Do I need experience for the Instant Bareboater class?
You do not need prior experience for this class. The Instant Bareboater class is designed to begin with the basics, so no prior experience is necessary. We do recommend that you review the text and study guides prior to coming for your class. This helps set a foundation and teach vocabulary so that when you get to the boat you can concentrate on sailing.

I already know how to sail, is the Instant Bareboater class still for me?
If you have sailing experience, you will have an advantage taking this class, however it can still be very useful. In addition to covering the techniques and procedures used to sail the boat, the Instant Bareboater class also covers procedures and systems used for living aboard, anchoring, cooking, bathing, and cruising. Many very experienced sailors have primarily day sailed and have spent limited time actually living on board (cooking, cleaning, etc.). In addition, most sailors typically spend little time anchoring overnight or establishing anchor watches – two topics covered in detail in this class. Finally, many safety procedures – reefing, hove-to, lying-a-hull, man overboard drills, etc. – are not drills that most sailors perform on a regular basis. Again, the Instant Bareboater class covers this in great detail, helping even experienced sailors with their boat handling.

What is the difference in the classes?
The Instant Cruiser class is designed to teach inexperienced sailors how to sail. The primary focus of this class is on safety procedures and boat handling. The Instant Bareboater class is designed for everyone from beginners to experienced sailors who want to learn how to live aboard a boat. The majority of studnets in this class are preparing to bareboat charter, buy a boat, or are just checking to see how well they like the nautical life. In addition to boat handling, this course also includes instruction on boat systems (electrical, plumbing, cooking, engine, fuel, etc.), anchoring and more extensive safety procedures. The Advanced Sailing class adds the dimension of night time sailing to the curriculum. Finally, the Ocean Passage course provides the opportunity and learning that comes with being offshore and out of sight of land for an extended period.

Will the Instant Bareboater certification qualify me to bareboat charter anywhere?
Fair Wind Sailing School is an American Sailing Association (ASA) affiliate. The certification you receive from Fair Wind is an ASA Bareboat Charter certification that is recognized around the world everywhere at other ASA schools and charter companies that recognize the ASA certification program. Virtually every charter company has different rules regarding charter qualification. In addition to your certification status, other factors that are typically assessed include: previous boat ownership, overall sailing experience and experience gained between certification and charter.

Can I really do this?
Yes you can!! We have taught people from 9-70+ years of age how to sail and have courses designed for every need – from beginning sailors through cruisers to ocean voyages. Sailing is fun and once you know the basics, its pretty easy. If you want to do this, you can!

Will I have my own bed during the class?
A sailing “Bed” is called a berth and yes you will have your own berth. All of our instructional yachts have single and double berths. Single berths hold one person and double berths two. Couples may share a double berth.

Will I have my own bathroom during class?
Bathrooms aboard are called “heads”. Our boat in the Virgin Islands and Chesapeake has 2 heads (4 for the cat) while our boats in the Great Lakes and Florida have 1 or 2 heads. Typically heads are shared on board.

What will be on board?

• Hand towels
• Bath towels
• Wash clothes
• Hand soap
• Sanitizing lotion
• Pillows
• Sheets and blankets
• Some limited snorkeling gear
• All USCG safety equipment, including life preservers and other required sailing gear

What should I bring?

• Sun protection – The Caribbean and Florida sun is strong year round making sun protection a must. Wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are highly recommended
• Sailing gloves (can be purchased in Red Hook if necessary)
• Boat friendly shoes (white or light soles, no heels, comfortable)
• Passport (Caribbean only) -- required for clearance in and out of the BVI
• Your ASA log book – Instructor must sign off when you pass you certification exams
• ASA sailing books
• Snorkeling gear (optional, you can use ours if you like)
• Clothing – Expect daytime temperature in the 80’s and lows around 70. We usually sail in shorts and tee-shirts. Most people bring far too much clothing, we recommend the following clothing:
  • Shorts and tee shirts
  • A pair of jeans
  • Light long sleeve shirt (for sun protection)
  • Bathing suits (we will have time to swim & snorkel each day)
  • Beach towel (optional, for after swimming)
  • Light weight sweatshirt or sweater (can be chilly at night)
  • Light weight rain jacket (just in case)
  • Personal care items (shampoo, prescription medication, etc.)
  • All your questions – we are ready to answer all questions.
  • CD’s – Our boats are equipped with CD players

Please pack in a duffle, backpack or other collapsible bag (see below)

What should I leave home?
The Island Packet has a great deal of storage for a boat, but it is still a boat. There is limited to no room for large, bulky luggage, so please do NOT bring:

• Large suitcases
• Hard shelled suitcases
• Your worries
• Dark or hard soled shoes
• Too many clothes

Where is Fair Wind located and what is the name of the boat?

• Fair Wind's St Thomas base is located at the American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas
• Our Island Packet will be kept at the American Yacht Harbor, Dock “C” -- usually slip C-15.
• The boat name is “Island Retreat .”
• If you are sailing in the BVI with our Upper Bay affiliate, the boat is named "Ocean Spirit" and it is in slip A-24 in the Nanny Cay Marina on the island of Tortola, BVI
• Our catamarans and named "Hound Dog" and "Mighty Oak" are are located in St Thomas at the American Yacht Harbor. Its slip varies, but it is usually in slip A-6.

How do I get to Red Hook from the airport?
You will land at St. Thomas’ Cyril King Airport (STT). From the airport, use the following procedure: The easiest way to reach Red Hook is via taxi cab from the airport. Taxi’s in St. Thomas are little vans that are shared by 6-15 people. Once you have your luggage, proceed to the taxi stand and tell the dispatcher that you are going to Red Hook. The dispatcher will direct you to the appropriate taxi / van. Tell the driver that you are going to the American Yacht Harbor. The taxis may make several stops along the way at various hotels. When in Red Hook, you will be dropped off right at the American Yacht Harbor. Cost of the ride should be about $15-20.

How do I find Fair Wind once I get to Red Hook?
The taxi will drop you off right at the American Yacht Harbor. Proceed to the docks and come out to Dock “C” (docks are well marked). Our boat, Island Retreat, will be in slip C-15 (also well marked). The boat has a beige hull with wood trim. If worse comes to worse, you can always ask for information at the American Yacht Harbor Marina Office.

How do I get to Nanny Cay, BVI from the St Thomas airport?
You will land at St. Thomas’ Cyril King Airport (STT). From the airport, use the following procedure: The easiest way to reach Nanny Cay is via taxi cab from the airport to the ferry dock. The ferry from St Thomas to Tortola is about 45 minutes and is a pretty ride. You can take the ferry to either Road Town, Tortola or West End, Tortola. Nanny Cay is centrally located between these stops and is a 10 minute cab ride from either Road Town or West End. The ferry cost is $45 roundtrip, with cab rides on either end ranging between $5-$15.

Are gratuities expected by Captains?
Of course gratuities are at yoru discretion, however, it is customary to tip your Captain 10% of your fee for a job well done. In cases of outstanding efforts, it is not unusual to see tips as high as 15%.

What should I do to get ready for the classes before I arrive?
Assure your passport is up to date.
Study! Highly recommended to read the text and learn the items listed in the log book for courses ASA 101, 103 and 104.

Get ready to have fun!!