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News & Events

Zero to 13.6 Knots in Five Years: Fred Bret-Mounet's Baja Awakening aboard Folie à Deux

Folie à Deux docked at Ayala Cove, by Fred Bret-Mounet

by Fred Bret-Mounet, owner of Folie à Deux Lagoon 40'

December 10, 2024—13.6 knots! That’s the fastest we’ve ever sailed Folie à Deux, our Lagoon 40. But it came with a lesson: never sail to a timeline. We had to get someone to the La Paz airport, and the price was 40-knot gusts, 8-foot swells, and heavy reefing.

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Capt. Kira Maixner Coaches the Next Wave of Women's J/105 Race Teams

Capt. Kira Maixner_Offshore and Bay Area Racer, Sailing Instructor

Captain Kira Maixner brings a wealth of experience to Modern's Wind & Women program, from spearheading its revival at Modern Sailing to navigating thousands of nautical miles across the Atlantic and Pacific. Now she leads the first Level 1 Women's Introduction Race Team format aboard Chinook, J/105 in the CYC Friday night races this Spring. Her expertise, honed in prestigious races like the Rolex Big Boat Series and extensive offshore passages, makes her an invaluable mentor for aspiring female racers.

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Opening Day on the Bay 2026: Guide to the Launch of Sailing Season

Opening Day on the Bay is Sunday, April 26, 2026

Celebrate the launch of sailing season with early planning for the San Francisco Bay's Opening Day on the Bay: April 26, 2026. Learn about the 109-year-old tradition, vibrant boat parade details, how to participate, and plan ahead. Don't miss San Francisco's iconic sailing event!

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Spring Forward: SF Bay Sailing Season is Just Ahead

Sunset Bridge by Capt. Scott Paul & Berkeley Marina at Sunset by Jacqueline Brevik

March 3, 2026

There is a distinct shift on the San Francisco Bay this time of year, a signal of longer afternoons returning and the gorgeous sunset reaches that reward windswept sailors.

As we prepare for the clocks to "spring forward" on Sunday, March 8, Modern Sailing is ready to welcome this transition. Please note that our Regular Season policies and rates officially go into effect on Monday, March 9, 2026.

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Experience the Thrill with Modern Sailing's J/105 Fleet

J/105 Chinook on the San Francisco Bay

The J/105 has established itself as a cornerstone of one-design racing, and Modern Sailing is proud to offer this exceptional vessel to our Gold Fleet rated members. This isn't just a boat; it's an invitation to experience San Francisco Bay sailing at its finest. Modern Sailing proudly offers our Gold Fleet members not one, but four J/105s – two at our vibrant Berkeley base: Resolute and Nirvana, and we're days away from welcoming Chinook to join Chao Pescao in Sausalito. This abundance creates a unique opportunity for both exhilarating racing and memorable cruising explorations.

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  • John Kipping

    The meeting room was quite adequate and the location most convenient, but the course outline and instruction were outstanding. Modern Sailing is fortunate to have such a well organized instructor in Mr. Stan Lander who teaches very well from a rich professional background. Mr. Lander was generous with his time and patiently in helping students who needed more attention or time in understanding various aspects of the curriculum.

  • Warren Leiden, Member

    I try to get out on the water every week: out the Gate, around Angel, up Raccoon - I love it all. After 18 years as a member of OCSC in Berkeley, I learned to sail the bigger boats at Modern by taking ASA 103 and 104. My ASA 104 instructor Dave Russell was terrific. Also, Captain Bill Moreland has been very generous in giving informal advice whenever I’ve asked him. Thanks to Bill, I no longer have any anxiety about docking!

  • 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.

  • Alisa Driscoll, Dual Site Member

    Here are some snaps of Our Saturday, August 20, 2022 Modern Sailing Expedition with Captain Robert Bivin, who was outstanding. Please convey photos and thanks to him. He is an outstanding individual, leader and sailing instructor. His knowledge and experience made us all feel safe and our Farallones Day Trip educational and just amazing. 

  • 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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