Puget Sound Sailing Institute
- British Virgin Islands -
January 12-19, 2009
Join us for seven wonderful days of sun, sad and sailing in the
Caribbean! Your dream trip begins with a flight to beautiful Tortola,
center of the British Virgin Islands. Spend a relaxing night at the
Mariner Inn (optional) or aboard your yacht (included). The next
morning sail away aboard for seven days and nights through the
exquisite Virgin Islands. You'll visit North Gorda Sound and the world
famous Baths of Virgin Gorda, Sandy Cay, Green Cay, Jost Van Dyke,
the incomparable wreck of the Rhone, and the inspiration for
Treasure
Island
, Norman Island, including the Treasure Caves. Fully relaxed and
suntanned, enjoy one more night at the
Mariner Inn (optional) before
returning home.
This is a FLOTILLA CRUISE. You have two choices:
1. Come on Mike's boat for instruction. Mike will also be leading and guiding the flotilla,
showing you where to go in the BVI.
2. If you are ASA or US Sailing Certified through Bareboat Chartering, you can charter your
own yacht (this must be arranged by PSSI), but you will have the comfort and security of
going along with Mike, who will be available for guidance and consultation. Your cost is the
charter of the yacht plus a $350 flotilla fee paid to PSSI.
With a FLOTILLA, you have independence but have less responsibility and a guide to
introduce you to the area. Plus, it's ten times more fun!!!

DESTINATION:
Sailing experts have declared the British Virgin Islands the finest sailing and cruising area in
the world. And, January is one of the best months to be there! Reliable trade winds average
15-20 knots from the East. Seas are small due to the protection from over forty islands.
Daytime high temperatures in January average 82°F, and nighttime lows average 71°F while
the water averages 82°F. The British Virgin Islands have over forty anchorages: many within
a few hours sail of each other. Beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise crystal clear water
and great snorkeling/scuba complete the ingredients for paradise. This is the perfect
destination if you like PROTECTED WATERS, GOOD WINDS, and SHORT DISTANCE
BETWEEN ANCHORAGES.

CHARTER YACHT:
Bahia 46- Catamaran - fast and spacious. It features 4 private double berth cabins, plus 2
single berth cabins, each with a private bath and shower, and enough deck space to tan an
army! And, it doesn't heel!
Beneteau 50' Monohull - 5 Cabins, 5 head monohull speedster.
Flotilla Boats - 36' to 50' boats are available

SUGGESTED ITINERARY:
Sunday, January 11 (PM) or Monday January 12 (AM) - Fly to Tortola. Spend the night at
the Mariner Inn, if you desire, or onboard (included).
Wednesday, January 14 (noon) - Tuesday, January 18 (10 am) - Sailing, Learning, Exploring!
Monday, January 19 (12 pm) - Disembark. Spend the night at the Mariner Inn (optional-see,
"Cost")
Monday, January 19 or Tuesday, January 20- Return flight to the States, or ?

INSTRUCTOR/ SKIPPER:
Onboard instructor will be Mike Rice. Mike has sailed 80,000 nautical miles and run
successful Caribbean trips since 1985. Mike is a Coast Guard licensed and an ASA Certified
Instructor. He was named A.S.A. Instructor of the Year for 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004,
and 2005! Instruction is available continuously. Up to two ASA certifications are included to
those who apply themselves. Beginner through Advanced sailors welcome!
Accommodations can be made for an accompanying spouse, significant other, friend or
family member, who wishes to be aboard but not participate in the learning. Or, you can be
your own skipper!

ACTIVITIES:
The possibilities are endless! Along with the continuous excellent sailing and navigation
instruction provided by Mike and his staff, some time will be set aside for vacation type
activities-sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, reading, relaxing, hiking, informal
racing or just having fun!

COST:
The following prices include sleeping aboard the first night plus seven days/six nights aboard
the yacht, instruction, two A.S.A. certifications, provisioning for six breakfasts, six lunches,
plus three dinners. Three dinners ashore not included. Add $100 per person, per night for
hotel accommodations. Beverages, food at the hotel, and airfare are extra.
46' Catamaran - $1,950 /person, double occupancy or $3,510 if you desire your own
stateroom.
50' Monohull - $1,850 /person double occupancy or $3,300 if you desire your own double
berth stateroom.
Flotilla: costs are the charter of the yacht plus a $350 flotilla fee. Call PSSI for current
boats and prices
.

**Singles welcome! CALL US TO SCHEDULE YOUR AIRFARE!!

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
A 25% deposit due at sign up. $100 of this is non-refundable. A second 25% payment is
due August 1, 2008. A final 50% payment is due October 1, 2008. Deadline to sign up is
September 15, 2008 or when the trip is full, whichever occurs first. There are no refunds
after September 15, 2008 due to our commitments to the charter company.

CERTIFICATION:
Puget Sound Sailing Institute is an American Sailing Association sail training facility that
offers Basic Sailing through Offshore Passagemaking certification. You can qualify for up to
two certifications or you can just come along for the ride, or anything in between. You
decide!