Two Dads · Zero Experience · Certs first, destination second

Zero to Hero

Dan & Kevin go from novices to a certified two-captain team able to skipper a 45–47ft catamaran for an 8-person family charter: certs by May 2027, a summer shakedown with the wives in Greece’s Southern Ionian, then the full-family charter in December (BVI Christmas week is the leading candidate).

45–47ft
Catamaran class
5 / 5
Cabins / heads (Dec boat)
8
Aboard (4 adults, 4 kids)
2
Captains-in-training
4
ASA certs required
Jul/Aug ’27
Ionian shakedown (4 adults)
Dec ’27
Family charter (8)
Needed wherever you charter

Certification timeline

Costs on this tab are per person (Dan or Kevin), single cabin, and kept separate from both charters.

  1. 01
    March 2027 · Charleston, SC

    ASA 101: 2-day day class (classroom + on the water), $665 + tax

    Charleston Sailing School. No 2027 dates posted yet; Sail Savannah (GA) is the backup.

  2. 02
    Sat May 15 – Sat May 22, 2027 · Grenada (target dates)

    ASA 103, 104 and 114 with LTD Sailing (chosen)

    Fly in Saturday May 15 and stay one night ashore. The course runs Sunday May 16 at 10am to Saturday May 22 before noon, from Prickly Bay. Dates are not yet confirmed with LTD. See the plan.

  3. 03
    Late Jul / early Aug 2027

    Summer shakedown: Southern Ionian, Greece, 4 adults

    First bareboat command: 41–42ft cat, 7 days from Lefkas Marina. See Summer Shakedown.

  4. 04
    After the certs

    Both apply for the ASA IPC (needed for Greece)

    International Proficiency Certificate, issued online by ASA to 104 holders, valid 5 years. Greece also needs a VHF certificate. See Greek paperwork.

Paperwork

The four certifications

Required in sequence. They are the floor, not the approval: every charter company decides separately, including on boat size.

ASA 101

Basic Keelboat

Terminology, points of sail, knots, steering, basic trim.

ASA 103

Basic Coastal Cruising

Engine handling, docking, anchoring, marine weather.

ASA 104

Bareboat Cruising

Acting as captain: boat systems, provisioning, passage planning.

ASA 114

Cruising Catamaran

Twin-engine handling and tight-quarters maneuvering. The one that matters most for a 45–47ft cat.

Decided

The plan: 101 in Charleston, then 103/104/114 on a May liveaboard

March: ASA 101

SchoolFormatPer personTerms
Charleston Sailing School (chosen)2-day group day class: classroom + on-the-water, 16 hrs total; sleep ashore$665 + taxLose 50% of deposit if cancelled 30+ days out; full fee inside 30. Weather cancellations refunded or rescheduled.
Sail Savannah (backup)2 days, 25ft keelboat, max 5 students; Savannah Marina, Wilmington Island GA$595Cancellation terms and March dates not published; call 912-421-9538

May: which liveaboards fit

SchoolMay 2027CoversPer personFit
LTD Sailing — Grenada ChosenTarget: May 16–22 (arrive May 15)103·104·114$5,430Good. Exact match after 101. Max 4 students.
Horizon — BVINot scheduled yet103·104·114$3,995Good, if a May cat week runs.
Top Tier Sailing — BVINot published103·104·114$5,400Good, if May dates exist. 5 days, not 7.
Sailing Virgins — BVIMay 23–29101–114$5,450Fits, but makes Charleston redundant.
BlueLife — BequiaNot published101–114$3,145Cheapest; makes Charleston redundant. Inclusions unpublished.

Don’t fit May: Blue Water (schedule ends Apr 2027; repeats 101), Nautilus Grenada (Feb and Nov only).

Chosen: LTD Sailing, Grenada · target May 16–22, 2027

A 103/104/114 catamaran week that fits exactly after Charleston 101, at $5,430 per person (May shoulder rate, own cabin). LTD confirmed the price and inclusions by email (Sept 2026): 39–45ft cat, Sunday 10am to Saturday noon, all meals except 3 dinners ashore; textbooks, alcohol and the Saturday-night hotel before are extra. Max 4 students. TripAdvisor 5.0 (148), but Google 4.4 (35) includes a 2025 complaint about breakdowns and a passive instructor, so ask which boat and instructor you’d get. Inside 90 days, cancellation gives credit only, so buy trip insurance. Backups: Horizon (BVI, $3,995) if it schedules a May cat week; Top Tier (BVI, $5,400, 5 days) if it has May dates.

Grey areas: Sailing Virgins’ 104 inclusion comes from your read of their site (it blocks automated access), so get it in writing. Nautilus would only work as an all-in-one week in Feb 2027. The summer charter keeps the longest no-sailing gap to ~4–5 months (Aug to Dec).
Background Why 101 first rather than all four on one liveaboard
All four on one liveaboard101 first, then liveaboard (chosen)
Trips1 week1 weekend + 1 week
Catamaran timeLess. Early days go to 101 basics.More. The whole week goes to cruising and cat skills.
Schools that fitBlue Water, Sailing Virgins, BlueLife; Nautilus (Feb/Nov only)LTD, Horizon, Top Tier (all require 101 first); Go Sail Bahamas and Cruise Abaco by request
ResumeOne school, one weekTwo schools, more logged hours
Per person$3,145–5,450 (Nautilus from $6,475)$4,660–6,095 + SC tax

Grey area: ASA experience guidance is advisory (Horizon accepts 24 hrs on the water in place of 101). Certs don’t guarantee charter approval.

Every school considered

School grid

Grouped by what one week covers; location is flagged on each card. Facts from each school’s own pages (Sept 2026). Per person, single cabin. What each price includes is in Costs & Inclusions; reviews are in Student Experiences.

All four certs in one week ASA 101 · 103 · 104 · 114 · starts from zero · Go Sail Bahamas and Cruise Abaco also do 103–114 for 101 holders

Sailing Virgins — BVI Catamaran Course

The Moorings base · Road Town, Tortola, BVI
$5,190–5,450 pp · 7 days / 6 nights
BVI101103104114
Certs
101, 103, 104 + 114 in one week from zero (per the course page; confirm 104 in writing)
Boat / class
Catamaran, 40–50ft (model not stated) · max 5 students · private cabin
2027 dates
Jan 31 ($5,190) · Feb 28, Mar 28, Apr 11, Apr 25, May 23, Jun 20 ($5,450)
Terms
Deposit from $1,038. Cancel 90+ days out and you get a refund less an admin fee.
Private
Not offered for the BVI course (own-boat options are for other destinations)
sailingvirgins.com

Blue Water Sailing School — Bareboat Cat Skipper

St. Thomas, USVI · also St. Maarten, Fort Lauderdale
$4,295–4,495 pp (St. Thomas) · 7 days
USVI101103104114
Certs
101, 103, 104 + 114 in one week, starting from zero
Other bases
St. Maarten $4,395–4,495 · Fort Lauderdale $3,895–3,995
Boat / class
St. Thomas: Lagoon 410-S2. St. Maarten: Leopard 44. 4 berths, private cabin.
Dates
Weekly, Sept 2026 – Apr 2027. May 2027 onward not posted yet.
Terms
50% deposit, balance due 30 days before the course
bwss.com · USVI, not BVI.

Nautilus Sailing — Grenada / Grenadines

Port Louis Marina · St. George's, Grenada
from $6,475 pp · 7 days (Sat–Sat)
Grenada101103104114
Certs
101, 103, 104 + 114 in 7 days. A shorter track for 101 holders isn't stated.
Boat / class
2024 Excess 14 performance catamaran · private cabin · “never more than 4 students aboard”
Season
February and November only. Book 4–6 months ahead.
Terms
Not stated on page
nautilussailing.com · Excess 14 is a performance cat with no flybridge, unlike most charter-fleet cats.

BlueLife Sailing — Catamaran Week

Bequia Marina · St. Vincent & the Grenadines
$3,145 pp single ($2,650 + $495 single supplement) · Sun–Sat
St. Vincent & Grenadines101103104114
Certs
101, 103, 104 + 114 in one week (Charleston would repeat 101)
Boat / class
Lagoon 42 cat (max 4 students) or Hinckley 49 monohull (max 2). 7- or 10-day formats.
Dates
Not published. May not confirmed.
bluelifesailing.com · Nothing listed as included; check before comparing on price.

Barefoot Offshore Sailing School (BOSS)

Blue Lagoon · St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Price not published
St. Vincent & Grenadines101103104114
Certs
“Full range of ASA certifications.” Students report 101–114 in one week on a 38ft Lagoon (2025); the school doesn’t publish its week structure.
Format
Live-aboard “learn and cruise” on catamarans and monohulls, weekly, year-round
Class
Often 1–2 students per instructor (per students)
Payment
Doesn’t take credit cards (per a student)
barefootyachts.com · +1-784-456-9334

Go Sail Bahamas

Marsh Harbour, Abaco · Bahamas
Price not published
Bahamas101103104114
Certs
101, 103, 104, 106, 111, 114 as a customized series
Boat
Liveaboard catamarans, 30–45ft for 114
May
Before hurricane season (starts Jun 1). Dates not published.
Class
Max 6 per boat; separate couples and solo groups. Week includes the IPC.
Status
Appears newly opened; no fixed marina listed
101 holders
Site says you can “take just ASA 103, or pair it with ASA 104”; 114 offered. No prices published.
gosailbahamas.com · (305) 209-7626

Cruise Abaco / Catamaran Gurus

The Abacos · Bahamas
Price not published
Bahamas101103104114
Certs
101, 103, 104 + 114, with multi-day liveaboard for the advanced courses
Boat
Bali, Fountaine Pajot and Leopard catamarans. Owner-operated for 20+ years.
Format
“Captain by day, bareboat by night”. Boats are owner or MarineMax boats, not company-owned.
101 holders
“Typical week-long charters allow completion of up to three courses” (e.g. 103/104/114). Per-student course fees on top of the charter rate; neither published.
catamaranguru.com · estelle@catamaranguru.com

103–114 week ASA 101 required first · fits the Charleston plan

LTD Sailing — Cruising Catamaran Course

Chosen · May 16–22
Prickly Bay Marina · Grenada
$4,810–6,475 pp · 7 days (10-day option)
Grenada101103104114
Certs
103, 104 + 114. ASA 101 is a prerequisite.
Pricing
$4,810 Jul 1–Oct 31 and Dec 1–14 · $5,430 May–Jun (confirmed by email) and Nov · $6,475 Dec 15–Apr 30. Own-cabin rate ($250 off each if sharing).
Boat / class
39–45ft catamaran (per LTD email, Sept 2026) · max 4 students
Schedule
Starts Sunday 10am; back at the marina before noon Saturday. LTD recommends flying in Saturday and booking a hotel (most GND flights land late). Same-day Saturday flight out is possible.
Meals
Food provisioned and included. Students do most of the cooking aboard (per LTD FAQ). 3 dinners ashore at own cost (confirmed by LTD email). Dietary requests accommodated.
Dates
Not posted. Contact Dionna, (206) 549-9191.
Terms
50% deposit. 90+ days out: refund less $200. Inside 90 days: no refund (transfer credit possible).
ltdsailing.com · Sunsail’s Grenada school is run with LTD (same course). Southern edge of the hurricane belt: lower risk, not zero.

Horizon Sailing School — Zero to Hero

Nanny Cay Marina, Tortola, BVI · also Blue Lagoon, St. Vincent
$3,995 pp single cabin · cat week
BVI / St. Vincent101103104114
Structure
Two weeks: monohull (8 days, 101/103/104, $3,495) and catamaran (9 days, 103/104/114, $3,995). You’d take only the cat week.
Prereq
Cat week requires ASA 101 or 24 hrs on-water
Dates
Cat week Feb 13–20, 2027. Rest of 2027 TBC; no May week yet.
Terms
You lose the 50% deposit even 60+ days out; non-refundable inside 60 days.
horizonsailingschool.com · Run by Horizon Yacht Charters. Private pricing on request.

Top Tier Sailing — 103/104/114 Catamaran

Penn’s Landing Marina · Parham Town (East End), Tortola, BVI
$5,400 pp single cabin · 5 days
BVI101103104114
Certs
103, 104 + 114. ASA 101 required first.
Boat / class
30–45ft cruising catamaran; 3 guest cabins (private ensuite) per trip, so a small group
Pricing
$5,400 single cabin · $8,300 shared cabin. (Their 101–114 Fast Track is 7 days, $6,000 single.)
Dates
2027 dates not published
Terms
Not stated on page
toptiersailing.com · 5 days, not 7: shorter and more intense. No independent reviews found yet. · Video ref
Grey areas: no school publishes a private-boat price for two students, so each is a quote request. Sailing Virgins’ 104 detail is from your read of their site. Go Sail Bahamas appears newly opened.
What students actually said

Student experiences

At least one positive and one negative per school, from TripAdvisor, Google reviews, Yelp, SailNet, Cruisers Forum, YouTube, Facebook and blogs (pulled Sept 27, 2026). Nothing invented or composited. Where no real negative exists, the closest critical account is shown. old = more than ~5 years ago.

Read this first: almost every school scores 95–100% five-star, so the rare negatives are the useful signal. Reddit is blocked in the browser, and Cruisers Forum and Google Maps sorting were partly blocked.

LTD Sailing Grenada

Max 4 students. TripAdvisor: 146 of 148 reviews are 5-star, 1 is 1-star. Students keep naming the same instructors (Miles, Nico, Sarah). Google is less glowing: 4.4 from 35 reviews, and that’s where the real complaints are.

  • A family found it a “substantial cost,” with required pre-study and 8am–5pm days and no downtime. NolaAllen, Jul 2016 old
  • A reviewer on the same page recommended the 10-day course over the 7-day for pacing. old
  • 1 star, course: the boat broke down twice, cutting a 6-day course to 5. The instructor was “totally hands-off and passive” and let an experienced classmate sail ~80% of the time. She was never told what the skills test would cover. The owner apologized. Kitty Fowler, Google, ~2025
  • Cancelled a week out because of a job move and was offered credit only, no refund: “at the very least invest in trip insurance.” Dave McCarthy, Google, ~2019 old

Top Tier Sailing BVI

Small BVI school out of Penn’s Landing, East End Tortola. Private ensuite cabins, max 3 guest cabins per trip. The only 103–114 week found at 5 days rather than 7.

  • No independent reviews found on TripAdvisor or in search. Treat it as unverified until you see Google or TripAdvisor reviews.
  • Caution: 5 days to cover 103, 104 and 114 is compressed compared with LTD’s 7.

Nautilus Sailing Grenada

A multi-destination company with an alumni “tribe” and advanced training. Grenada reviewers most often name Ben Martin. The one detailed Grenadines complaint is about a single instructor. The Grenada Google listing has no reviews yet. Yelp (company-wide): 4.6 from 10.

  • 3 stars, Grenadines: an unannounced last-minute boat swap. The instructor was “excessively overbearing and at times unprofessional,” took over maneuvers before students could try them, made comments that made the group uncomfortable, and caused repeated delays then rushed into port. The reviewer still came away “more prepared to charter.” Nautilus replied that it ran an internal review. MontanaLC, May 2026
  • Forum posters called it “intense,” not a relaxing trip, and harder without prior boating. Grenada forum, ~2014–16 old
  • 1 star (Spain offshore delivery, not Grenada): “never actually sailed,” only 36 hours aboard, diesel spilled in her cabin, and she felt the trip really existed to reposition the boat. Karen C., Yelp, Jan 2018 old

Sailing Virgins BVI

ASA describes it as “the only sailing school in the world that solely caters to people in the 20s-to-athletic-40s age range,” with socializing, playlists and freediving built into the week. Very social by design. TripAdvisor: 317 of 319 “Excellent” Google: 5.0 from 157 (1 three-star, none lower).

  • 4 stars (a monohull course, not the BVI cat): a 6-year-old Moorings 44 where “things were kind of falling apart,” with cabinets flying open and “random screws.” One crew member slept on the couch, and the anchorage “rocked all night.” Jackson, Apr 2026
  • The same reviewer on value: “maybe hard to justify” the cost for the travel involved.
  • Fit flag (fact, not a complaint): the school's own positioning targets 20s to 40s. Trustpilot shows no reviews in 12 months.
  • Grey area (terms, not a review): as quoted in Google results, SV’s terms say it “acts solely as a technology platform and venue” connecting you with independent boats and captains. That affects who is responsible for boat and instructor issues. sailingvirgins.com/terms

Blue Water Sailing School St. Thomas, USVI

A catamaran specialist (“A Plus Cat” covers 101–114) with an onboard cook on some weeks. Google: 4.7 from 39 reviews, including one each of 3, 2 and 1 star (their text couldn't be retrieved). Google (Fort Lauderdale HQ): 4.7 from 43. St. Thomas has no separate listing.

  • Four certs in a week on a Lagoon 410. Captain Arno was “calm, knowledgeable,” and the onboard cook “made the live-aboard experience something special.” Shivani, Mango Pancakes blog, Apr 2026
  • Captain Scott taught by asking questions, and the reviewer left with “100% confidence.” Tyler G, Nov 2025
  • Captain Jack challenged students and explained the “why.” Marla H, Dec 2024
  • Course A+ for catamarans with his wife: “an amazing experience.” James D., Google, ~Feb 2026
  • USVI liveaboard 101/103/104: “the boat was a little beat-up” at the end of the season, but he’d go again “in a heartbeat.” ReverendMike, SailNet, 2007 old
  • The official packing list is “honestly too long,” and the crew mix is luck of the draw. Shivani, Apr 2026
  • “Except for the boat, it was a first rate experience” (Florida course). Sailboat Owners Forum, 2003 old
  • St. Thomas instructor complaints (two posters): “Very bad experience with an instructor at Blue water Sailing School out of St. Thomas” and “Instructor was awful.” Seen as Google snippets only, because the forum blocked the page. Cruisers Forum, Aug & Dec 2015 old
  • His advanced course was cancelled: “since I was the only one signed up he cancelled it.” Slayer, SailNet, 2011 old

Horizon Sailing School BVI / St. Vincent

Run by Horizon Yacht Charters. Some ASA 114 is delivered as your own charter with an instructor aboard for part of it, not a group class. Instructor Dom Hutchinson is repeatedly named. Google (Nanny Cay): 4.6 from 52.

  • ASA 114 on an 8-day charter with an instructor aboard for 2½ days “was just awesome.” They trained in 30+ knot winds. Ted B, Apr 2025
  • “Our instructor, Dom Hutchinson, was just wonderful!” Rashmi L, Jan 2025
  • 101 through 114 in St. Vincent: “Feel really lucky to have Brian as instructor.” School's own site, 2019 (curated)
  • Charter side, 3 stars: rushed briefing, a VHF radio that didn't work, frayed dinghy lines, “lack of attention to detail.” Lisamarie V, Jun 2026
  • Charter side, St. Vincent, 2 stars: unsafe dinghy winch, worn-out mainsail, shallow briefing, holding-tank smell. Bruce K, Apr 2025
  • School, YouTube: a family of four did ASA 101/103 over 5 days on Horizon’s 38ft monohull. The boat was “roasting hot and had terrible air flow,” the cabin hit “105°,” they “ended up eating out most of our meals,” and their son slept outside. They had no complaint about the instruction. Sailing Big Lost, “The Good, The Bad, The Ugly,” Jun 2024

BlueLife Sailing Bequia, SVG

Owner-run by Thor and Monica. Lagoon 42 cat (up to 4 students) or Hinckley 49 monohull (up to 2). 7- and 10-day formats. Small, personal operation. Google: 5.0 from 13, all charters.

  • 101/103/104: “Skipper Joel was patient, knowledgeable, clear, supportive.” Colin A, Feb 2025
  • 101 through 114: “Monica and Thor run a top notch charter company.” Amy N, Jun 2026
  • A repeat charter guest (10+ trips, not a student): “Every detail and request were met with speed and enthusiasm.” AMR4FUN, Dec 2024
  • No negative found anywhere. All 14 TripAdvisor reviews are 5-star.
  • Closest caution: it's a small sample, and the praise centers on the two owners personally, so quality likely depends on who runs your week.
  • Grey area: in a Dec 2023 review reply, Barefoot’s owner wrote “Thor is no longer working with us.” If that’s the same Thor, BlueLife’s school may be relatively new (roughly since 2024). Not confirmed, so ask how long the school has run.

Barefoot Offshore (BOSS) St. Vincent

The longest-standing ASA school in the southeastern Caribbean (20+ years), family-run. 38–50ft cats and monohulls. Often just 1–2 students with an instructor. A blogger found it “nearly half the price” of other Caribbean schools. Google: 4.3 from 52 (7 tagged “sailing school”). They don’t take credit cards, per a student.

  • Passed 101/103/104/114 on a 38ft Lagoon. It was “nearly half the price” of others, and she praised Captain Joel. Jenny Brocious blog, Feb 2025
  • “Matched with an instructor and one other student… 7 glorious nights” on a 38ft Lagoon. Lisa A, Feb 2022
  • An ASA cert with Captain Ritchie, 5 stars. davehbuffalo, Mar 2021 (same page)
  • Novice to ASA 114 across the 3-day beginner course and the catamaran week with Coach Guy: “I went from a novice all the way to ASA 114 with no problems.” On-land rooms are basic. Louis Tambellini, Google, ~Oct 2025
  • “A 7-day liveaboard sailing course is no vacation”: rough seas and seasickness, a “child-sized cabin,” limited water, 5+ hour sails and theory at night. Jenny Brocious, Feb 2025
  • Charter side, 1 star ×2: a “dirty band aid in galley,” “squishy” floorboards, transmission fluid leaking, fridge and battery failures, poor complaint handling. Management blamed 2024 internal disputes and says they're fixed. Mar 2024
  • A crewed charter with an undisclosed 15% provisioning markup and $86 in surprise fees. KirstenLFH, Apr 2018 old
  • Course (101–114): instructor Brian was “10/10,” but the school boats are old and poorly kept, and pre-course info “was like pulling teeth.” The owner replied that it’s “looking to upgrade our school yachts.” Chris, Google, ~2022
  • Cancelled 2 months out for surgery and had no reply on a refund: “They don’t take credit cards so I have no recourse.” They later apologized and offered another week. Jerry Gassan, Google, ~2024
  • Charter deposits slow to come back: “$2000 deposit has not been returned two months after.” Ben Baker, Google, ~2023

Cruise Abaco Bahamas

Owner-operated (Mark & Patti Gonsalves) for 20+ years. “Captain by day, bareboat by night”: the instructor teaches during the day and you get privacy in the evenings. TripAdvisor #1 in Marsh Harbour (272 reviews, 264 excellent). Back operating after Hurricane Dorian (2019). Google: 4.9 from 156. Per a repeat customer, the company owns none of its boats (they’re owner or MarineMax boats).

  • 1 star (charter, not a course): the charter was cancelled mid-trip after $30k+ spent, over a restricted passage and a lost dinghy motor. The owner replied that the contract allows cancellation for poor seamanship and cited $7,500 in damage. jerrylF2175NK, Jan 2023
  • Bad weather, no discounted night aboard the evening before, and the 3pm check-in eats the first paid day. Joe F, Jan 2018 old
  • 7-day training cruise: the captain was excellent, but the watermaker, 2 cabin ACs, generator and inverter all had faults: “Ensure they have addressed all issues before chartering.” Phil Lundquist Jr, Google, ~2025
  • A repeat customer: AC and generator failing and not fixed. “Something has happened to them.” Jay OBrien, Google, ~Jun 2026

Go Sail Bahamas Abaco

Owner-run by Capt. Genevieve Evans (Master ASA instructor). Max 6 per boat, with separate couples and solo groups. 2021–25 Lagoon/FP cats (42–46ft). The week covers 101–114 plus the IPC. Sister school: Go Sail Virgin Islands. Appears newly opened: no Google listing, 3 Facebook followers, an Instagram post saying “We’re so excited to be opening Go Sail Bahamas!”, and a site that says to check your reservation for the marina location.

  • Site testimonials (chosen by the school, undated): “cannot say enough good things” about Capt. Jalil, and “a lot of growth happening in just a few days.” gosailbahamas.com
  • The sister school (Go Sail Virgin Islands, same instructors) has 69 TripAdvisor reviews, all 5-star. TripAdvisor
  • No negative found, and no independent review of the Bahamas operation itself.
  • Closest caution: the company's own reply on the sister listing mentions a “sporty” start in “7-foot seas.”
  • Caution: essentially no track record for the Bahamas operation itself yet.

Charleston Sailing School SC · ASA 101

Day classes, not liveaboard: classroom plus on-the-water sailing each day, then you sleep ashore. Monohulls and cats. TripAdvisor 4.8 (65; 60 excellent, 4 poor or terrible). Strict cancellation policy: 50% of the deposit is lost if you cancel more than 30 days out, and the full fee inside 30 days. Weather cancellations are refunded or rescheduled. Google: 5.0 from 51. Every review was positive even sorted lowest first.

  • 101 through 114 in one week, then “captained a 50 foot catamaran for 10 days” in the BVI with “no issues.” 704fredt, Sep 2021
  • Instructor Peter “made it fun but was extremely serious about ensuring we left prepared.” Jill S, 2025/26
  • ASA 101: “Wonderful instruction.” Doug C, Nov 2016 old
  • 103/104/114 with Captain Rick: a “great balance between theory and practice.” Jason Van Dorn, Google, ~Oct 2025
  • “Beware”: charged 50% on cancellation, and they “DO NOT TELL YOU THIS ON THE PHONE,” plus a $25 refund fee. lisabaker, Jul 2013 old The policy is still on their site.
  • 2 stars: a weather cancellation, though he credited them for calling early. Tom S, Apr 2022 (seen in a summary of the listing page only).
What this adds to the decision: the clearest separators aren't star ratings. They are (1) format: Charleston is a day class (on the water by day, sleep ashore), Horizon's 114 can be charter-plus-instructor, Sailing Virgins is social and aimed at 20s–40s; (2) who your instructor is (every school's praise and complaints track named instructors, so ask who you'll get); (3) boat condition and whether the boat is guaranteed (Nautilus swap, Sailing Virgins' worn Moorings 44, Barefoot/Horizon charter fleets); and (4) financial terms: credit-only cancellations (LTD), no credit cards (Barefoot), strict deposits (Charleston), and slow-to-return deposits (Barefoot charter). Buy trip insurance. Go Sail Bahamas is brand-new.
Cost to get certified — separate from any trip

Certification costs, per person (Dan or Kevin)

Course fees per person, single cabin, from published rates. Travel and hotels not included.

The plan: Charleston 101 in March + catamaran liveaboard in May

March (SC)May (liveaboard)CertsPer personNotes
Charleston 101Horizon catamaran week (BVI)101 → 103·104·114$4,660 + tax$665 + $3,995 single cabin. Only if Horizon schedules a May week.
Charleston 101LTD Sailing (Grenada) Chosen101 → 103·104·114$6,095 + tax$665 + $5,430 at the May shoulder rate (own cabin). Textbooks extra.
Charleston 101Top Tier Sailing (BVI)101 → 103·104·114$6,065 + tax$665 + $5,400 single cabin (5 days). May dates not published.
None neededSailing Virgins (BVI), May 23–29101·103·104·114$5,450SV covers 101 itself. Adding Charleston would make it $6,115 + tax.
None neededBlueLife (Bequia, SVG)101·103·104·114$3,145Inclusions and May dates not published. Confirm before comparing.
$3,145–6,115
Plan range, per person (+ SC tax where Charleston applies)
$665
Charleston 101, per person (+ tax)
$3,145–5,450
May liveaboard, per person
What the price actually buys

Included vs. excluded, per school

“Excluded” means the school says so. “Not stated” means the page is silent, so ask before comparing prices.

SchoolIncludedExcludedNot stated — ask
Charleston (101)Course materials, operating expenses, ASA certificationSales taxWhether the textbook is in “materials”. Lodging is an optional $125/night.
Horizon (BVI)7 nights aboard, 7 breakfasts / 6 lunches / 3 dinners, fuel, water, national park fees, cruising permits, signed ASA logbook, cert stickersTravel, personal insurance, 4 dinners ashore, alcohol, instructor gratuityTextbooks
LTD (Grenada)Yacht, instructor, provisioned breakfasts / lunches / snacks / all but 3 dinners (students do most of the cooking, per FAQ), hull insurance, cruising permit, marine park fees, fuel, ice, water, linens and towels, snorkel gear (pricing page)Airfare, shore hotels (incl. the Saturday night before), course textbooks, ground transport, alcohol (can be pre-purchased), instructor gratuity, travel insurance (recommended)ASA certification fee (not itemized)
Top Tier (BVI)Private ensuite cabin, towels and linens, breakfasts / lunches / snacks, instruction, ASA certs (per their Fast Track page)—Dinners, fuel, park fees, gratuity
Sailing Virgins (BVI)Yacht accommodation, all meals aboard, instruction, ASA certification, exam feesFlights, travel insurance, shore dinners, drinks ashore, optional activities, ~10% instructor gratuityTextbooks, moorings / park fees, fuel
BlueLife (Bequia)——Everything. Nothing is itemized online.
Blue Water (St. Thomas)Boat & running expenses, books & course materials, meals aboard, certification fees, taxes, instructorTravel to the boat, meals ashore, beverages, gratuity, international textbook shipping—
Nautilus (Grenada)Private cabin, instruction, meals aboard except 3 dinners, ASA certs, textbooks, logbook, online masterclass3 dinners ashore, flightsGratuity, park fees, fuel
Barefoot, Go Sail Bahamas, Cruise Abaco——Everything, including price
Not in any price: airfare, gratuity (~10% where mentioned) and ASA membership (needed for an IPC). Textbooks are excluded at LTD and unclear at Horizon, SV and Charleston. Horizon leaves 4 dinners ashore to you, Nautilus 3, LTD 3. No school publishes a private-boat price for two.
For reference only

Not chosen: all four certs in one week

SchoolCertsPer personNotes
Blue Water — St. Thomas101·103·104·114$4,295–4,495Private cabin, St. Thomas
Swain Fast Track — Tortola101·103·104·114$4,045–4,495From earlier research. Not re-verified, and cabin type unknown.
Sailing Virgins — Tortola101·103·104·114$5,190–5,450Private cabin. Also a May option above.
Nautilus — Grenada101·103·104·114from $6,475Feb and Nov only. Private cabin. Marketed as all four in 7 days.
Before booking

Certification next steps

  • Charleston: confirm March 2027 ASA 101 dates (Sail Savannah as backup) first

  • LTD (chosen): confirm the Sun May 16 – Sat May 22, 2027 week and pay the 50% deposit. Ask which boat (model and year), which instructor, and how many other students. Book flights into GND for Sat May 15 and a hotel near Prickly Bay that night. Cancellation: full refund less $200 until Feb 15, 2027 (90 days out); after that, credit only, so buy trip insurance when you book.

  • Ask each shortlisted school: which instructor, which boat (guaranteed or subject to swap), boat age, and a price for a private boat with just the two of you

  • Get cancellation terms in writing and buy trip insurance (LTD gives credit only inside 90 days; Barefoot doesn’t take cards)

  • If considering Sailing Virgins or BlueLife instead of Charleston + May: written confirmation of all four certs, May dates, and what’s included

  • After May: both apply for ASA IPCs, and sort out the VHF certificate for Greece (see Summer tab)

Who to call

Provider contacts

From each school’s own site unless noted. Where a school only offers a web form, that’s stated.

SchoolPhoneEmailBase
Charleston Sailing School
ASA 101 (chosen)		(843) 277-4236info@charlestonsailingschool.com15 Lockwood Dr, Charleston SC
Sail Savannah
ASA 101 (backup)		(912) 421-9538info@sailsav.comSavannah Marina, 606 Wilmington Island Rd, GA
LTD Sailing
May liveaboard, Grenada		(206) 549-9191 (US; catamaran course: ask for Dionna)
473-457-3240 (Grenada, per Sunsail’s Grenada page)		info@ltdsailing.comPrickly Bay Marina, Grenada
Horizon Sailing School
May liveaboard, BVI / St. Vincent		+1 (877) 877-1888res@horizonyachtcharters.comNanny Cay, Tortola · Blue Lagoon, St. Vincent
Top Tier Sailing
May liveaboard, BVI (103–114)		+1 (833) 245-5666 · +1 (877) 250-6300Web form only: toptiersailing.com/contact-usPenn’s Landing Marina, Parham Town, Tortola
Sailing Virgins
All-in-one, BVI		(415) 619-2704 (ASA listing)
+1 (844) 500-7245 (Trustpilot profile)		james@sailingvirgins.com (Trustpilot profile)Tortola, BVI
BlueLife Sailing
All-in-one, Bequia		+1 (784) 593-1843booking@bluelifesailing.comBequia Marina, SVG
Barefoot Offshore (BOSS)
Grenadines		+1 (784) 456-9526 · +1 (784) 456-9334bookings@barefootyachts.com (Ontario Sailing directory)Blue Lagoon, St. Vincent
Blue Water Sailing School
All-in-one, St. Thomas		(800) 255-1840 · (954) 763-8464Web form only: bwss.formstack.com/forms/contact_form924 NE 20th Ave, Fort Lauderdale FL
Nautilus Sailing
All-in-one, Grenada (Feb/Nov)		(800) 680-7902 (Mon–Fri 9–5 MT)Web form only: nautilussailing.com/contact-usPO Box 4035, Crested Butte CO
Cruise Abaco
Bahamas		(321) 830-9412 (ASA listing)Web form only (cruiseabaco.com/contact-us); referral partner: estelle@catamaranguru.comBay St, Marsh Harbour, Abaco
Go Sail Bahamas
Bahamas		(305) 209-7626info@gosailvacations.comMarsh Harbour, Abaco

Grey areas: Sailing Virgins’ site blocks automated access, so its numbers and email come from its ASA and Trustpilot listings. Barefoot’s email is from a third-party directory, not its own site. Confirm both on first contact.