Lima Sail

Overview

The Lima Sail program offers our alumni students who are currently High School Seniors an opportunity to take their sailing and seamanship skills to the professional level.

Earn your ASA 201 Instructor Certification
Earn your RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certification
Live on a dedicated Sailing vessel for High School Seniors and older
Shadow Sail Caribbean Staff
Meet Professionals and learn about the world of Yachting

Students live aboard a 45-foot catamara nwith other Lima diving and sailing students. You will spend lots of time frequently using our Colgate 26’ keelboats and fleet of 15’ to 21’ powerboats.

Upon completion of rigorous advanced sailing training and certifications, students are awarded their ASA 201 Instructor certification, the American Sailing Association’s first level of professional educators. The Lima course also provides powerboat training and the opportunity to complete a Royal Yacht Association (RYA) Powerboat Level 2 certification on our fleet of RIBS with 70 to 150 horsepower outboard engines. This is another valuable skill providing a solid knowledge background for anyone interested in entering the professional yachting world, or simply becoming a lifelong boater.

To make the experience both practical and immersive, part of the Lima course will be engaging with our student fleet. Students will shadow and assist Sail Caribbean staff while teaching small boat sailing and watersports. Additionally, students in the Lima program will have the opportunity to meet and hear from professionals in the yachting industry in the BVI through on-island SC partnerships.

Graduates of the Lima Sail program are able to apply as staff the following year. Completing the program does not guarantee graduates a position on our staff team.

A Passion for Sailing and Teaching
ASA Certifications 101 – 104
Experience Sailing small boats
A basic understanding of Navigation and Chart Plotting

Ages

HS Seniors

Days

21-days

Cost

$7995-$10,095

Boat

Catamaran

Service Hours

2-5

Number of Dives

2-5

A white sailboat in the ocean with people on it.

A group of people sitting on a sailboat with a white board.

A group of people playing tug of war on the beach.

A group of people on a sailboat in the ocean.

A group of people on a sailboat with a map.

A group of people sitting at a table on a boat.

Two men cleaning a sailboat with a broom.

Two women looking at a map on a sailboat.

A man and a woman standing next to a white sailboat.

Sail CaribbeanActivities

A group of people snorkling in the water.

Snorkeling

Meet the creatures below the waves. Swim alongside a friendly sea turtle, join a school of Blue Tang fish, and explore the reefs!

Stand Up Paddleboarding

Get your footing and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to maneuver with perfect balance. You’ll have terrific views above, as well as below the waves.

Wakeboarding

Once you’re up it’s a thrill every single second, especially if you get airborne. No wonder this is a Sail Caribbean one-handed favorite!

Waterskiing

Get up, get steady! Then you’ll be zipping back and forth across the wake for a ride you’ll remember.

Windsurfing

After you’ve learned to read the wind, you’re sure to take full advantage of it on your rig. Time to hook in and hold on!

Small Boat Sailing

You’ll learn so much on your big yacht. Try applying your seamanship skills to smaller boats and feel how swiftly they respond.

Social Events

Dance with Moko-Jumbie stilt walkers at our Fireball Party, win the famous Chili Cookoff, and compete for glory at the SC Olympics.

A man and a woman playing soccer on a beach.

Beach Sports

Team up for a spirited game of volleyball or a fast-paced soccer tournament, then cool off rehearsing a synchronized swim.

Hiking

The islands we visit are mountainous. Reaching the best vantage points provides challenges, but the pay offs are breathtaking vistas!

Community Service

Whether your interest is in cultural heritage, marine biology, or environmental conservation, you’ll have opportunities to roll up your sleeves and pitch in!

Island Exploration

Hike through a rainforest, travel mountainous hillside roads, learn about the art of glassblowing, visit an organic farm, and discover different cultures.

Advanced Sailing

There are opportunities to build on your sailing and seamanship skills through American Sailing Association courses which include practice time on our 26′ Colgate training boat, Opal Bella.

On EVERY SAIL CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE

Sail Caribbean offers ten different adventure groups with 30 different sessions in the British Virgin and Leeward Islands of the Caribbean. You live aboard a modern 50′ monohull yacht or 45′ catamaran with other teens in your age group and learn to sail. No experience is necessary. Every adventure focuses on an activity, but each offers scuba, marine biology, community service, cultural exchange, watersports, friendships, personal growth and lifelong memories.

Want to compare adventures? Download our 2025 Schedule (PDF)!

Courses

ADvanced Sailing

Prerequisites: None

If you’re arriving at Sail Caribbean with prior sailing experience and are very keen on making the commitment to learn more, why not take this opportunity to gain a nationally recognized certification? You’ll participate in seminars and practice your helmsmanship on our big boats, and then demonstrate your sailing and seamanship skills during two to three intensive days on our own Colgate 26’, Opal Bella. The goal of this certification is for the participants to be able to single-hand (maneuver alone) these keelboats. Written and practical exams fulfill the requirements and you’ll have an official certification that’s valid for years to come and a stepping-stone to many other sailing certifications. View more details about ASA certifications here.

Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA101) and Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA103) certifications

Demonstrated ability to skipper a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered keelboat (or catamaran, if course is conducted on such) of approximately 30 to 45 feet in length during a multi-day cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions. Course is conducted as a live-aboard cruise of at least 48 hours. Knowledge of provisioning, galley operations, boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, routine maintenance procedures, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation including basic chart plotting and GPS operation, multiple-anchor mooring, docking, health & safety, emergency operations, weather interpretation, and dinghy/tender operation. View more details about ASA certifications here.

Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA101) certification

Demonstrated ability to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered (outboard or inboard engine) keelboat of approximately 25 to 35 feet length by day in moderate winds and sea conditions. Knowledge of cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather forecast interpretation, safety and seamanship. View more details about ASA certifications here.

The ASA 201 Instructor Certification course is a comprehensive training program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become certified sailing instructors. This course goes beyond the basics, delving into advanced teaching methodologies, safety protocols, and navigation techniques. Participants will engage in hands-on learning experiences, gaining invaluable practical insights into effectively instructing students of all skill levels. Led by experienced ASA-certified instructors, the ASA 201 course offers a structured curriculum tailored to foster competent and confident sailing instructors. Whether you’re looking to start a career in sailing instruction or enhance your existing teaching abilities, the ASA 201 Instructor Certification course provides the foundation for success in the dynamic world of sailing education.

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certification course is an essential training program for individuals seeking to develop their powerboating skills and obtain a recognized certification. This course provides comprehensive instruction on boat handling, navigation, safety procedures, and rescue techniques, ensuring participants are well-equipped to operate powerboats confidently and responsibly. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on training, students will learn from experienced RYA-certified instructors who impart valuable insights and guidance throughout the course. Whether you’re a beginner looking to kickstart your powerboating journey or an experienced boater aiming to refine your skills, the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certification course offers a structured and engaging curriculum that prepares you for safe and enjoyable boating adventures.

Dates & Costs

Session	Start Date	End Date	Cost*	Days
Lima Sail	07/14/2025	08/03/2025	$7995	21
Lima Sail + Internship	07/14/2025	08/17/2025	$10,095	35

*The tuition above does not reflect optional insurance, optional courses, and transportation fees.

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