A Look at Our Fleet's Dodger-Equipped Vessels | Modern Sailing

A Look at Our Fleet's Dodger-Equipped Vessels

Mustique, Sausalito's Catalina 320 with a new dodger

Mustique, Sausalito's Catalina 320, with a new dodger

Sailing on the San Francisco Bay is a study in contrasts: brilliant sunshine one moment, a strong gust and salty spray the next. For many sailors, the choice of sailing a boat with a dodger is key to managing these dynamic conditions. These partial canvas enclosures are a popular feature on many of our vessels, and choosing a boat that has one is a matter of personal preference. It is a completely subjective choice. This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of what they are, their benefits and drawbacks on the Bay, and which of our boats have them.

What is a Dodger?

A dodger is a semi-permanent canvas-and-frame structure that is mounted over the companionway of a sailboat. It provides a sheltered area that protects the crew from the elements.

Dodgers - Benefits & Challenges

The primary advantage of a dodger, particularly on the Bay, is its ability to shield you from the wind and sea spray. The cold, wet conditions that can make a long upwind beat challenging are significantly mitigated by a dodger, keeping you drier and more comfortable. It also offers a welcome break from the sun's glare, making it easier to see and navigate.

The main drawback of a dodger is that it can obstruct your view of the sails and the horizon, particularly when you're in the cockpit. If you are at the helm for an hour or more, you may find yourself stretching to see above the dodger, or ducking down to view through it. This is a trade-off that some sailors are willing to make for the added comfort and protection, while others prefer an unobstructed line of sight.

Dodgers come in various sizes. A partial dodger is a smaller version that primarily covers the companionway opening. A full dodger, found on many of our cruising vessels, extends further back into the cockpit, offering a more extensive area of protection. 

A note to our charterers: The dodger frame and canvas are a permanent fixture of the boat and are not to be removed. Some dodgers have protective canvas covers over the isinglass (the clear "windows" of the dodger). These can be removed and properly stowed while sailing, but they must be put back on at the end of your charter to protect the isinglass from UV damage.

What about a Bimini?

A bimini is another type of canvas enclosure, but it is specifically designed to provide protection from the sun. It is a frame-and-canvas structure that extends over the helm station and often part of the cockpit, offering shade and shelter from UV rays. A bimini can be a valuable addition on a warm, sunny day, making it much more comfortable to spend long hours at the helm.

Our Beneteau Oceanis 38.1, Liberty, in Sausalito, is a great example of a boat with both a dodger and a bimini. This combination offers the best of both worlds: a protected area near the companionway and a shaded helm station.

Our Fleet's Vessels with Dodgers

Here are the vessels in our fleet with dodgers. We encourage you to check out their individual pages on our website for more details and photos.

Modern Sailing Fleet with Dodgers:

Silver Plus fleet:

Mustique (formerly Stray Cat), Catalina 320 (Sausalito)

Kokomo, Catalina 320 (Sausalito)

Gold fleet:

Andiamo, Catalina 36 (Sausalito)

D'uphoria, Dufour 36 (Berkeley)

Auriah, Beneteau Oceanis 37 (Sausalito)

Grey Goose, Beneteau Oceanis 37 (Berkeley)

Bora Bora, Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 (Sausalito) - Premier tier vessel

Platinum fleet:

Survivor, Beneteau Oceanis 38 (Sausalito)

Liberty, Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 (Sausalito) - Also has a bimini

Firefly, Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 (Berkeley) - Premier tier vessel

Ry Whitt, Jeanneau 409 (Sausalito)

Attitude Adjustment, Beneteau 41 (Sausalito)

Coho II, Spencer 1330 (Sausalito)

Moon Dance, Bavaria 42 (Berkeley)

Catamaran fleet:

Ho'Okele, Seawind 1160 (Sausalito)

Folie à Deux, Lagoon 40 (Berkeley)

 

Whether you prefer the fresh open air or a cozy spot out of the wind, our diverse fleet has the perfect boat for your next adventure. 

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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.

  • Sara Jane G.

    I've taken two classes at MSS&C and was very happy with the program. This is also a great club with lots of opportunities for camaraderie and practice on the water. The boats in the fleet are fantastic and kept in tip-top shape. I highly recommend for all sailors and would-be sailors!

  • Steve Hood, Basic Coastal Cruising

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

  • 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

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