The Sailing Virgins team shares expert sailing knowledge from years of teaching thousands of students to sail in paradise.
Articles
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) offer more than world-class sailing. They’re a tropical escape filled with quiet beaches, lively bars, and local charm. Before your BVI sailing course, you can...
Patagonia is one of the most striking sailing destinations on Earth. Its fjords, glaciers, and untamed coastlines create an unforgettable setting for adventure. If you’re joining a sailing...
Tahiti isn’t just a beautiful island. It’s an experience that stays with you. From black sand beaches to coral reefs and lively local markets, every corner invites you to explore. If you’re...
There’s a special rhythm to life on St. Martin that draws you in the moment you arrive. The water shines in shades of turquoise and blue. Each sunrise feels like an invitation to explore. If you’re...
Let me tell you about a New Year's celebration that makes the ball drop in Times Square look like a neighborhood block party. Here's the scene: You're anchored in crystal-clear Caribbean water,...
Rope splicing creates a strong loop without weakening the line. Knots often reduce a rope’s strength. A splice keeps it intact. That matters when mooring, anchoring, or setting up rigging. In this...
By James Kell, Founder of Sailing Virgins Let me ask you something: When was the last time you learned something meaningful because someone barked orders at you? I'll wait. Can't remember? That's...
When a generation spending $6,380 on leisure travel chooses between poolside predictability and ocean adventure, they're not just booking a vacation—they're investing in transformation. The average...
If you're learning to sail, all those lines can feel like a mystery. But each one has a purpose, and it’s easier to learn than you might think. Running rigging includes the lines that raise, adjust,...
The Simple Questions That Reveal Everything 1. What happens if someone finishes the course but isn't ready for certification? This cuts straight to whether they maintain real standards or just push...
When you're offshore, the forecast only tells part of the story. The sky, the waves, and the wind tell the rest. Ever watched the swell angle change and wondered what it meant for your course? Or...
When you're out on the water, a handheld VHF radio connects you to the rest of the boating world. It lets you reach nearby vessels, marinas, and emergency services when you need to speak up fast....
Plotting a course with a compass might sound old school. But when your chartplotter glitches or your battery dies, what then? Sailors still rely on a pencil, a chart, and a compass for one reason....
The Moment Every Sailor Fears - And How to Master It The squall didn’t look like much at first - just a smudge on the horizon. Then the wind clocked twenty degrees, the engine coughed once, and your...
Ever woken up at anchor and realized your boat isn’t where you left it? That sinking feeling (haha sorry) can ruin a night. Whether you're settling in for the evening or waiting out shifting weather,...
Spoiler alert: It involves way more than lounging on deck with a cocktail (although there can be some of that too!) You've seen it at the Olympics. You've watched boats racing across your screen...
Stop watching other people's sailing adventures and start planning your own - because the gap between YouTube viewer and certified skipper is smaller than you think. You know the feeling. It's 11 PM,...
Docking under sail is one of the most rewarding skills a sailor can learn. It requires focus, timing, and a solid understanding of how your boat moves through the water when the engine is off. Plenty...
Ever felt like your sailboat had a mind of its own? Like it just wanted to keep going... even when you didn’t? You’re out there. The wind picks up. The sea gets choppy. Maybe you need a break. ...
Spinnaker handling turns downwind sailing into something a lot more exciting for every sailor. When everything lines up, it's fast, smooth, and feels like the boat's finally showing off what it can...
Picture yourself out on the water when whitecaps start dancing across those turquoise waves. Your boat begins to heel harder than expected, and you hear those famous words echoing in your mind: "If...
After nearly a decade of running sailing adventures across the Caribbean, I'm making a move that might surprise some of you. Come November 2025, we're relocating our Caribbean headquarters from the...
The same mindset that gets you down a black diamond at Whistler can have you commanding a 45-foot catamaran in the Caribbean - but here's why most people never make the connection. Is sailing hard?...
Ready to discover why three-quarters of your fellow adventure athletes are making sailing their new obsession? While you were planning your next ski trip to Whistler, scouting mountain biking trails...
You've scrolled through countless travel Instagram posts of people lounging on pristine beaches, cocktails in hand, looking blissfully disconnected from reality. And honestly? It looks mind-numbingly...
Every sailor, whether just starting out or looking to sharpen their skills, needs to understand how to change direction using the wind. That’s where two essential maneuvers come into play: tacking...
Picture yourself gripping the helm of a sleek catamaran, turquoise Caribbean water stretching endlessly ahead. Your instructor casually says, "Let's fall off to a beam reach," and suddenly you...
That first glimpse of a nautical chart can feel overwhelming. All those squiggly lines, random numbers, and mysterious symbols might as well be ancient hieroglyphics! But here's the awesome news:...
Sail trim sounds like something you should already know if you’re on a boat. But if you’re new to sailing, it’s one of those skills no one explains until you're in the middle of the water. Here’s the...
A personal reflection from James Kell, Founder of Sailing Virgins When I heard that Offshore Sailing School had filed for bankruptcy after 60 years in business, I felt a genuine pang of sadness. This...
Who hasn't watched those YouTube videos of joyful couples and families enjoying life at sea? It's fair to say that Sailing la Vagabonde set the stage with their popular videos. Before their...
It's Greece, 2014, mid-spring. We're anchored off the island of Lesbos. I'm leading a sailing expedition with my co-instructor and six eager students. The weather forecast shows winds no more than 30...
In a world of chain resorts and predictable tourist packages, there exists a more profound way to experience the mystical heart of French Polynesia. The figure-8 shaped island of Tahiti, formed by...
Insider's Guide to a Perfect Day Off in Tortola Let's be honest – while Tortola is paradise, its best gems aren't always on the typical tourist map. After years of sailing these waters and countless...
Hi, I'm Emeline, a French adventurer who now calls Sydney home. After spending most of my adult life in corporate in Southeast Asia, I've become a passionate advocate for sports and adventure as...
Why Solo Travel After a Breakup Is More Than Just 'Eat, Pray, Love' The familiar scene: sitting on your couch, scrolling through old photos, wondering if watching "Eat, Pray, Love" for the third time...
Let's address the elephant on the boat: that cringe-worthy moment when a vessel approaches the dock, and suddenly what should be a peaceful day on the water turns into an impromptu theater of marital...
Unforgettable Sailing Experiences for the Bold and Free-Spirited Croatia, a Mediterranean gem with over a thousand islands, crystal clear waters, and ancient coastal towns, has become a paradise for...
Unlocking the Potential of Adventure-Driven Professionals The world of business is often fraught with uncertainty, requiring professionals to navigate ever-changing landscapes and make difficult...
In today's fast-paced and competitive world, networking has become a vital aspect of achieving career growth and success. Expanding your professional connections can open doors to new opportunities,...
The Illusion of Work-Life Balance We've all heard the phrase "work-life balance" thrown around like it's the Holy Grail of modern living. It's touted as the key to happiness, fulfillment, and...
Welcome to La Paz, an Irresistible Paradise for Adventurers Ahoy, adventure-seekers! If you're dreaming of crystal-clear waters, sun-soaked beaches, and a taste of Mexico's rich culture, look no...
Have you ever considered how the adrenaline-filled journey of sailing might hold the key to unlocking deeper connections with others? Embarking on a sailing adventure is more than just an exciting...
Introduction: The Modern Professional's Wellbeing Struggle In today's fast-paced world, high-performing professionals and executives often find themselves in a constant race against the clock. As...
Introduction If you've ever sat through an awkward trust fall exercise or participated in a lackluster scavenger hunt, you know that traditional team-building activities can leave much to be desired....
Imagine gliding through the water, with the wind at your back, the sails catching every gust, and the boat cutting through the waves like a knife. Now imagine doing all that while taking in the...
And how this translates back to improving your personal and worklife The Intersection of Mindfulness and Sailing Imagine a sun-soaked day out on the open sea, your hands gripping the helm as the wind...
Often, the greatest obstacle to success isn't a lack of skill or resources, but the pervasive fear of failure that lurks in the shadows of our minds. It can hamstring even the most ambitious of us,...
The Founding Story of Sailing Virgins Underneath a Grecian sky, James Kell, the then route manager of The Yacht Week in Greece, found himself amidst a sea of stars. He was sitting on the deck of his...
The Need for Self-Care in a High-Stress Environment In today's fast-paced world, the demands of high-performing professionals are greater than ever. A high-intensity Corporate Groups" rel="noopener"...
The Genesis of Your Sailing Journey "Why sailing?" you may ask. Why not snorkeling, or climbing, or simply lounging on some beach somewhere with a cocktail in hand? Well, sailing offers a unique...
In a world where the executive suite is often populated predominantly by men, female leadership is not just about claiming the corner office. It's about navigating the undercurrents of societal norms...
The wind was whipping wildly, the waves rolled tumultuously, and the yacht threatened to pitch with each surge. Amidst this chaos stood Jack, a high-performing executive used to the predictable...
Introduction: The Paradox of Productivity and Constant Connectivity In today’s rapidly-evolving digital age, the line between work and play is becoming increasingly blurred. With cheap data, zoom...
Have you ever thought about what sailing a boat and leading a team have in common? As an entrepreneur or executive, navigating the waters of your industry can often feel like captaining a sailboat in...
"What Should I Know About Sailing In The Caribbean?" If sailing in the Caribbean is on your mind this post should help you. This post contains sailing tips designed for skippers who are...
Ten Items All Skippers Should Own You’re either about to spend some money on gear or want to know that you’ve got everything you need. If you’re heading on an adventure or have a summer season...
Liveaboard sailing courses offer an immersive experience that's gaining popularity among sailing enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. As 2024 unfolds, more and more people are looking for unique,...
Picture the sandy beaches of the Balearics, the stunning landscape of Tahiti and the seaside villages of the Bay of Biscay . That is Madeira in a sentence. Discovering this amazing archipelago by sea...
In the world of sailing, there's a certain magic that comes alive when you push the boundaries, when the spray of the sea mingles with the thrill of the wind, when your sailboat cruises at high...
When sailing on the open sea, vision remains one of the biggest challenges due to the bright sun, blinding reflection on the water, strong winds, and saltwater splashes, making it challenging...
The Genesis of Two Designs In the world of sailing, the debate between monohulls and catamarans is a tale as old as time. The history of these two iconic designs stretches back to antiquity,...
We've all heard the age-old saying, "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor." But what if I told you there's a way to take your sailing skills from good to downright exceptional, and it doesn't...
Unlocking Leadership Potential Picture this: Sir Richard Branson, the billionaire entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, finds himself dangling from a hot air balloon, thousands of feet above...
Embarking on Your First Sailing Adventure: Must-Have Gear and Essential Tips If the call of the open sea has you dreaming of crisp sea breezes, vibrant sunsets, and the rhythmic lapping of waves...
Navigating Success: How Sailing Principles Enhance Leadership Skills for Business Professionals Charting new courses in experiential learning and team building for America's corporate elite The quest...
Are you tired of the same old corporate retreats in conference rooms or generic resorts? It's time to elevate your next corporate retreat to an unforgettable experience on a sailboat. Sailing offers...
Feared but respected among sailors, the Bay of Biscay (also called Valley of Death) has been the proving ground of sailors for centuries. Its many shipwrecks, gruelling conditions and unpredictable...
Seasickness, or motion sickness, is a common problem that can ruin your sailing adventure. It’s caused by the repeated motion of the waves and can result in nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. ...
Whether you’re an experienced sailor or joining us to learn the fundamentals of sailing, here are some tips on what to bring on your upcoming sailing vacation. Watch our Youtube episode where Layne...
Putting your boat to bed at the end of a day of sailing can help keep things tidy and ensure you're ready for another epic day on the water the next morning. In our 35th YouTube episode, Tony covers...
An amazing Caribbean adventure In late June Libertas , a Beneteau First 40 racer/cruiser, started its cross-Caribbean odyssey. Four of us departed Tortola, British Virgin Islands, bound...
Sailing in St Martin, St Barths, Guadeloupe and Martinique The first question I get asked when mentioning chartering a yacht in the French West Indies (FWI) tends to be "...where is the French West...
A CARIBBEAN SAILING COURSE MIXED WITH ADVENTURE Tuesday, July 18, Fort de France: We freshly arrive in Martinique (Google maps has us here ) after our July down-island adventure sailing course....
Early in 2016 Sailing Instructor James Kell started his own sailing brand in the British Virgin Islands. This blog post gives the steps required to book your course to improve your...
For anyone looking to make a career out of sailing or even to charter a boat with friends, certain qualifications must be obtained. This post gives a summary of the various levels across each of the...
Fastseas = Gamechanger Every now and then you come across a product or service that blows your socks off. Cue Fastseas . We're going to gush a bit right now. This service is...
Get this right and you'll have the best. vacation. everrrr... Barefoot Cruises are some of the best vacations you'll ever have. No shoes = barefoot = warm weather = ohh yeah. Gather a...
Huffington Post recently published "10 Best Sailing Adventures For You And Your Mates", with Sailing Virgins in the number one spot. If you'd like to see a summary we made of the post in an...
A brilliant new route-planning tool A month or so ago we came across a route planning tool that was so simple, and so free, that we couldn't contain ourselves. Using the beautiful animations of...
...with some extra help for the Caribbean I’m proud to be South African. Yet our passport presents some special challenges. For example, while my Aussie and Kiwi mates can sail through Europe, we...
October 2015 “What is a Caribbean Sailing Adventure like?” Some people dream of sailing between the myriad islands of the Caribbean. They dream of harnessing perfectly suitable trade winds. Dream of...
Optimise Your Bowline Knot Technique You may already know how to tie a bowline. Yet unless you’re a member of the special forces or a salty old sailor, chances are you only know one way to...
The 2017 America's Cup - Sailing Meets Flying The business end of the 35th America's Cup has begun. It will be as fast as it is controversial. Both of these things make it worth watching. This post...
How 28-year-old Harvard student Chris got into sailing If you're in your 20's or 30's, from the Northeastern US and are considering doing a sailing course, hear what student Chris had to say about...
Accreditation From The Best Accreditation in sailing is important. It demonstrates a level of expertise. Through our relationships with the American Sailing Association (ASA), Sailing...
Trip Notes - Cross Caribbean Sailing Adventure, July 2016 The Leeward Islands In late June Libertas , a Beneteau First 40 racer/cruiser, started its cross-Caribbean odyssey. Four of us departed...
When is the best time of year for a BVI vacation? Are you planning your Caribbean vacation and would like to visit the BVI? Want to know the best time to sail? It helps to know which months are the...
"What Should I Know About Sailing In The Caribbean?" If that is on your mind this post should help you. This post contains sailing tips designed for skippers who are entering the Caribbean for the...
Yachtmaster (ASA 106) is now available Last week Senior Instructor James Kell passed his advanced instructor clinic in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands. This allows him to teach up to ASA...
Fastseas = Gamechanger Every now and then you come across a product or service that blows your socks off. Cue Fastseas . We're going to gush a bit right now. This service is...
Hostess to Skipper Learning Pathway Glad to hear you're interested in becoming a skipper! As you may have seen in our recent Facebook post , this objective can be broken up into three steps which I...
Tips and tricks if you want to buy a boat If you are looking to buy a boat you’ve got plenty of questions. I've been there. You hear plenty of stories like "the two best days of owning a boat" etc....
How long it will take the BVI to recover This blog post looks at hurricanes, and how an area bounces back. We write with the British Virgin Islands - the birthplace and home of Sailing Virgins - in...
Whether you’re starting from scratch or have some experience on dinghies and keelboats, if you want to reach Yachtmaster level or above you are going to need sea miles. Not just sea miles, but...
Week 45, November 2017 The trip review here describes our journey from Martinique to Grenada, over two weeks in November 2017. An amazing two weeks with several "champagne sailing" moments. We hope...
WHY THE CARIBBEAN IS REGARDED BY MANY AS THE “BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD TO SAIL” Wondering where to have your next sailing vacation? If you are, below we list some great reasons to sail in the...
How to give a great safety briefing As the captain, you will need to give a safety briefing. Let’s make you great at it. Watch the video below and give us some feedback in the comments! Thanks....
Anchoring stern-to can be daunting. Here's how we do it. Knowing how to anchor stern-to is critical if you want to enjoy your sailing vacation in the Mediterrenean. By anchoring stern-to, we mean...
Virgin Islands in 2018 are recovering steadily If you are asking yourself the question "should I go to the BVI now?" you are not alone. This post covers what is open in the BVI as at March 2018. It...
My Favourite MOB Recovery: First 3 Steps This blog post demonstrates my favourite, simplest Man Overboard (MOB) recovery procedure. In sailing, there is a saying "between five skippers there will be...
Be a boss at check-out Ever wanted a checklist to help you check out your bareboat charter yacht? Our very first YouTube episode addresses this part of sailing, and if you'd like an actual checklist,...
Possibly the Best Job In Sailing Here at Sailing Virgins, we are often asked about what it takes to become a skipper for The Yacht Week. We should know: all instructors at Sailing Virgins are current...
...THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GOOD VACATION AND A GREAT ONE. The choice of people can make or break an experience. In sailing, there comes a time when you need to gather your own crew. How you choose...
Our Favourite Sailing Boats, People and Sites There are some things we like so much, we just feel the need to list them. So here is the list. It's not strictly over the past year (like number 9,...
Here at Sailing Virgins, we combine world-class sailing instruction with adventure and a party or two. We find our style resonates with young professionals in their 20s and 30s, and provides a nice...
Best Sailing Schools in the BVI - 6 Tips to Help You Choose Looking to become a skipper? If so you need to find yourself a great school. This post specifically looks at the best sailing schools in...
For decades, golf has had a reputation as a sport for the rich and successful, as well as anyone aspiring to that position. Golf may still be popular, but many young professionals are looking for...
How to have a week partying on a yacht with your mates There is a time in most of our lives when a week of sailing and partying is where it’s at: you have the money, your friends are ready for an...
Sailing in the Caribbean is a dream vacation for most people. There are a few ways to do it. Booking a cabin on a cruise ship is cheap and popular. However many of us look...
You may have heard us say this before, but sailing really is changing. It’s no longer the old boys club requiring millions of dollars, scotch, cigars and all the baggage that comes with that. Now it...
A week spent sailing in the British Virgin Islands People ask us what a week learning to sail with Sailing Virgins is like, so we asked Celine Freixe to help us answer that question. Celine is 24...
Are you looking for an awesome alternative to a traditional holiday with your other half? While lounging by the pool is fun for a while, you'll have a much more memorable time if you book a real...
Considering a sailing trip to French Polynesia? Or maybe you’re coming back for more Pacific adventure? Make the most of your time in the Pacific with our top six tips sailing in and around Tahiti....
If you’re in your 20s or 30s, you probably know how hard it can be to take a break. You may be working towards a promotion, so it can be tempting to avoid taking a week-long vacation, even when you...
The Sailing Virgins Caribbean Charm List "Where are the most charming spots in the Caribbean?" Sailing for many of us is about exploring cool places. While sailing itself may be great fun,...
Six Ways to Reassure You Sailing Is Safe Planning a sailing vacation in the Caribbean or Mediterranean? If you are, you or someone in your group may be asking how safe is sailing. This is a valid...
Sailing Apps We Love Are you looking for some apps to help you with your sailing ? Here we list eight apps that we find very useful. Not all are sailing-specific. Some of them are general (for...
Anchor well, sleep well Anchoring is a fundamental skill in sailing. However unless you are living on your boat or sailing for a living, there are several important principles that can easily be...
9 Things You Need For Great Barefoot Cruises Barefoot Cruises are some of the best vacations you'll ever have. No shoes = barefoot = warm weather = yessss. Gather a few of your loved ones. Go to a...
Sailing Qualifications You Need To Get Thinking of making a career out of sailing? Or just want to charter a boat with your friends for a week? If so, there are certain qualifications you...
After some gear tips for your next sailing vacation? Looking at a week sailing in the sunray-bending warm waters of the Caribbean (or the Mediterranean)? Earlier this year we wrote a piece offering...
You’re either about to spend some money on gear or want to know that you’ve got everything you need. If you’re heading on an adventure or have a summer season of sailing ahead here are some...
What to bring, what to read, where to go... You've just invested in a sailing course and you want to come well prepared. This guide provides you with information about what to bring, how to get...
Welcome to our first in the Ultimate Guide to Sailing series. People often ask us how best to get into sailing, so we have prepared this series to make it as user-friendly as possible. Our aim is to...
You’ve secured your spot on the boat, you’ve booked your plane ticket, and scheduled your COVID test… You are ready to sail! Before you depart, we have a few recommendations to ensure your adventure...
Catching your own fish while sailing is a passion of many a sailor. Many of the most popular sailing destinations, such as the Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands are also great fishing...
There’s been a surge of interest in women’s sailing in recent years. This excites us, as an appetite for adventure has little to do with whether you were born male or female. In honour of...
There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars… -Jack Kerouac Matt shares his experience... You were hardly conditioned for this 'new normal' we find ourselves...
If you live in a major North American city and are looking to get into sailing, we are happy to help. At Sailing Virgins, 80% of our students come from the US and Canada. This Ultimate Guide series...
Which is better, a monohull or a catamaran? This question gets asked a lot in sailing. Especially if you are looking to take your friends or family out for the week: which will be better, a catamaran...
Sailing can be addictive. Once you’ve got the taste for adventure and the feel of the wind in your hair, nothing quite compares. The compelling part about sailing is that you enjoy a great sport and...
Want more adventure? Here are some tips. “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a...
SailGP athlete James Wierzbowski talks training, technology, and the elusive 50-knot mark. We caught up with SailGP pro and our first Sailing Virgins athlete James Wierzbowski as he gears up for the...
At Sailing Virgins, we spend most of our days on the water, and ultimately, in the sun. Coming from Australia, Croatia and sunny climes across the globe, our instructors know that there’s only so...
From Boston To The French West Indies For $100 Looking for the best way to get to Martinique? Here are some suggestions that could help save you both time and money. Martinique is surprisingly...
How does an area with turquoise waters, verdant forests, untouched islands, dramatic cliffs, and fairytale towns sound? The good news is such a place actually exists, and it’s called Croatia. This...
Night watch can be your next favorite posting After a solid day of sailing, it can be a great feeling to watch the sun as it sets, whilst grilling some fresh fish on the back of your yacht. That...
Planning a vacation in the British Virgin Islands? This post discusses some tips and tricks to making the journey from wherever you are to the British Virgin Islands. One of the first...
ASA vs. IYT vs. RYA Anybody formalising their sailing knowledge must make a decision as to which organisation they will become a part of. Different sailing schools are aligned to different...
After some gear tips for your next sailing vacation? Looking at a week sailing in the sunray-bending warm waters of the Caribbean (or the Mediterranean)? Earlier this year we wrote a...
Picking up mooring balls is a key sailing skill. Here's how to do it well. Picking up a mooring ball and securing it effectively to your boat is a technique. If it is not done correctly, your...
How to dock a boat on your own Every now and then you may be faced with the prospect of having to dock the boat on your own. If that's the case, fear not - there is a simple method at hand. Check out...
Six of our favourite sailing knots, tied our favourite ways. In the second episode of our Youtube series, we cover the basics. Even if you know knots, there may be a method or two that are new to...
The pros and cons of Fasttrack Skipper Courses For those wanting to charter a boat or work in the sailing industry, qualifications are a must. One of the options is an all-encompassing beginner to...
Started. Sailing Virgins is go. Started. It's like being at the start of a race with two other people. I think it's two. Could be just one and a heat-inspired mirage....
This week we interview Giuliano D'Angelo, sailor, designer and the creator of "All The Sailing On A Single Map" poster. Q&A is under the image. SV: Firstly Giuliano, well done on such...
Sailing in the Caribbean is one of life’s pleasures. If you live in NZ there is a good chance you have not yet visited this wonderful region. This post provides you a few good reasons to put sailing...
Sailing Virgins engages the world's most advanced sail training platform. Looking for the most efficient way to become a skipper? In our quest to find and work with the best sail training platforms...