and alums are sending their children back to a place they have fond memories of. Although each program offers something different, one thing stands true: friendships last forever. Each student comes from a different background with varying levels of experience, and they are put on a boat for 2-3 weeks with other students their age. Through the course of the programs, the students learn and grow together. Bonds grow, relationships ignite, and friends emerge. The lesson that you can succeed in any social situation is emboldened.

I keep coming as operational staff because I genuinely love fixing things—it gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction to see something restored or improved. Additionally, the staff and kids are truly the best; they’re an incredibly interesting and diverse group of people, which makes every day unique and enriching.

Elián F., BVI

EMBARKING ON INDEPENDENCE

Sail Caribbean’s youngest program, Tango, offers ASA courses and scuba diving certifications to those as young as 11. From a young age, many leadership and organization skills are present in the programs for students. Students are allowed and encouraged to tap into their independence from a young age through Sail Caribbean’s programs and the responsibility of being a part of a crew. In all programs, students spend 2-3 weeks without a phone, in an environment unlike any other, and with people they have never met. They have to clean the boat, make meals and do the dishes, learn how to check the engines and ensure they are running properly, and by the end, they will feel confident enough to sail a boat as a captain. These skills will give them a jumpstart on life skills that usually don’t come until much later. 

I am always drawn to come back to Sail Caribbean because it is incredibly rewarding to see the growth in confidence and independence from the students throughout their time with us. In a few short weeks, kids are able to learn so much about not only sailing but themselves and are able to make friends that last. As students return for successive years they become leaders on their own boats and it is great to see them really come into their own as young adults. I love seeing campers come back to the BVI even more excited year over year, and I myself am so excited to be back this summer.

Tripp P., 6 years at SC, Mineral, VA

A Parents Perspective

When your child returns from a summer program, the changes are apparent. As part of a crew on a sailing vessel, your student will work on leadership, organization, and, most importantly, social skills. While they might return with sailing and SCUBA certifications, their view of the world is what will be most impressive. Your child will gain a global perspective while interacting with other teens from across the country and participating in community service programs in a different country. These experiences will mold your child for future experiences and look great as college essays and community service credits.

For parents, a few weeks away from your student might be tough, but you can rest assured that the qualified instructors and staff at Sail Caribbean will help your child all along the journey. Will you miss them? You bet, but the stories they will tell when they get back will have you mesmerized. They may even start picking up their socks and taking out the trash.

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The Courses At Sail Caribbean

Sail Caribbean is offering ASA 105, ASA 106, and ASA 114. All ASA courses are 50% off when participants sign up for one of the following programs: