Quick Look Info With Boats & Prices
Basic Cruising / Bareboat Charter ~ Cruising Multihull ~ Advanced Coastal Cruising ~ Flotilla Monohull ~ Flotilla Multihull ~ Sail & Dive ~ No Experience Adventure
Women's Weeks Include All of the Above

Quick Jump To Course Info
Basic Cruising / Bareboat Charter ~ Cruising Multihull ~ Advanced Coastal Cruising ~ Flotilla Monohull ~ Flotilla Multihull ~ Sail & Dive ~ No Experience Adventure
Women's Weeks Include All of the Above

Catamaran Lying Off Sandy Cay, British Virgin Islands Snorkeling In Paradise Setting Sun Near The Indians

Photo Gallery

Northern Breezes Sailing School "School of The Year"

British Virgin Islands and Caribbean Learning Adventures

Northern Breezes Sailing School offers you an opportunity to do many different learning adventures as well as sail just for fun while participating at your chosen level. Earn your Basic Cruising and Bareboat Charter skipper certifications in one week in paradise. We offer everything from Basic Keelboat through Advanced Coastal Cruising including "Big Catamaran" Cruising Multihull. Our flotillas specialize in fun, although some of the offshore trips can be quite challenging. We also offer adventures which require no sailing experience, but welcome your participation. We even have a Sail & Dive option. You can sail as individuals, couples or as a family in which you have the whole boat! All of this in the world's most perfect winter cruising grounds - the British Virgin Islands.

As you learn and practice navigation, docking, anchoring and skippering skills we will stop in such places as The Baths to explore a beach of house-size boulders like none you've seen anywhere else; snorkel or dive the fabulous Wreck of the Rhone featured in the movie, The Deep; visit snorkel spots such as The Caves of Norman Island, setting for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. We will sail amongst giant sea turtles and dolphins, and enjoy idyllic palm-fringed beaches from the island of Jost Van Dyke to the tiny, perfect white sand islands of Sandy Cay and Green Cay.

You will return home with a tan, fantastic photos, lifelong memories, and bareboat charter skipper certification so that your next trip to the islands can be as skipper of your own chartered yacht.

"Women's Only" Learning Adventures
British Virgin Islands and Caribbean

The number of women learning to sail is greater than ever. Women comprise the fastest growing segment of sailors who skipper and race their own boats. The lure of sparkling blue water on a bright sunny day, along with the peace and tranquility of interacting with the forces of wind and nature to glide through sparkling water, has proven irresistible to many women sailors.

Besides learning to sail, more and more women are taking the additional step of learning to handle bigger boats. This empowers women to take a weekend away aboard their own self-contained floating utopia, interacting only with those they choose to bring along, the boat, and the forces of nature with emphasis on the wind.

"While my children were learning to sail I was too busy to do much sailing myself," commented a mother of adult children who was participating in a recent women-only sail training week in the Virgin Islands. Another participant at this event was recently widowed. She had always wanted to sail but her husband wasn’t interested. Within a year she had signed up and was on the water, experiencing her lifelong dream.

Many women who sail frequently choose the camaraderie of a women-only course to advance their skills. "I don’t get a chance to practice with my husband," noted one longtime cruiser, "because he already knows how to do everything well, so it doesn’t make sense for me to attempt it." This is a frequently seen situation among couples who sail, with the woman in charge of the galley, keeping everyone fed, while the husband is at the helm. But more and more couples are realizing the importance of boat handling skills on the part of the woman, so that there are two able sailors onboard, particularly in the event of "Man Overboard" or other emergencies.

"Women need permission to try new things," says Betsy Alison, five-time Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year. "Even I get pushed into the background. When I got onto a big Swan once, to crew a race, I asked what needed to be done. I got into my position and when a big tack came, a man stepped in and said, "I’ll take over for this." This happens to me all the time! I just have to keep saying, "No thanks, I’ve got it!"

Because women may be less confident about trying new skills, and often have different learning styles than men, working with all women classmates makes a world of difference in the skills women sailors come away with. And working with a female instructor shows women that they can handle any situation expertly using only female muscle groups.

All of our programs are available with women instructors. We are particularly proud of our senior woman instructor, Captain Gail Bowdish. When she is not sailing, she is an emergency room physician.
Meet Gail.

Women's Only Courses and Adventures: Request Info

Feb 17-24, Feb 24-Mar 3, Mar 3 - Mar 10 and Mar 10 - 17. Other Dates Available Call! 2010: Basic Cruising (BC) and Bareboat Charter Certification (BB) courses will be held in the British Virgin Islands aboard 40’-45’ cruising auxiliary sloops.
More course info. I'm Interested.

Feb 17 - 24: Full; It is possible to add a section.
Feb 24 - Mar 3 Sec A:
Full

Feb 24 - Mar 3 Sec B: Two Openings
Mar 3 - Mar 10: Four Openings
Mar 10 - Mar 17:
Four Openings

Other Dates Can Be Scheduled.
Inquire for 2010 or Lake Superior/Lake Michigan.

Apr 7 - Apr 16, 2010: Advanced Coastal Cruising Offshore: Tortola to Virgin Gorda to Anegada to St. Croix, USVI (Shakedown); Then St. Croix to Bonaire (375 NM).
*** Special Value Added: "Practical Celestial Navigation". No Celestial experience required! Have fun with the skies!
More course info. I'm Interested. (FULL)
Other Dates Can Be Scheduled.
Inquire for 2010 or Lake Superior/Lake Michigan.

Apr 17- 28, 2010: Advanced Coastal Cruising
Offshore: Bonaire to Ponce, Puerto Rico; Ponce to Spanish Virgin Islands; Spanish Virgin Islands to Tortola.
*** Special Value Added: "Practical Celestial Navigation". No Celestial experience required! Have fun with the skies!
More course info. I'm Interested. (One Opening)
Other Dates Can Be Scheduled.
Inquire for 2010 or Lake Superior/Lake Michigan.

Feb 24 - Mar 3, Mar 3 - 10, Mar 10 - 17, 2010: Cruising Multihull Certification Students sail aboard 42’ cruising catamarans. These are large vessels with two inboard diesels; friendly but powerful systems. They offer unique opportunities because of their size to spread the group and give people their space, sail flat and fast! These are stable snorkeling, swimming and diving platforms. Almost anyone can be "comfortable" on a cruising catamaran.
More course info. I'm Interested.

Feb 24 - Mar 3: (Cancelled)
Mar 3 - 10: (FULL)
Mar 10 - 17: (FULL)
Other Dates Can Be Scheduled.
Inquire for 2010 or Lake Superior/Lake Michigan.

Feb 17 - 24, Mar 28 - Apr 4, 2010: Flotilla Sailing on one of our boats is just for fun with an open itinerary. We skipper the boat and provide the cook. You enjoy yourself while having a sailing vacation, snorkeling, playing, etc. We poll the group to better meet your needs and expectations. While we are not necessarily teaching, we will coach you on almost any aspect and let you do almost anything in a participatory environment. Tell us in advance what toys you may want aboard. This trip is for fun! *Another Option: Charter your own boat with us and join the Flotilla.*
More adventure info. I'm Interested.

Feb 17 - 24: (Three Openings)
Mar 28 - Apr 4: (Six Openings)
Other Dates Can Be Scheduled.
Inquire for 2010 or Lake Superior/Lake Michigan.


Feb 24 - Mar 3, Mar 3 - 10, Mar 10 - 17, 2010: Sail and Dive utilizes big cruising catamarans. You do not need to be Cruising Multihull certified to participate. You also need not be a diver to be on the catamaran because we do not create "dive" widows. We poll the group to better meet your needs and expectations. Tell us in advance what toys you may want aboard. This trip is for fun!
More adventure info. I'm Interested.
Catamaran 42 Knot    See Related Sail & Dive Info

Feb 24 - Mar 3: (Cancelled)
Mar 3 - Mar 10:
(FULL)
Mar 10 - 17: (FULL)

Other Dates Can Be Scheduled.
Inquire for 2010 or Lake Superior. 

American Sailing Association Certifications
Vacation Sailing Cruises and Family & Friends Adventures

Basic Cruising / Bareboat Charter Certification

Request Info

Feb 17 - 24, Feb 24 - Mar 3, Mar 3 - 10, Mar 10 - 17, 2010. (Other dates can be scheduled). Basic Cruising (ASA 103) and Bareboat Charter Certification (ASA 104) courses will be held in the British Virgin Islands aboard 40’-45’ cruising auxiliary sloops. 

Basic Cruising students may complete 8 hours of shore school and written exam before the cruise (This is not mandatory, but reduces the test taking while on the boat).   Basic and Bareboat Charter Cruising skills will be taught onboard. Graduates will receive ASA Basic Cruising and/or ASA Bareboat Charter certification. The course length is one week and both the ASA 103 and ASA 104 certifications can be completed during this time frame.

Feb 17 - 24: Monohull, White Rose:(Full; It is possible to add a section.) White Rose
Feb 24 - Mar 3: Monohull, Sec A White Rose:
(FULL) White Rose
Feb 24 - Mar 3: Monohull, Sec B:
(Two Openings) White Rose
Mar 3 - 10: Monohull,
White Rose: (Four Openings) White Rose
Mar 10 - 17: Monohull, White Rose:
(Four Openings) White Rose

Other Dates Can Be Scheduled.
Inquire for 2010 or Lake Superior/Lake Michigan.

Other Scheduled Dates:

Jan 10 - Jan 15: Monohull, Beneteau 413: (Full)


Course Outline: Basic Cruising & Bareboat Chartering 
Photo Gallery  

Shore School in Minneapolis, MN (not mandatory): Boat Systems General, Battery, Basic Electrical, Basic Engine, Prop Walk, Sail Trim, Rules of the Road, Sound Signals, Buoys & Lights, VHF, Safety Systems, Heavy Weather Sailing, Written Exam. 

Onboard: Safety Orientation, Boat Systems, Reefing, Heaving to, Anchoring, Cruising Tips, Navigation, Galley Safety, Meal Planning/Preparation, Docking & Undocking, Setting Sails, Crew Overboard Drills, Chart Problems, Emergency Procedures, Dinghy Operation.

Boarding.
Board yacht on Wednesday afternoon at Pro-Valor Charters, Rodetown, Tortola. Set sail the next day after orientation. Learn cruising skills while living aboard. Arrive back in port the following Wednesday morning. Leave at noon.


Provided Each Week: All course textbooks, exams and certifications. Berth onboard, linens, towels, snorkeling gear, all breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner, beverages, evening tropical drink. Each boat has onboard cruising chef.

Not provided: Five dinners and one lunch ashore, extra beverages. Please bring beach towel, deck shoes, casual clothing for 80 degree average temperatures including rain gear and a light jacket for cool evenings.

Fees for ASA Basic Cruising & ASA Bareboat Chartering: $1,695 $1,495 single/shared cabin (includes 8-hour optional February shore school). $2,895 single/whole cabin. ASA Bareboat Chartering Only: $1,645. Non-student: $1,595. Couples' discount: $3,195 $2,895. ***Couple Definition: Two people who wish to share a cabin.***

Each boat has One Captain and One Cook unless families and friends want a different arrangement. We are flexible!

Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 60 days before class.  50% refund up to 30 days before class. 

No refund for cancellation 29 days prior to class, although we will try to work with you.

Cruising Multihull Certification

Request Info

Feb 24 - Mar 3, Mar 3 - 10, Mar 10 - 17, 2010: Students sail aboard 38’ - 42' Cruising Catamarans. These are large vessels with two inboard diesels, friendly but powerful systems. They offer unique opportunities because of their size to spread the group and give people their space, sail flat and fast! These are stable snorkeling, swimming and diving platforms. Almost anyone can be "comfortable" on a cruising catamaran.

Feb 24 - Mar 3: Multihull, Four-Two-Knot: (Cancelled) Catamaran Four-Two-Knot

Mar 3 - Mar 10: Multihull, Four-Two-Knot: (FULL) Catamaran Four-Two-Knot

Mar 10 - Mar 17: Multihull, Four-Two-Knot: (FULL) Catamaran Four-Two-Knot

Other Dates Can Be Scheduled.
Inquire for 2010 or Lake Superior.


Course Outline: Cruising Multihull

Onboard: Safety Orientation, Boat Systems, Reefing, Heaving to, Anchoring, Cruising Tips, Navigation, Galley Safety, Meal Planning/Preparation, Docking & Undocking, Setting Sails, Crew Overboard Drills, Chart Problems, Emergency Procedures, Dinghy Operation. Cruising Multihull students learn all aspects of skippering a cruising catamaran. Emphasis is placed on boat handling, safety, reefing and the differences between cruising catamarans and their systems from large monohulls.

Boarding. Board yacht on Wednesday afternoon at Pro-Valor Charters, Rodetown, Tortola. Set sail the next day after orientation. Learn cruising skills while living aboard. Arrive back in port the following Wednesday morning. Leave at noon.

Provided Each Week:
All course textbooks, exams and certifications. Berth onboard, linens, towels, snorkeling gear, all breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner, beverages, evening tropical drink. Each boat has onboard cruising chef.

Not provided: Five dinners and one lunch ashore, extra beverages. Please bring beach towel, deck shoes, casual clothing for 80 degree average temperatures including rain gear and a light jacket for cool evenings.

Fees for ASA Cruising Multihull: $1,795 $1,595 single/shared cabin. $2,995 single/whole cabin. Couples' discount $3,295 $2,995.  ***Couple Definition: Two people who wish to share a cabin.

Passenger Load Ratio is One Captain and One Cook to six participants on Catamarans! Any exceptions will be discussed in advance.
 

Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 60 days before class.  50% refund up to 30 days before class. 

No refund for cancellation 29 days prior to class, although we will try to work with you.



Advanced Coastal Cruising Offshore

Apr 7 - Apr 16, 2010: Advanced Coastal Cruising Offshore: Tortola to Virgin Gorda to Anegada to St. Croix, USVI (Shakedown); Then St. Croix to Bonaire (375 NM). Textbook supplied, "Annapolis Book of Seamanship."
*** Special Value Added: "Practical Celestial Navigation". No Celestial experience required! Have fun with the skies!
I'm Interested. (FULL)
Other Dates Can Be Scheduled.
Inquire for 2010 or Lake Superior/Lake Michigan.

Apr 17- 28, 2010: Advanced Coastal Cruising
Offshore: Bonaire to Ponce, Puerto Rico; Ponce to Spanish Virgin Islands; Spanish Virgin Islands to Tortola. Textbook supplied, "Annapolis Book of Seamanship."
*** Special Value Added: "Practical Celestial Navigation". No Celestial experience required! Have fun with the skies!

I'm Interested. (One Opening)
Inquire for 2010 or Lake Superior/Lake Michigan

Request Info

Course Outline: Advanced Coastal Cruising (Offshore):

Onboard: Advanced Coastal Cruising participants arrive in Tortola, British Virgins Islands on Wednesday which is a travel day. Sleep aboard your yacht on Wednesday night! Navigational assignments will have been assigned in advance. Precise itinerary is somewhat weather dependent.

More Onboard:
Safety Orientation, Boat Systems, Reefing, Heaving to, Anchoring, Cruising Tips, Navigation, Galley Safety, Meal Planning/Preparation Underway, Some Docking & Undocking, Sail Selection and Setting, Watch Standing, Night Crew Overboard Drills, Chart Problems, Emergency Procedures, Passages With Dinghy, Unfamiliar Approaches.

Boarding:
Board yacht on Wednesday late afternoon at Pro-Valor Charters, Rodetown, Tortola; or Bonaire (location to be announced). Set sail the next day after orientation. Learn Advanced Coastal Cruising (Offshore) cruising skills while living aboard. Arrive back in port the either April 16th in Bonaire or April 28 in Tortola. Leave at noon.


Provided Each Trip: All course textbooks, exams and certifications. Berth onboard, linens, towels, snorkeling gear, all breakfasts, most lunches, some dinners all underway meals, beverages, evening tropical drink (non-alcoholic underway). Each boat has onboard cruising chef. This may be slightly modified due to scheduled transits.

Not provided: Dinners and lunches ashore, extra beverages. Please bring beach towel, deck shoes, casual clothing for 80 degree average temperatures including rain gear and a light jacket or fleece for cool evenings. This may be slightly modified due to scheduled transits.

Fees for ASA (106) Advanced Coastal Cruising: $2,195 (ten days)/$2,395 (eleven days) single/shared cabin. $3,695 (ten days)/$3,995 (eleven days) single/whole cabin. Non-student: $2,095 (ten days)/$2,295 (eleven days). Couples' discount $3,995 (ten days)/ $4,295 (eleven days).

Each boat has One Captain and One Cook unless families and friends want a different arrangement. We are flexible!


Cancellation Policy:
Full refund up to 60 days before class.  50% refund up to 30 days before class. 

No refund for cancellation 29 days prior to class, although we will try to work with you.


Flotilla Sailing - No Experience Necessary!

Request Info

Feb 17 - 24, Mar 28 - Apr 3, 2010. Flotilla Sailing on one of our boats is just for fun with an open itinerary. We skipper the boat and provide the cook. You enjoy yourself while having a sailing vacation, snorkeling, playing, etc. We poll the group to better meet your needs and expectations. While we are not necessarily teaching, we will coach you on almost any aspect and let you do almost anything in a participatory environment. Tell us in advance what toys you may want aboard. This trip is for fun and to gain more sailing experiences!

Feb 17 - 24: Monohull, Beneteau 50.5, Buoyant Asset: (Three Openings)

Mar 28 - Apr 4: Monohull, Beneteau 50.5, Buoyant Asset: (Six Openings)

Other Dates Can Be Scheduled.
Inquire for 2010 or Lake Superior/Lake Michigan.

Onboard: Safety Orientation, Boat Systems, Galley Safety, Crew Overboard Drills, Chart Problems (Optional), Emergency Procedures, Dinghy Operation (Optional).

Boarding:
Board yacht on either Feb 17th or Mar 28th in the late afternoon at Pro-Valor Charters, Rodetown, Tortola. Set sail the next day after orientation. Arrive back in port the following Feb 24th or Apr 4th morning. Leave at noon.

Provided Each Week:
Berth onboard, linens, towels, snorkeling gear, all breakfasts, five lunches, one dinner, beverages, evening tropical drink. Each boat has onboard cruising chef.

Not provided: Five dinners and one lunch ashore, extra beverages. Please bring beach towel, deck shoes, casual clothing for 80 degree average temperatures including rain gear and a light jacket for cool evenings.

Fees for Flotilla Sailing Monohull:
$1,695 $1,495 single/shared cabin. $2,895 single/whole cabin. Couples' discounted price $3,195 $2,895. ***Couple Definition: Two people who wish to share a cabin.
***
 Photo Gallery

Fees for Flotilla Sailing Multihull:
$1,795 $1,595 single/shared cabin. $2,995 single/whole cabin. Couples' discount $3,295 $2,995.  ***Couple Definition: Two people who wish to share a cabin.
***
 Cat Weeks Gallery

Each boat has One Captain and One Cook unless families and friends want a different arrangement. We are flexible!
 

Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 60 days before class.  50% refund up to 30 days before class. 

No refund for cancellation 29 days prior to class, although we will try to work with you.


Sail & Dive

Request Info


Feb 24 - Mar 3, Mar 3 - 10, Mar 10 - 17,  2010
:
Sail and Dive utilizes big cruising catamarans. You do not need to be Cruising Multihull certified to participate. You also need not be a diver to be on the catamaran because we do not create "dive" widows. We poll the group to better meet your needs and expectations. Tell us in advance what toys you may want aboard. This trip is for fun and added experience both above and below the surface!

See Related Sail & Dive Info

Feb 24 - Mar 3: Multihull, Four-Two-Knot Cat: (Cancelled)

Mar 3 - 10: Multihull, Four-Two-Knot Cat: (FULL)

Mar 10 - 17: Multihull, Four-Two-Knot Cat: (FULL)

Other Multihull Dates Can Be Scheduled.

Onboard:
Safety Orientation, Boat Systems, Galley Safety, Crew Overboard Drills, Chart Problems (Optional), Emergency Procedures, Dinghy Operation (Optional).

Boarding:
Board yacht on Wednesday afternoon at Pro-Valor Charters, Rodetown, Tortola. Set sail the next day after orientation. Arrive back in port the following Wednesday morning. Leave at noon.

Provided Each Week:
Berth onboard, linens, towels, snorkeling gear, all breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner, beverages, evening tropical drink. Each boat has onboard cruising chef.

Not provided: Five dinners and one lunch ashore, extra beverages. Please bring beach towel, deck shoes, casual clothing for 80 degree average temperatures including rain gear and a light jacket for cool evenings.

Fees for Sail & Dive Multihull:
$1,795 single/shared cabin. $2,995 single/whole cabin. Couples' discount $3,295. ***Couple Definition: Two people who wish to share a cabin.*** Divers add $125 for tanks & air.

Each boat has One Captain and One Cook unless families and friends want a different arrangement. We are flexible!

Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 60 days before class.  50% refund up to 30 days before class. 

No refund for cancellation 29 days prior to class, although we will try to work with you.

Instructors are ASA-certified, USCG-licensed captains.

No prerequisites for non-student participants or auditors.

Fees Summary

ASA (103) Basic Cruising & ASA (104) Bareboat Chartering:
$1,695 $1,495 single/shared cabin (includes 8-hour optional January shore school).
Single/whole cabin: $2,895.
Bareboat Chartering Only: $1,645.
Couples' Discount: $3,195 (Two people who wish to share a cabin.)
$2,895
Non-student Auditor: $1,595 .

ASA (114) Cruising Multihull: $1,795 $1,595 single/shared cabin.
Single/whole cabin: $2,995.

Couples' Discount: $3,295 (Two people who wish to share a cabin.) $2,995
Non-student Auditor: $1,695.

Flotilla Monohull: $1,695 $1,495 single/shared cabin.
Single/whole cabin: $2,895.

Couples' Discount: $3,195 (Two people who wish to share a cabin.) $2,895

Flotilla Multihull: $1,795 $1,595 single/shared cabin.
Single/whole cabin: $2,995.

Couples' Discount: $3,295 (Two people who wish to share a cabin.) $2,995

Sail & Dive: $1,795 $1,595 single/shared cabin. (Divers: $125 per person for tank & air)
Single/whole cabin: $2,995.
(Divers: $125 per person for tank & air)
Couples' Discount: $3,295 (Two people who wish to share a cabin.  Divers: $125 per person for tank & air) $2,995

ASA (106) Advanced Coastal Cruising (Apr 7 - 16): $2,195 single/shared cabin.
Single/whole cabin: $3,695.

Advanced Coastal Cruising (Apr 7 - 16 Couples' Discount): $3,995.
Non-student Auditor: $2,095.

ASA (106) Advanced Coastal Cruising (Apr 17 - 28): $2,395 single/shared cabin.
Single/whole cabin: $3,995.

Advanced Coastal Cruising (Apr 17 - 28 Couples' Discount): $4,295.
Non-student Auditor: $2,295.

Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 60 days before class.  50% refund up to 30 days before class. 

No refund for cancellation 29 days prior to class, although we will try to work with you.

ASA Prerequisites:

All Flotilla Sailing, Auditing and Sail & Dive: No prerequisites!
For Basic Cruising:
Basic Keelboat or Equivalent (Call for Interview). 
For Bareboat Charter:
Basic Cruising.
For Cruising Multihull:
Bareboat Charter
For Advanced Coastal Cruising: Bareboat Charter & Coastal Navigation.
If diving:
Diving Certification. Call for info.

(Qualified students may challenge ASA certifications. Call for details.) 

asalogo.jpg (20761 bytes)

Northern Breezes Sailing School
3949 Winnetka Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN  55427
Call For Free Brochure (763) 542-9707

American Sailing Association Sailing School

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I am most interested in...

Basic Coastal Cruising / Bareboat Charter
Advanced Coastal Cruising Offshore
Cruising Multihull Course
Women's Weeks: Flotilla, ACC, Vacation Courses
Flotilla Monohull
Flotilla Multihull
Sail & Dive

 


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