
Hands-On Caribbean Sailing Holidays
Starting from: £1749 - 7 or 10 day Trips. December & January
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Join a hands-on Caribbean sailing holiday and experience the islands as part of a crew aboard a professionally skippered yacht. Sail between destinations, get actively involved in sailing, and enjoy a more rewarding alternative to a typical beach holiday.
- Sail between Caribbean islands exploring as you go
- Be part of the crew: helming, sail handling and navigation
- 72ft yacht with professional Skipper & Mate
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Great Trip
Yet another great trip with First Class Sailing..... We had plenty of input into where we went.... This is my 7th trip with First Class Sailing, and I would recommend them without hesitation.

Nick S
Verified Customer
Join a Caribbean sailing holiday that combines hands-on sailing with island exploration this winter. We have two trips aboard our Challenger 72:
- St Lucia to Grenada from 16–22 December 2026 — 7 days for £1,749, and
- Grenada to Antigua from 3–12 January 2027 — 10 days for £2,449.
Both trips are designed to balance time under sail with time ashore. Sail between Caribbean islands in the trade winds, anchor in turquoise bays and experience the Caribbean from the deck of a professionally skippered yacht. Along the way there will be opportunities to swim, explore local towns, relax on white sandy beaches, or head ashore for food, drinks and a taste of Caribbean culture.
Most Caribbean sailing holidays involve chartering a yacht with family or friends. Our trips work differently.
Instead of having to organise a whole boat, you can book an individual berth and join a professionally skippered Challenger 72 as part of a crew of like-minded people. You can join on your own, as a couple or with a friend, so you don't need to find enough people to charter an entire yacht.
These are hands-on sailing holidays. You'll be encouraged to get involved in sailing the yacht, with opportunities to helm, handle sails, assist with navigation and experience life as part of a working crew, all with the support of a professional skipper and mate.
This makes the experience ideal for those looking to build confidence, gain offshore sailing experience, or simply enjoy a more involved and rewarding way to explore the Caribbean. There's also plenty of time to enjoy the islands themselves — this is a sailing holiday, not a training course.
If you’re comparing different ways to sail in the Caribbean, our guide to the types of Caribbean sailing holidays explains the differences between chartering a yacht and joining as crew.
Some flight options can be found at these two links:
Information about airports can be found in the FAQ section below.

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Sun, Sea, Sand, Sailing
Some great footage of the Caribbean showcasing our sailing holidays onboard a Challenger yacht

More Info on our Caribbean Holidays
Sail the Caribbean in Style: Cruise turquoise waters aboard a legendary Challenger 72, an ocean going yacht built for adventure and comfort.
Unforgettable Island-Hopping: Explore hidden coves, vibrant coral reefs, and sun-drenched beaches from St. Lucia to Grenada, with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, and unwind.
Hands-On Sailing Experience: Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a curious beginner, take the helm, trim the sails, or simply sit back, relax and watch the world go by. You will be expected to get involved with the domestic chores and in helping to sail the yacht - it is very much an immersive sailing holiday.
Friendships That Last Beyond the Horizon: Share unforgettable moments with fellow adventurers, forging bonds over sunsets, shared stories, and the thrill of the open sea - you may depart with life long friends.
Key Trip Details
Here’s a breakdown of the most important information about these Caribbean Sailing Holidays
Required Experience
- Start Yachting or equivalent recommended
- Chat to one of the team to find out more
Voyage Duration
- There are 2 sets of dates
- 7 Days: 16 - 22 December 2026
- 10 Days: 3 - 12 Jan 2027
- Between 200 - 400nm
Why This Holiday?
- Peak season Caribbean Sailing
- Sun, Sea, Sand & Sailing, what's not to like
- Share your experience with like minded individuals
- Large & safe yacht, a Challenger 72
The Yacht
- Challenger 72 Sloop
- 72ft long, spacious saloon
- Highly experienced Skipper & Mate
3 Easy Steps to your Caribbean Adventure
Get started now!
Enquire
If you have any queries about our Caribbean sailing holidays please email or call our friendly team who will be ready to answer your questions.
Book
Book and pay online or over the phone. Payment plan on request. Fill out your booking form and you're all set.
Cruise the Caribbean
Pack your summer wear, sun cream and pick up a tipple at the airport, you are ready for the Sun, Sea, Sand and Sailing in the Caribbean.
Caribbean Sailing Holidays
The Islands
The Caribbean chain of islands can be split into the Windward and Leeward Islands. South of Dominica are the Windwards which embrace the warm easterly trade winds. They are more mountainous and vary greatly in size. Both trips will transit through and visit the Windward Islands visiting idyllic archipelagos such as Tobago Cays.
The Leeward islands round away from the Atlantic to the northwest. Some of these islands are mountainous like the Windward Islands however many are flatter and there are many beaches to enjoy. Antigua, a Caribbean hub of yachting and a destination on the latter trip, is included in the Leeward Islands.
Which Islands you visit on your trip will depend precisely on weather an timings but you can expect to visit a new island almost every day!
The Yacht
The Yacht is a Challenger 72, built to sail around the world. A feat it has achieved twice in the BT Global Challenge Race. She is a very safe and solid yacht, spacious and comfy; well suited to sailing in the Caribbean. She meets all MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) safety Category 0 (the highest level) Coding requirements.
There will be a professional skipper and mate aboard who will ensure your safety, give as much instruction/training/coaching as needed to enable the crew all come together to sail the boat as a team and for you to achieve your goals. You will take an active role in helping sail and run the boat.
The accommodation is arranged towards the stern of the boat in 2 areas comfy bunks. There is good refrigeration on board and a water maker so plenty of showers will be available.
Prices & Travel
Prices
- 7 Day Trip: £1749 - 16-22 December 2026
- 10 Day Trip: £2499 - 3-12 January 2027
Included within the price...
- All food on board
- Mooring fees
- Custom entry fees
- Insurance
- Foul weather gear (if needed! - unlikely)
Not included
- Travel to and from the yacht
7 Day Itinerary: St Lucia to Grenada
Following on for a First Class Atlantic Crossing the yacht will have a rest in St Lucia before departing on a fantastic trip, south, through the Windward Islands to Grenada.
Day 1: Join the Yacht in the morning to meet your fellow Caribbean adventurous, familiarise with the vessel and set out on a short training sail/passage. Perhaps spend the first night anchored under the Pitons.
Day 2-5: Depart St Lucia and head into St Vincent & the Grenadines. This incredible stretch of the Caribbean has over 10 different islands to choose from. Work your way gently through some of them experiencing nature at its fullest. Carriacou, Union, Tabago Cays, Canouan, Mustique, Bequia & St Vincent are all options for this part of the trip.
Day 6: Depart St Vincent & the Grenadines to head for Grenada for your final port of call. Enjoy your final meal either at anchor under the setting Carribean sun or at a local beach bar
Day 7: Sort outs and farewells. You will be able to depart the Yacht from early afternoon in time to make it home for Christmas or to further extend your Caribbean holiday in Grenada.
*This is an example itinerary based on the expected seasonal weather. Actual destination or timings may vary.
10 Day Itinerary: Grenada - Antigua
Start your new year off with some sailing in the Caribbean peak season. Stable winds, warm temperatures and plenty to explore.
Day 1: Join the Yacht in the morning to meet your fellow Caribbean adventurous, familiarise with the vessel and set out on a short training sail/passage. Perhaps spend the first night anchored under the Caribbean starts ready to push off into St Vincent and the Grenadines. Carriacou, Union, Tabago Cays, Canouan, Mustique, Bequia & St Vincent are all options for this part of the trip.
Day 2 - 5: Set of from Grenada to explore St Vincent & the Grenadines. This incredible stretch of the Caribbean has over 10 different islands to choose from. Work your way gently through some of them experiencing nature at its fullest.
Day 6 - 9: Depart the Grenadines and begin your trip up to Antigua and the leeward Islands. Martinique, Dominica, Ils des Saints, Guadeloupe and Monserrat are all options for this segment of the cruise. The passages will be a little longer but there will still be plenty of opportunity to visit a few islands on route, get ashore and explore. Arrive in Antigua in the afternoon or evening of day 9 ready to enjoy a final evening meal at anchor or at a local restaurant.
Day 10: Sort outs and farewells. You will be able to depart the Yacht from early afternoon in time to fly that afternoon, extend your Caribbean holiday in Antigua or perhaps even have a couple of quiet days before joining the trip back to the UK!
*This is an example itinerary based on the expected seasonal weather. Actual destination or timings may vary.
Looking for a Skippered Caribbean Sailing Holiday?
If you're looking for a skippered sailing holiday in the Caribbean, there's another option besides chartering an entire yacht.
Join our professionally skippered Challenger 72 and sail between Caribbean islands as part of a crew of like-minded people. With an experienced skipper and mate aboard, you can enjoy the sailing without taking responsibility for running the yacht yourself.
Unlike a traditional skippered charter, there's no need to organise a whole boat. Simply book an individual berth, join on your own, as a couple or with a friend, and become part of the crew.
These are hands-on sailing holidays, so you'll be encouraged to get involved in helming, sail handling and navigation, while still having time to enjoy the islands.
More About Sailing in the Caribbean
Thinking about joining one of our Caribbean sailing holidays? We've put together a collection of articles to help you discover what to expect, understand the sailing conditions and decide whether this type of holiday is right for you.
Whether you're wondering what life aboard is like, considering joining on your own or simply dreaming of escaping the British winter, these guides should help.
- Why a Caribbean Sailing Holiday Beats a Beach Resort in Winter – Discover why exploring the islands under sail offers a very different experience from a traditional resort holiday.
- What It's Really Like on a Caribbean Sailing Holiday – From sailing between islands to life aboard and time ashore, find out what to expect.
- Is a Caribbean Sailing Holiday Right for You? – Explore the experience, sailing involvement and practical considerations before booking.
- Winter Sailing in the Caribbean: Trade Winds, Weather and Conditions Explained – Learn about the trade winds, temperatures and sailing conditions that make the Caribbean such a popular winter destination.
- From UK Winter to Caribbean Trade Winds: Why Sailors Escape South – Discover the appeal of exchanging short winter days for sunshine and Caribbean sailing.
- Types of Caribbean Sailing Holidays: Charter vs Hands-On Crew Trips – Understand the differences between chartering a yacht and booking an individual berth aboard a professionally skippered yacht.
- Caribbean Sailing Holidays for Solo Travellers: Can You Join a Yacht on Your Own? – Find out how joining individually works, from meeting the crew to accommodation and life aboard.
What Sailors Say About Us
5.0 based on 356 Happy Customers On Google ReviewsA great way to build sailing experience!
We joined First Class Sailing for an 11-day trip across the North Sea, from Portsmouth to Norway.
This was a great trip! We were provided with an excellent description of what to bring and what it would be like, so came prepared - essential since there were some sunny days and some cold ones!
A highlight was our skipper and his team. They turned a diverse group of 12 mostly strangers with quite big differences in sailing experience, fitness and taste for adventure into a team where everyone felt useful, was included, applied and expanded their skills and was encouraged to jump into new challenges. Preparing food for each other, cramming around the table to share stories and layered mentorship where people with different experiences and strengths helped each other learn all build camaraderie.
This is a great trip for people who want to spend some time sailing, gain experience and (potentially) step out of their comfort zone in a safe and inclusive environment.
Anne H
Verified Customer
A wonderful sailing experience
Wow. This trip was an amazing adventure. Sailing a tall ship is the same principle as a smaller yacht but everything is sized up. We were guided through all manoeuvres so we were safe at all times. We laughed for the 12 days on board. A brilliant experience.
Fiona L
Verified Customer
Our trip from Falmouth to Scillies and back was pretty much faultless. Excellent skipper/ instructor and yacht - great experience and highly recommended
Martin T
Verified Customer
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Frequently Asked Questions
Need more info? Look no further.
What makes these Caribbean sailing holidays different
- Sail as part of the crew (not a passenger)
- Offshore passages + island hopping
- Professional skipper and mate
- Challenger 72 (ocean-capable yacht)
- No prior experience required
- Ideal for building real sailing experience
True seameaship offshore and inshore!
It is easy to provide good rating when everything so smoothly, but it is an absolute pure pleasure to give 5 starts when things do not go according to the plan and the FCS managed to react & act accordingly! In our case there were some logistic challanges that might have resulted with non ideal outcome for one our dear freind. The FCS has recognised our feedback and gave an opportunity to our friend to redeem herself with great sucess! hats off to First class Sailing and the Chief Instructor! Definitly will sail & exam with FCS again

Krzysiek B
Verified Customer
What makes these Caribbean sailing holidays different
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