Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

Private Sailing Courses

Receive your ASA International Bareboat Sailing Certification (IPC) during a weeklong, private Bahamas sailing course!

Learn To Sail exclusively with your favorite people—friends, family, or both! There’s nothing quite like bonding over sunsets, sails, and shared victories at sea. Each student on Go Sail’s private sailing courses earns their American Sailing certifications and their International Proficiency Certificate (IPC). It’s the best way to become officially ready to cruise internationally!

American Sailing logo horizontal

The benefits of private sailing courses in the Bahamas

With our private sailing courses in the Bahamas it’s your crew, your course, your adventure! Go Sail’s private sailing courses are ideal for families and friends looking to sail together in a fun, relaxed, and personalized environment. Private sailing courses offer flexible scheduling, customized instruction, and the chance to build confidence as a team. Once you receive your ASA certifications together you can enjoy future bareboating endeavors as a group for years to come!

a man standing in front of a boat next to a body of water

Sailing on your terms

Slow down, unplug, and take a relaxed, laughter-filled approach to learning—this is sailing on your terms, with your crew, in Bahamas paradise. Whether you’re working seamlessly as a team or cheering each other on in learning new skills, you’ll improve communication, deepen connections, and create unforgettable memories—all while becoming confident and capable American Sailing certified sailors.

The details of our private ASA sailing courses

During your private sailing courses in the Bahamas, you’ll earn all the ASA certifications needed to qualify for your International Proficiency Certificate (IPC)—your ticket to chartering sailboats around the globe:

  • ASA 101: Keelboat Sailing
  • ASA 103: Coastal Cruising
  • ASA 104: Bareboat Cruising
  • ASA 114: Cruising Catamaran

On a private sailing course you can choose to skip any certifications you’ve already earned. If you’ve already mastered all of these Series 1 courses, keep the momentum going by exploring our advanced sailing course series with Go Sail Bahamas. There’s always another horizon waiting!

a close up of many different things in it

Topics covered on your private sailing courses

    • Sailing skills: Gain confidence tacking, jibing, heaving-to, and taking the helm at your own pace.
    • Sailing communication skills: When you’re sailing with just your friends or family, you’ll have the space, time, and trust to fully engage with the boat—and with each other. Our “no yelling” approach to teaching sailing encourages positive communication that builds smooth crew dynamics and great sailing partnerships!
    • Personal one-on-one coaching: Our award-winning ASA sailing instructors will provide you with customized sailing instruction. Every lesson is tailored to your experience, your learning style, and your sailing goals. You’ll get more hands-on time and more attention—no competing for the helm or waiting your turn.
    • Weather forecasting: Discover the most reliable sources for sailing weather information and determine safe sailing conditions with the help of your knowledgeable ASA instructor.
    • Sailing safety equipment: Learn about the gear that keeps you safe at sea, and exactly where it’s located on your boat.
    • Boat systems: Understand the inner workings of your boat’s systems (like the electrical panel, water maker, desalinator, A/C, fridge, and generator) so you can troubleshoot with confidence.
    • Anchoring and mooring a sailboat: Practice anchoring and mooring with the dedicated guidance of your ASA instructor—no spectators, no pressure. You’ll get all the hands-on time you need to feel confident and capable by the end of your trip. (And don’t worry—Go Sail will dock the boat for you before and after your course).

Go Sail’s premium ASA courses feature 2020-2025 Lagoon or Fountaine Pajot sailboats, between 42-46 feet long. These luxury sailboats are the gold standard for friends and family travelers. A premium course with a Abaco Islands Bahamas sailing itinerary is the ideal way to learn to sail for friends and family. 

Our ASA bareboat chartering courses feature customized, hands-on skill building activities for you to learn to sail. Your sailing 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

Already own a boat or have a bareboat charter booked? Great! Call us to inquire about having one of our amazing ASA instructors join you on board for 7 days of private ASA instruction. By the end of your trip you’ll have earned your International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) and received any necessary sea time forms. You can choose between taking ASA Series 1 courses (ASA 101, ASA 103, ASA 104, and ASA 114) or the advanced ASA Series 2 courses (ASA 106, ASA 114).

Learn More