The Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) has announced that free registration is open for its second Junior Sailing Summer Camp, from July 17-28, 2023, for USVI public school students. Camp participation opens the door to enrollment in the year-round IGY Marinas-sponsored after-school sailing program. VIPCA is also accepting applications for its sixth annual marine apprenticeship from June 22-July 26, for young adult (18-29) USVI residents. Apprentice graduates can enter the workforce immediately with a paid 12-month apprenticeship supported by the USVI Department of Labor, leading to a U.S. Coast Guard captains cicense.
The Junior Sailing Camp, held at the St. Thomas Yacht Club near Red Hook, offers teenagers ten days of learning to sail IC24s and Hobie Cats. This year, swim lessons first take place, twice weekly. The sailing camp is on weekdays, July 17-July 28. Land and sea instruction includes understanding the parts of a boat, navigation skills, reading weather and conditions, safety basics, and of course, plenty of sailing.
The camp is free to eligible public school students thanks to the annual $25,000 sponsorship by RapierMed, a USVI financial services and venture capital firm.
Students who participate in sailing camp have an opportunity to continue sailing via the year-round after-school IGY Marinas sailing program.
To apply, visit vipca.org/junior-sailing-summer-camp.
The five-week marine apprenticeship program, June 22-July 26, provides captain and STCW (Standards of Training and Certification of Watch-keeping) training including first aid and CPR certification; sea survival, and fire fighting. The schedule also includes swimming, SCUBA diving, sailing, and power-boating instruction; boating safety certification; charter vessel and business operations; technical skills and proficiency in diesel engines and outboards; and an introduction to marine careers with various government departments. The marine apprenticeship is free to participants, sponsored by the Island Foundation, and fiscally managed by the Marine Rebuild Fund within the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands.
For more information and to apply, visit vipca.org/youth-training.
