--- title: Sailing Virgins Blog description: Sailing Virgins Offshore Keelboat Caribbean Sailing School Blog --- [+1 (415) 619 2704](tel:+14156192704) [![Sailing Virgins](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/hubfs/TSSR-Dec2017/Images%20/logo4x.png "Sailing Virgins")](https://sailingvirgins.com/) [![Sailing Virgins](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/hubfs/TSSR-Dec2017/Images%20/sailing_virgins_square_e_1024_blank-op.png "Sailing Virgins")](https://sailingvirgins.com/) - [Home](https://sailingvirgins.com/) - Destinations - [BVI](https://sailingvirgins.com/destinations/bvi) - [Croatia](https://sailingvirgins.com/destinations/croatia) - [Brittany](https://sailingvirgins.com/destinations/brittany) - [Tahiti](https://sailingvirgins.com/destinations/tahiti) - [Madeira](https://sailingvirgins.com/destinations/madeira) - How it Works - [Course Checklist](https://sailingvirgins.com/how_works/course-checklist) - [Important Information](https://sailingvirgins.com/how_works/important-information) - [How to Get to Us](https://sailingvirgins.com/how_works/how-to-get-to-us) - [FAQ](https://sailingvirgins.com/how_works/faq) - About Us - [About Us](https://sailingvirgins.com/about_us) - [Our Instructors](https://sailingvirgins.com/about_us/our_instructors) - [Our Boats](https://sailingvirgins.com/about_us/our_boats) - [Blog](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://sailingvirgins.com/contact_us) ## [How to Trim a Genoa Properly: Sheet Lead, Twist & Shape](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/how-to-trim-a-genoa-properly-sheet-lead-twist-shape) by [James Kell](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/author/james-kell) / / June 12, 2026 If you want to squeeze more speed and comfort out of a 40-foot-plus yacht, learn how to trim a genoa. A well-trimmed genoa keeps the boat balanced, cuts heel, and... [Read More](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/how-to-trim-a-genoa-properly-sheet-lead-twist-shape) ## [Sailing in Strong Winds: Boat Handling and Sail Setup Tips](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/sailing-in-strong-winds-boat-handling-and-sail-setup-tips) by [James Kell](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/author/james-kell) / / June 10, 2026 Sailing in strong winds is one of those moments that separates weekend sailors from seasoned skippers. The boat's heeling hard, gear's sliding off the counter... [Read More](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/sailing-in-strong-winds-boat-handling-and-sail-setup-tips) ## [How to Practice Navigation Without GPS (Old-School Sailing Skills)](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/how-to-practice-navigation-without-gps-old-school-sailing-skills) by [James Kell](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/author/james-kell) / / June 03, 2026 There's a reason ASA courses still teach sailors how to practice navigation without GPS. Chartplotters can malfunction while you're out at sea, and a dead battery... [Read More](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/how-to-practice-navigation-without-gps-old-school-sailing-skills) ## [What to Do If Your Anchor Drags at Night (Emergency Response Guide)](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/what-to-do-if-your-anchor-drags-at-night-emergency-response-guide) by [James Kell](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/author/james-kell) / / May 27, 2026 No one drops anchor expecting to wake up drifting toward a reef. But weather changes and tides reverse. Knowing what to do if your anchor drags at night turns a... [Read More](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/what-to-do-if-your-anchor-drags-at-night-emergency-response-guide) ## [How to Use Spring Lines for Stress-Free Docking](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/how-to-use-spring-lines-for-stress-free-docking) by [James Kell](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/author/james-kell) / / May 11, 2026 Learning how to use spring lines is one of the most practical docking skills any sailor can pick up. [Read More](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/how-to-use-spring-lines-for-stress-free-docking) ## [How to Med-Moor Like a Pro (Mediterranean Mooring Techniques)](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/how-to-med-moor-like-a-pro-mediterranean-mooring-techniques) by [Carn Rigger](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/author/carn-rigger) / IN [adventure](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/topic/adventure), [Beginner](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/topic/beginner), [First Time](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/topic/first-time) / April 27, 2026 Learning how to med-moor is one of the biggest milestones for any sailor heading to the Mediterranean. [Read More](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/how-to-med-moor-like-a-pro-mediterranean-mooring-techniques) ## [Understanding Sailboat Right of Way Rules (COLREGs Made Simple)](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/understanding-sailboat-right-of-way-rules-colregs-made-simple) by [Clara Suggett](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/author/clara-suggett) / IN [General](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/topic/general) / April 21, 2026 Understanding sailboat right-of-way rules is one of the first things every sailor should tackle before heading out on the water. [Read More](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/understanding-sailboat-right-of-way-rules-colregs-made-simple) ## [Bareboat Charter Pre-Departure Checklist](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/bareboat-charter-pre-departure-checklist) by [James Kell](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/author/james-kell) / / April 09, 2026 Your bareboat charter pre-departure checklist is the one thing standing between you and a stress-free week on the water. You've blocked the paid time off, booked... [Read More](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/bareboat-charter-pre-departure-checklist) ## [How to Sail Upwind Efficiently: Pinching vs. Footing Explained](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/how-to-sail-upwind-efficiently-pinching-vs.-footing-explained) by [James Kell](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/author/james-kell) / / April 06, 2026 Knowing how to sail upwind efficiently is what separates a sailor who's just holding on from one who's actually making progress. Most people point the bow toward... [Read More](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/how-to-sail-upwind-efficiently-pinching-vs.-footing-explained) ## [Heaving-To Under Spinnaker: A Guide for Storm-Survival on Modern Yachts](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/heaving-to-under-spinnaker-a-guide-for-storm-survival-on-modern-yachts) by [James Kell](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/author/james-kell) / / April 02, 2026 Heaving-to under a spinnaker isn't actually possible. But knowing how to transition from a flying kite to a storm-ready boat? That's what separates confident... [Read More](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/heaving-to-under-spinnaker-a-guide-for-storm-survival-on-modern-yachts) [1](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/page/1) [2](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/page/2) [3](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/page/3) [4](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/page/4) [5](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/page/5) [...](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/page/6) [17](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/page/17) S ### Recent Posts ### ARCHIVES - [August 2016 (11)](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/archive/2016/08) - [May 2023 (11)](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/archive/2023/05) - [April 2023 (10)](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/archive/2023/04) - [September 2016 (8)](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/archive/2016/09) - [July 2025 (7)](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/archive/2025/07) - [June 2025 (6)](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/archive/2025/06) - [November 2016 (5)](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/archive/2016/11) - 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[trip review (1)](https://info.sailingvirgins.com/blog/topic/trip-review) see all #### ABOUT US The founders of Sailing Virgins started things as a result of having some incredible sailing seasons in the Mediterranean and Caribbean working for sailing company The Yacht Week. James then worked for and for a while managed Tortola Sailing School. In 2016 he branched off and started Sailing Virgins. We LOVE how sailing is changing. Top speeds in the America’s Cup were thirteen knots not so long ago. Now they’re 45 knots. If you’re excited by that, we’re with you. Giddy up! #### CONTACT US - Wickhams Cay 2 Road Town, Tortola VG1110, British Virgin Islands - [+1 (272) 999-1920](tel:+12729991920) - [info@sailingvirgins.com](mailto:info@sailingvirgins.com) © LOVE SAILING VIRGINS 2016-2024 - [Contact Us](https://sailingvirgins.com/contact_us) - [Terms & Conditions](https://sailingvirgins.com/terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy Policy](https://sailingvirgins.com/privacy-policy)