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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  • Danny Collins

    The office staff was very accommodating in meeting my availability.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • David Dolenc, Member

    I love sailing in the San Francisco Bay and greatly appreciate everything that MSC has to offer, the classes, clinics, club sails, racing and charters. I enjoy our supportive sailing community and use every opportunity to spend time on the water. After obtaining the certifications from MSC I did my first charter in Croatia in 2022 with my family. It was amazing and we’re looking forward to returning soon!

  • 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.

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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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