What a wonderful place to learn to sail, or to brush up on existing skills – St. Martin and the Leeward Islands. Consistent trade winds, turquoise water and professional, friendly instructors – what more could you ask for? Whether you're looking to learn new skills, enhance your existing skills or gain a qualification, we have something to suit everyone.

Enjoy the Freedom of Private Tuition
Learn to sail under private instruction – simply choose the yacht you would like to rent and we will be happy to give you a price on the bareboat fee. Add the ASA Instructor's fee of $165 per day (not including food or gratuity), and between $60 to $80 per person for the ASA Course Materials, depending on the courses taken. This fee does not include food or beverages.

We offer the following sailing instruction courses:

American Sailing Association (ASA)

The ASA program has structured levels of sailing standards, which are examined at progressive certification levels. Students receive a Logbook that lists the standards, certification and records sailing experience. All courses and examinations are run by ASA qualified instructors. When a certification level is successfully completed, your logbook is signed and stamped so that any charter or rental fleet operator can see your level of competency.

Basic Keelboat Sailing Standard (#101)
Prerequisites: None
Sailors must sail a boat of about 20 feet or more in length in light to moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters without supervision. A preparatory Standard with no auxiliary power or navigation skills required. Successful candidates earn a National Safe Boating Certificate approved by NASBLA and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Basic Coastal Cruising Standard (#103)
Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification
Sailors must cruise safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew on an auxiliary powered sailboat of about 20 to 30 feet in length, in moderate winds and sea conditions.

Bareboat Chartering Standard (#104) - (Intermediate Coastal Cruising)
Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing and Basic Coastal Cruising Certification
An advanced cruising Standard for individuals with cruising experience. The individual can act as skipper or crew of a 30 – 50 foot boat sailing by day in coastal waters. The Standard includes knowledge of boat systems and maintenance procedures.

If you have little or no experience, then we recommend that you start off with Course #s 101 and 103. If you are on a week's charter, these two courses are easily taught in 5 days, giving you a couple of days to practice your newfound skills at the end of the week or simply relax!

Those that have cruising experience and basic seamanship skills should also add Course #104 to their instruction. The three courses can be taught in one week, but don't forget you are on vacation too so you may want to extend a few days to fit in some R&R! Anytime is perfect to sail in our islands, but from July 10 to October 31st we offer 10 days for the price of seven on our yachts, so you can add three free days at no extra charge on the weekly rate!

Sail with a Skipper/Instructor

If you've always wanted to have all of the benefits of instruction, but without the need for a formal qualification, why not sail with one of our Skipper/Instructors? This is a great package where you charter the yacht and take the Skipper/Instructor for as many days as you wish.    This is ideal for those wishing to brush up on new skills or learn new ones.  Our Skipper/Instructors give you a great insight into the cruising ground and all it has to offer.  You take it at your own pace – after all, it's your vacation!

We are constantly developing our sailing programme, so keep checking back for new courses and opportunities.

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