Tortola

Live Aboard Bareboat Cruising Courses on Monohull and Catamaran Sailing Yachts and Power Catamarans

Head to The Moorings base in Road Town, Tortola, and gain bareboat charter certification on sailing catamarans and power catamarans with Offshore Sailing School. In one week you can earn US Powerboat Certification on a 37′-50′ power cat, or US Sailing Bareboat Certification on a 45′-50′ sailing cat or monohull. Then get your International Cruising Proficiency Certificate for European charter vacations!

Learn to Cruise Now!

The Offshore Sailing School British Virgin Islands Legacy

Since 1973, Offshore Sailing School has been the Official Sailing School for The Moorings, the world’s premier crewed and bareboat power and sail charter company. Located in Road Town on Tortola, the capital of the British Virgin Islands, The Moorings BVI base is abuzz with sailing and powerboating activity year round. Book your spot on an exhilarating Virgin Island sailing school and power school trip today!

Call 888-454-7015 or email Sail@OffshoreSailing.com for sail and power course rates and availability.

Please call 888-454-7015 or email Sail@OffshoreSailing.com to get a quote for BVI power cruise courses and BVI sailing course options. Here’s what’s included when you take an Offshore Sailng School power or sail course at our Tortola sailing school.

An overview of what’s included in the Fast Track to Power Cruise Course:

• Your course tuition
• First night aboard your yacht prior to the course start
• Your cabin aboard during the Live Aboard Cruising Course
• All breakfasts, lunches, snacks and three dinners aboard (2 dinners are on your own during the week)
• Cruising taxes and fees
• Three nights of Mooring fees
• Your course textbook(s)
• Diploma and logbook
• Course certification when you pass the test
• Other items specific to each course
• Exclusive one-year subscription to Cruising World or Sailing World magazine sent to US mailing addresses

The Moorings Location in Road Town, Tortola

You can fly direct to the airport on Tortola from Miami or San Juan and take a half-hour taxi to the base. Or fly to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and take a ferry to the Road Town, Tortola customs office, then a short taxi ride to The Moorings base.  For flights to and from the British Virgin Islands, contact The Moorings’ in-house flight specialists at 866-649-2003, as they book flights for thousands of their charter customers year-round.

Address Information:
The Moorings
Wickhams Cay 2
Road Town, British Virgin Islands

Book Your Caribbean Island Vacation Today!

Call 888-454-7015 and talk to one of our friendly sales associates!

Tortola Sailing School with Modern Catamarans and Expert Training

Offshore Sailing School’s Tortola sailing school delivers immersive, hands-on training in the stunning British Virgin Islands. With US Sailing Certified Instructors and modern cruising catamarans, we offer a unique blend of expert instruction and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to advance, our programs are tailored to help you sail with confidence.

Choosing a Tortola sailing school can be overwhelming. Some schools lack structure, use outdated boats, or offer little real sailing time. Offshore Sailing School addresses these issues with small classes, personalized instruction, and a proven curriculum that emphasizes safety, seamanship, and skill-building in real-world conditions, giving you a better experience from day one.

Our Tortola sailing school offers Fast Track® to Cruising, Catamaran Training, and Live Aboard Cruising courses. With over 60 years of experience, our instructors are trusted by thousands of students worldwide. Whether you’re preparing for chartering or personal goals, we have the right course for you. Contact us now to request a quote.

At our Tortola sailing school, we know sailing is more than a skill—it’s a dream. We’re here to support you with patience, encouragement, and expert instruction. Whether you’re starting fresh or rediscovering your passion, we’ll help you find joy in every tack and turn. Contact Offshore Sailing School to begin your journey.

What Makes Offshore Sailing School in Tortola Unique

• Ideal Conditions in the Heart of the BVI: Located near Road Town, our Tortola campus sits in the heart of the British Virgin Islands, one of the most iconic sailing vacation destinations in the world. The calm waters, consistent winds, and scenic beauty of the Virgin Island chain create ideal conditions for mastering the art of sailing at any experience level, making it the perfect location for immersive sailing instruction.
• Access to Protected Bays and Open Waters: Few sailing schools offer such easy access to both sheltered anchorages and deep blue passages. From smooth bareboat cruising routes to exciting open water passages toward the U.S. Virgin Islands, students benefit from a perfect balance of challenge and comfort. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sailor, these conditions help refine your sailing skills through true hands-on experience.
• Stunning Scenery for an Unforgettable Experience: Surrounded by idyllic beaches, lush green hills, and crystal-clear waters, the British Virgin Islands offer more than a place to learn—they provide an amazing experience. From the first tack to your final anchorage, your sailing journey becomes a memorable part of your personal growth. It’s no surprise that many charter customers train here before setting off on their next adventure.
• Year-Round Sailing Opportunities in Warm Weather: With steady trade winds and sunny skies nearly every day, Offshore Sailing School operates all year long. Our consistent climate ensures uninterrupted sailing lessons, and our modern monohulls and power catamaran fleet offer training environments that meet the highest levels of sailing standards. Learn from an excellent instructor, enjoy world-class conditions, and gain water experience that stays with you for life.

Sail Training Programs Available in Tortola

We offer a wide variety of sailing courses designed to match your goals and levels of experience, whether you’re an entry-level boater, a non-experienced sailor, or one of our many returning charter customers looking to sharpen your skills.

Every course focuses on practical, hands-on training, guided by qualified instructors who bring first-hand local knowledge, depth of knowledge, and an unwavering emphasis on safety. You’ll gain real sailing proficiency while exploring some of the world’s most picturesque islands.

Fast Track® to Cruising – Learn in Just 8 Days

This signature liveaboard program is a true immersive experience, taking you from novice to certified bareboat cruising skipper in just eight days. Perfect for non-experienced sailors and charter customers preparing for their next adventure, this course includes ASA 101, 103, and 104 certifications. You’ll gain essential boating procedures, practice coastal cruising techniques, and leave ready to helm your own yacht. Taught by an excellent instructor, it’s a complete experience that blends classroom learning with real-world water experience—no need for flights for thousands when the best training is already here in Tortola.

Coastal Navigation

Master the art of safe and confident passage-making with this navigation course. Learn to read charts, plot positions, and use modern navigation tools. It’s ideal for students with some sailing experience looking to advance their knowledge of sailing and gain critical skills for planning routes through unfamiliar waters. Our expert sailors provide extensive knowledge of navigation in the Caribbean cruising grounds.

Team Building Programs

Transform your team’s communication and cohesion through collaborative sailing. Our team-building programs challenge participants to problem-solve and lead in a dynamic environment. Whether you’re new to sailing or already seasoned, this wonderful experience fosters growth and connection under real-world conditions, all while learning from qualified instructors who emphasize safety and teamwork.

Begin Your Journey with the Sailing School in Tortola

Looking to combine learning with luxury? Our sailing school in Tortola offers expert instruction and hands-on training in one of the most beautiful sailing destinations on earth. Whether you’re building skills or preparing for Tortola sailing charters, we’re here to help you chart your course. Contact us today to reserve your spot and take the first step toward confident, independent sailing in the BVI!

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of courses are offered at the Tortola sailing school?

Our Tortola sailing school offers a range of hands-on courses, including Learn to Sail, Fast Track® to Cruising, Catamaran Training, and Live Aboard Cruising. Each program is taught by US Sailing Certified Instructors and is designed to accommodate all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned sailors.

Do I need sailing experience to enroll in a course?

No prior experience is required. Our Tortola sailing school is perfect for beginners as well as returning sailors. We offer step-by-step instruction with personalized coaching, so you can build confidence and sailing skills, whether you’re brand new or brushing up before your next charter.

Can I combine my training with a Tortola sailing charter?

Absolutely. Many students choose to follow their training with Tortola sailing charters to put their new skills into practice. Our courses are structured to prepare you for bareboat chartering, giving you the knowledge and confidence to enjoy your own sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands.