Introductory Sails on San Francisco Bay | Modern Sailing

Introductory Sails on San Francisco Bay

Sailing Lessons in Berkeley and Sausalito

Do you feel attracted to sailing, yet unsure if you'll really like it? Give it a try with our 1-day Introductory Sail, captained by our licensed and experienced sailing instructors.

Modern Sailing is the Bay Area’s premier sailing school, serving aspiring sailors with three locations, two in Sausalito and one in Berkeley, California. Whether you want to give sailing a try or already know you love it and are looking for the right place to earn your ASA certifications, an Introductory Sail is perfect for you. 

The day will start at our clubhouse where you will meet your captain for the day and other students. After a brief introduction to sailing, you will step aboard one of our yachts and the sail will begin. You will have the opportunity to hoist and trim the sails as well as steer the yacht - or simply sit back and enjoy the ride. If your goal is to learn and participate, you will finish the day with a basic understanding of sailing principles.

Learn to Sail on San Francisco Bay

As the saying goes, “If you know how to sail in San Francisco, you can sail anywhere!” Sailing on the Bay offers diverse conditions and challenges unique to the area. In the fall and winter, we experience light winds and mild weather. The spring and summer bring consistent winds from 15-25 knots daily. Because the Bay is fed by the estuary, we have large currents and tides that add another layer of complexity to navigation. The sail offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the SF skyline. These features make San Francisco Bay a world-class sailing destination, home to professional yacht racers and cruisers alike.

Sails are held on Saturdays or Sundays from 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM. We can accommodate up to 6 passengers per trip, so check out the schedule and reserve your seat now!

There are three ways to register for this clinic - by phone (415) 331-8250, email, or by clicking the link below.

One Day, 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Cost for Members: 
$180
Cost for Non Members: 
$180
Prerequisites: 
Must be 16 years or older

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  • Danny Collins

    The office staff was very accommodating in meeting my availability.

  • Sara Jane G.

    I've taken two classes at MSS&C and was very happy with the program. This is also a great club with lots of opportunities for camaraderie and practice on the water. The boats in the fleet are fantastic and kept in tip-top shape. I highly recommend for all sailors and would-be sailors!

  • Mike, Santa Rosa, California

    All of the courses and my instructors (JT and Stan) were extremely professional and full of knowledge and experience. I found I was able to learn from their experiences beyond the scope of the courses, and look forward to future opportunities to do so. I would highly recommend Modern Sailing to anyone.

  • Ray Arceneaux

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

  • 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!

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