Learn to sail course
This course will teach you to sail safely and confidentlyLearn To Sail Course

Learn To Sail
STYC Blue Water Membership Included
$1200
STYC Annual Member* $950
*For information on St. Thomas Yacht Club
Annual Membership please call, email
or visit STYC Membership page.
You’ll learn all the fundamental skills needed to captain your own sailing vessel to include: rigging, points of sail, tacking, jibing, reefing, landing at a mooring, navigation with chart and compass, and an introduction to spinnaker handling. US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification (similar to ASA 101) is an option as well.
This comprehensive course was developed by our founder, Dave Franzel, in New England, then refined and updated for our sailing conditions here in the Caribbean. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a sometime sailor, we guarantee this course will teach you to sail safely and confidently, or we’ll continue your lessons at no extra charge.
Maximum of 4 students per boat.
COURSE DETAILS
Prequisite:
None
Taught on:
IC-24, 4 students maximum per boat
Prepares you for:
Advanced Course
IC-24 Boat Access at the St. Thomas Sailing Center
Sailing your own small keelboat or renting one
Includes:
Blue Water Membership in the St. Thomas Yacht Club, a 30-day Limited Membership entitling you to enjoy club ammenities.
Textbook: Sailing, The Basics by STSC founder Dave Franzel and domestic shipping.
Optional Certification:
US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification is available upon successful course completion, a $50 additional fee, and written exam. Included is US Sailing membership and the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook.
Vacation Week Format
Monday through Friday
Class 10am – 12noon
Sailing 1- 4pm Mon – Thur
Friday’s Class features an
all day Sail to St. John
Practice navigation, moor for a picnic lunch
and swim in the most
beautiful waters in the world.
Held over two consecutive weekends
Saturday/Sunday & Saturday/Sunday
Class 10am – 12noon
Sailing 1 – 5pm
Held Weekly (almost) on Mondays
Class 10am – 12noon, Sailing 1 – 5pm
The 5th Class features an
all day Sail to St. John
Practice navigation, moor for a picnic lunch
and swim in the most
beautiful waters in the world.
Vacation Week Dates
2022
- November 28 – December 2 – FULL
- December 26-30 – FULL
2023
- January 9-13
- February 13-17
- March 13-17
- May 8-12 – FULL
- June 12-16
- July 24-28
2024
- January 15-19
Weekend Dates
2022
- November 12-13 and 19-20 – FULL
2023
- January 28-29 and February 4-5
- February 25-26 and March 4-5
- May 20-21 and 27-28
- June 17-18 and 24-25
- July 8-9 and 15-16
5 Week Dates
2023
- January 9, 16 ,23, 30 and February 13 (note: skips Feb 6)
- March 13, 20, 27 and April 3,10
- June 5, 12, 19, 26 and July 3
If the course you’re interested in is noted as full, please contact the office to ask about additional space or to be placed on the waiting list. We may be able to add additional boats, especially for 2 or more students.
Vacation Week Format
Monday through Friday
Class 10am – 12noon
Sailing 1- 4pm Mon – Thur
Friday’s Class features an
all day Sail to St. John
Practice navigation, moor for a picnic lunch
and swim in the most
beautiful waters in the world.
Held over two consecutive weekends
Saturday/Sunday, Saturday/Sunday
Class 10am – 12noon, Sailing 1 – 5pm
Held Weekly (almost) on Mondays
Class 10am – 12noon, Sailing 1 – 5pm
The 5th Class features an
all day Sail to St. John
Practice navigation, moor for a picnic lunch
and swim in the most
beautiful waters in the world.
Vacation Week Dates
2022
- November 28 – December 2
- December 26-30
2023
- January 9-13
- February 20-24
- March 13-17
- May 8-12
- June 5-9
- June 26-30
- July 24-28
Weekend Dates
2022
- November 12-13 and 19-20
2023
- January 28-29 and February 4-5
- February 25-26 and March 4-5
- April 15-16 and 22-23
- May 20-21 and 27-28
- June 17-18 and 24-25
- July 8-9 and 15-16
5 Week Dates
2023
- January 9, 16 ,23, 30 and February 13
- March 13, 20, 27 and April 3,10
- June 5, 12, 19, 26 and July 3
If the course you’re interested in is noted as full, please contact the office to ask about additional space or to be placed on the waiting list. We may be able to add additional boats, especially for 2 or more students.
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