Sailing Save-the-Dates for San Francisco Bay 2025
Known as a sailing mecca the world over, San Francisco is home to hundreds of sailing events every year. From community boat parades and regattas to the latest innovations in the yacht racing world, you can see it on the Bay. Check out this list and mark your calendars to experience these sensational events that bring the local sailing community together on land or onto the Bay. Some of these event dates are "TBD" (to be determined), but we will continually update this page as event dates are announced.
To experience or participate in some of these events aboard our sailing yachts, keep an eye out for Club Sails on event dates at our two locations in Sausalito and Berkeley.
- View the Modern Sailing Club Sails schedule here.
Three Bridge Fiasco - Saturday, January 25
The Three Bridge Fiasco hosted by the Single-Handed Sailing Society takes place right outside of the St. Francis Yacht Club. Racers compete single- or double-handed to round three buoys or temporary marks representing the three major bridges of the San Francisco Bay; the Golden Gate Bridge, East Bay Bridge, and Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. This race is an annual event regularly attracting more than 300 yachts and teams from all over the Bay Area.
Enjoy this video clip of Modern Sailing School & Club's owner and CEO, Captain Leigh Hunt and sailing instructor and Captain Jimmie Marquez as they attempted the 2020 socked-in, strong-ebbed regatta.
Seychelles Islands Flotilla Trip Information Session - February 12 (Sausalito) & February 27 (online)
Explore the Remote Seychelles Islands with Modern Sailing Global Destinations. This 10-day adventure, scheduled for September 10 - 20, 2025 will take you to a remote paradise of breathtaking beauty, where white-sandd beaches meet crystal-clear waters. This is a groundbreaking journey as Modern Sailing expands our global reach to the crystalline archipelago 1,000 miles northeast of Madagascar. Whether you join a flotilla with experienced USCG Captains or charter your own luxury catamaran, this unforgettable adventure will be organized by our Global Destinations crew to ensure all your travel arrangements are thought through for an unforgettable adventure.
Join our Flotilla Information Session and learn everything you need to know about this incredible adventure directly from the Trip Leaders: Captain Leigh Hunt and Captain Jeff Cathers.
Wednesday, February 12
5:30pm - 7:30pm in Sausalito
(2331 Marinship Way, Suite 100)
Thursday, February 27
5:30pm - 7:00pm online - Zoom
SailGP - San Francisco Sail Grand Prix - March 22 - 23
There are a few ways to witness the exciting action of F50 foiling catamarans zipping and splashing around the Central Bay:
- Watch the race from shore by buying tickets from SailGP.
- Modern Sailing club members can charter a boat -or-
- Join a Club Sail to watch from the water
This year we are having two SailGP Club Sail spectator boats heading out from Sausalito and Berkeley each day of this event!
Latitude 38 Crew List Parties - Spring and Fall
Check for updates on Latitude 38's virtual crew list page.
These parties, hosted by our favorite maritime news outlet, Latitude 38, occur twice annually. Hosts rotate, including Svendsens Marine in Alameda in Spring or the Spaulding Marine Center in the Fall. From 6:00 to 9:00 PM, the event is a meet and greet for Bay Area Sailors (crew and boat owners), featuring vendor tables, food, and beer. You can sign up to crew or find crew using our free online Crew List, but you don't have to be on a Crew List to come to the party! $10 cash at the door with ID. Learn more.
Advanced First Aid/CPR for Mariners Course, TBD (Sausalito)
Maritime Medical Guides teaches all the essentials of CPR and first aid, specifically tailored to the maritime environmnet. Future Dates TBA - email info@maritimemedical.org to be notified when our next dates are scheduled. Cost is $435. The class is US Sailing Accredited, meets World Sailing Offshore Special Reg. (OSR 6.5) and is also valid for USCG Merchant Mariner credentials.
International Ocean Film Festival - April 11 - 13 (Cowell Theatre, Fort Mason Center, SF)
Learn about the ocean, its inhabitants, the people who play in it, and people who work on it at the International Ocean Film Festival. Each year the IOFF aims to save the oceans one spectacular film at a time by inspiring viewers to become the voice of Earth's largest organ.
Opening Day on the Bay - Sunday, April 27
Kick off the 2025 San Francisco Bay sailing season with fellow enthusiasts during Opening Day on the Bay, a tradition now in its 108th year! This annual celebration, dating back to 1917, is organized by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association and marks one of the Bay Area’s most anticipated sailing events.
From the blessing of the fleet in Racoon Straits to the parade of decorated boats, the festivities offer something for everyone. The parade route stretches from the Golden Gate Bridge to Pier 39, featuring a colorful procession of vessels—from tugboats to tour boats. Judges will award prizes for the most imaginative and festive designs, making it a lively spectacle for participants and spectators alike.
Want to join the fun? Stay tuned to Modern Sailing's weekly newsletter for announcements about our Opening Day on the Bay Parade Club Sail. Not subscribed yet? You can subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show - May 15 - 18
The Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show is one of the West Coast’s premier boat shows, featuring new sail and cruising power boats, gear, hardware, seminars, and interactive workshops. It will be held in Redwood City at Westpoint Harbor.
Jazz and Blues by the Bay - Friday Nights this Summer
Enjoy late summer nights and the smooth tunes of jazz on land or from the water. Hosted by Sausalito Parks and Recreation, Jazz and Blues by the Bay is a community event focused on park enjoyment and music appreciation. During the summer, these weekly Friday night concerts occur in Gabrielson Park overlooking Richardson Bay and the Sausalito Yacht Club mooring balls. Modern members can book a boat to enjoy the tunes and sunset, or join one of our Jazz and Blues by the Bay Club Sails.
The Master Mariners Annual Regatta - Saturday, May 24 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Hosted by the Master Mariners Benevolent Association, a San Francisco yacht club that dates back to 1867, the Master Mariner's Regatta is an exquisite event showcasing wooden tall ships from all over the Bay Area. In contrast to the modernity of SailGP, regatta boaters and spectators will have the opportunity to experience the historic heritage of sailing innovation at its finest.
One Ocean Film Tour on World Oceans Day - June 8
The One Ocean Film Tour is a world-class series of ocean-loving films focused on adventure, the aquatic environment and inspirational stories. The tour was created in 2020 with the vision to increase awareness about ocean protection and conservation by sharing films made by people who have dedicated their lives to the ocean and all her glory. One Ocean Film Tour is a spectacular visual journey in itself. Join us! Immerse yourself in the mighty power of One Ocean!
Summer Sailstice - Saturday, June 21
Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the "Sailstice." Organized by Bay Area sailor John Arndt on June 21, 2000, this event has become a global affair that brings sailors together to celebrate their favorite pastime - sailing. Enjoy the year's longest (sailing) day and the start of summer. Participation in the Summer Sailstice event is free. All you have to do is slip the lines, hoist your sails, and head out to your favorite body of water on a sailboat. Modern Sailing members can participate in Summer Sailstice by chartering a boat or joining a Club Sail. Share your Sailstice plans for a chance to win epic prizes from sponsors such as North Sails, Navionics, American Sailing Association, US Sailing, and more!
Master Mariner's Wooden Boat Show at Corinthian Yacht Club - June 15
The Annual Wooden Boat Show is one of the highlights of the San Francisco sailing season, and one of only a few West coast wooden boat shows.
Open to the public and generously hosted by the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon, this unique event is an once a year opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful Yacht Clubs in the world, and dozens of the most elegant and delightful traditional sailing boats from the Bay and beyond. We'll let you know as soon as show dates are announced.
Independence Day Celebration - Friday, July 4
Celebrate America's independence on the water! Charter a sailboat or join a Club Sail to watch the multitude of fireworks shows around the Bay Area from the water. See our Member Resources article Best Places in SF Bay to See Fireworks by Boat.
Seychelles Islands Flotilla with Modern Sailing Global Destinations - September 10 - 20
Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime sailing adventure to the stunning Seychelles Islands. From September 10 to 20, 2025 you'll explore pristine waters, snorkel with rich marine life, and relax on idyllic coralline beaches 1,000 miles northeast of Madagascar. With the experienced captains of Modern Sailing as your guides, your 10-day journey begins at St. Lucia, a scenic island rich in British history. Sailing north to French Martinique and back, each of the stops along the way offer vibrant waters, verdant landscapes, and vivid flavors. Sailors will have the opportunity to explore the colorful blend of European culture, quintessential Caribbean charm, and the picturesque natural beauty that define the region. This sailing voyage promises a fusion of history, culture, and adventure on the Caribbean Sea.
Join a Trip Information Session to Learn About This Flotilla! Email the office to get Seychelles Information Alerts.
Enjoy snacks and beverages as our Trip Leaders, Captains Robert Bivin and Jeff Cathers, present information and answer your questions about the flotilla itinerary, boats, and travel considerations.
Cabin and bareboat sales will open to the public immediately following the Sausalito Information Session.
Rolex Big Boat Series and J/88 Nationals - September 10 - 14
The Rolex Big Boat Series is a four-day regatta founded by the St. Francis Yacht Club in 1964. The annual event attracts competitive racing teams and big racing boats from all over the state, nation, and world. Thousands of racers and hundreds of boats take to the Bay each day of the race, competing for first place and the Rolex watch that comes with it. MSC club members can bareboat charter or join a Club Sail to witness the excitement from the water.
Island Yacht Club Women's Sailing Seminar - TBD
IYC's 3 days of sailing, learning and fun includes in-person and streaming seminars and keynote speeches, food, drink, and no-host cocktail hours, giveaways including t-shirts and totes, and an amazing raffle drawing! Stay tuned for more details as we approach September.
Fleet Week - October 6 - 13
The grand finale to summer in San Francisco, Fleet Week, celebrates the United States Navy allowing civilians to tour warships while their sailors tour the city. The week begins with a parade of ships progressing to free concerts, educational events, and family fun. Fleet Week's grand finale is a two-day air show over the Bay featuring the Blue Angels of the United States Airforce, the F-35 Demo Team, a demo from United's largest airplane, and several internationally known performance flight teams. The best seat in the house for these shows is from a boat on the Bay - keep an eye out for our Club Sails that weekend.
Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade - December 13
Spark the spirit of the season with holiday lights, music and fireworks on the water! This special event is a holiday tradition in Sausalito and across the Bay Area. Every year, we enter two of our Club Sail boats in the parade and our hard-working fleet staff decorate them for our members and guests to participate in this magical experience. With the sounds of holiday music and cheering spectators, you and your guests will be dazzled by the spectacle of decorated boats and fireworks. An enchanting and memorable event to kick off the season, even the grinchiest of sailors will be unable to resist the holiday cheer.
Do you know of any other San Francisco Bay Area sailing events? Let us know and we'll add it to this list!
