Robert Bivin | Modern Sailing

Robert Bivin

ASA Master Instructor

Robert Bivin has been an integral part of the Modern Sailing community since 2016. As an American Sailing Association (ASA) Master Instructor, Robert has guided students of all ages and abilities, from beginners to advanced sailors, where he specializes in ASA 108 Offshore Passagemaking and Heavy Weather Sailing. He is one of the few ASA Master Instructor Evaluators in the country, able to conduct ASA Instructor Qualification Clinics and teach courses to sailors pursuing a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential, such as the OUPV (six-pack) Captain License.

His adventurous spirit and love for being out on the water drew him to become a Sailing Instructor in 2018. Robert brings his wealth of experience and expertise to his sailing career, including being a certified scuba diver and a licensed private pilot. In his professional life, Robert brings his leadership skills to the tech sector as a Leader of Product Managers. His background also includes a distinguished military career as a Retired Army Reserves Field Grade Officer in the Military Intelligence Corps, where he is a decorated Combat Veteran and holder of the Combat Action, Pathfinder, and Airborne badges.

Robert is deeply committed to fostering the growth of the sailing community. He derives great joy from providing personalized sailing instruction, tailored to meet students at their current skill levels and help them achieve their sailing aspirations. His love for sailing extends beyond instruction, as he enjoys international travel and destination sailing adventures. Robert has led Modern Sailing Club flotillas in French Polynesia and the West Indies and served as a Charter Captain in the British Virgin Islands, Croatia, and the Sea of Cortez.

Credentials:

  • USCG Merchant Mariner Credential – Master 50 Ton License with Sailing and Towing endorsements.
  • ASA Instructor Certified:
    • (211) Instructor Evaluator
    • (201) Keelboat Sailing 1
    • (202) Keelboat Sailing 2
    • (203) Coastal Cruising
    • (204) Bareboat Cruising
    • (205) Coastal Navigation
    • (206) Advanced Coastal Cruising
    • (207) Celestial Navigation
    • (208) Offshore Passagemaking
    • (214) Cruising Catamaran
    • (216) Dinghy and Outboard Endorsement
    • (217) Basic Celestial Endorsement
    • (218) Docking Endorsement
    • (119) Marine Weather Endorsement
    • (120) Radar Endorsement
Trip Roles: 
Global Trip Leader

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  • Emma & George Stubbs, Sausalito

    We just took our ASA 106 at a school in Rhode Island as we prepare for 6 months of cruising in the Caribbean. The class was great, but more than anything it made us really appreciate the quality of teaching and rigor at Modern Sailing. Even though we were the newest to sailing, the group seemed to think that we had the best fundamentals. We felt very well prepared and we see why Modern Sailing has the reputation it does.

  • 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 Clark

    Every aspect of Modern Sailing - training, syllabus, course materials, quality of the boats, quality of the instructors, and the very friendly and helpful staff - exceeded my expectations. Modern Sailing has a first class sailing program in an environment with challenging winds and currents. I look forward to coming back to charter a boat and certainly plan to continue my sailing training.

  • Steve Hood, Basic Coastal Cruising

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

  • 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!

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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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