Looking to take a group out to the bvi and get certified for a few ASA classes so that we are comfortable chartering our own boat. Like Capt Compass prices but he doesnt have anyone who can certify us.

Do you know of any other good live aboard week long certification programs or instructors that would double as capt/instructor for us?

I have heard good things about Rob Swain Sailing School, based at Nanny Cay, but have no personal experience to share.

I would recommend Rob Swain - Did a course with them in Rhode Island - actually had Rob as the instructor. Was a great time.

You don't really need to focus on certification though - just getting the experience and knowledge is just as good. The certification does give a good guideline for things you'd want to know, but isn't necessary. The course we did with Rob was really for friends and was the basic keelboat course and is the only certification I hold and I've still captained boats up to 58'.

You could probably get just as comfortable on a week long trip with the right captain and having them go over things with you. So no reason not to use Capt Compass if they can still work with you to provide you the knowledge you need to captain the boat yourself.

I did the Fast Track to Bareboating course with Rob Swain Sailing School in January 2013. It was a great experience.

Cheers, RickG

If you're interested in the Grenadines, Barefoot Yacht Charters (which has run its ASA school for 17 years) runs courses every week of the year (and up to 5 courses the same week) at a rate of $ 1,499 per person for the week, including most food, yacht (with your own cabin), ASA Instructor, fuel, ice, water and hull insurance.

"Looking to take a group out to the bvi and get certified for a few ASA classes"

nice advertisement Seth, but OP specifically mentioned BVI

sail2wind - yes, I know what he wrote, which is why I wrote "IF YOU ARE INTERESTED ...in the Grenadines".

Whilst it may be seen as a sales pitch, I've been posting long enough on TTOL not to have it in mind to advertise on this site (and nor do I ever do so) but to offer genuine advice which is helpful to posters - in this particular case, whilst of course I am associated with Barefoot, believe it or not (and that's your choice) my purpose for writing what I wrote was to try to help the original poster, and Barefoot happens to be the least expensive established ASA school in this region.

I'd be interested to know if TTOLers believe that if a response happens coincidentally to promote the poster's company, if they think it's more appropriate not to give a helpful response to the original poster...? My personal feeling is that to fail to provide useful information to someone who asks a question, for WHATEVER reason, is ridiculous.

I wouldve gone with barefoot yacht charters in the grenadines, it was the cheapest and most attractive option I have come across in a month of research. It is just too hard/expensive to get down there. BVI is much easier to get to. Thank you guys for the info

Evan, I know Seth personally. What he said and then answered in his response was from an informational nature. If his intentions were to promote Barefoot on this board he would have done it all along. Actually taking the ASA courses in an area such as the Grenadine’s is a real good idea. More actual sailing for longer distances without the need to dodge credit card sailors the entire time.

BTW, love the Grenadines, Seth, you could still use a trim. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Yea he did that once, shaved bald. Didn't look anything like his picture. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Please let us know what you eventually decide. My son and I are considering doing the same. We have been doing land based trips and are power boaters at home, but we are considering some schooling to allow us to charter a sailboat.
Thanks,
Scott

Just finished ASA 105/106 with Sunsail Sailing School in Tortola. Look for Matt Holt, super instructor. He knows his theory and applies it in practical situations, and interjects with stories about Capt. Cook and Sir Francis Drake. Not a dull moment.

Cheers to all!