Adventure Advisor:

Not only is Dominica completely devoid of sailing schools, it doesn't even have a charter company-- since the island prides itself on maintaining an entirely unspoiled wilderness, tourism infrastructure is rarely welcome. The most reputable nearby alternative is Offshore Sailing School (www.offshore-sailing.com, 800-221-4326), which offers year-round courses in the British Virgin Islands. You can also contact the Barbados Yachting Association (246-228-7544). They'll point you to some bareboat companies that offer less formal instruction.

Once you've perfected your skippering skills elsewhere, Dominica would be a great place to drop your anchor for a while. From its rustic villages you can hike through rainforests to waterfalls and hot springs. Or just hop off your deck to dive shipwrecks, reefs and walls. Steep coastal mountains and thick river valleys distinguish the black-sand island from its neighbors. And the intimidating vertical ridges have kept would-be developers from turning Dominica into yet another resort-littered paradise.

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