Scott Paul | Modern Sailing

Scott Paul

Instructor

Scott first discovered his love for the water as a child, boating and waterskiing on the lakes of Minnesota. As an adult, he continued to nurture this passion by sailing and boating on the lakes of Colorado and Wyoming with his family. In 2000, while living in the UK and working for the tech company HP, he decided to take up yacht sailing after hearing about his colleagues’ “on-the-water” adventures. Scott attended classes on blustery Tuesday nights and earned his initial RYA sailing credentials through practical instruction on the waters of the famous Solent, as well as Southampton and Portsmouth Harbors.

Scott quickly embraced bareboating, embarking on his first trip to the British Virgin Islands with more experienced sailing friends. It was here that he truly began to live his dream of exploring remote islands, secluded beaches, and charming restaurants under the power of the wind, the sea, and the trusty Iron Genny. Since then, he has chartered sailing yachts and catamarans across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, and the Americas.

In 2017, seeking a transition from the corporate world, Scott decided to pursue his captain’s license. He completed various passages, including trips from Havana to Miami, Belize to the Florida Keys, and Fiji to Vanuatu. He currently holds a USCG 50-ton Master Near Coastal Auxiliary Sail credential.

Scott first sailed on San Francisco Bay in 2014, leaving from South Beach Harbor for long tacks to the Golden Gate Bridge, and enjoying “recreational” Friday night beer-can racing hosted by the local yacht club. He returned to the Bay in 2021 to work towards his ASA Instructor credentials at Modern Sailing. Since then, he has logged over 160 days on the Bay, which he considers invaluable in honing his seamanship and sailing skills.

Now, Scott splits his time between San Francisco, Denver, St. Thomas, and other destinations with his partner. When he’s not on the water, he enjoys snow skiing, cycling, backpacking, and exploring new cultures. With a deep passion for adventure and travel, Scott has visited over 70 countries and is always eager to embark on new sailing journeys. Whether on a charter or as an ASA instructor, Scott brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and a genuine love for the water to every voyage, helping students and friends along the way.

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  • Andrew Goble, San Francisco

    It has been wonderful sailing with MSC over the years. Please extend my thanks to the owners, management, and staff for unrequited professionalism and high standards in a charter fleet. I have sailed with several in my years and none nearly hold a candle to the quality of business and staff at Modern Sailing.

  • Jessica Zittere, Member

    The Full Moon Sail with Skipper Bob Gutsgell was Ah-Mayzing!! The group dynamic was lovely and the views spectacular. I can't say enough good things about the experience. Thanks so much for the wonderful Club Sails, they are really great.

  • Danny Collins

    The office staff was very accommodating in meeting my availability.

  • 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.

  • 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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