There’s a quiet thrill that comes from learning to sail on Caribbean waters. The sun is warm, the wind steady, and the horizon is wide open. Now, guests of Jumby Bay Island have the rare opportunity to do more than just experience it — they can become part of a legacy.
Through a new partnership with the National Sailing Academy, families can take part in an exclusive program that blends hands-on sailing instruction with a meaningful contribution to Antigua’s maritime heritage. Against the backdrop of crystalline waters and steady trade winds, participants learn the craft from certified local instructors while directly supporting the island’s next generation of sailors.
Frederic Vidal, Managing Director of Jumby Bay Island, calls it “the evolution of luxury travel with the new generation learning the art of harvesting the wind,” he told Caribbean Journal.
A Vision Born From Passion
The story of the National Sailing Academy begins with one woman and a single crossing. In 1999, Elizabeth Jordan sailed from the UK to Antigua for what she thought would be a short three-month adventure. It became a calling.
As Commodore of the island’s yacht club, Jordan saw a gap that couldn’t be ignored. Though Antigua was surrounded by some of the world’s best sailing waters, young Antiguans were often excluded from maritime opportunities. So she created a program that removed every barrier — offering completely free sailing instruction to local youth.
Today, that vision has transformed the island’s sailing landscape. “Our mission extends beyond teaching sailing techniques,” Jordan explains. “We are opening doorways to the maritime world through our complimentary programs. By employing local Antiguans as instructors, we are nurturing homegrown talent and ensuring our young sailors learn from mentors who understand their journey firsthand.”
A Meaningful Marine Experience
This isn’t a casual afternoon on the water. It’s a five-day course crafted to Royal Yachting Association standards, taught by seasoned Antiguan instructors. Every clinic helps fund free sailing education for local children, linking every tack and gybe to something bigger.
Young sailors ages 7 to 12 start in the Optimist class, learning the fundamentals in single-handed boats in calm, protected waters. Older youth, ages 13 to 16, step into the Zest class, where more advanced techniques come to life under expert guidance.
With small class sizes and limited weekly availability, the program ensures each participant gets personal attention and a true sense of place. Families often leave with more than new skills — they leave connected to Antigua’s maritime story.
Dates and Booking
Sailing clinics are available on select weeks throughout 2025 and 2026, with pricing at $700 per participant. Spots are limited, ensuring a personalized experience and genuine cultural connection.
Upcoming Dates Include:
November 24–28, December 15–19, and December 26–30, 2025; January 12–16, March 9–April 3, and June–July sessions in 2026, with additional dates scheduled into December 2026.
Guy Britton
2025-10-28 20:38:00