Dave Russell | Modern Sailing

Dave Russell

Instructor

Dave got started sailing by getting shanghaied onto 210-foot three masted schooner in the Caribbean in 1991, and that first experience in the islands changed his life forever. While he prefers to sail large catamarans, Dave has never met a boat he didn’t like. In fact he’s invested in several Tall Ships that offer vacation cruises in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, and frequently crews on those ships. Dave began instructing in 2009.  His favorite activity is instructing the ASA courses for Cruising Catamaran and Bareboat Chartering, anywhere you want to learn - especially in San Francisco Bay and tropical locations such as the Caribbean and Tahiti. Dave charters all over the World several times each year. He has sailed four oceans and the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Andaman, Adriatic, Ionian Seas plus the Great Lakes.  “What I love about sailing, in addition to the water, the sky and the boat; is that every day is a learning experience. That is Freedom."

Credentials:
ASA Certified Instructor in:

  • ASA Basic Keelboat Sailing (201)
  • ASA Keelboat Sailing 2 (202)
  • ASA Basic Coastal Cruising (203)
  • ASA Bareboat Cruising (204)
  • ASA Coastal Navigation (205)
  • ASA Advanced Coastal Cruising (206)
  • ASA Cruising Catamaran (214)
  • ASA Dinghy & Outboard Endorsement
  • ASA Docking Endorsement (218)
  • United States Coast Guard 100 Ton Master License
  • Consultant to the rum industry
  • Retired Senior Director at Apple
  • Former championship-winning Motorcycle roadracer

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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.

  • 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.

  • Esther C

    I took ASA 101 with them recently. They have the best customer service I've ever seen! I mistyped my address when I signed up online so didn't receive the textbook. I called and the lady immediately sent me another copy! Everyone at the club is super friendly.

  • Steve Hood, Basic Coastal Cruising

    I would definitely recommend Modern Sailing to anyone who is interested in learning to sail the right way.

  • 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!

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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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