Shoutout to Belize Sailing Vacations

Posted by -Snappy@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 8 comments

First off, I have no affiliation to the company. Since I struggled to find where we would do our next ASA courses, I want to share my experience with BSV so it may possibly help others.

When I booked online, which required full payment 2 months prior to the vacation, I was lowkey concerned I was getting scammed and would arrive in Belize to an empty dock. Boy was I blown away with the entire package. We did 103 and 104 on a 50' lagoon, living aboard for 6 nights with all meals, instruction and even alcohol included. The instructor was a real passionate of sailing and genuinely enjoyed teaching it. The first mate was cooking and cleaning around the clock and a great cook too. The boat only had 4 cabins, so only 6 guests max + 2 crew, so far from being overcrowded.

The price was more than fair, particularly when compared to BVI and USVI. They arranged pick up from airport and made everything very simple and easy. There were some snorkeling and other activities included to break the days of learning.

Anyways, I hope this post helps someone else enjoy their ASA as much as we did. Our 101 was in SF Bay, and comparatively expensive since it didn't include food and room.

PS: picture is of another cat, taken from the boat we were on.

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Laksh_Reg@reddit

I just finished a trip on Belize sailing vacation. I was trying to get my ASA 105 and 106. If you want a nice charter trip to do some island hopping and snorkeling then the trip is for you. The chef on board cooks fantastic meals. Everyone gets their own cabin and restroom on the catamaran. If you get nice skipper and crew you’re golden.

But if you want to do some serious sail lessons then you’re better off learning sail in your local sailing school with a rigorous curriculum. To really learn sailing you need to practice maneuvers diligently. ASA learn to sail vacations are a joke. I thought the experience would be more immersive like a boot camp. It was very light. Two other students were doing the 103 and 104 on the ship. No man over board maneuvers. Besides anchoring we barely practiced any of the other skills. At 106 level I was hoping to do some night sailing. The skipper told us early on it’s not safe to do it in Belize. Overall I felt it was underwhelming. Sorry I do not recommend this for learning to sail. My local sail school in Northern California has a much more rigorous program.

TurnoverArtistic4912@reddit

Find the place that fits your needs. The dates are secondary.

These reviews really make me happy. I'm booked with then for next March and am more excited for that trip than I am for going to iceland in 8 days.

DrHippogriff@reddit

Did you eventually go with them and how was it? I’m considering them, but a bit worried that they have more students than other similar programs.

Yes. I just got off the catamaran on the 13th. I had a fantastic time learning ASA101 & 103. The captain was an outstanding teacher with decades of experience. The first mate was Belizean and an excellent chef. She used local fresh ingredients and cooked for 3 of us with gluten allergies. We sailed 145 miles in the week. I had a couple other student crew members , one of which was an experienced sailor taking more classes, his wife was there to learn so that she could assist him on a barefoot rental. The other student had a friend along that wasn't taking the class. With the captain, first mate, myself, there were 7 people on the boat but it never felt crowded except for when we were sharing laughs.

I would recommend this program for anyone wanting to learn to sail in a great place.

I want return home and sign up for more now.

Thanks! I’m debating between a couple of schools, and they are definitely on the cheaper side and I find Belize a bit more interesting than USVI/BVI. I was a bit concerned that they allow more students than other schools (up to 8 seems like).

Hi,

My friend and I are considering the learn to sail vacation in Belize through the same school. We have sailed mostly in Northern California. Any comments on the sailing conditions in Belize in the month of May? What would be the best time to sail in Belize that would mimic conditions of Nothern California.

Regards,

Lakshmi

inb4you@reddit

We've done the sailing instruction trip with them as well and can highly recommend it. We didn't know if we'd like living on a sailboat, but by the end, we never wanted to leave. Have taken several courses with them and had a fantastic experience each time.