Barbados is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, offering a visual feast for sailors and visitors alike. The island’s pristine white-sand beaches are fringed with swaying palm trees and lapped by the warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. As you sail around Barbados, you’ll encounter breathtaking coastal cliffs, hidden coves, and picturesque harbors that offer both serene anchorages and vibrant local culture.
The island’s underwater world is equally captivating, with vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, perfect for snorkeling and diving adventures. Above the water, the rich history and culture of Barbados add to its allure, with charming colonial architecture, lively festivals, and a welcoming community that embraces visitors with open arms.
When you’re not on the water, Barbados offers a myriad of on-land experiences to enrich your stay. Explore the lush tropical landscapes and botanical gardens, visit historic plantation houses, and enjoy local culinary delights that reflect the island’s diverse heritage. The island’s nightlife is vibrant, with lively beach bars, reggae music, and dance clubs providing endless entertainment.
Sailing in Barbados means immersing yourself in a setting where every horizon is more beautiful than the last. Whether you’re exploring the tranquil west coast, known for its calm waters and luxury resorts, or the rugged and less-explored east coast, characterized by dramatic surf and scenic landscapes, Barbados offers a diverse and enchanting sailing experience. The on-land adventures complement your time on the sea, making your sailing education an unforgettable journey through paradise.
Barbados is sailor’s paradise, offering ideal champagne sailing conditions year-round. boasts some of the best sailing conditions in the world, With warm, consistent north-east trade winds averaging 10 to 15 knots and calm, flat, turquoise waters, Barbados provides an exceptional environment for both beginners and advanced sailors. The island’s location in the eastern Caribbean means you’ll enjoy steady breezes that make for smooth and enjoyable sailing experiences. Whether you’re navigating the vibrant coastal waters or venturing further out to sea, Barbados promises excellent conditions for mastering the art of sailing.
The average daily air temperature is a pleasant 30°C (86°F) year-round, and the water temperature ranges from 27.1°C (80.8°F) to 29.4°C (84.9°F). Our home is the Barbados Cruising Club, located in picturesque Carlisle Bay.
Discover the vibrant marine life of Barbados, where crystal-clear waters teem with colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs. As you sail along the coastline, you’ll often spot turtles swimming right next to the boat – a magical and unique experience. Take a break from sailing to snorkel in the warm Caribbean waters, where you can explore underwater gardens, swim with tropical fish, and encounter the enchanting wildlife that makes this island a true paradise for nature lovers.
Barbados is just a few hours away with affordable direct flights from major North American cities like New York, Miami, Boston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary. Imagine escaping the cold, dreary weather for warm Caribbean waters – and you can do it without breaking the bank. With frequent flights available, it’s easy to transform a long weekend into a sun-soaked adventure. Picture yourself trading snow for sunshine as you complete a 2-3 day sailing course in perfect conditions. Don’t miss the chance to warm up while others are still shivering; book your sailing getaway today and experience why so many others choose Barbados.
Barbados has a long history of being largely unaffected by strong hurricanes, making it one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Hurricanes are rare here and occur only during a few months of the year, mainly between June and November. Even then, they are predicted well in advance, giving us plenty of time to prepare. If a hurricane does occur during your scheduled course, we are happy to reschedule at your convenience. From November to May, the chance of a hurricane is extremely low, ensuring you can enjoy your sailing adventure with peace of mind.
This comprehensive itinerary offers a blend of hands-on learning, team-building, and unique Barbadian experiences—perfect for anyone eager to gain sailing skills and confidence on the water!
ASA 101: Introduction to Sailing We’ll meet at the Wet & Salty Adventure Sailing School dock in the morning and board Less Stress, our Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i. The day begins with on-water training in Carlisle Bay, where you’ll gain confidence in steering and completing your first tacking maneuvers. Dinner will be prepared onboard by the crew, and we’ll spend the night moored in Carlisle Bay.
ASA 101: Building Skills Today, we’ll continue refining tacking and jibing maneuvers within the bay, working until the whole group feels comfortable managing the boat. In the afternoon, we’ll focus on Man Overboard (MOB) recovery techniques.
ASA 101: Skills Assessment and Celebration. Our morning will be spent perfecting MOB exercises, followed by a practical exam. In the afternoon, we’ll head ashore for the ASA 101 written exam. Afterward, join us for an onshore dinner with live entertainment (onshore costs not included).
ASA 103: Coastal Cruising We’ll cruise along the west coast of Barbados, anchoring overnight on Days 4 and 5 along the scenic northwest. Day 6 will end with an onshore dinner and a visit to the Mount Gay Rum Distillery (onshore costs not included).
ASA 104: Bareboat Cruising Each student will take a turn as skipper for the day, managing the itinerary, crew, and navigation. We’ll cruise along the west and south coasts, with a special dinner on Day 8 at the famous fishing village of Oistins, known for its delicious fried fish and lively street party atmosphere.
Please Note. This itinerary is meant to serve as an example, however, it is important to note that the actual itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
100% recommend this sailing school!! My boyfriend did the 103 and 104 classes back to back – and I joined him for the 104 bareboat class. We HIGHLY recommend opting for the live aboard option because cooking meals as a group and waking up with coffee on the water is truly unbeatable. One of the highlights of the course was the instructor, Wipers, who was not only a very patient and practical teacher but also great entertainment as he has many tales to tell! Keep in mind that this is not a luxury yacht and while all the basics are provided – it does not come with amenities you would expect at a hotel (this is the case for any bareboat sailing course). If you think of it like glamping on the water then you’ll have an amazing adventure. TIP: Buy and bring your ASA book to the course. There is a lot of material and you will enjoy your experience more if you are able to follow along and review with your own book!
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Wet & Salty Sailing Liveaboard Courses