Sailing Lush
4-Day Liveaboard Institute
Is this right for me?
Our 4-Day Liveaboard Institute is perfect for folks who are starting their sailing journeys or who are considering the liveaboard cruising lifestyle for themselves. Unlike other sailing schools, Sailing Lush is based in Caribbean cruising hotspots. You'll not only learn the ropes, but you'll also learn the liveaboard culture. You'll spend your days refining the skills you'll need to run and live on your own boat, and your nights will be spent swapping salty stories with fellow sailors from around the world.
You won't find any drill sergeants here! At Sailing Lush, we believe that the ocean is home to everyone. For too long sailing has been an exclusive club, and entry can feel impossible and intimidating. We aim to fix that. We specialize in teaching to all body types and ability levels, and we honor your desire to learn - not our egos as teachers.
We host a new cohort of Liveaboard Institute students each month. If you are interested in a class listed below, reach out to our team for exact dates.
Locations are as follows*:
January - Abacos, Bahamas
February - Eleuthera, Bahamas
March - Nassau, Bahamas
April - TBD Bahamas
May - TBD Bahamas or Florida Keys
*future locations TBD
What will I learn?
Our unique curriculum is designed to give you the necessary elements to not only sail but to run your own boat, either as Captain, Mate or Admiral!
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01/ Weather Basics: "Why can’t we sail there?" How wind works and cruiser’s favorite forecasting tools.
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02/ Navigation: Using digital and paper charts, common cruising routes, navigating with nature in mind.
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03/ Points of Sail: How to fill the sails and configure for safe cruising.
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04/ Sailing with your body: Hands-on experience tacking, gybing, raising and flaking sails with modifications for all body types and ability levels.
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05/ Conflict-Free Anchoring: Communication and anchoring techniques and a conversation on gear and safe anchorage identification.
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06/ Diesel Mechanics: Introduction to the “Iron Sail” with basic operation and maintenance as well as troubleshooting.
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07/ Do the Dinghy: Outboard engine basics, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
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08/ VHF Operation: When and how to use the ship’s radio, emergency calls, cruiser’s etiquette.
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09/ Cruising Safely: Vessel safety and travel safety. Knowing local culture and solid solo travel tips.
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10/ Cruising Culture: The ups and downs of this lifestyle and real experience with fellow Caribbean Cruisers.
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 Institute is $2000 for the en-suite Queen Stateroom, $1500 for the en-suite queen-sized V-berth, and $1000 for a salon berth. Folks who are willing to share a bed with one another can book the private cabins for $900 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 Bahamas and 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.
Accreditation
Like every sailing school, Sailing Lush is self accredited. Our curriculum is tailor-made by, and for, liveaboard cruisers and can't be found in any traditional sailing schools. Also unlike other sailing schools, we are happy to custom build curriculum to fit your needs. You'll get a personal call from your instructor prior to departure to assess your needs and learning goals.
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.