by Mary Elkins, Former Digital Marketing Lead (Retired)
The Modern Sailing community mourns the passing of our Chief Operations Officer, School Director, mentor, and friend Captain Bill Moreland, who set sail on his final voyage after his battle with cancer ended on December 23, 2024.
Bill started sailing San Francisco Bay over 40 years ago while working in the supply chain business. He wanted to have something to take his mind off work, so he took sailing lessons in Santa Cruz and was immediately hooked.
Over the years, Bill was active in the sailing community from racing on the Bay to being a founding member and first commodore of a local yacht club. He moved from San Francisco to the British Virgin Islands, back to San Francisco, to Washington state, Massachusetts, and, finally back to the Bay Area – continuing to enjoy sailing and developing his skills in each location.
In 2006, Bill came to Modern Sailing to earn his U.S. Coast Guard OUPV License, followed by a 100-Ton Master’s License. In 2008, he decided to turn his passion for sailing into a new career – first as a captain on sailboats doing tours of the Bay and finally becoming an ASA Certified Sailing Instructor.
Since joining Modern Sailing in 2016 as an instructor, Bill grew to be one of the pillars that built our sailing school. As COO and School Director for Modern Sailing's two locations in Sausalito and Berkeley, he infused our community with his personal sense of professionalism and pride. An instructor at heart, he continued to enjoy helping students reach their sailing goals by regularly teaching ASA courses, ASA Instructor Qualification Clinics, and US Coast Guard Captains License Courses. Committed to the continual growth and education of others as well as himself, he became one of only 34 ASA Senior Master Instructors worldwide.
Until his cancer diagnosis, Bill was a vibrant man with seemingly boundless energy. I had heard people ask him many times what the secret for his vitality was, and he would always answer, “Never let dust settle on your shoes.” In other words, keep moving.
While undergoing chemotherapy, he may have slowed down, but he refused to stop moving for Modern. He said he felt better on the days he came in to work, and wanted to continue to contribute until the cancer finally prevented him from doing so. Bill’s dedication to Modern Sailing stemmed not only from his personal commitment to remain active to the end, his passion for sailing, and the enjoyment he experienced sharing sailing with others, but also out of genuine respect and fondness for our CEO, Leigh Hunt.
For Leigh, me, and many others, Bill was more than a team member or manager, he was a mentor and a friend.
I was fortunate to work with Bill for seven and a half years. I took my ASA 101/103 and ASA 105/106 combination courses with Bill as my instructor. At first, I was very shy and awkward about giving commands from the helm, but his coaching helped me overcome that. Sailing Coho II through rough seas off the coast, he held onto my PDF while I committed my crackers to Neptune over the side. Having also sailed many times with Bill after work, he contributed not only to my skills, but also to my confidence both on the water and in my role with Modern. Standing by my side at trade shows, his example led me to conquer my shyness, which helped to make those events a success for Modern.
Bill didn’t discourage my sense of humor. His laughter enabled me to be at ease and have fun while getting the job done. He encouraged me to reach higher, master my fears, believe in my abilities, and pursue the opportunities within Modern that interested me. As a result, my time working for Modern was not only rewarding, but life-changing in innumerable positive ways. I witnessed him do the same for many of my teammates over the years. I speak for many others like me who were buoyed by his leadership and friendship.
“For all of us, he was a shining example of the passion we share for sailing, at his best when on the water imparting his knowledge to the hundreds of students and instructors who were fortunate to learn under his eye,” says Leigh. “He will be dearly missed.”
I personally am forever grateful, and I know there are hundreds of other sailors out there who feel the same way. The legacy he leaves our community is immeasurable and indelible.
Here is a sampling of the many notes of remembrance that Leigh and I received in response to the sad news relayed to our team members and instructors.
“Bill was my constant at Modern Sailing — we worked side by side (quite literally) for six years. He was not just the person I reported to but also my closest and most trusted office friend. Together, we built a strong, supportive, and collaborative work environment that defined the Modern Sailing office and school team.
“Working with Bill shaped me in countless ways, both professionally and personally. He taught me so much, and his mentorship and friendship have left an indelible mark on who I am today.
“I will always cherish the memories and the partnership we shared. Bill will forever be remembered as my ‘other half’ at Modern Sailing.” – Kim R., Scheduler for our Sausalito location
"Bill was more than a school director and head instructor to me, he was a mentor. I would not be the sailing instructor I am today if it wasn’t for him. I feel blessed that I got to learn from him." - Andrea G., Instructor
"Bill brought me on board of Modern Sailing and has been a wonderful mentor to me ever since. I will truly miss him and his wisdom." - Rolf J., Instructor
"In my eyes he was the heart of Modern Sailing. He advocated for the staff and made sure we had what we needed – always listened and led by example." Angel M., Digital Marketing Lead
