Introductory Sails on San Francisco Bay | Modern Sailing

Introductory Sails on San Francisco Bay

Sailing Lessons in Berkeley and Sausalito

Do you feel attracted to sailing, yet unsure if you'll really like it? Give it a try with our 1-day Introductory Sail, captained by our licensed and experienced sailing instructors.

Modern Sailing is the Bay Area’s premier sailing school, serving aspiring sailors with two locations in Sausalito and Berkeley, California. Whether you want to give sailing a try or already know you love it and are looking for the right place to earn your ASA certifications, an Introductory Sail is perfect for you. 

The day will start at our clubhouse where you will meet your captain for the day and other students. After a brief introduction to sailing, you will step aboard one of our yachts and the sail will begin. You will have the opportunity to hoist and trim the sails as well as steer the yacht - or simply sit back and enjoy the ride. If your goal is to learn and participate, you will finish the day with a basic understanding of sailing principles.

Learn to Sail on San Francisco Bay

As the saying goes, “If you know how to sail in San Francisco, you can sail anywhere!” Sailing on the Bay offers diverse conditions and challenges unique to the area. In the fall and winter, we experience light winds and mild weather. The spring and summer bring consistent winds from 15-25 knots daily. Because the Bay is fed by the estuary, we have large currents and tides that add another layer of complexity to navigation. The sail offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the SF skyline. These features make San Francisco Bay a world-class sailing destination, home to professional yacht racers and cruisers alike.

Sails are held on Saturdays or Sundays from 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM. We can accommodate up to 6 passengers per trip, so check out the schedule and reserve your seat now!

There are three ways to register for this clinic - by phone (415) 331-8250, email, or by clicking the link below.

One Day, 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Cost for Members: 
$180
Cost for Non Members: 
$180
Prerequisites: 
Must be 16 years or older

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  • 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.

  • Lisa Butzer Wilde

    Thumbs up to (Club Skipper) Geoff (Love) and his wife Laura. I went on my first Club Sail on Sunday, January 18, 2026. They were terrific!

  • Emma & George Stubbs, Sausalito

    We just took our ASA 106 at a school in Rhode Island as we prepare for 6 months of cruising in the Caribbean. The class was great, but more than anything it made us really appreciate the quality of teaching and rigor at Modern Sailing. Even though we were the newest to sailing, the group seemed to think that we had the best fundamentals. We felt very well prepared and we see why Modern Sailing has the reputation it does.

  • 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!

  • Trudy Flores

    Captain Jeff Cathers is really cool. I had such a great time on the Farallones Day Trip. It was actually my very best day of 2020. Thank you so much for coordinating the trip.

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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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