With completion of our February Club Skipper Clinic, Modern Sailing proudly welcomes four new Club Skippers into our Club Sail program, marking another milestone for our growing community. Club Skippers, distinguished sailors and valued members, enrich the Modern Sailing experience by leading our Club Sails. These skilled individuals undergo rigorous training at their own expense through our Club Skipper Clinic, led by our expert instructors. In return for their dedication, our volunteer Club Skippers enjoy perks such as the opportunity to bring a complimentary guest on their Club Sails and other incentives that bolster their growth as sailors and leaders within our community.
Get acquainted with Aron Solberg, Juan Angeles Acuna, Tony Chigazola, and Bobinder Singh as they introduce themselves and share a few insights into their sailing backgrounds and adventures both with Modern Sailing and beyond. Let's extend a warm welcome to these exceptional sailors as they join our esteemed team of Club Skippers!
Aron Solberg
"Hi everyone, my name is Aron and I've been a Modern Sailing club member since autumn of 2022. Back then, I had my very first introduction to sailing and fittingly it was on a Modern Sailing Club Sail. Quick shoutout to my friend Alex for inviting me! It's exciting to think now, a year and a half later, I'll be back doing more Club Sails, only this time as the skipper.
"I took the majority of my courses in the winter of 2023 including ASA 101, 103, 104, and 114. I then went on my first international charter in the British Virgin Islands during New Years Eve on an Astrea 42. Bareboat chartering between warm Caribbean islands felt like an amazing milestone, and I'm thankful to Modern Sailing for helping to prepare me. Now as we approach a new summer season, I'm looking forward to helping others on their sailing journey! The BVI is great, but there's still nothing quite like the wild and dynamic San Francisco Bay which we're lucky to call our 'sailing backyard.'
"My goals for 2024 include taking Advanced Sail Trim courses, getting exposure to off-shore sailing (Farallons Day Trip, anyone?), and of course leading some Club Sails and meeting more of the fantastic Modern Sailing community. See you on the boat!"
Juan Angeles Acuna
"After living in San Francisco for so long, seeing and wondering how all these boats navigate the Bay waters, I decided to take the plunge. I began my learning journey about 3 years ago with Modern Sailing and fell in love with it. Since then, I’ve completed courses up through ASA 106, 114, 118, most clinics, and numerous day and overnight charters in the Bay and the East Coast. I wanted to become a Club Skipper to meet other club members, gain more hours and experience, and share my passion for sailing. You can also see me out sailing with the Blue Water Foundation. Looking forward to sailing with you!"
Want to follow Juan on Instagram? (We did!) His handle is @byjcangeles.
Tony Chigazola
"After sailing with friends on the San Francisco Bay over the years, I joined Modern Sailing in the early part of last summer to expand my sailing experience and explore getting formally trained. After completing ASA 101, I quickly realized that sailing would be much more than a casual interest and it quickly grew into a passion. I've since completed ASA 103, 104, and 118 with Modern Sailing, have sailed frequently on the San Francisco Bay, and recently skippered my first cruising adventure through the beautiful British Virgin Islands aboard a Jeanneau 410.
"I'm very appreciative of the wonderful instruction and experiences I've gotten with Modern Sailing. As a Club Skipper I look forward to meeting other sailors, sharing stories of sailing experiences and adventures, and further exploring the San Francisco Bay together."
Bobinder Singh
"I spent a good bit of time at sea on super tankers during my previous career in the Merchant Marines. My wife and I sailed some on smaller boats before we had kids, and started sailing again as a family six years back, and joined Modern Sailing last year. Love the club, and look forward to sailing with other members as a Club Skipper!"
