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Sail Caribbean is a trailblazing organization dedicated to providing dynamic sailing programs tailored for teenagers and young adults. Rooted in a passion for sailing and a commitment to holistic growth, Sail Caribbean offers transformative experiences that transcends mere nautical skills. Their expertly crafted adventures blend leadership development, environmental awareness, cultural immersion, and pure excitement, shaping resilient, confident, and globally-minded individuals.
Embark on a two-week journey with the Alpha Program throughout the breathtaking waters of the British Virgin Islands. Each day brings a new adventure as students sail to stunning locations, including spectacular reefs and untouched cays. Guided by Sail Caribbean’s experienced staff, students will have the chance to experience the thrill of sailing and the opportunity to earn their ASA 101, 103 and 104 certifications.
The British Virgin Islands offer world-class sailing conditions, beautiful weather, and easy passages – an ideal setting to embark on a journey of skill acquisition and exploration. Each day students will have the opportunity to participate in a 2-4 hour sail to one beautiful location after another throughout these breathtaking landscapes.
Over the course of fourteen days, students will sail to some of the best spots in the British Virgin Islands, including spectacular reefs and untouched cays, all while experiencing the thrill of sailing small boats like Hobie Cats and Colgates and living aboard 45-50 catamarans. Alongside a crew of new friends, students will learn from Sail Caribbean’s experienced sailing staff and watch their confidence skyrocket.
FOR AGES 12-18
Sail Caribbean’s Alpha Program offers plenty of opportunities to tailor each student’s adventure to their unique skills and interests. Teens can earn their ASA 101, 103, and 104 certifications on this two-week adventure. Plus, they can keep coming back every year to advance to their 105 and 114!
Alpha is a fast-paced and high-spirited educational experience that offers great friendships, personal growth, new skills, as well as lifelong memories. It’s the perfect introduction to the Sail Caribbean summer adventure experience, and ideally suited for teens with limited time but who are anxious to make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime voyage.
An opportunity to experience a thousand adventures in one exhilarating summer program – think of it as the “Greatest Hits of Sail Caribbean” – students will have the opportunity to learn fundamental sailing techniques with the guidance of seasoned Sail Caribbean staff members. All while cultivating teamwork and leadership, and gaining deeper insights into group dynamics, conflict resolution, and effective leadership principles.
Sail Caribbean is not just about sailing; it’s about empowering the next generation through unforgettable journeys at sea. Join us for two weeks of unparalleled adventure, learning, and personal growth in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.
During this 2 week adventure, students (paired with other individuals within their age group) will live aboard 45-50′ catamarans. Keelboat lessons will take place on a 26′ Colgate.
This Summer 2024 Caribbean Alpha Program, hosted by Sail Caribbean, offers the opportunity to earn the following Certifications :
· ASA 101 | Basic Keelboat Certification
· ASA 103 | Basic Coastal Cruising
· ASA 104 | Bareboat Cruising
*If students have already earned their ASA 101-104 they will have the opportunity to earn their ASA 105 and 114.
✓ No previous sailing experience necessary
✓ Explore unique island locations
✓ Snorkel, waterski, wakeboard, kayak, tubing and more
Optional scuba certifications include:
· PADI Discover Scuba Diving
· PADI Recreational Diving
· PADI Advanced Open Water or Recreational Diving (for those already certified)
*All divers must have their own diving insurance (or be covered by our Trip Mate insurance policy, which does not exclude diving).
Upon arriving on the dock at Hodges Creek Marina, students and their new crewmates are welcomed by their Captains and Mates for the next two weeks. After unpacking, and getting acquainted with their new living space, students will enjoy a delicious and hearty dinner followed by some name games to become better acquainted. All while getting ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
The first few days of the program, Captains and Mates give lessons on everything from how to sail the boats to picking up a mooring ball. These hands-on lessons will help make students more comfortable being part of a crew while sailing through the Sir Francis Drake channel and to new islands daily. Upon arriving at Cooper Island, students will have the opportunity to start scuba diving certifications or to simply snorkel through some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the British Virgin Islands. Alternatively, students may choose a short hike on Salt Island overlooking the infamous spot where the RMS Rhone ran aground in 1867 and sank to her current resting place on the ocean floor.
Halfway through the adventure, students will start to get comfortable on their boats and with their crew. Suddenly, sailing further around the channel seems a lot easier and more natural than just a week ago! We may have even completed our first med-anchoring lesson at Little Harbor, where turtles and friendly sting rays can be seen on almost every snorkel. Or we may take out the 26-foot keelboats to start to get our ASA certifications. Some students might choose to try to get up on the waterskis or go tubing with their new friends. Additionally, there are opportunities to go ashore and hike the historic pathways that lead to amazing views. Make new memories sailing the sea before heading to dock at beautiful Nanny Cay.
After de-docking and heading around to the other side of Tortola, the crew stops at a small island called Sandy Cay to partake in Olympics Day! A fun and eventful afternoon spent competing for the gold medal and swimming in the crystal blue waters is perfectly concluded with a dinner and dance party at Sidney’s on Jost Van Dyke. The next day, everyone will get ready for Challenge Day when campers take over the boat and show off their newfound skills. As Mates and Captains stand by and watch the campers lead, students will navigate and sail on their own to the next destination.
Today is our longest sail day to Anegada- the farthest island in the British Virgin Islands. At this point, students will feel more confident in their sailing skills and ready to take on the 4-5 hour sail. Once there, they will enjoy riding in the back of a truck and spotting flamingos while the staff acts as chauffeurs around the island. We will learn about the environment as everyone helps clean up the beach and followed by an ice cream treat after all the hard work. Just before the day is over, students will get to experience the amazing shark pools where baby sharks can sometimes be spotted.
Wake up to the beautiful landscape of the Baths: a unique and adventurous national park perfect for hiking and snorkeling. Weave through the large boulders after snorkeling the protected coral and large underwater rocks. Then, cannonball off Jump Rock before returning to the boat for lunch. As we head back to Hodges Creek Marina, we’ll show off all the sailing skills we have learned in the last two weeks. Finally, one last hearty dinner together as we prepare for awards, skits, and a slideshow to conclude the remarkable program.
*Itineraries are subject to change due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control.
