Remembering "El Jefe" - Captain Kevin Holden

We at Modern Sailing are saddened by the passing of our member, instructor, and friend Kevin Holden, and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

Kevin received the nickname El Jefe during his 22 years of leading groups of teenagers on mission trips to Mexico to build homes for those in need, a nickname that followed him to Modern Sailing. An avid sailor since 2009, Kevin joined Modern in 2015 and quickly became known in our community as a leader, a frequent Club Skipper and the co-founder of “Pirates For A Cause,” an arm of Modern Sailing's Leukemia Cup Regatta program. In 2021, he completed his ASA Instructor Qualification Clinics and began sharing his love of sailing with others as a Modern Sailing instructor. Engaged in community through Rotary, church, and sailing, Kevin's outgoing ways touched and improved the lives of many. He was admired for his passion for sailing and for life, his generous nature, and his unmistakable, hearty laugh. His loss is felt deeply in our community and he is greatly missed.

Kevin J. Holden Obituary

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Emma & George Stubbs, Sausalito

We just took our ASA 106 at a school in Rhode Island as we prepare for 6 months of cruising in the Caribbean. The class was great, but more than anything it made us really appreciate the quality of teaching and rigor at Modern Sailing. Even though we were the newest to sailing, the group seemed to think that we had the best fundamentals. We felt very well prepared and we see why Modern Sailing has the reputation it does.
John Boynton

The class was terrific. I know you must get many compliments about your sailing instructors...But I must tell you that Robert is outstanding. Having taught SCUBA, I really appreciate the way he is so sensitive to all on board, dealing with each so well, knowing quickly their strengths and weaknesses making each feel special and cared for.
Warren Leiden, Member

I try to get out on the water every week: out the Gate, around Angel, up Raccoon - I love it all. After 18 years as a member of OCSC in Berkeley, I learned to sail the bigger boats at Modern by taking ASA 103 and 104. My ASA 104 instructor Dave Russell was terrific. Also, Captain Bill Moreland has been very generous in giving informal advice whenever I’ve asked him. Thanks to Bill, I no longer have any anxiety about docking!
John Kratochvil, Oregon

I would like to compliment Stan Lander for his coaching, counseling and teaching Heavy Weather Offshore Sailing. Stan was very accommodating to all of the student's interests and shared his many years of insight on handling the boat in heavy seas. I would certainly recommend Stan and this course to sheltered waters sailors. My confidence in handling a boat of this size was certainly enhanced by the experience.
John Kipping

The meeting room was quite adequate and the location most convenient, but the course outline and instruction were outstanding. Modern Sailing is fortunate to have such a well organized instructor in Mr. Stan Lander who teaches very well from a rich professional background. Mr. Lander was generous with his time and patiently in helping students who needed more attention or time in understanding various aspects of the curriculum.

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Modern Sailing School & Club

Sausalito Location
2310 Marinship Way, Sausalito
(415) 331-8250
(800) 995-1668

Berkeley Location
1 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley
(415) 331-8250
(800) 995-1668

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