Who is in charge of our crew?
Your Scout Leaders are responsible for the youth in their care. However, your Captain is in command of your sailboat. Your Adult Leaders are therefore responsible for taking your crew on a sailing adventure program. Your Captain is responsible for ensuring that you are all adequately instructed and guided for the various activities onboard and if you are in any doubt please check with him/her. |
Do we sail in the ocean?
No, unless your group agrees with the Captain all your sailing will take place inside the reef islands on the Sea of Abaco where the average depth is around 12-15ft and the average water temperature is about 78 degrees. The sea is usually quite calm and the sailing is awesome. |
Do we need previous sailing experience or training?
No, you will receive informal instruction and guidance covering a wide area of sailing. Details of your program can be seen on Our Programs page. |
What insurance do we need?
Your group should ensure they have adequate insurance for your trip, for health and medical treatment and for your travel arrangements, as well as any other cover you feel may be necessary. You will need to apply for a Tour Permit to cover your group. |
 | How do I get to the Bahamas?
Well in advance of your trip you should make your own travel arrangements through your Scout Leader and Troop. Read the Leaders Information section and consider any accommodation requirements. For your convenience we have included a list of airlines in the How to Get Here section of this site, get in touch with us if you have any questions. |
 | What about spending money?
There are only a few ATMs in the islands so bring sufficient cash with you and be aware that prices in the islands can be as much as %50 higher than in the US. Most crews bring about $100-$200 per person. You do not need to exchange $US for $Bahamian before you arrive as $US are accepted everywhere. However, spend your $Bahamian before you go home as they can not normally be changed back into $US! |
Can we buy Sail School Bahamas T-Shirts?
We have several really cool Sail School Bahamas ‘CREW’ T-Shirts and Polo Shirts for sale, as well as Baseball Caps and Outback Hats. You can ask your Captain about buying these when you get onboard. |
 | How do I get to the sailboat assigned to our Troop?
You will fly to Marsh Harbour Airport then catch a taxi to the marina. Our staff will have arranged to meet you at the dock. You will then proceed to meet your Captain who will introduce you to the sailboat assigned to your crew. When you meet your Captain you will attend a short 'safety and orientation' briefing, then he, or she, will provide you with additional information specific to your sailboat. You will then be free to stow your gear, explore your home for the week and get ready to sail! |
Should I worry about seasickness?
You should bring Motion sickness medication but it is unlikely you will need it as the sailing area is very well protected and usually very calm. You will spend each night in a safe, protected anchorage. |
 | What should I do to prepare?
You will need to complete the B.S.swim test and as long as you are 'reasonably' fit you should get along fine. Extra swimming in your local pool and certainly snorkel practice will ensure you get more out of your experience in the Bahamas. If you want to, you can organize dinghy sailing instruction for your crew, but although this would be good fun and ensure familiarity with sailing principles it is not really necessary in preparation for your sailing adventure trip. Your group may wish to check out an online sailing website, this is a fun way for you to start learning the basics. There are numerous site to consider is, however, your group may wish to check out this one: http://www.sailingcourse.com/ Knot tying is a typical Scouting activity and this knowledge is particularly useful when sailing, don’t worry if you are not very proficient, your Captain should be able to teach you some great working knots and ropework while you are onboard. |
 | Can I swim and snorkel?
You should only ever swim at your own risk, therefore you should ensure conditions are appropriate for your level of ability and check with your Adult Leaders if you have any questions. To make the most of your trip you really must practice snorkeling before you arrive. There will be great snorkel gear for everyone onboard but bring your own if you prefer. It's great fun and there's a lot to see! Remember, we operate a strictly 'take only pictures, leave only footprints' style of sailing adventure trip. You should never disturb or interfere with aquatic life or its environment. Remember that coral is a living organism so never stand on coral or touch it and never take anything from the reef. Never snorkel alone, you should always be within touching distance of your 'buddy' and don't wear anything shiny that might resemble bait or small fish! Your Captain and your Adult Leaders will remind you of these simple rules to help you have a great time, avoid potential problems with aquatic animals and protect the reef for generations to come. |
 | Do we have a fixed itinerary?
In order to take advantage of the best weather, tide and sailing conditions, your Captain will usually plan your itinerary with you and provide advice to help you make the most of your sailing adventure program. If you have any particular ideas in mind you should discuss this with your Captain. |
 | How much do we actually sail?
As much as possible! We encourage all crewmembers to take part in the sailing, from raising sails to helming (steering). Your Captain will prefer to sail whenever it is possible and will always be pleased to explain other aspects of sailing such as navigation, tides and charts, anchoring, and much more. If you have any questions, just ask! |
 | What about cooking?
Every day you will decide what meals you want to prepare from all the menu options available. Your sailboat will have a copy of Menu Ideas and Galley Recipes. Cooking and cleanup duties will be shared between all crew onboard. Wherever possible, you will catch fish, Conch, or even Lobster when in season, and prepare these for your main meal. |
Can I fish?
Yes, there are lots of delicious fish to catch and cook here in the Abacos. There will be fishing Rods, Cuban Yo-yos and tackle onboard, although if you have your own gear and want to bring it let us know in advance. If you prefer to go offshore on a Sport Fishing trip, check out the excursion option on Our Programs page. |
 | What fish are common to the area?
A wide range of fish may be found in the Abacos. In addition to Tropical Reef fish such as Parrotfish, Angelfish and Scorpionfish, which you will see while snorkeling, there are many fish to catch and cook. These include Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, Hogfish, Mullet, Porgies and Mackerel. There are Crawfish (Lobster), when in season, and an abundance of conch to be found. Your Captain will guide you, and show you how to prepare your catch for the table – good luck! |
 | How often will we be ashore?
This is entirely up to your group! It is your sailing adventure and your Captain will make it one of the most memorable times of your life. You may spend as much time as you like ashore for sightseeing, hiking trails, beach combing or souvenir shopping. |
If our group is sailing on two sailboats can we sail together?
Yes, this is up to you. Each day you will plan your itinerary with your Captain and you can decide to sail all day alongside your crewmates onboard the other boat, meet up later or sail on your own. |
What about currency?
You can use $US or $Bahamian – they have the same value. However, you must use up any $Bahamian before leaving the Bahamas as you can’t change them when you get home to the US. |
Are other things different in the Bahamas?
Yes, Bahamians drive on the ‘other’ side of the road, prices are higher than you may be used to due to transportation costs and life is typically slower paced. |
Can we call home?
There are BaTelCo pay-phones on most islands that may be used to call home inexpensively. You should be aware that credit card pay phones can often cost much more than you expect! Also, if you visit Gt. Guana Cay you may be able to use the internet phone at Nippers Restaurant, ask your Captain. |
Can we use cell phones while we are on shore trips?
Cell phone coverage throughout the islands of the Bahamas is different from the US. In order to check your cell phone networks are compatible with BaTelCo, Bahamas Telephone Corp. you should contact your network provider and check with them that they have a reciprocal coverage and billing arrangement with BaTelCo. Cingular is one provider that has an arrangement like this. You should note that all cell phone calls would be charged as international. |
Will we be able to send or receive email?
Sail School Bahamas does not provide a facility for youth or Adult Leaders to email, unless it is an emergency. There are a few Internet cafes on some of the islands, which your Captain can point out for you when you go ashore. |
What if our crew damages the sailboat we are on?
You must treat your sailboat with respect and do your best to ensure there is no damage. Each crewmember should make a contribution to the deposit for breakages in order to feel a joint responsibility to look after the sailboat you are on! In the event that something is damaged, your Captain must report this to Sail School Bahamas upon your arrival back at dock and we will discuss how best to remedy this with your Adult Leaders. Each crew/group will have submitted a $200 deposit prior to their departure, which will be refunded in part or full. |
If we are on a combined Sailing and Scuba program or taking part in a Discover Scuba course, how is it organized?
Your Captain will know this in advance of your arrival and arrangements will already be in place for you to combine sailing and scuba diving throughout your time with us. |
What if there is a medical emergency?
If the issue is minor – you should simply let your adult leaders administer First Aid (all crews should bring a kit with them). In the event of a more serious medical issue, your Captain will call Sail School Bahamas immediately on VHF Ch65. We will discuss any situation with your Captain and the Adult Leaders, we will decide whether to contact parents or guardians, arrange medical treatment if this is necessary and even air ambulance transportation if the situation requires it. Medical services are available but are limited in this area, and this will have been made clear to all crews, particularly Adult Leaders prior to their trip date and at their initial briefing upon arrival in the Bahamas. |
What if there is a behavioral problem with a crewmember?
Dangerous and antisocial behavior onboard a sailboat endangers the safety of the entire crew and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. In the event that there is a behavioral issue with a crewmember that can not be resolved by the Captain and the Adult Leaders, this crewmember will simply be returned to dock and removed from the sailboat. If this is necessary, parents will be informed and arrangements made for alternative accommodation and/or early return flights home. All expenses incurred, as a result of bad behavior, will be the responsibility of the parents/guardians. In the event that drugs or other illegal substances are involved there may be a legal requirement to involve the local police and authorities! |
Should we ‘tip’ our Captain?
This is up to each individual group. If you feel your Captain has done a great job and worked hard then it is up to your group to decide whether to offer a small token of your appreciation. |
If we want to learn more about sailing what should we do?
You can come back and attend an Advanced Sailing Adventure program with us and if you want you can also combine this with Scuba! |
