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Sailing the Caribbean

CARIBBEAN SAILING
COURSE PREPARATION

Things To Bring on Your Caribbean Sailing Vacation

YOU REALLY WON’T NEED MUCH – SO DO YOUR BEST TO PACK LIGHT.

Remember when packing to think sun protection, staying cool, and keeping comfortable.

Casual clothing is the rule in the islands.

Please avoid suitcases – pack your gear in a soft-sided bag. They're easier to stow on board.

For The Basic, Catamaran And Advanced Learn-N-Cruise Courses, Here Is The List Of Items We Suggest You Bring:

  • Swimsuits (2-3) & cover-up
  • Shirts—tees, polo shirts, sun-shirts (try to avoid 100% cotton, it gets wet/ sticky) (3-5)
  • Shorts—quick-dry, zippered pockets (2-3)
  • Underwear—as appropriate
  • Quick-dry long pants, long-sleeved shirt (UPF for sun protection)
  • Shoes/on-board—non-slip, non-marking, closed-toed (eg. deck shoes, Crocs, Keens)
  • Shoes/ashore—flip-flops, sandals, water shoes
  • Rain jacket—hooded, lightweight, breathable (light foul weather gear)
  • Hat—ball cap, visor, or sun hat (tie-down)
  • Sunglasses (polarized if possible), retainer strap. Bring a spare pair.
  • Sailing gloves (strongly recommended)
  • Mask/Snorkel (strongly recommended)
  • Toiletry/wash kit
  • Earplugs (to block sound at night if needed)
  • Micro-fiber sports towel/beach towel
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50!) & lip balm (SPF 15+, waterproof – “Lip Trip” is the best!)
  • Seasickness medication—as required
  • Personal flashlight (small headlamps work great!)
  • If you're doing the Advanced Cruise and Learn course – a headlamp with a red lens/light is mandatory. It takes approximately 20 minutes in darkness for your night vision to fully develop. One flash of white light will ruin it, but red light doesn't affect your night vision.
  • Camera (vs. cell phone)
  • Duffel bag (soft, no wheels)
  • Passport
  • Debit or credit card, with a PIN for cash advances (cash machines only dispense ECD)
  • Sailing textbooks (See “Textbooks” tab for details)
  • Calculator (small/simple), mechanical pencil, and eraser
  • Music CDs or iPod
  • Water bottle – we offer drinking water in 5 gals, jugs
  • Wine, beer, or adult beverage of choice, this can be pre-ordered. (allowed at anchor or dock only).

Currency: You'll have the option to eat ashore (or enjoy a beverage) at most of the anchorages we visit during the week. You'll be responsible for all of your meals ashore. U.S. currency is generally accepted throughout the islands and will help you to avoid ATM fees.

Sailing the Caribbean

PREP CHECKLIST

We've prepared a pre-trip checklist for you in PDF format so you can print it out for easy reference. The checklist contains information on:

  • Preparing for your class
  • Required textbooks
  • Travel tips
  • Packing list

Click for Prep Checklist PDF

Sailing the Caribbean

American Sailing Association Course Textbooks

We Use American Sailing Association Approved Text Books For All Our Courses.

American Sailing Association texts are well-illustrated and easy to understand.

Textbooks aren't included in course prices.

  • Purchase textbooks as far ahead as possible to give you time to pre-study for your week-long sailing adventure.
  • American Sailing Association textbooks are available from the ASA website at www.asa.com in their online store.
    • You may be able to find the textbooks in your local bookstore.

Here's a list of the courses we offer and the ASA textbook or study material required for that course.

  • Basic Keel-Boat (ASA 101): ASA Sailing Made Easy*
  • Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA 103): ASA Coastal Cruising Made Easy*
  • Bare-Boat Charter (ASA 104): ASA Bareboat Cruising Made Easy*
  • Cruising Catamaran (ASA 114): ASA Cruising Catamarans Made Easy*
  • Advanced Cruising (ASA 106): Advanced Cruising Seamanship ASA 106*

*Available on iBooks

  • Coastal Navigation (ASA 105): Coastal Navigation & PowerPoint Presentation CD by Mike Pyzel
    • This is the best self-study material we're aware of for the Coastal Navigation course
Sailing the Caribbean

Pre-Study Will Greatly Improve Your Experience

We don’t expect you to have the material mastered when you arrive for your course – but reading through the materials and answering the review questions at the end of each chapter will help prepare you for your learning vacation and leave more free time to explore the beautiful Caribbean islands that surround you.

Caribbean Sailing Adventures

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