16-07-2025
Come sail away… up the west coast of Barbados and earn a sailing qualification
It took a while for the fear of sending a shipmate overboard went away.
A first ever sailing experience and where better to do it than on the gorgeous waters of the Caribbean Sea, with flying fish gliding on top of the waves ahead of us.
Taking control of a J/24, a racing keelboat, for the very first time took a little getting used to, as it tilted and gathered speed.
But what an adventure it was, racing up the west coast of Barbados, looking at miles of golden beaches to our starboard… or was it port?
Our captain for the day was James, born in Barbados to Scottish parents, and he made sure this rookie sailor didn't sink 'Fadeaway', our boat for the day. Han Talbot, Mark McCadden, Michael Collins and skipper James
James works for Wet and Salty Sailing, one of the top adventure sailing schools on this wonderful island.
It was his job to steer us out of Bridgetown Harbour and onto the open sea, where yours truly took over.
This was just a small taste of what it's like to sail a racing keelboat - and it was a serious workout. Doing it for real is a serious session. No need to head to the gym that day.
James' hands-off approach allowed us to feel the thrill of sailing, while he was always on-hand to offer pointers, advice and descriptions of his own race experiences.
West and Salty is a destination sailing school, offering ASA (American Sailing Association) certified Day Sailing Courses and Liveaboard Courses, as well as Private Charter and Day Sailing. The Mirror's Mark McCadden at the controls
People come from all over the world to learn on Barbados's turquoise waters, where the climate allows for sailing on 360 out of 365 days every year.
Founder Marianna Polacka describes the school as 'this passion project of mine' and she runs two sailing seasons.
There is the 'fun and challenging' racing season from November to May, with steady and strong trade winds at 15-25 knots.
She adds that through her school: 'You can go from zero to skipper in paradise in nine days!' Mark McCadden, Michael Collins of Travelmedia and James, the skipper
And then there is the cruising season between June and October, where the water and island are less busy, and the winds are lighter.
According to Marianna: 'Sailing is a life long journey. If you don't feel like you want to bareboat charter yet on your own, we can provide an instructor to come along with you, get your first miles as captain under the belt and strengthen your skills.
'Those not ready to commit to full training can charter a sporty J/24, a comfy Jeanneau 32, or our classic Prout Snowgoose 37 catamaran.
'It's your boat for the day. Sail it, learn the ropes, or enjoy the view with a cold drink.
'It's great for adventurous couples, curious first-timers, or anyone dreaming of the sailing life.'
You can fly to Barbados via British Airways and Virgin Atlantic (Heathrow), or on Aer Lingus through Manchester.
