Remembering "El Jefe" - Captain Kevin Holden | Modern Sailing

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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  • 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!

  • Ray Arceneaux

    The vessel was clean and in fine condition - very nice boat for training, well-equipped.

  • 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.

  • Esther C

    I took ASA 101 with them recently. They have the best customer service I've ever seen! I mistyped my address when I signed up online so didn't receive the textbook. I called and the lady immediately sent me another copy! Everyone at the club is super friendly.

  • 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.

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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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