On the private shores of Jumby Bay Island, a new kind of luxury is taking shape — one that blends leisure, learning, and legacy. In partnership with Antigua’s National Sailing Academy, the island is offering guests and homeowners an exclusive opportunity to experience Caribbean sailing at its most authentic.
Set against the island’s steady trade winds and turquoise waters, families can spend a week mastering the art of sailing under the guidance of certified instructors. But this isn’t just about honing skills on the water — every lesson helps fund free sailing programs for local children, deepening the connection between visitors and the island community.
“This partnership represents the evolution of luxury travel,” says Frederic Vidal, Managing Director of Jumby Bay Island. “It’s about the next generation learning the art of harvesting the wind.”
A Vision Born from the Sea
The National Sailing Academy was founded on a simple but transformative idea: sailing should be accessible to every Antiguan child.
Back in 1999, Elizabeth Jordan arrived from the UK expecting to spend three months exploring the Caribbean. Instead, she found her life’s work. During her tenure as Commodore of the Antigua Yacht Club, Jordan noticed a paradox — young Antiguans grew up surrounded by some of the world’s best sailing conditions yet had little access to the industry’s opportunities.
Her solution was bold: establish a completely free sailing program that would open doors to maritime careers.
“Our mission extends beyond teaching sailing techniques,” Jordan explains. “We’re opening pathways into the maritime world. By employing local Antiguans as instructors, we’re building homegrown expertise and ensuring the next generation learns from mentors who understand their journey.”
Join tens of thousands of readers who never miss an update on Caribbean sailing, travel, and island living!
Just fill out the form below to get started. Want to take a look first? Browse past issues here.
Where Learning Meets Legacy
Each five-day sailing course at Jumby Bay Island follows Royal Yachting Association (RYA) standards, blending professional instruction with the island’s natural rhythm. Since 2010, the Academy has trained more than 200 local students weekly, funded entirely through partnerships like this one.
Participants can choose between two levels:
Optimist Class (Ages 7–12) — Young sailors learn the basics of single-handed sailing in calm, protected waters, gaining both confidence and independence.
Zest Class (Ages 13–16) — For more advanced youth, this program introduces refined techniques and teamwork at sea.
Beyond skill-building, every session weaves in a sense of purpose. Families sail alongside local mariners, absorbing stories of Antigua’s maritime traditions while directly contributing to free training for local students. It’s an exchange — experience for impact, adventure for legacy.
Limited Spots, Lasting Impressions
Spaces are kept intentionally small to ensure hands-on instruction and meaningful connections. Families often describe the experience as transformative — children return home not only with new skills but with a deeper sense of responsibility toward the ocean and the communities that depend on it.
Available Dates:
November 24–28, 2025
December 15–19, 2025
December 16–30, 2025
December 26–30, 2025
January 12–16, 2026
March 9–April 3, 2026
June 15–19, 2026
June 22–26, 2026
June 29–July 3, 2026
July 6–10, 2026
July 13–17, 2026
November 24–28, 2026
December 14–18, 2026
December 26–30, 2026
Program Fee: $700 per participant
To book or for further information, please contact jumbybay@oetkerhotels.com
