British Virgin Islands
february 2026
Sailing out of Tortola, the British Virgin Islands is celebrated as one of the prime cruising destinations in the Caribbean, with consistent trade winds, pleasant temperatures, and an ideal combination of short and long passages. The dramatic hillsides are adorned with lush greenery, while the crystal-clear turquoise waters invite exploration and adventure. To the east lies the famous Virgin Gorda, with its iconic Baths serving as a unique highlight of the archipelago. The vibrant coral reefs around the many islands are known for exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities, drawing water sports enthusiasts from around the globe.
Each day we drop our mooring balls, set our sails, and embark on our next adventure. Afternoons can be spent leisurely enjoying the sun, swimming, snorkeling, or visiting the British Virgin Island’s famous beach bars, where the parties never stop! As the sun sets, crews have the option to prepare dinner on board or dine at local restaurants, and the flotilla comes together for social gatherings. You’ll encounter fellow sailors from across the world who share a love for exploration and camaraderie in a laid-back, inviting environment. No prior sailing experience is required.
The flotilla will explore the stunning waters of the British Virgin Islands, the cruising capital of the world! Our sail will include stops at several beautiful anchorages offering the best of the BVIs famous beaches and local hospitality. Click the ‘learn more’ button at the top of the page for a detailed itinerary. Please note the sailing itinerary is subject to change right up to and during the sail based on weather and sea conditions.
Where
When
Our sailing adventure begins February 21st, 2026 and lasts for one week. You'll spend seven nights aboard your vessel (Saturday to Saturday). A hotel stay either side of the sail is optional should you wish to start your adventure early or continue exploring the Caribbean after we return the boats.
Travel
We begin our sail at Wickham’s Cay Marina, located in Road Town on the south coast of Tortola. You get there by flying to Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island, or flying to St Thomas (STT) in the US Virgin Islands and taking the ferry to Road Town on Tortola. All travel from the US will require at least one connection before arriving in Tortola. All crew must schedule travel to ensure being on-sight at the marina by early afternoon on February 21st, 2026. Most crews arrive the day before to take the stress out of their travel.
Who
This trip is open to anyone who has found or is yet to discover their love of sailing and adventure! DC's sailing and boating community are particularly encouraged to join us and may invite friends and family members. Sailors interested in advancing their training have a unique opportunity to attain ASA certification as a part of this flotilla. You must be easy going and drama free! DC Sailing Community skippers have the right to refuse crew for any reason.
Boats
We have 10 Robertson & Caine Leopard catamarans booked for this flotilla, all chartered through The Moorings and Sunsail. All boats offer excellent sailing characteristics with a high degree of space and comfort. Boats and skippers.
Registration and Costs
All ten boats booked for this flotilla are Tier 1 catamarans, ranging from 6 berths up to 10 berths depending on the size of the boat. All cabins are double occupancy, meaning two berths per cabin. A deposit or payment in full books your berth on a boat. Provisioning and mooring/park fees incurred during the sail are split among the crew of each boat. You are responsible for your own travel and insurance costs. Sailors interested in ASA certification have an additional fee.
Tier 1 Fee - $2443 per person
See below for additional payment disclosures.
ASA Training (Sold out)
We are pleased to offer those wishing to further their sailing education a fantastic opportunity to attain certification to the America Sailing standard for Coastal Cruising (ASA 103), Bareboat Chartering (ASA 104) and Cruising Catamaran (ASA 114), in partnership with Chronic Sailing of Annapolis. You may sign up for one of the three courses offered or combine the 103 and 104 courses, or the 104 and 114 courses. The practical element of the course will be taught during the week we are sailing in the BVI, while at the same time allowing you to enjoy the thrills and camaraderie of the flotilla. Your instructor is deeply knowledgeable and holds all applicable ASA Instructor qualifications. ASA training is an additional cost to the berth fee and varies by course or combination of courses. Indicate when you register for the flotilla which courses you wish to take and we will respond with guidance on the fees involved.
DC Sailing Community, at it’s sole discretion, reserves the right to remove participants from the flotilla for any reason.
-
Payments Non-refundable
Berth payments are non-refundable, whether paid in full or as a deposit, unless another person is found to take your spot. Berth fees are calculated based on the total cost of all boats within a specific Tier divided by the total number of double occupancy cabin berths in that Tier, so that everybody within a Tier pays the same to join the flotilla (excludes Skippers), subject to discounts offered at DC Sailing Community’s discretion.
Additional Crew
Any additional crew added by a Skipper that exceeds the advertised number of berths available on a given boat are added at the Skippers sole discretion and DC Sailing Community bears no responsibility for the additional crew management that may be required or higher crew expenses that may be incurred as a result. The per person cost for additional crew remains as originally calculated for the advertised available berths.
Boat Cancellations
If multiple boats are cancelled for any reason and we are unable to sail, refunds are not typically issued by the charter company except under extreme circumstances. If such circumstances arise and the charter company refunds the costs of the boats, refunds to crew will be applied based on the same average cost model, less handling fees. If we need to replace the boats with those from another vendor for any reason, and the total cost is cheaper, partial refunds will be calculated based on the same average cost model, with no exceptions. If the trip is cancelled by the charter company and refunds are not issued, monies paid will be held by the charter company and used for a future charter. Each crew member will have first refusal on that next charter. If a crew member is not able to attend a credited charter they will be refunded only when another sailor is found to take his/her place. These terms are applied equally across the flotilla fleet. Registering for the flotilla constitutes acceptance of these terms.
-
Last Updated June 24th, 2025
All participants are strongly encouraged to be fully up-to-date in having received the Covid-19 vaccine and boosters. While we no longer require proof of vaccination, local requirements at our destination may still do so.
Covid-19 can still be a quickly changing situation. We are subject to whatever restrictions or precautions are in place at the time of departure, which are impossible to predict today.
Note that the berth fee is non-refundable, as has always been the case. The policy remains that refunds can only be issued if another sailor can take your place. If we have to cancel the entire trip, for Covid-19 or any other reason, each participant will have first option to join the next subsequent Flotilla. If they are unable to do that they will be refunded their money if another crew member takes his/her place on that next trip.
The charter companies do not issue refunds except in very rare cases. Usually only credit or a re-booking is offered. Therefore DC Sailing Community can only offer the same terms.
You are strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance that includes Covid-19 coverage, for cancellation of flights, medical emergency, etc. DC Sailing Community does not provide travel insurance.
Each person that signs up for a sailing charter does so according to their own risk tolerance. DC Sailing Community cannot be held liable for illness picked up in traveling to, from, or during a trip. Whether that's Covid-19, Dengue, Zika, or other infectious diseases that may be prevalent in our cruising grounds.
DC Sailing Community charters its boats exclusively from The Moorings and Sunsail, subject to availability for our chosen location and dates.
