Some free advice?

[Doug23]

I am considering taking a week long sailing class out of St. Vincent this December. I am a single dad and this is the best time with work and kids.

I have some sailing experience.

My question is: What is the reputation of these classes? Any bad or good comments about any class in the Caribbean? I looked at a class in Northern Florida, but fell in love with the Caribbean when I was in the Navy.

Any input would be great! And Thank You

[Captivy]

Originally Posted by Doug23

I am considering taking a week long sailing class out of St. Vincent this December. I am a single dad and this is the best time with work and kids.

I have some sailing experience.

My question is: What is the reputation of these classes? Any bad or good comments about any class in the Caribbean? I looked at a class in Northern Florida, but fell in love with the Caribbean when I was in the Navy.

Any input would be great! And Thank You

No comment on the quality of the classes but St Vincent and the Grenadines would be a great place to take a course, the trade winds are reliable and the islands are not covered with all inclusives!

[bstreep]

Got a link for the classes? Might also change the title of your post to attract some more responses. I skipped over it originally.

If you can afford the time and $$ to get to St Vincent, you should have a great time. The Grenadines are the best cruising grounds in the islands. HOWEVER, I would probably recommend the BVI for a first-time trip. The sailing is way easier, and your kids - of any age - are likely to have a better time.

[Vasco]

The area is great but there is one charter firm there that claims to have approved sailing classes with ASA instructors but I have heard complaints that they did not get ASA training and did not get a certificate after the "lessons".

[Doug23]

It is the Barefoot charter webpage. Click the link on left that says ASA sailing lessons. This takes you to the boss sailing school.

My kids aren't going. I have sole custody but she will have them over Christmas. So, I decided to run off and go sailing.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by Doug23

It is the Barefoot charter webpage. Click the link on left that says ASA sailing lessons. This takes you to the boss sailing school.

.

Do a good search on Barefoot before you send them your check for sailing lessons
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...s-10848-2.html.
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[Khagan1227]

If you are plainng to charter in the future, I'd definitely go to a school with ASA or US Sail certification. There are some charter companies (Croatia) that are now saying they will no let a boat out without a certificate.

The nice thing about ASA and US Sail, the courses are about the same regardless of where you take the classes. Now the instructors, that is another matter. As with any class, you will get out, what you put into the course. The more you study the books, learn the knots, ahead of time, will leave you more time for learing about sailing when you are in the class.

Lastly, ASA can and has removed their certification from sailing schools that do not provide training to their standards.

Have fun!

[Doug23]

Well, it appears that the problems were with the boat more than the organization in general. Since this is a "training" cruise with an instructor onboard, I'm going to do sign up. I appreciate the input. I will let you know in 6 months if it was worth the price.

I have an OK price on plane tickets and am already thinking I should drop some pounds in the next 6 months. I can already see the sunset.

[Doug23]

30# down and getting really excited. The airline keeps changing my planes. Now I have a layover in St. Maarten. Any suggestions on what/where a single man can party?