7—14 Nov '26
Sail the British Virgin Islands 2026
Signature sailing adventure where paradise meets purpose.
New route. New locations. Same purpose. Take on the challenge of sailing the British Virgin Islands with a new crew, build a powerful community, and make a meaningful impact with Unite BVI.
Our renowned BVI Sail returns in 2026 and, this year, includes a personal invitation from Sir Richard Branson to celebrate the end of the adventure and our charitable partnership with Unite BVI at a spectacular finale celebration party on Necker Island.
Yes, that Necker Island.
A private paradise in the heart of the British Virgin Islands, Necker has been Richard's home for more than two decades. It's a place where world-changers gather to think big, where the Necker Cup is played, and where unforgettable dinners unfold beneath open skies beside the ocean.
No sailing experience? No problem.
You'll have plenty of opportunities to learn new skills, guided by experienced skippers who'll introduce you to the real joys of life at sea. And if that's not challenge enough, you'll be living onboard in close quarters; cooking, eating, and sleeping alongside a brand-new crew. It isn't always easy, but it's what turns strangers into shipmates and shared moments into lifelong memories.
Our purpose partner for the journey is Unite BVI. Over the years, we've built strong connections with the local community and, while there is no fundraising requirement, we'll continue our tradition of a dedicated "do good" day ashore.
Previous adventures have included beach clean-ups, helping rebuild the Virgin Gorda Peak Tower, and, in 2025, refurbishing the North Sound Basketball Court – a vital community space identified as a local priority.
Our 2025 impact day brought teams together to paint, landscape, repair facilities, and clear overgrowth. For 2026, we'll once again work closely with Unite BVI to design a meaningful project that creates positive, lasting impact for the local community. Time and again, participants tell us this is one of the most rewarding parts of the entire adventure.
To celebrate the impact we make together, we'll finish with a truly unique celebration experience, with more details to be revealed in the months ahead.
We'll sail as a flotilla of primarily monohulls for the full sailing experience, with a limited number of catamarans joining the fleet. Shared catamaran cabins are available for a supplement of £350 per person, subject to availability. Please email us for details.
Along the way, we'll discover new corners of the islands, make lifelong friends, learn the ropes (literally), and have an incredible amount of fun together.
Adventure highlights
1.A sailor’s tropical paradise
Steady trade winds, crystal-clear waters and sun-drenched islands make the BVI a dream for sailors and adventurers alike. With every day bringing a new island, hidden cove and beach bar to discover.
2.We’ll show you the ropes
With qualified skippers on every boat, you’ll learn the fundamentals of sailing. From hoisting sails and steering the boat to working together as a crew. It’s a hands-on, team effort to get from A to B.
3.Party on Necker Island
Celebrate in style on the private paradise island in the heart of the BVI that Sir Richard Bransons has called home for more than two decades. Expect barefoot dancing in the sand, ice-cold drinks and lots of instagrammable photos.
Adventure with purpose
An impactful purpose is central to all of our adventures. We actively support the communities we visit through fundraising, donations and volunteer experience days.
Trip itinerary
Sat 7th Nov '26
Day 1: Arrive in Tortola
Welcome to the British Virgin Islands. You’ll need to make own way to Tortola arriving by Saturday 8th. Our big sail brief is at 6pm. This may be your greatest challenge by ferry or small plane.
You’ll drop your bags at the Sunsail base in Wickhams Cay, sign in, pick up your team shirt, and receive your instructions. Locate your crew and skipper and head to your boat to meet your new crew mates.
Each boat will be given a kitty for all breakfasts, lunches and snacks on board. Once you are together as a crew, head to the local supermarket for supplies. We set up boat WhatsApp groups once boat places are assigned. You are encouraged to start team-building as you prepare your food shopping list for the week.
Early evening we gather for a sunset cocktail and welcome briefing. Let the fun begin!
Sun 8th Nov '26
Day 2: Example Itinerary: Sail to Anegada
A glorious day of open-water sailing awaits. It’s a 6-hour open sea crossing to the remote coral atoll of Anegada.
We cross the island using local open-sided buses for dinner at Cow Wreck Beach. We’ll spend the evening dancing on the white sand as the DJ plays all evening before the buses take us back to the boats.
Mon 9th Nov '26
Day 3: Example Itinerary: Sail to Jost van Dyke
Waking up to beautiful turquoise water never gets old! Today is a mix of sailing and leisure time. Another 6-hour passage, with opportunities to drop anchor in stunning secluded bays for a swim or dinghy run to a beach.
Tonight is our Full Moon Party, bring your florescent party clothes for a fabulous night at the famous Foxy’s Bar.
Tue 10th Nov '26
Day 4: Example Itinerary: Sail to Virgin Gorda
Today starts with a welcome briefing in the morning (sailing shirts on for the group photo!). All Skippers are required to attend a mandatory safety session covering all the legal and practical aspects of the adventure.
We aim to leave port at 11am. Boats set sail and today it's all about the crew, led by the skipper, getting acquainted with the boat and sailing. A warm-up sail to Virgin Gorda, arriving early afternoon with time to explore the island, swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or whatever your heart desires after all this is your paradise for the week.
Tonight we will have an unforgettable party, more information to follow soon.
Wed 11th Nov '26
Day 5: Example Itinerary: Sail to Norman Island
Today we head to the famous Norman Island, steeped in pirate legend. There’s time to explore the dreamy bays and hidden coves along the way. We anchor at The Bight and head to the stunning Norman Island Beach Club for dinner.
Thu 12th Nov '26
Day 6: Example Itinerary: Sail to Virgin Gorda
We spend today enjoying a breathtaking 4-hour sail, with opportunities to moor off The Baths, a world heritage site on Gorda.
We sail to our supper tonight, catching the ferry to Saba Rock for dinner. This world class island resort offers the chance to see Tarpin feeding, walk around the exclusive hotel venue and take that famous phone box photograph.
Fri 13th Nov '26
Day 7: Example Itinerary: Stay on Virgin Gorda
Our final full day is about impact and legacy. This morning we give back with a land-based charity activity. Supporting local community and our charity partner Unite BVI. This is our chance to connect with the community and leave our small mark on the islands.
Tonight’s dinner is at the beautiful CocoMaya, an idyllic setting, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Sir Frances Drake Channel and over to Tortola. Often described as one of the best restaurants in the BVI, tonight is the night to dress to impress. Here we dine on consciously caught BVI seafood and locally sourced produce fused with delightful flavours from South East Asia and Latin America.
Sat 14th Nov '26
Day 8: Sail back to Tortola
It’s an early start but a short sail to return to port. We have to do a few boat chores before we walk the plank for the last time but with hearts full and ready to book your next adventure.
Tickets
This adventure begins in 155 days.
Deposit Scheme Available at Checkout
- Pay 20% today (£390 pp)
- Balance due by 9th Aug 2026
Good to know
What to expect
A fun filled, sun-soaked week surrounded by crystal clear water, good people and barefoot parties under the stars. This is a bucket list opportunity to sail around the BVI and a highlight in our adventure calendar. You will be sharing a cabin, either with a friend if you are travelling with one, or with another sailor. We will work with each sailor to ensure appropriate cabin allocations. Single supplements are available at an additional cost.
Meeting point
Wickhams Cay, Tortola arriving by Saturday 8th. Our briefing is at 6pm.
Nearest airport
Terrance B. Lettsome Airport, Beef Island Airport
Flights
Not included. We meet at the destination. See meeting point for details.
Airport transfers
Not included
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Our adventures take us far and wide; we see the world with new friends and take on challenges that take us out of our comfort zones. Part of the experience comes from living simply, honouring local culture, and embracing new environments. This can mean sleeping in (very) close quarters, from a tent under the stars, a boat cabin on the water, a hammock in the trees, or occasionally a very nice hotel. Shared spaces help foster connections; through shared laughs and whispered secrets, we form incredible friendships.
Accommodation type
Shared cabins, shared double beds in most cases.
Living as crew is part of the adventure, bunking up with a fellow adventurer. Due to the layout of the sailing boats used on this trip, all guests will be allocated shared cabins, and in most cases, this will include sharing a double bed with another guest. Couples together. Friends together. Solo travellers will be paired with another guest of the same gender where possible.
Limited single supplements available (at cost) on request.
We’re (almost) the full package!
We like to keep things simple, so our cost price covers almost everything you’ll need. Occasionally there may be a few exceptions, but we’ll always make these clear in advance.
In some destinations, country-specific taxes can’t be included in the adventure price and must be paid for by the individual. For full details, please refer to the “What’s Included / What’s Not Included” section.
What’s included
All meals (except dinner on day of arrival) and boat supplies/costs (food, water, fuel, mooring etc) are included. We will give each boat crew money to buy supplies for breakfasts and lunches but everyone pitches in to making them onboard the boats. All evening meals are included once we leave port. We all dine together in the designated restaurants.
What’s not included
Notable exclusions are flights, transfers and any other travel needed, additional accommodation before or after the trip and alcohol. Travel insurance, visas and travel immunisations. Other personal expenses or additional activities. Getting to Tortola can be challenging, some of the Caribbean airlines can be very unreliable. Allow time to get there. Dinner is not included on the day of arrival.
Do I need any specific experience?
You do not need to have any experience or be qualified in any way to be part of this adventure. Your captain will teach you as you go but everyone will be part of the boat crew and will chip in and help sail the boat. This is a team effort. Some adventurers choose to do a crew competency course (very basic) before they go but this isnʼt essential.
What to pack
- You will mainly wear swimwear during the day.
- Bring suitable clothing for the charity engagement day - old t-shirt, shorts, trainers with a hard sole, raincoat, they are likely to get dirty.
- One fancy dress outfit, theme to be confirmed
- One glam party outfit, in the past this has been a white outfit, we will confirm soon
- Suitable evening clothing for our restaurant selections.
- Lots of sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.
Expected weather conditions
November is the end of hurricane season in the Caribbean. The Weather starts to improve with average temperatures of around 27-30 degrees C. The chance of rainfall and humidity
decreases but there is always a chance of a shower.
Travel essentials
Travel essentials are not included in your package, please make sure you check local requirements before travelling.
- Travel insurance covering adventure activities
- Any required vaccinations
- Valid passport
- Visa
- Entry fees
Are there any restrictions of who can join this adventure
All sailors must be over 18 years of age at the time of sailing. You must be medically fit enough to cope with life on board a sailing boat, including narrow beds, low ceilings and small bathrooms, as well as stepping access on board from other boats or from pontoons.
Group size
Our adventures vary in group size, but no matter the number, we pride ourselves on helping to build connections, and creating shared meaningful experiences.
This adventure offers a larger group experience with around 100 adventurers setting sail together.
We’re here to help
If you have any questions, just drop us a message and we’ll get back to you.
Ask us anything
