Sailing & Charter Tips | Modern Sailing

Sailing & Charter Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Sailing San Francisco Bay

Welcome to your comprehensive resource for exploring the vibrant and diverse sailing experiences that the Bay Area has to offer! This guide, consisting of our top Member Resources articles, offers valuable insights and tips to enhance your San Francisco Bay sailing experience. Dive into local cruising guides and discover dock and dine locations, explore the natural beauty of Angel Island, and plan exciting itineraries to Jack London Square, Benicia, and more.

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News & Events

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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News & Events

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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Chartering

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.

Join our Racing Program to learn to race a J/105
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  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • Danny Collins

    The office staff was very accommodating in meeting my availability.

  • Jessica Zittere, Member

    The Full Moon Sail with Skipper Bob Gutsgell was Ah-Mayzing!! The group dynamic was lovely and the views spectacular. I can't say enough good things about the experience. Thanks so much for the wonderful Club Sails, they are really great.

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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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