Caribbean ASA School

[DrewT]

Hi Everyone.

I'm looking for some feedback on personal experience from those (or first hand recommendations from trusted friends) who took ASA instruction in the Caribbean.

I'm starting to plan out a week long 7 day training course for my wife and I (no prior experience at all).

Any suggestions on specific schools and/or instructors is appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[RickG]

I was happy with Swain Sailing School on Tortola. My trip report is below. Another good option is Black Rock Sailing School out of St. Thomas.

Traveltalkonline: Rob Swain Sailing School 1/11-1/20 2013

Cheers, RickG

[DrewT]

Rick,

Thanks for sharing. Very informative.

[dwmCA]

We enjoyed Sail Caribe on the east coast of Puerto Rico.

[Zanshin]

I'll second Swain Sailing School - I had some great lessons with Rob and haven't hit anything since taking lessons there...

[Steadman Uhlich]

I took my ASA courses in San Francisco.

But in answer to your request…

A sailing school that has impressed me favorably is LTD Sailing. The owner is a CF Member too (Chris Rundlett, but going by LTD Sailing on CF). Their website is a good one, with comprehensive information and videos. I also like the location in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean (Grenada).

Caribbean Sailing School and Skippered Yacht Charters | LTD Sailing

I have no financial connection to this school or any others.

[contrail]

Have a look at Affordable Sailing School's website for a couple of nice ideas.

[belizesailor]

Which school aside, my suggestion is dont do it all in a week. Complete 101-103 somewhere local if feasible. Get some time on the water, and then book liveaboard training for 104, 114, etc.

Repetative learning (training interleaved with plenty of time on the water) is much more effective than cramming it all into one week.

There is a LOT of material in each class. A full week of (properly delivered) training is exhausting (both for students and instructor).

Keep your class load relatively light for the week too so that you have time to enjoy the trip and build experience.

Book another week long trip about a year later (with lots of time on the water) for 105 - 106.

These suggestions were developed from decades as an ASA instructor, delivering countless liveaboard classes, and as a former school owner.

[Desert Spray]

My family completed ASA 101,103,104 with Matt Holt at SunSail out of Road Town, Tortola. I can't speak highly enough of Matt. Perfect balance of education and vacation.

[admiralslater]

I took a different route in sail training (RYA) but I have spent a bunch of time with Chris and Chrystal and their instructors over the last few years . Last week one of them hitched a ride to Grenada with me and we had a good wide ranging conversation about boats ,trim etc.
They deliver first class service and instruction on a variety of boats and work hard please their students. Plus Grenada is a great place.

[LTDsailing]

Thanks for the endorsements guys! We always appreciate it when we see other people giving us a good word!

You can also check us out on Trip Advisor if you would like to find more independent reviews - always a good idea when checking out a new sailing school. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...h_Grenada.html)

We run seven and ten day courses on either catamarans or monohulls.

Feel free to contact me directly with any questions at Chris@LTDsailing.com