Wind & Waves Weekend: A Virgin Islands Sailing Seminar

 

Join us in the U.S. Virgin Islands for a hands-on, three-island sailing seminar designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of cruising, coastal navigation, and tropical seamanship. This 4-day loop from St. Thomas to St. John, St. Croix, and back offers a balance of protected waters, offshore sailing, and anchorage hopping — perfect for beginner and intermediate sailors looking to build skill and confidence in one of the world’s most beautiful sailing playgrounds.

 

Whether you’re considering bareboat chartering, boat ownership, or just want to understand what it's like to live aboard a cruising vessel, this seminar gives you the knowledge, rhythm, and real-world experience to take the next step.

 

 

Day 1: Welcome to St. Thomas – Orientation & Sail Prep

 

We’ll meet in Charlotte Amalie on December 11th, settle into Libra, and run through safety procedures, systems orientation, and sail handling basics. We'll have a crew dinner ashore that evening.

 

Onboard learning includes:

 

• Boat walkthrough and line handling basics
• Intro to sail trim and helm control
• Safe anchoring techniques and mooring etiquette

 

 

Day 2: Island-Hopping to St. John

 

On our second day, we’ll sail from St. Thomas to Maho Bay, St. John — one of the most protected and scenic anchorages in the Caribbean. This segment focuses on coastal navigation, island-to-island routing, and mooring ball basics, with time to explore ashore.

 

Training emphasis includes:

 

• Chart reading and GPS plotting
• Island weather patterns and microclimates
• Sail handling in light tradewinds
• Swim & snorkel break (optional)

 

 

Day 3: Offshore to St. Croix – Bluewater Lite

 

After breakfast, we’ll raise anchor and set course for St. Croix — a true open-water passage of roughly 40 nautical miles. This is your introduction to offshore sailing, including watch rotations 1 each hour, sail trim in ocean swell, and real-time navigation decisions.

 

This offshore leg covers:

 

• Watchstanding and route tracking
• Radar and AIS use in open water
• Point-of-sail adjustments and reefing
• Confidence-building at the helm in real conditions

 

We’ll arrive in St. Croix by evening, anchor, and enjoy dinner aboard and discuss the trip as a crew.

 

 

Day 4: Return to St. Thomas – Debrief & Seamanship Wrap-Up

 

Our final day (Sun) includes the return sail to St. Thomas, giving you a chance to apply everything learned over the weekend. Back in port, we’ll debrief, share takeaways, and celebrate your first steps into the cruising lifestyle.

 

Why This Seminar is Special

 

• Sail All Three Virgin Islands – Experience St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix by sail
• Offshore + Coastal – A unique mix of short passages and open water sailing
• Cruising Foundations – Anchoring, mooring, sail trim, and real-time navigation
• Beginner-Friendly Environment – Designed for curious minds, future cruisers, and hands-on learners

 

 

Life on Board Libra

 

We’ll sail as a relaxed and collaborative crew. Expect short daily passages, mixed with hands-on learning, swimming, anchoring, and plenty of helm time. Each participant will rotate through steering, line handling, sail adjustments, and daily operations.

 

Meals are simple, tropical, and communal — fresh fruit, grilled vegetables, pasta, and hearty proteins to keep the crew energized. Every night, we’ll anchor in a and enjoy the full rhythm of life aboard a working cruising yacht.