What is a "Co-Skipper"? | Modern Sailing

What is a "Co-Skipper"?

At Modern Sailing, Sportboat, Silver Fleet, and Gold Fleet-rated members have the benefit of being able to "co-skipper" with another member in order to earn up to 3 of the 6 on-the-water days* required as the ASA 104 prerequisite. Please be sure to inform the front desk prior to your charter so we can track it.

The Co-Skipper:

  • shares the duties of running the boat and crew, including departing and returning to dock.
  • can dock only if he/she is certified for that fleet level boat. (For example, a Silver Fleet rated co-skipper can only dock Silver Fleet boats).
  • is site rated at the location he/she is chartering from. (Berkeley rated to charter boats in Berkeley, Sausalito rated to charter boats in Sausalito).
  • receives credit for an on-the-water day only by co-skippering boats he/she is Fleet Rated for. (For example, a Silver Fleet rated co-skipper cannot receive credit for co-skippering on a Platinum Fleet boat).
  • receives credit for an on-the-water day by informing the MSC office.
  • has come to a financial responsibility agreement with the charterer of record (the member whose name the reservation is in, or primary skipper).

We recommend that the charterer of record (primary skipper) and co-skipper have a discussion prior to sailing about how skipper duties will be shared. Here's some specific duties that the skipper and co-skipper can share between themselves. Communication between the skippers and crew is always key. 

  • Determine weather forecast, tides, and currents and prepare a float plan for the day. 
  • Complete the Boat Pre-Cruise (Check-Out) Form.
  • Review the Pre-Departure Checklist (in the Boat Check-Out Form) with crew.
  • Steer on the helm and direct the crew during docking activities.
  • Steer on the helm and direct the crew during sailing activities.
  • Monitor power consumption and battery status.
  • Complete the Boat Check-In (post-cruise) Form.
  • Direct the crew in tidying and securing the boat at the end of the charter.

If you need some help finding a member to co-skipper with, join our members-only Facebook Crew List or the Crew List (a Modern Sailing-adminstered email distribution list). Request to join the email Crew List by sending an email to office@modernsailing.com. Remember to inform the office that you are a co-skipper prior to your charter so you'll receive credit towards your ASA 104 prerequisite.

*To earn more than 3 on-the-water days towards the ASA 104 prerequisite, charter as the primary skipper (charterer of record) and/or complete your choice of 1-day Sailing Skills Clinics.

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  • Danny Collins

    The office staff was very accommodating in meeting my availability.

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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 Boynton

    The class was terrific. I know you must get many compliments about your sailing instructors...But I must tell you that Robert is outstanding. Having taught SCUBA, I really appreciate the way he is so sensitive to all on board, dealing with each so well, knowing quickly their strengths and weaknesses making each feel special and cared for.

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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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