Wharton sail training WEek
Fast Track to Bareboating | January 4–11, 2026,
British Virgin Islands
Overview
Wharton Sail Training Week features Swain Sailing’s signature 8-day Fast Track to Bareboating program, a curriculum we developed and refined over the past 25 years in the British Virgin Islands. This accelerated training model delivers four internationally recognized ASA certifications through coordinated progression, repetition of seamanship fundamentals, and live-aboard cruising experience.
Upon completion, trainees graduate with the skills, confidence, and certification required to bareboat charter catamarans up to approximately 52 feet in international cruising grounds.
Certifications Earned:
ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat), 103 (Basic Cruising), 104 (Bareboat Cruising), 114 (Catamaran Cruising)
Dates: January 4th - 11th 2026 (Arrival 3rd January)
Day 1 - Marina Cay
Following an afternoon of big boat tacking, crew over boards, maneuvering under power, sail trim, and eyeball navigation, we find our anchorage on the eastern end of Tortola. There are three choices like the one pictured here, Marina Cay. It (like all of your stops) is idyllic with a fringing barrier reef for snorkeling or just staring at calm, clear water where the bottom looks six feet away, but could be fifty.
Day 3 - Anegada
Anegada is actually a sand bar on top of a reef. Its mean elevation is six or seven feet which requires solid navigational skills. Always worth the sail, Anegada is almost completely circled by reef and is surrounded by white beach. After snorkeling the reefs, long walks on the barren beach, or relaxing in a hammock under sea grape trees, you'll have dinner ashore at a fabulous restaurant on the beach.
Day 5 - Norman Island
The snorkeling here is tremendous, and the harbor is always flat and breezy. Whether you enjoy dancing it up on the "Willie T" (a floating bar known by countless visiting boaters) or sitting back on the boat, Norman Island will be on your list of islands to return to.
Day 2 - North Sound, Virgin Gorda
Tuesday you will sail up to Leverick Bay located in North Sound on Virgin Gorda. Head ashore for some of the best water sports in the world or stroll through this world class resort, or stay on the boat and watch the sun go down.
Day 4 - Cane Garden Bay
After a long broad reach, you will sail into Cane Garden Bay. A picture book anchorage with palm trees spotting a white sandy beach, CGB is a small beach community that one will find difficult to leave the next day.
Tuition Rates
Trainee Rate: $3,450 per person
Rate Includes:
-
Arrival night hotel stay (shared room)
-
Two days Basic Keelboat training
-
Six-day/five-night live-aboard cruising instruction with private cabins
-
Breakfasts, lunches, and three dinners onboard; ice and starter kit
-
ASA books, certifications, logbook, and membership
-
Cruising permit, national parks fee, VISAR donation
-
Yacht damage insurance, fuel, cleaning fee
-
Dinghy and outboard, linens, towels, galley equipment, propane grill
Not Included:
Dinners ashore (a few nights), beverages beyond drinking water, airport transfers and taxis, departure tax ($20), mooring fees (shared among trainees), instructor gratuity.
For more information see our FAQ and plan your visit pages or contact us.