March 5, 2025
Daylight Savings starts on March 9, bringing some seasonal changes to chartering at Modern Sailing. The changes described below will go into effect on Monday, March 10. We've put together some ways you can brush up your skills and get ready for the official launch of San Francisco Bay sailing on Sunday, April 27 - Opening Day on the Bay.
Sunset Sails are Back!
The clocks will soon spring forward, the days will lengthen, and the Bay will be calling! Daylight Savings will usher in our Regular Sailing Season here at Modern Sailing, and with it, the promise of sun-kissed skies and weeknight adventures.
As of March 10, bareboat charter options will include Monday through Friday 4:00pm - 8:00pm Sunset Sail options at the lowest charter rates. Check out Our Charter Fleet webpage for pricing details.
Charter Options
- Full Day (9:00 AM - 8:00 AM next day) bookings are available year-round.
- Midweek Sunset charters are available March 10 through November 2.
Cancellation Policy
For all reservations after March 10, a notice of cancellation 72 hour prior to the start of your charter reservation or a Club Sail booking is necessary to avoid a cancellation fee (50% of the cost of the booking). This gives members a greater chance to get out on the water during peak season. During the Standard Daylight (winter) season, 24 hours of notice is required to cancel a charter reservation with no fee due to the inclement weather. Learn more about our charter policies here: Charter Policies and Definitions.
Year-round, Courses, Clinics, and Club Sails will carry on rain or shine. However, when wind speeds are forecast to be 30 or more knots sustained, conditions may be deemed unsafe and we will cancel all on-the-water operations for the day.
Multi-Day Charter Discounts Continue
Multi-day charters are discounted 10% for two consecutive days and 15% off for three or more consecutive days. Don't forget to book a BBQ or Mooring kit when you're staying overnight or two to enhance your Bay experience. Visit our article, "Choosing the Right Boat for Your Charter" to learn more.
5 Ways to Prepare for Spring Sailing Season at Modern Sailing:
1. Development Sails: Your Path to Sailing Confidence
Whether you're looking to refresh your skills, prepare for a Fleet Rating Checkout, are a recent ASA graduate or a seasoned sailor, these full-day sessions (9:00 AM - 3:30 PM) will boost your confidence and refine your skills. Master essential maneuvers like docking, sail trim, and crew overboard recovery with expert instruction and personalized attention in small class sizes. Choose from Sportboat, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Catamaran, and Spinnaker Development Sails.
Ready to sign up? Call us at (415) 331-8250, email us, or visit our Development Sails webpage.
2. Master Your Mooring & Docking Skills
Dreaming of a serene overnight stay at Angel Island? Our Angel Island Mooring Clinic will equip you with the skills to confidently navigate the unique challenges of Ayala Cove.
Learn bow-and-stern mooring techniques required by the Angel Island Harbor Master and gain experience with buoy mooring for overnight stays. Join MSC President/CEO Capt. Leigh Hunt on March 22nd!
Visit our Angel Island Mooring Clinic page for more information and to sign up.
You can also request our Angel Island Docking Pass at the MSC Sausalito office, available. on a 'first come, first serve' basis. If you're wanting some more practice before you land in one of the 16 new docks Angel Island recently opened, take our Platinum Fleet Docking & Maneuvering Clinic on March 30.
3. Schedule a Dockside Briefing to Make the Most of Your Charter Boat Options
Whether you're chartering a familiar boat or trying something new (like one with an in-mast furling mainsail or a premier sportboat J/88 Fly or J/99 Mymble (Berkeley)), our MSC crew will provide a personalized complimentary briefing to ensure your confidence and safety on the water. Modern Sailing has an incredibly diverse fleet of boats on both sides of the Bay. If you've never sailed the iconic J/105, now's your chance. Schedule a pre-charter briefing for Chao Pescao in Sausalito, or Nirvana and Resolute in Berkeley. Visit our Dockside Briefing page to learn how to book one with you charter.
4. Book a Private Lesson
Maximize your time on the water with a Private Lesson tailored to your needs. Our expert MSC Instructors can help you master new techniques or refresh your existing skills. Get the specific practice you need to shine this season! Private Lessons offer skills-focused instruction for 1-2 people, with a minimum of four hours dedicated to your goals.
Whether it's mastering anchoring, perfecting your docking, or refining your general sailing maneuvers, our MSC Instructors are here to help. Private Lessons are ideal for pre-charter refreshers or solidifying newly acquired skills. Visit our Skippered Sails and Private Lessons page for more information and to schedule yours for Spring.
5. Upgrade Clinics
Become a truly versatile sailor with Modern Sailing's specialized Upgrade Clinics. If you're eager to transition from sportboats to cruising yachts, our Upgrade to Silver Fleet Clinic will guide you through the intricacies of wheel-steered, inboard diesel vessels. Conversely, if you're looking to embrace the thrill of tiller steering and sportboat sailing, our Upgrade to Sportboat Fleet Clinic is your gateway to mastering our J/24s and J/80s. Both clinics provide focused, hands-on training and evaluation, empowering you to confidently charter new segments of our diverse fleet. By embracing the best of both techniques, you'll enhance your adaptability and become a more well-rounded sailor, ready to conquer any challenge the Bay throws your way.
The next 4-day Upgrade to Sportboat Clinic is scheduled in Berkeley on April 5, 6, 12, 13. The next 2-day Upgrade to Silver Clinic is scheduled April 26, 27 in Berkeley.
