How to Sail to the Caribbean

Sailing is a popular sport that provides excitement, invigoration, relaxation, and challenge to people all over the world. The Caribbean is a popular destination for sailors. There are several types of sailing boats including small boats, keel boats, windsurfers, and multiple hull boats. Any one of these is appropriate for a beginner to sail to the Caribbean. Sailing to the Caribbean provides an exhilarating, tropical journey filled with adventure.

Things You'll Need

  • Sailboat Wind indicator Compass Anchor
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Instructions

  1. How to Sail to the Caribbean

    • 1

      Plan your trip. Decide which Caribbean country is your destination, whether it's the Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad, the British Virgin Isles or another.

    • 2

      Reserve a slip at a Caribbean marina to dock your boat at upon arrival.

    • 3

      Perform a visual check of all rigging. Check to ensure that all ropes are straight. Make sure they are not wrapped around each other, and pull all winches and cleats out of them.

    • 4

      Point the boat into the wind and hoist the mainsail by pulling down on its halyard. Tie it off to secure it.

    • 5

      Raise the front sail by pulling down on its halyard, and tie it off.

    • 6

      Turn the boat to the port (left) and starboard (right) side accordingly sailing into the wind. This is usually about 45 degrees to the wind on most boats.

    • 7

      Watch your wind indicator. This will help you determine in which direction the wind is blowing and in which direction to steer the boat. Consult your compass as well to make sure you stay on track. If sailing to the Caribbean from the United States, make sure you err to the Southeast.

    • 8

      Turn the boat abruptly across the wind when you reach your destination. Untie the masts and lay port.

    • 9

      Dock your boat at a Caribbean marina by backing into a slip and dropping the anchor.

    • 10

      Exchange your currency for the Eastern Caribbean dollar, the Barbadian dollar, Euros, British pounds or another currency, depending upon your Caribbean country of destination.