Testimonials
What our Students say
What our Team Says
As Founder/Director, I have been very fortunate to have been around wonderful people for many years: staff who are committed to guiding our teens through responsibilities and achievements to be proud of, students who have successfully taken on new challenges with their willingness to stretch themselves, and especially our leadership staff who offer support, experience and wisdom to all. My role is to help set the stage for everyone to thrive and excel – learning how teamwork is so powerful, experiencing the satisfaction of extending yourself, and becoming part of a new family that can help encourage future connections with important people in our lives.
And how lucky we are! The BVI is magical with its waters, islands, and people welcoming us with open arms. We’re at home sailing on our yachts, in a new-found paradise.
I’ve been with Sail Caribbean for nearly ten seasons, and I currently serve as the Director of Sailing. In this role, I oversee the daily operations of our programs, staff development, and risk management. I’m also an ASA-certified instructor, and whenever I get a free moment, you’ll usually find me either out sailing or zipping around in one of the RIBs. I’ve been working on and around the water since I was young — one of my very first jobs was teaching sailing. Out of all the programs I’ve been a part of, Sail Caribbean stands out because of how deeply we trust and empower our students. From day one, they take the helm. Our staff act more like driver’s ed instructors — we’re there with a hand on the brake, but it’s the students who are steering the boat.
It’s truly incredible to watch how much growth happens during their time with us. The independence, teamwork, and confidence they gain by taking full responsibility for a sailing vessel is both powerful and inspiring — especially in today’s world.
I was a student at Sail Caribbean for two summers and have now been part of our staff team for six years. I started as a Provisions Manager, then became a Program Director, and currently serve as our Head of Family Relations.
What makes Sail Caribbean incredibly special to me is the strong, multi-generational community we’ve built. My mom, aunt, and uncles worked with SC back in the ’80s and ’90s, so I’ve felt connected to this place and our mission for quite a long time. During my first summer working on staff, I met a group of new staff (now close friends) whose parents had worked alongside mine. Today, it’s incredibly meaningful to see new students and staff joining us with similar family stories. Sail Caribbean has a way of creating lifelong friendships and unforgettable experiences. It’s been so rewarding to continue sharing that with past, current, and new SC families.
I’m the Head of Marketing & Community Service at Sail Caribbean, where I’ve been working for the past three years. Before that, I spent ten years as a camper in Minnesota and another four on staff—so it’s safe to say I’m a lifelong summer camp enthusiast.
Camp has played a huge role in shaping who I am today, offering the space to grow, explore independence, and build confidence. At Sail Caribbean, students experience that same growth while also immersing themselves in new cultures, environments, and unforgettable adventures. From everyday responsibilities like picking up a mooring ball or cooking lunch to taking full command of the vessel on Challenge Day, Sail Caribbean creates an environment where teenagers can grow tremendously in just 2 to 3 weeks. I’m incredibly honored to be part of this family and to witness our students discover the same sense of independence that shaped my own camp experience at their age.
What the parents say
The opportunity to engage in sailing, diving, and marine biology was unmatched by other programs. Sail Caribbean’s communication was prompt, professional, and reassuring.
It turned out to be a wonderful experience for my son. He was the youngest person in his session but nevertheless felt like a part of the group. He gained confidence and experiences he will never forget. In the months between signing him up and his session, I met people (around my age) who had been to Sail Caribbean in their youth. The longevity of the program is certainly a testament to its quality.
“When I picked Claire up at the end of the program, I asked, “Was it everything you hoped it would be?” and she responded, “YES” without hesitation! Coming from a small Midwestern town, she was concerned about fitting in and making friends. When I asked her about that, she said the other participants were the nicest people she had ever met, and that the past two weeks had been by far the most fun she had ever had! We bought a map of the Virgin Islands and marked every island and dive site she visited. The map is framed and hanging on her bedroom wall.”
When I think of Sail Caribbean I think of all the amazing people I met that I might have never met otherwise.
“I would highly recommend Sail Caribbean to anyone whose child is looking for a unique, adventurous experience. The bonding that happens when teens live together on a boat is unmatched. My daughter has made lifelong friends!”
Our son had the time of his life; he made so many friends and will cherish these memories forever.