Best Place to Learn to Sail: St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Best Place to Learn to Sail: St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Want to learn how to sail and learn somewhere absolutely gorgeous? Let me introduce you to St. Vincent & The Grenadines, a magnificent island chain in the Caribbean, with crystal-clear water and islands just far enough apart to make for perfect beginner sailing expeditions.

Want to learn how to sail and have a week to devote to it?

Consider doing a live-aboard sailing course. They’re offered all over the world and are a ton of fun. I took one in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the delightful island chain in the Caribbean – and in my humble opinion, the best place to learn to sail.

The week is intense with many hours devoted to sailing each day.  I had never sailed before so it was a bit of information overload but still doable.

At the end of the week, if you pass all of your written and practical tests, you will have completed your Bareboat Chartering certification, giving you the ability to charter a sailboat up to 40′ anywhere in the world.

Options in the Caribbean:

• Barefoot Offshore Sailing – This is the outfit I went with and they were excellent.
• Nautilus Sailing
• The Moorings

3 Tips for a Successful Trip:

1. Study a ton before you show up

There’s a test before you’re even allowed on the sailboat, and it’s a lot easier to follow the captain’s orders when you actually know what the halyard is and which side of the boat is port. (I crammed in the airport on the way down and definitely do not recommend that approach!) Take the time to actually learn the material before you step foot on the boot.

2. Pack very light

Take two pairs of mesh shorts, a couple t-shirts, one long sleeve UV shirt, a hat with strap (with a brim all the way around), sunglasses with a strap, sunblock, swimsuit, and flip flops. There isn’t a ton of space on the boat and you really don’t need much. Definitely don’t bring any valuables.

3. If this is your first time sailing know that this is just the beginning

You will learn a ton but will likely still need a lot of practice before you feel comfortable alone at the helm.

Is St. Vincent & the Grenadines Really the Best Place to Learn to Sail?

Absolutely! If you love island hopping, the Caribbean, warm clear warm, gorgeous stars overhead at night, and falling asleep to the sound of lapping waves. One other amazing thing is you get to stop by Tobago Cays. This group of mini islands is protected by a horseshoe reef and has calm, clear water, perfect for snorkeling. There is a sea turtle sanctuary there, so within moments of jumping in you’re likely to spot a turtle of two. It’s truly magical.

OK to go Solo?

If you’re thinking about doing this solo, do it! I went solo and another lady on my trip went solo as well. We had a grand time.

Happy Wandering!