Jeff Cathers | Modern Sailing

Jeff Cathers

ASA Master Instructor

When Jeff Cathers was 17 years old, a classmate told him that he and his father were going to sail to Hawaii for his summer vacation. Jeff was awestruck at the notion and couldn’t imagine how it was possible to cross a giant ocean in a small sailboat. Captivated by the idea, Jeff asked his classmate a million questions and soon knew that he wanted to learn everything about sailing, the sea, the explorers and their ships.

Since then, Jeff learned to sail and went on to skipper several bareboat charters in British Virgin Islands, La Paz, Key West, Tahiti, and on the California coast, including two "Baja Ha-Ha" cruiser rallies. Still fascinated with sailing and lifelong learning of the sport, Jeff now loves to share his passion for sailing with others by teaching the skills, lessons, and destinations that he has personally experienced. He has taught sailing lessons in Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, the British Virgin Islands, and now here in the Bay Area with Modern Sailing as an ASA Master Instructor Evaluator leading other sailors to become instructors themselves.

As an explorer and tour guide at heart, Jeff enjoys demonstrating the best approaches to sailing the San Francisco Bay, cruising in exotic places, and adventuring with friends and family. He is always thirsty to discover what lies over the next horizon and to share what he finds with others.

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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.

  • Lisa Butzer Wilde

    Thumbs up to (Club Skipper) Geoff (Love) and his wife Laura. I went on my first Club Sail on Sunday, January 18, 2026. They were terrific!

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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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