What is a Sailing Liveaboard Learn To Sail Experience?
Set sail on a transformative journey like no other, where the horizon becomes your playground, and the winds carry whispers of freedom.
Welcome to our Sailing Liveaboard Experience, an invigorating week-long adventure designed to unlock the wonders of living aboard and sailing the seas.
Imagine waking up to the gentle sway of the waves, with endless possibilities stretching before you.
As the sun bathes the deck in golden hues, you embark on a voyage of discovery guided by your captain, a seasoned sailor and a passionate teacher. From the moment you step aboard, you'll be enveloped in an atmosphere of excitement, camaraderie, and the unmistakable allure of the open waters.
This is not your ordinary couple or family getaway!
It's an opportunity to delve into the heart of the sailing lifestyle. You'll learn the ropes of seamanship, master the art of maneuvering a beautiful sailboat, and navigate with confidence through sparkling azure waters. (Don't worry - you'll never be pushed into doing something you don't want to do).
Your captain will share his wealth of knowledge and teach you invaluable skills such as setting sails, planning passages, forecasting the weather, and finding the perfect anchorage to drop anchor.
Our Liveaboard Experience is more than just a learn-to-sail vacation; it's an opportunity to strengthen the bonds that matter most.
As you navigate the crystal-clear waters together, you'll discover the power of teamwork and communication. Hoisting sails, charting courses, and anchoring in secluded coves will become shared accomplishments, fostering a sense of pride and unity within your partner or family (friends are welcome, too!).
Beyond the practical skills of sailing, you'll create lasting memories filled with laughter, shared meals under the stars, and breathtaking sunsets.
Away from the distractions of everyday life, you'll have the chance to truly reconnect, deepening your understanding and appreciation for one another. This shared adventure will leave you with incredible stories to tell and a stronger, more resilient bond that will continue to flourish long after you return home.
Get ready to dive into a world of breathtaking vistas, exhilarating adventures, and growth.
Whether you're an aspiring sailor, an adventurer at heart, or simply curious about the wonders of the sailing lifestyle, our Learn to Sail Experience is your gateway to a life of boundless horizons.
Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary odyssey? Join us as we raise the sails and set forth on a voyage of discovery, where the freedom of the seas becomes your reality.
What Will You Gain On A Learn To Sail Experience?
Sailing Education
Health & Wellness
Personal Growth
Beautiful Destinations
Adventures Abound
Stress Reduction
Confidence Building
Flexible Itinerary
Seeking Inspiration?
The Classroom - Manava, A 50' Lagoon Catamaran
Learning Cruiser Life On Manava Provides A Comfortable Learning Environment
Catamarans are ideal sailboats for couples and families to learn to sail because they offer ample living space, shallow draft, stability, safety, and impressive sailing performance.
They provide a spacious cockpit, saloon, and cabins for comfortable living, shallow draft access for exploring, and minimal heeling for comfort. The two hulls offer added stability and safety in collision or grounding, allowing for faster and more comfortable passages.
If you're looking for a well-rounded experience on an ocean-going catamaran, Manava is a fantastic boat to learn on.
Overall, catamarans provide the perfect combination of comfort, safety, and performance for families looking to embark on a sailing adventure.
Meet Your Captain - Simon Brown
Since 2014, I've called the sea my home, sailing over 45,000 nautical miles on a journey that's taken me around the Mediterranean, across the Atlantic, and through the enchanting waters of the Caribbean and the US East Coast. Before offering learn-to-sail experiences on a 50' Lagoon catamaran, I owned a 56' Oyster monohull (Britican).
As a certified RYA Yachtmaster, I've shared my passion for sailing with hundreds of guests since 2018, including many wonderful couples and families, initially on our Oyster and now on this excellent Catamaran, Manava.
Your experience aboard is not just about sailing; it's about creating unforgettable memories. I'll work closely with you to understand your preferences and needs, crafting it to what you want. Whether you're eager to immerse yourself in the art of sailing or wish to relax and soak in the stunning scenery, I'll create a bespoke itinerary that perfectly suits you and your loved ones. There's no rigid schedule—we'll embrace the freedom of the sea, letting the winds and your curiosity guide our daily adventures.
Couples Enjoying a Learn To Sail Experience on Manava
Any Concerns And Hesitations?
We understand that embarking on a new adventure can bring up questions and concerns. We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help put your mind at ease and ensure you feel confident and informed about your upcoming learn to sail vacation.
Is it Safe?
We prioritize your safety above all else. The captain is an experienced and knowledgeable instructor who will guide you through every aspect of sailing, from navigation to boat handling, ensuring you have the skills and confidence to navigate the waters safely. Manava is well-maintained and equipped with state-of-the-art safety features.
Is There Too Much to Learn?
We understand that learning to sail may seem intimidating. Rest assured, our Learn To Sail Experience is designed for all skill levels, including beginners. The captain will break complex concepts into easy-to-understand lessons, providing hands-on practice and guidance. You'll be amazed at how quickly you all gain confidence and master the fundamentals.
What if I've Never Sailed Before?
Absolutely no experience is necessary! Our trips are designed for everyone, from absolute beginners to seasoned sailors. If you've never set foot on a sailboat before, don't worry! I'll guide you through every step, starting with the basics and gradually building your skills at a comfortable and enjoyable pace. You'll be amazed at how quickly you learn and how much fun you have.
What if I Get Seasick?
You'll be sailing in typically calm waters, and the boat is stocked with plenty of remedies onboard to help prevent and manage seasickness. If you're concerned, feel free to consult your doctor before booking.
Will my Partner/Family Enjoy Themselves?
If you're seeking to inspire your partner/family or overcome any reservations they may have, our Learn to Sail Experience is an ideal solution. It offers a carefully curated balance of education, adventure, and community, showcasing the rewards and joys of the sailing lifestyle. Many partners have joined us with initial hesitations, only to leave with a newfound passion and enthusiasm for this extraordinary way of life.
We are committed to your success and satisfaction. We've witnessed numerous individuals and families overcome their concerns, transform their lives, and embark on unforgettable journeys.
Don't let doubts hold you back.
Take the leap, and join us on our Sailing Lifestyle Experience to unlock the extraordinary world of sailing and cruising. Your dreams of a life on the water are within reach.
Reserve your spot today and let us guide you toward a future filled with adventure, freedom, and endless horizons.
Guest Feedback: Family of Three Give the Sailing Lifestyle a Go!
Let me start by explaining that my wife & I booked the Sailing Lifestyle Experience so that we could spend time on a liveaboard sailboat in an attempt to see what it’s like and to see if it might be something we would want to try. We came away with a better understanding of sail trim, motoring, navigational routing, weather forecast interpreting, mooring ball retrieval, anchoring, provisioning, boat repair/service, customs clearing, and so many other little things that all add up to what gave us a real sense of what it’s like to live on a sailboat.
Our expectations were blown away. It was exactly what we were looking for. Simon found a way to make us feel like friends, while also delivering a well-polished, professional experience.
Whether you are just considering this lifestyle and want to “try it out” or you are an experienced sailor looking to add to your skillset, Simon will deliver. Dean, Trish, & Ruby Izbraun, Portland, Oregon April 2022
Guest Feedback: Convincing My Wife!
I booked a Sailing Lifestyle Experience with Simon as a birthday present to myself and to help convince my wife, Sheena, that one day we could be sailing cruisers.
During the months leading up to the cruise, Sheena was definitely “not on board.” She was constantly trying to “give up” her spot to my friends so she didn’t have to go.
But, in the end, Sheena was 100% on board.
In the first few hours of talking to Simon, I learned more than all the books and videos combined. Not only did we learn sailing skills throughout our time on board, but we also experienced a glimpse into the life of full-time cruisers.
Simon made us feel comfortable from the first minute on board. We experienced the boat life, along with great ports, beaches, fabulous restaurants, secluded anchorages, and most of all great people.
The sights and experiences were amazing, and my expectations were blown away.
Sheena and I returned to the mainland with lasting memories, new friends, and the goal of buying a boat for ourselves. Take a chance; you have nothing to lose.
Mike & Sheena Wilt, Baltimore, Maryland April 2022
UPDATE: Not long after writing this testimonial, Mike and Sheena purchased a beautiful Hylas and are now preparing it for new and exciting adventures.
Guest Feedback: Landlubbers to Full Time Sailing Cruisers!
Our Sailing Lifestyle Experience was more than a vacation on the beach. For a week we tasted a new way of life we didn’t know possible. We couldn’t say it better than Margaret, our four-year-old,
“Being on a boat is the life for me! Wind in my hair, not a care!”
With the constant sound of crashing waves, a rocking boat, the sunsets, and translucent waters glistening it’s a challenge to pinpoint our favorite moments.
Every moment of every day seemed to gel together helping us to forget our worries on land.
Thank you, Simon, for sharing your sailing expertise, introducing us to other sailing families, and a pace of life full of fresh and salty air! The Experience was truly a dream, and Simon's sailing stories are unforgettable!
Simon is a generous person who wants to share this life with all who dare to seek it.
What a phenomenal experience for our family of five. Even our littlest member turned one during our Experience, a memory we will cherish forever.
Dorothy, Roger, Isla, Margaret & Patrick, Britican Experience February 2020
UPDATE: This family has their boat and they are full liveaboard cruisers. You'll find them sailing off the coast of California, Mexico, and Central America.
Availability & Costings: 50' Catamaran (Nov-Jun in St Martin/Jun-Sept in Grenada)
Note: The calendar goes to July 2025—no dates thereafter have been released.
The price is for one couple sharing a room. It includes the exclusive use of the boat (no other couples will be on board). The price also includes all food on board and the full-time captain/mentor.
Price is for two couples and two rooms ($6,450/couple). It includes the exclusive use of the boat, all food on board, and the full-time captain/mentor.
Price is for three couples and three rooms ($4,967/couple). It includes the exclusive use of the boat, all food on board, and the full-time captain/mentor.
Price is per person with six berths available (shared beds). Only two long passages are scheduled every year. The tentative dates for 2025 are June 7th - 14th, St Martin to Grenada and October 29th - November 5th, Grenada to St Martin. Prices include all food and board in addition to captain/mentor.
What is included is seven days room and board. Each itinerary is different depending on skill levels and weather conditions.
Check the calendar to determine if the dates you want are available. If they are, fill out the application form below listing your dates of interest. Experience weeks are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and applications are called in the order they are received. To reduce the cost per couple, invite your friends! While you're learning to sail, your friends/family can have a vacation and enjoy the ride.
What is not included are flights, airport transfers, alcohol, excursions (dives, land-based tours, etc.), and any meals eaten out at restaurants. The first 25% is due upon booking the experience and the 75% payment is due one month before. The Experience is 7 days however we are happy to increase it to a 10-day or a 12-day experience. Prices are pro-rated on a daily rate.
Any Other Questions?
A. As soon as we confirm the dates that you want are available, a 25% non-refundable payment is required to book. Due next is 75% one month before the Experience.
A. No. While we don't offer formal certifications like RYA or ASA, we focus on providing an immersive and enjoyable experience that teaches practical sailing skills in a relaxed, real-world environment.
Traditional sailing courses can feel like school, heavily emphasizing theory and rote memorization. They can also be stressful and overwhelming. Our approach is different. We believe in learning by doing and fostering a love for sailing through adventure and exploration.
Your comfort level and interests entirely dictate our pace. Whether you're eager to dive into the intricacies of navigation or prefer to soak up the sun and enjoy the scenery, we'll tailor the learning experience to your needs. This ensures a stress-free, personalized adventure that ignites your passion for sailing while creating unforgettable memories.
Our application process isn't a hurdle, but rather a bridge to ensure your sailing experience is truly unforgettable. It helps us get to know you better, understand your interests and expectations, and tailor a personalized itinerary that perfectly matches your desires.
This way, we can create a harmonious and enjoyable environment for everyone on board, where you feel comfortable, connected, and inspired. It's about ensuring the perfect synergy between you, your fellow sailors, and Simon's expertise, guaranteeing a truly bespoke and fulfilling adventure.
Apply for our Sailing Lifestyle Experience Now!
Scroll Down For More Guest Testimonials
Note that some guests enjoyed an experience in Britican, our Oyster 56' monohull, and more
recently, our guests have had the pleasure of sailing a catamaran on a Lagoon 50'.
Family of Four Test-Drive Sailing Life
In 2016, our guest, Kyle, did a Britican Experience with us on our Oyster monohull. Fast-forward eight years, and now married and with two beautiful boys, Kyle and their family enjoyed a week on Manava to determine if the sailing life was for them.
Kyle's wife, Tara, was concerned about safety and whether the boys would enjoy being on the boat. Kyle worried that his dreams of a sailing life might have to wait until retirement. By doing the learn-to-sail experience, Kyle and Tara determined that sailing life might be in their cards. Watch this space!
Guest Feedback Video: New Catamaran Owner Tests Cruising Life with Simon First!
Guest Feedback: Should I Buy Another Boat? What Will My Fiance Think?
I used to be a sailor. I sailed a nice Beneteau monohull and enjoyed great times with friends sailing around the shallow gulf waters in Texas. As time went on work and kids became more demanding, and sailing, sadly, became a very occasional pleasure and the boat went to live with someone else. Now that the kids are grown, I often find myself thinking of the sea again.
Should I buy another boat? Do I even remember enough about sailing to charter and not look like an idiot? Hmm...my fiancé is from Wyoming and thinks boats are for water skiing. Is that a problem? Maybe. Lots of random thoughts and worries about the subject. I resubscribe to Cruising World. Wow! Beautiful boats! Can I possibly handle that big yacht on page 3?
Well, if I was ever going to circumnavigate (I know. That’s a bit of a leap), I needed to find a way out of the torturous mental maze I found myself in. During my nautically oriented wandering in cyberspace, I stumbled across SailingBritican.com featuring Simon and his tales of living and sailing on his beautiful Oyster yacht, Britican.
After a number of months following the tales of family life, glorious sails, repairs, leaks, beaches, and the sailing community, I decided to give Simon a call and take him up on his offer to share what real life is like on a cruising sailboat - sailing, cooking, fixing, navigating and all the things that make up the cruising life.
So, my fiancé, Stephanie, and I braved the COVID maze and boarded Britican, and met its crew in St. Martin in late January. I was hoping that Stephanie wouldn’t hate it and that I would find I could still sail a bit and maybe handle that big Oyster.
What a great time we had! I remembered how to tie a knot or two. Stephanie helmed that big Oyster all the way from St. Barts to St. Martin like she’d been doing it for years (with a big grin on her face)!
I even learned how to replace the impeller on the generator, which would have worked if we’d had the right part. All in all a great week and a real confidence builder for both of us. Simon is a great teacher with great knowledge and greater patience. He also likes to have fun which we had a lot of.
I recommend the Sailing Lifestyle Experience to anyone who is wondering if the cruising life is for them.
Murphy Lents, Utah Sailing Lifestyle Experience, St Martin 2021
Guest Feedback: Motivation to Make the Dream a Reality!
Our Sailing Lifestyle Experience was more than we could hope for. Our week was a perfect balance of education, hands-on experience, and relaxation.
Simon had us sailing the boat, charting our course around the islands, looking for hazards, and looking at the wind and swell of the waves on day two.
We were running the rigging, dropping and pulling up the anchor, and helming our way in and out of bays. Not having any sailing experience was not a problem, as Simon answered every question we could throw at him.
The Sailing Lifestyle Experience has answered so many of the unknowns for us and has inspired/motivated us to get going on our own sailing adventure.
Thank you and we'll see you on the water!
Lonna Roe and Dave Applegate, Britican Experience April 2021
Guest Feedback: Sailing Lifestyle Experience Guests to Sailing Cruisers!
Our Sailing Lifestyle Experience was great. We spent a week aboard and it was a fantastic learning event.
The vast majority of the experience applies equally to a prospective monohull or catamaran liveaboard life.
At the time we were looking at a monohull for our planned full-time liveaboard boat.
Deborah and I ended up changing tack and purchasing a catamaran, mostly on what we learned on board Britican and our physical difficulties in living on the lean.
The information passed on by Simon was priceless and helps us every day.
We're now starting our 3rd year full-time onboard our catamaran.
We highly recommend you test drive the Sailing Lifestyle Experience to see if it's for you!
Deborah and I most likely would not have done it had it not been for our Sailing Lifestyle Experience.
Thank you!
John & Deborah Paquet, Britican Experience, Grenada 2019
Guest Feedback Video: Retired Pilot & Wife Try A Passage Experience
Guest Feedback: If Our Experience Goes Well...Time to Buy a Boat!
We have been following Britican on YouTube for a while now. So when they introduced the Sailing Lifestyle Experience program, we were excited for the opportunity to experience time with them as part of our research before we make the leap into this different lifestyle that we're considering.
From the outside looking in, the experience might seem like any other charter vacation where you get to see the environment of living in a small space and the freedom of being able to pull up anchor and move to the next lovely tropical paradise.
The Sailing Lifestyle Experience is way more! It's about immersing yourself in the life and culture of a boat community and the daily practices of having a floating home that moves constantly, the trade-offs you make for this life, and the peace and serenity of a much simpler existence.
You are enveloped in the experience as soon as you get on board! When we met Simon, it was as though we had known him all our life.
For us, the Sailing Experience was really about a change in mindset. We became comfortable calling the boat our home, and it became routine to consider how to keep it safe, clean, and comfortable.
We dined with great people, ate delicious food, planned and prepared for passages, fished, stargazed, chased rays and turtles while snorkeling, raced hermit crabs, trimmed the sails, steered into harbors, and made decisions every day due to the changing conditions and environment.
After not too long we were in the swing of things, embracing the need to be flexible, not making decisions based on a schedule, and realizing that a crimson horizon and a cool sundowner are perfect introductions to a lifelong excursion of blue-water bliss.
The Lifestyle Experience is an affirmation, a reality check, a confirmation that this is the lifestyle and life that we indeed are going to pursue. It gave us the confidence that we could reach for and grasp what the Britican crew is experiencing every day.
With heartfelt thanks to Simon and crew for their hospitality, patience, wisdom, and friendship - we look forward to sharing an anchorage together!" The Lander's Family. Britican Experience February 2020
UPDATE: This family is now living the sailing life. Follow them on their FaceBook page here: Sailing Erin Skye
Saling Lifestyle Experience Guest Feedback
Guest Feedback Video: Does the reality of sailing match expectations?
Guest Feedback: Answering unknowns
First, I can say the Experience is excellent and you couldn’t meet nicer people. Simon and the crew customized the week specifically for our needs. We have experience with crewing our own trips thru charters but are restricted to daytime sailing.
Our longest trip prior to our Experience was a one-way trip from St. Lucia to Grenada that was spread over 7 days. Our goal was to gain more offshore experience and understand how cruisers lived. Pulling the trigger on a purchase of a boat is not something you want to do without ample knowledge of the total experience.
Living in Kansas does not generally provide you with accessibility to the lifestyle, the Sailing Experience was a great match for our needs.
Passage making - My goals for the passage were to learn and understand:
- watch schedules
- what do you do while on watch
- can you sleep between watches
- if you get seasick can you function afterward
- will you acclimate to the motion after a few days
- and just observe someone with experience dealing with whatever happens
I had hoped for a challenging squall, moderate seas, and some brisk winds. I can say we met our goals except for the squall, however, I did not specifically request a squall. I’m sure if I had, Simon could have arranged that as well as accommodated everything we requested and went the extra mile to make the experience perfect.
The watch schedule was 3 hours on and 3 hours off, which worked well for me and I had no issues sleeping while not on watch, in fact, I slept better than at home. While on watch we monitored location, heading, sails, wind, AIS, and took a hard look for traffic every 10 minutes. Once we found some traffic it gained all our attention until determined it would not be a factor.
I did get seasick at night while attempting to read a Lat/Lon on an unfamiliar chart plotter to make a logbook entry, the 12 hours prior I was fine and 3 hours later I was back to 100%. The next night I spent much time looking at the chart plotter and the iPad for navigation and had zero issues with seasickness, so I feel pretty good about that.
The winds for the trip were a constant 25 to 30 knots on the beam for the first day and night with seas to match. The boat responded with confidence and had no issues with the conditions. We ran the first reef in the main the entire trip and would reef the genoa as appropriate.
Britican has powerful electric furling for the genoa, which was pretty sweet in the conditions and made reefing the genoa under load a non-event. I felt completely comfortable in the wind and sea state and would have no issue on a longer trip. We arrived in Foulmouth harbor at night and I enjoyed using range lights and lighted buoys to make our path into the harbor.
Getting to see the nav aids for real at night and making sure I understood all of what the chart had to offer was a great learning experience for me. Some of it was a bit confusing several miles out but all lined up as we got closer to the entrance." Jon & Jennifer Carr 2019
Note: Jon also joined Simon and the crew on the St Martin to USA Passage Voyage in 2022 to get even more experience!
Britican Experience Montage Video
This video will give you a taste of what our Sailing Experiences on Britican were like. Now, the Experiences are on Manava, a 50' catamaran.
Guest Feedback - Guys Week
Although family and friends don't always understand, to me the point of a passage offshore is to do something outside my comfort zone for the challenge and personal growth with an experienced captain. The passage to Bermuda did not disappoint; despite challenging conditions at the start, every waking hour was full of new experiences, memories I'll cherish, and lessons I have no doubt will serve me when I have a boat of my own. I'm now more determined and confident than ever to make that happen!
Dan Martin, Virginia to Bermuda Passage Experience 2022 (Note: Dan also booked a Sailing Lifestyle Experience with his wife in the spring of 2023)
