You can journey towards the ultimate certification with the ASA 108 Offshore Passagemaking Course (our southbound journey from Sausalito to Marina del Rey), or leap into real-world adventure with our Coho II Delivery Experience bringing our bluewater cruiser back home. Here are firsthand accounts from our recent upwind deliveries, and the remarkable crew and captains who proved what's possible when you commit to living out your sailing goals.
Challenge Accepted: Brandon Green's Journey Aboard Coho II
The journey from local Bay sailing to aspiring offshore voyager is a major accomplishment. For Brandon Green, a certified skipper ready for our Silver Fleet (30-32' cruising monohulls), the goal was clear: sail great distances, possibly to the South Pacific or Hawaii. Despite his Bay-focused experience, he seized the opportunity to crew for the upwind passage of our Spencer 1330, Coho II.
"Before this adventure, I had a few days sailing in the Bahamas... but offshore, in the vast Pacific Ocean, is a completely different experience. There’s so much space," Brandon recounts.
Brandon shares his incredible account of his transformative experience:
"I had the chance to help deliver Coho II with Capt Kira and Andrea. It was much more than just a week on a boat. It was a nudge I needed to see if this lifestyle is truly possible for me. The trip was packed with moments I’ve only read or seen online: bioluminescence trailing in our wake, a sky full of billions of stars, the scent of asphaltum on the water, and anchoring in Cojo. We tried to catch the weather window for Point Conception, but didn't make it, then pivoted to a perfect layover in Santa Barbara… pizza, ice cream, paddleboarding… ! Yes Please! We had to navigate our way through whales and playful dolphins. We… I got drenched on my watch passing Big Sur. There was always something to do. Tons of learning! I’m happy that I was able to help keep the boat shipshape for the journey."
Brandon continues, "It wasn’t an easy weekend. It was better. It was what I imagined a real passage might be. The conditions asked a lot, and I felt myself grow with each nautical mile. 'A smooth sea never made an experienced sailor.' I felt that the whole way."
"Kira, an exceptional captain, made the trip exciting with her steady leadership, extensive knowledge of the coast, and engaging stories. It was also wonderful to finally spend time with Andrea. She shared her impressive knowledge and energy, and patiently answered all my questions. I learned so much."
Brandon’s feedback is the perfect embodiment of the "Experience" we offer. He proved that a local sailor with big dreams can take a transformative step. If you have the drive and the foundation of ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising, you are ready to crew on our offshore passages and gain the confidence for your long-distance dreams.
Captain's Log: Kira Maixner’s Recap: Lessons in Leadership and Weather
Captain Kira led a monumental season, commanding all four legs of this coastal journey down and up the coast—a feat few sailors attempt. This gives her unique perspective on the value of both the ASA 108 Offshore Passagemaking Course and the Coho II Delivery Experience.
"The delivery experiences this season couldn’t have been more different, yet both were a lot of fun. No matter the weather, I was lucky to have two First Mates who truly embodied what it means to be excellent mariners. Their confidence, skill, and expertise made every watch change seamless, and I knew our green delivery crews were always in good hands.
Our crews varied in experience, but enthusiasm was high all around. On the first trip, we were joined by another captain—also a ship’s engineer and kite-surfing coach—who proved handy when troubleshooting our inoperative sidelights. On the second delivery, one of the ASA 108 students signed up to join us for the return trip up the coast. He already knew Coho II’s systems inside and out and was ready for another adventure." - Capt. Kira Maixner
Delivery #1 - Weather Lessons at Point Conception
"The first delivery attempt alongside Captain Andrea didn’t quite go to plan. We departed Marina del Rey at 6 a.m. with an eager crew and enjoyed an easy first leg. By 9 p.m. the next day, as we approached Point Conception, the wind began to build. Hoping to round the point during a predicted weather window, we pressed on—until, five miles out, winds were sustained 37 knots and gusts hit 40 knots.
We made the call to turn back to Santa Barbara - safe harbor. It was clear the 'window' had either never materialized—or never existed in the first place. The next opening wasn’t forecast for three more days, which meant we were stuck. In true 'Delivery Experience' fashion, we made the best of it. While some crew had to return home, Capt. Andrea, one crewmember, and I enjoyed sunny days and the many amenities of Santa Barbara. Not the worst place to wait out weather.
When the wind finally cooperated, we set off again to tackle Point Conception and the remaining 275 nautical miles north. The California coast, however, wasn’t about to make things easy. We spent a calm night in Cojo Anchorage to stage for the early-morning window. At 4 a.m., our anchor was up—we motor-sailed around the point in flat seas and light wind.
By the time we passed San Luis Obispo, the breeze filled in and the marine forecast changed: Small Craft Advisory for the next 20 hours. That meant 20 hours of bashing upwind in confused seas. It was wet, wild, and slow—just 2 to 3 knots SOG at 30° off the wind; however, we managed to crawl past Big Sur.
When we finally arrived in Monterey, the crew was elated, and hungry, and incredibly tired. We celebrated with a well-earned Italian dinner before collapsing into our bunks. The following morning, we motor-sailed the last 80 nautical miles and arrived at Modern Sailing Club in time for Après Sail—a cold beer and the smiling faces in the office from Kim, Mari, and Dave Russell.
In total, that Delivery Experience took just over six and a half days, with almost 4 underway."
Delivery #2 - Smooth Sailing with Captain Joe
"The second delivery was a reminder that choosing a good weather window makes all the difference (though, to be fair, there wasn’t much wind the prior week). Captain Joe Proctor and I prepped the boat, rested up, and welcomed our second-leg crew at 9 a.m. Monday.
Once provisioned, we departed under mainsail—though it only saw real use when we caught a light beam winds crossing Monterey Bay. Otherwise, conditions were calm, the ocean generous. Whales surfaced nearby, and a playful pod of dolphins escorted us for hours.
We arrived at MSC base around midnight, cleaned up, packed up, and were asleep in our respective beds by 3 a.m. From dock to dock, the second delivery took just under 72 hours—an easy, picture-perfect conclusion to a season of contrasts."
We are amazed at the dedication and continued committment to craft our instructors demonstrate. Captains Kira, Andrea, and Joe all have crossed oceans and do major delivery passages regularly, bringing back their experiences and stories to our students. When you sign up for one of their courses or passages, you know you're getting not only professional training but inspiring leadership that you can model for whatever challenge you plan to meet.
