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Cruising Couples Courses

Receive your ASA International Bareboat Sailing Certification (IPC) with other sailing couples in the Bahamas

The benefits of couples sailing courses

A couples sailing course with Go Sail Bahamas isn’t just about mastering the basics; it’s about building trust, strengthening communication, and sharing unforgettable moments on the water. You’ll join other adventurous couples, forming new friendships while earning your American Sailing certifications and International Proficiency Certificate (IPC). Best of all? It’s a no-pressure, no-yelling environment—just calm seas, clear skies, and the chance to become confident sailors together.

Grow closer with every tack and turn!

Discover your unique sailing strengths and how your spouse’s sailing strengths also complement yours on a once-in-a-lifetime couples sailing course in the Bahamas!  Go Sail Bahamas’ hands-on training and personalized skill-building activities allow you to grow more confident, more connected, and more capable together. Many couples leave with stronger communication, a renewed sense of teamwork, and a powerful appreciation for what they can accomplish as a team. Whether you’re dreaming of chartering your own boat one day or simply want to sail side-by-side with confidence, this course will give you the tools you need to bring your shared sailing goals to life!

Customize your cruising couples sailing experience

With a maximum of just 6 students (3 couples) per course, you’ll enjoy a close-knit, supportive learning environment aboard a weeklong liveaboard sailing adventure. You and your spouse can choose to book a private cabin and make new sailing friends, or team up with two other couples you already know and reserve the entire boat. Choose between our Series 1 beginner courses (see details below), Series 2 advanced courses, or create your own customized itinerary for your Bahamas sailing vacation! It’s an unforgettable way to build sailing skills, deepen your relationship, and create lasting friendships—all while earning your American Sailing certifications in one of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world.

ASA Sailing certificaitons

Cruising Couples Series 1 course details

Go Sail Bahamas offers a Series 1, Learn to Sail beginner course for new sailing couples. This weeklong couples sailing course gives each student the opportunity to earn their International Proficiency Certificate (IPC). Once you and your spouse have your IPC, you can bareboat charter just about anywhere in the world! During your Bahamas couples sailing course you’ll earn the following ASA certifications required for the IPC:

ASA 101: Keelboat Sailing 

ASA 103: Coastal Cruising 

ASA 104: Bareboat Cruising with International Proficiency Certificate (IPC)

ASA 114: Cruising Catamaran

If you already have any of these ASA certifications– there is no need to repeat them! You can just take the courses you need to complete the Series 1 course while aboard. If everyone onboard has already completed these series 1 sailing courses, consider taking advanced sailing courses with Go Sail Bahamas.

Cruising Couples sailing course topics

Practice new sailing skills every day with an experienced and patient ASA instructor! Each of our cruising couples sailing courses is unique— focusing on the specific strengths of each student with hands-on sailing instruction and plenty of practice until you have the confidence to operate as a team. 

  • Catamaran sailing skills: Gain the confidence to tack, jibe, heave-to, and take the helm!
  • Sailing communication skills: Learn top tips for communicating well with your spouse and others aboard the boat to ensure smooth crew dynamics.
  • Personal one-on-one coaching: Achieve your sailing goals with the help of your knowledgeable American Sailing instructor.
  • Weather forecasting: Discover where to find reliable sailing weather information and how to determine safe sailing conditions.
  • Sailing safety equipment: Understand the sailing safety equipment you need on board and where to find it.
  • Boat systems:  Explore your sailboat’s electrical systems, water maker, desalinator, generators, air conditioning, refrigerators, and more!
  • Anchoring and mooring a sailboat:  Learn the techniques and equipment needed to moor or anchor a sailboat (Note: Go Sail Bahamas will dock your sailboat for you before and after every course and charter. ASA 118 is not offered as part of a couples cruising course).

Set sail in the Abaco Islands, Bahamas in luxury! Our premium courses feature 2021-2025 Lagoon or Fountaine Pajot sailboats, between 42-46 feet long. These sailboats are the gold standard for couples learning to sail comfortably on a premium course with a Abaco Islands, Bahamas sailing itinerary. 

This ASA bareboat chartering course features customized, hands-on skill building activities for you and your spouse as you learn to sail. Your cruising couples course includes ASA 101, ASA 103, ASA 104, and ASA 114 certifications as well as the opportunity to earn your International Proficiency Certificate (IPC). 

 

Learn More

Go Sail Bahamas’ 5-star reviews on Yacht Charters say it all ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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"An eyeopener into life on a sailboat"

Go Sail Bahamas provided, my daughter and me, the best possible sailing, learning, and entertaining island and water experience. We achieved our goal of learning and getting certified to charter a bare boat in the most realistic and satisfying way. Captain Genevieve chartered for the ASA classes the appropriate boat for our experiences and desires. Captain Trevon, as our instructor and Captain, quietly assumed responsibility for the wellbeing of his crew and ship. At all times he checked on our actions, and made sure we were proceeding according to the rules and spirit of seamanship. First Mate Stephanie provided us with healthy, tasteful meals, great pictures and videos, and a reassuring graceful presence. The trip was organized as a sail around Bahamas, as a captain and crew would do in a sailing, exploration, and vacation setting. The one week trip could be replicated as a two weeks’ vacation in Bahamas, just by expanding the times spent in various places and adding more entertainment and recreation activities. For the aspiring Captains this is, in my opinion, the best first step to take in order to learn, experience, and practice chartering and coastal sailing a blue water vessel. Go Sail Bahamas has provided a professional, reasonable priced, and meaningful experience, enabling us to achieve our goals. I would highly and sincerely recommend Go Sail Bahamas to all aspiring sailors of any level of experience for its classes and trips. Captain Genevieve is one of the best persons to guide and help anyone in the sailing world. It is an honor and a privilege to work with her anytime, anywhere.

– Edi S | Google
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"Learned throughout the day"

It felt like a lot of growth happening in just a few days and each day felt pleasantly long but not overdone and there was something to be learned throughout the day.

– Marc G | Google
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"Allowed us to learn how to sail and develop confidence as sailors."

We had a great experience with Captain Genevieve at Go Sail Bahamas. Captain Genevieve kept us up to date and provided alot of good advise preparing and planning for the charter and the ASA training. She took all of the guess work and uncertainties away which made for a great sailing experience. We will definitely use Captain Genevieve for our future ASA classes and future bareboat charters. My wife and I cannot say enough good things about the ASA Sailing Instructor Captain Jalil Jacallen. His instruction was top notch. He was organized and he explained everything clearly so we felt very comfortable during the hands on sailing of the 44 Leopard. His knowledge of sailing is quite impressive. He answered all of our questions and provided plenty of time to practice. He is very patient and calm allowing us to learn how to sail and develop confidence as sailors.

– Mark M | Google
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"A unique experience"

It is a unique experience going from reading your manual, practicing the skills and then wrapping up the afternoon swimming with sea turtles. We took our student level in 2015 and then in 2021 we came back for our instructor course.

– Matt F | Google
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"I recommend Go Sail Bahamas without hesitation!"

I completed ASA 103 -114 with Captain Jalil and the only thing that surpassed his patience and passion for sailing was his expertise! A great week building and refining skills in a safe but challenging environment. I recommend Go Sail Bahamas without hesitation!

– Michael S | Google
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"A thoroughly enjoyable time learning to sail"

My wife and I had a thoroughly enjoyable time learning to sail with Go Sail Bahamas. Captain Jalil was awesome! He has a relaxed and comfortable manner, that allowed us to learn the ropes without making us feel pressured or nervous. He’s also a great cook and makes a delicious painkiller! On top of that, he’s also a wealth of information on the area—knows all the best places for snorkeling and dining. We made this trip with another couple, who are friends of ours, and the instigators of this trip as a steppingstone for future bareboat chartering and possibly owning their own catamaran. Three of us completed the ASA 103, 104, and 114 classes, and the fourth, who already had some previous classes/experience, completed ASA 106 and 118. I feel confident that, after these classes and hands on learning with captain Jalil, we will be able to do it mostly on our own next time. All in all, this was a wonderful vacation and experience, and will open up a whole new set of possibilities for future exploration. Thank you Go Sail Bahamas and Captain Jalil!

– Mike G | Google
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"Great Experience!"

Great experience, boat and instructor/ captain... would thoroughly recommend!

– Rob U | Google
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"Learning from each other"

It was nice to meet new people from other backgrounds in sailing, as well as parts of the country, and learn from them as well since it’s an interactive sport. It was great to have that ability to bounce things off of people and learn from each other.

– Todd F | Google
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"Our instructor JT Quinn was top notch!"

Attended a great 6 day catamaran sailing course in the USVI. Our instructor JT Quinn was top notch! Highly recommend!

– Trish M | Google
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"A super experience."

We took the Cruising couples ASA course through Go Sail Bahamas. Our captain/instructor was J.T. He is a wonderful teacher. Great sense of humour. Very patient with everyone. A super experience. Thank you J.T.

– Wendy T | Google
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"Absolutely perfect adventure!"

I had an amazing week of sailing and exploring the Islands with Go Sail Bahamas and Captain Genevieve Evans. First and foremost, Captain G is a wonderful and knowledgeable teacher. She thoroughly explained concepts and maneuvers, demonstrating them as well, and then gave us the opportunity to practice throughout the week. She was extremely patient and helped to build my confidence behind the helm tremendously. Additionally, she knows the best spots on each island and made the trip not just about learning and growing as a sailor, but also enjoying time away. I will never forget this trip- if you have the opportunity to learn with Go Sail and Captain G, you won’t regret it. Thanks again Captain G for an absolutely perfect adventure!

– Sara V | Google
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"The whole experience did not disappoint"

The whole experience did not disappoint—truly a wonderful life memory. The boat was in nice condition and served us well. Captain J T Quinn was absolutely fantastic at teaching us and was so easy to have around. And doubled as a tour guide. We would recommend it to anyone.

– Matt B | Google
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"Sail Bahamas premium ASA course!"

We took the week live aboard sailing lessons for ASA 101,103,104,114 and it was awesome. Sailed around Go Sail Bahamas. Our instructor JT was thorough and a pleasure to be with. Thank you for an awesome experience. Already booked our next sailing excursion as a skipper!

– Stephanie B | Trip Advisor
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"I highly recommend!"

Just spent a week with Capt. Genevieve navigating around the Go Sail Bahamas, a thoroughly enjoyable learning experience. Her teaching style a perfect mix of coaching and hands-on, building my ability and confidence with each passing day. Completed ASA Sailing Certifications 101 103 104 114, such that I’ll look forward to returning next season to charter a boat with my family. We also visited their favorite moorages, snorkeling sites, and places to go ashore for food and fun. Even better, they both provide great hospitality with tasty food, a comfortable boat, and good company.

– Larry C | Google
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"Excellent Instruction!'

My family and I sailed with Captain JT Quinn, who provided excellent instruction and is just an all-around good guy. While I went through the hands-on ASA instructions for 101, 103, 104, and 114, my family was able to enjoy cruising around the Go Sail Bahamas. Every afternoon, we would anchor or moor in a bay where we would swim, snorkel, paddle board, and relax for the evening. I was nervous after reading the 4 books and preparing but JT made it really comfortable and easy to learn. He's very knowledgeable and answered every question I had. We shared stories and a lot of laughs. He and Go Sail Bahamas aren't just teaching people to sail, they are cultivating a community of sailors. That's what it's all about in the end.

– Tom G. | Google
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"So Rewarding!"

I can’t believe how much we learned while sailing with Captain G and Trevon! They explained everything so well and really helped us understand the art of sailing. We now feel confident to bareboat our own charter soon! This was definitely the way to earn our sailing experience.

– Ashley S | Trip Advisor
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"Phenomenal Experience!"

Our week-long catamaran sailing instruction for ASA 106, 114 and 118 certifications was phenomenal! We chartered a week-long monohull instruction for our ASA 101, 103 and 104 certifications in Florida a year prior. There was no comparison with our Go Sail Bahamas live aboard experience far exceeding our expectations. Sweet & Salty, the 44' cat, was spacious, clean and well provisioned. Trevon is an exceptional instructor. He has a depth of knowledge and experience, was patient and tailored his coaching to our individual needs. Thanks for the learnings, experience and memories! Shirley, Eric and Jeff.

– Shirley E. | Trip Advisor
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"Exceeded Expectations"

The folks at Go Sail Virgin Islands are wonderful to deal with! From my first inquiry they were very responsive and attentive with clear and timely proactive communications. They provided all the information I needed, including pricing with no hidden fees, in order for me to make an informed decision, and with no pressure. They delivered on every promise and exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend them whether you want to charter or learn, or both. Captain Jalil has years and years of sailing experiences (in addition to a multitude of other interesting life experiences) that have provided him with a wealth knowledge that he humbly shares. He is gentle, kind, clear, wise, practical and is a very good communicator and chef! Without yelling or shaming, he explains and encourages with patience and enthusiasm to help his students understand the “in and outs” and “how’s and why’s of sailing at any level. You will not be disappointed!

– Paul H | TripAdvisor
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"JT is an amazing Captain"

My husband and I had been looking for a company to learn to sail with. He is experienced and I am not. From the start the owner made everything seem so easy and seamless. We initially picked this company because we could study ahead and spend the time on the boat with practical things. Out captain JT was AMAZING and we will be using his again when we charter out next cruise. He allowed up ample hands on time and was very knowledgeable. If you did not comprehend something one way he explained it he was so patient and tried another approach. We adored him. Don't hesitate to use this company.

– Dee W | TripAdvisor
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"Outstanding"

We just completed an amazing sailing course with Go Sail Bahamas completing ASA 103, 104 &114. Captain Trevon and his first mate Stephanie were outstanding. Trevon’s knowledge and experience was exceptional as was his teaching ability. Stephanie provide first class food and assistance with procedures during our 7 day course. Also their company and off shore visits was very much appreciated and made for an enjoyable life time experience 👏👏

– Chris F | TripAdvisor