JOINING INSTRUCTIONS
CARIBBEAN
Welcome to Second Star Sailing! These joining instructions are your guide to finding us, preparing for your course, and making the most of your time with us. Please review all the details below.
WHERE ARE WE?
We’re located in the commercial area of Jolly Harbour, just next to Al Porto Restaurant. Our cozy waterfront office houses all school boats at our dock, making it easy to begin your sailing adventure.
GETTING HERE
- By Air: Jolly Harbour is about 30 minutes from V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU). Taxis are available and typically cost around $40 USD (cash only). Be sure to confirm the fare with your driver.
- By Car: Follow directions to Jolly Harbour. Drive carefully as some roads may have potholes and speed bumps. There is free unsupervised parking available across the street from our office.
- By Cab: Inform your driver to take you to Al Porto Restaurant in Jolly Harbour. Our office is in the building next to it.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Course Start: All courses start on Sunday at 9:30 AM unless otherwise specified.
- Course End: Courses end on Thursday by 5:00 PM. Join us afterward for celebratory drinks and camaraderie with fellow students.
PRACTICAL SAILING COURSES
- Accommodation: You will live aboard a sailboat from Sunday to Thursday. Cabins are double occupancy, with limited storage space. Depending on the boat, you will have double berths, bunk beds, or the option to sleep in the saloon. Please enquire about availability and pricing if you prefer single occupancy of a double cabin.
- Meals: Meals are not included in the cost of the course. At the start of the week, everyone contributes to a communal fund for food purchases, with the school covering the instructor's share. Most meals you will be cooking on board. Basic provisions like coffee and spices are provided. Please notify us in advance of any dietary restrictions or allergies.
- Schedule: Sailing takes place daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with occasional night sails, based on conditions and instructor judgment. You might be at anchor or on a mooring 2-3 nights during the course. The final day includes sailing, a boat cleanup, and individual debriefing session.
THEORY COURSES
- Accommodation: We don’t provide accommodation for shore based courses. Jolly Harbour offers various accommodations, including hotels and Airbnb, along with restaurants, a grocery store, and beaches.
- Meals: Drinking water and facilities for making hot drinks are available at the office. Bring your own lunches and snacks or purchase food nearby. A refrigerator and microwave are provided for your convenience.
- Schedule: Classes usually run Monday to Friday from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, with scheduled breaks. Often courses will begin at 9am beginning the second day.
INSURANCE AND DOCUMENTS
We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance that covers water-based activities. Additionally, verify visa requirements for Antigua and Barbuda, as well as other islands you may visit during your course.
CURRENCY
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC). US dollars are accepted everywhere, but change will typically be given in EC. ATMs are available in Jolly Harbour, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for taxis and other essentials. Most places will ask for a physical card, instead of contactless pay.
GEAR AND LUGGAGE
- Luggage: Use soft-sided bags for easy storage on board. Hard suitcases are not permitted but can be stored at our office.
- Safety equipment: We have safety equipment for everyone onboard, but you are welcome to bring your own if it is suitable. Please double-check with us about your sailing equipment to ensure it meets our safety standards (items like lifejackets, PLB).
PACKING LIST FOR PRACTICAL SAILING COURSES
CATEGORY | REQUIRED | SUGGESTED |
Footwear | Non-skid, light-soled closed-toe sneakers or sailing shoes (you will not be allowed to sail barefoot) | Shore shoes – flip flops, sandals, etc. (No shore shoes on board) |
Outerwear | Waterproof/windproof jacket (light wet weather gear) | Waterproof/windproof trousers - check the weather forecast, usually not needed |
Headwear and Eye Protection | Sun hat/cap with a retaining strap |
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Sunglasses with UV protection and a retaining strap |
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Health and Sun Protection | As part of our commitment to our environment, we provide you with reef-friendly sunscreen—quick-drying, no spray. | If you wish to bring your own sunscreen, look for "non-nano zinc oxide" or "non-nano titanium dioxide" on the packaging. Sea sickness medication of your choice. |
| Medication if prescribed | A second set of required medication for emergency situations |
Insect Protection | Bug spray (non-toxic). There are no bugs while sailing or at anchor, but lots of mosquitos on shore | After-bite gels (for mosquito bites on shore) |
Clothing | Comfortable shorts (preferably quick-dry) | Light fleece vest/jacket or similar |
Pair of long trousers (preferably quick-dry, not jeans) | Lightweight/quick-dry towel (one provided on board, bring an extra if needed) |
Quick-dry short-sleeved shirts | Neck buff for neck/head sun protection |
Long-sleeve sport shirt/top for sun protection | 1 pair of sport quick-dry socks (if you use them with your sailing shoes) |
Swimsuit/swim shorts | Going onshore/going out clothing and footwear |
Sleeping Gear | Sheets, covers, pillows, and pillowcases are provided | Earplugs/eye covers (for better sleep in the close quarters) |
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Accessories | Small waterproof grab bag for documents/essentials (for transferring to shore in the dinghy) | Utility tool or knife (e.g., Leatherman or Gerber) |
| A pair of sailing gloves (with or without fingers; gym or bike gloves also suitable) |
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| Headlamp or torch with a red-light mode for night sailing |
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| Reusable water bottle (preferably plastic, with a carabiner) |
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Toiletries | Biocompatible/biodegradable/non-toxic personal products only | You can also look for soaps and shampoos adapted for saltwater use |
Electronics | Chargers: USB port and 12-volt chargers available; standard European plugs and voltage when connected to shore power. Antigua uses 220/110V with USA plugs on shore | Power bank or solar charger |
Record Keeping | Travel with extra passport photos. You will need 1 for each certificate awarded (for Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper, Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore/Ocean programs). If you are taking the Radio VHF course, please bring an extra photo for your application to the RYA/MCA. | Personal Logbook (recommended to keep one; RYA Syllabus & Logbook (G158) available for purchase at the office) |
Notebook and writing materials | Charting/navigation kit (plotter, dividers, pencils, etc. if taking theory courses) |
DRUGS, ALCOHOL, SMOKING AND CONDUCT POLICY
Illegal drugs or banned substances are prohibited during our courses. If found under the influence or in possession, you will be removed from the course or charter. Smoking is not allowed on board; you may vape outside with the skipper's permission. Alcohol can be consumed by those of legal drinking age with the instructor's approval, but only after the sailing day is over and the boat is secure. If you are found intoxicated during active participation or while on watch, you will be removed from the course.
COMPLAINTS AND FEEDBACK
If you encounter any issues, please contact the school Principal. Her contact is lyssandra@secondstarsailing.com. For RYA courses, you may also submit feedback directly to the RYA at www.rya.org.uk/go/course-feedback. Your input helps us continually improve.
PRIVACY POLICY
If you prefer not to have photos taken or shared on social media, please inform your skipper and crew. Personal data related to RYA certifications may be shared securely with the RYA. For details, visit www.rya.org.uk/go/policy.
CONTACT US
Address: Sorrento Building, Jolly Harbour, Antigua
Email: info@secondstarsailing.com
Website: www.secondstarsailing.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +1 (268) 723-9343
Follow us on Social Media:
Second Star Sailing Caribbean – https://www.facebook.com/SecondStarSailingCaribbean
Second Star Sailing Italy – https://www.facebook.com/SecondStarSailing
Women at the Helm – https://www.facebook.com/WomenAtHelm
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/secondstarsailing