Sailing Lush
Island Hopping
Is this right for me?
Island hopping can be the next step in your journey to becoming a full time liveaboard, or it can be a vacation to remember! We'll make short daysail passages and check out new islands. Expect navigation discussions over morning coffee, engine checks after breakfast then gorgeous Caribbean sails to unexplored islands where we'll cook dinner on an open bonfire.
Island hopping is perfect for the adventurous traveler who can roll with the punches.
Trips are approximately 7 days long and are based in the Bahamas. Contact us and our logistics team will work with you to get you on board!
What will I learn?
Island hopping offers a glimpse into the real world of liveaboard cruising. That means that the curriculum will be less formal than that of our Liveboard Institute, though we'll cover as much as we can from the Liveaboard Institute. ​
An island hopping experience will give you the change to learn skills and immediately put them into action. We'll be navigating and checking weather, monitoring the anchor and dealing with whatever the ocean throws at us in real time. You will be a valuable member of the team and your ability to make decisions will be welcomed and valued!
Instructor
Victoria is the owner and captain of S/V Lush as well as the lead instructor of Sailing Lush, LLC. She's been a full time liveaboard for seven years and has cruised most of the Caribbean aboard many different vessels.
S/V Lush is a fully quipped 1982 Irwin 41 with all the modern amenities. She features two queen-sized private en suite cabins, two salon berths, hot water, central air and heat and updated safety equipment.
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Cost
The cost of the 7-day island hopping package is $2500 for the en-suite Queen Stateroom, $2000 for the en-suite queen-sized V-berth, and $1500 for a salon berth. Folks who are willing to share a bed with one another can book the private cabins for $1200 per person.
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50% of the cost is due at the time of booking and the other 50% is due two weeks before the journey begins.
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The entirety of this course happens on the water in the Caribbean. Even our classroom work will be held in the cockpit over breakfast.
We believe in making the ocean open and accessible to all. If you are a non-profit/ NGO worker or a member of a population presently underrepresented in the sailing world, please contact us via this website for pay-what-you-can schemes and schedules.
Accommodation
You'll be staying onboard S/V Lush, a 1982 Irwin Ketch-Cutter with all the modern amenities. Meals are communal; don't be surprised to be asked to cut veggies or pour the coffee - we are a team! Dietary restrictions and unique needs are met to the best of our ability, but do note that some accommodations are not possible in our more remote anchorages. I've been looking for gluten free bread for a month to no avail!
Your sleeping quarters comes with linens and fresh towels.
What should I bring?
We will be out on the water every day that weather permits! That means lots of SUN. Even when the clouds pay us a visit down here in the Caribbean, the UV index can be significantly higher than in the States. Plan accordingly! We recommend the following:
1. Sunscreen! Please avoid the spray-on type as it leaves the boat slippery. (Amazon)
2. Long sleeved shirt. The lighter and airier the better. (Amazon)
3. Sun hat. I love straw sunhats, but anything with a chin strap will do. (Amazon)
4. Sunglasses. Polarized are best, but not mandatory. (Amazon)
5. Soft suitcase/ bag. Your luggage will need to be stowed once you get onboard and storage is in high demand! (Amazon)
Feel free to consult with our team on what kind of clothes to bring, food you can or can't find here etc. We are here to help!
Cancellation Policy
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ALL cancellations will incur a 3% charge to cover processing fees plus a $50 admin charge for all instances below.
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If a participant cancels 60 or more days before first day of event they will receive 100% refund of payment.​ (Ex: If $1000 is paid, $970 would refunded).
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If a participant cancels within 30-60 days before first day of event they will receive a 50% refund of the deposit amount. (Ex: If $1000 is paid, $500 would be refunded).
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If a participant cancels within 14-29 days from first day of event they will receive a 50% refund of payment if they are paid in full, and no refund will be issued if only deposit has been paid.
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If a participant cancels within 14 days of event, no refund will be issued.