Schools and Cruising in the Caribean

[jpatter]

I'm sure this has been asked a thousand times before. Another couple and us are wanting to charter a boat and learn cruising at the same time in the Caribean. We, the husbands, want to learn and the wives are wanting the sightseeing and atmosphere. We are trying to find a happy medium where the wives have chances to spend some time on shore while we sail or at least being in different ports where they can shop (draining our wallets) and enjoy the different cultural aspects of cruising. I have had limited sailing experience having completed ASA 101 and 103, but do not care if it is U.S. Sailing or ASA accredited. My goal is to learn and let my wife have the vacation of the lifetime. If you could recommend a school I would be greatly appreciative. We all are in the retail sector so it will be a chance for us all to recharge our batteries.

Thanks in advance,
Jpatter

[Janice]

I would look at chartering in the BVI and hiring a Captain that would include teaching as part of his job. If you have already been to the BVI then I can suggest other islands.

[svHyLyte]

Look at Steve and Doris Colgate's "Offshore Sailing School". They have a base in Road Town, Tortola, BVi and with two couples I'm sure you could cut a pretty favorable deal given the state of the economy.

FWIW...

[sobriyah]

There is an RYA training school in Grenada. Have a look at RYA sailing school and holidays in the sun based in the Caribbean

The instructor Alex is a real nice guy. Ask him to combine a course with a cruise up to The Grenadines.

If you think you might want to charter bareboats in the future, the RYA qualifications are accepted worldwide.

[Janice]

Sobriyah has a good idea but you mentioned that the ladies want shops. The Grenadines are beautiful but please give us a better idea of how much civilization you are looking for.

Do you want to eat most meals on your boat or nice restaurants at night? Shops with local crafts or nice clothes and jewelry.

My favorite places are secluded but I don't shop!