As much as we enjoy the intense winds of summer, we always we look forward to the refreshing change of pace that the Autumn Equinox brings to the Bay. As the days shorten and the valley cools, our local waters become as close to a fair-weather sailor's paradise as they can be!
Here are 3 reasons we think you'll fall in love with fall sailing on San Francisco Bay.
1) Get Vitamin D naturally!
Lighter, warmer breezes with sunny skies mean you'll have opportunities to sail comfortably in fewer layers of clothing. Soak up some sunshine while you can! (If you're sun-sensitive, we recommend sunscreen, of course.)
2) Smoother sailing soothes nervous novices.
Want to get your friends and family bitten by the sailing bug? While there are never guarantees where weather is concerned, generally, fall conditions can provide a most pleasant introduction to the sport.
Never sailed, you say? If you're intrigued by the idea of sailing but leery of summer's strong winds, fall is a perfect time to begin your sailing education. If you're not sure if sailing is for you, start with a 1-day Introductory Sail. Within two weeks after your Introductory Sail, we'll email you a special discount code for $50 off ASA 101, Basic Keelboat Sailing.
Fall is also a great time to try out the dynamic sportboats: J/24s, J/80, J/88, J/99 and J/105s!
Learn more about the various Fleet Ratings and how to acquire them.
3) A spicy suite of seasonal sailing clinics.
These clinics were designed specifically to prepare you for enjoyable fall and winter sailing. Click on the name of the clinic to learn more.
Night Sailing Clinic - The days might be getting shorter, but your sails don't have to! This clinic will increase your confidence at the helm after dark. Members who did not take ASA 104 at Modern Sailing can also get certified to be underway after sunset by completing this clinic.
Heavy Weather Sailing Clinic - Learn about high wind line handling techniques, personal safety equipment, setting up storm sails and running rigging, types of drogues and sea anchors, and steering in large following seas.
Electronic Piloting and Radar Clinic - Coming to our schedule in 2026, upgrade your equipment knowledge and refine your navigation skills with Modern Sailing! Aboard one of our Platinum Fleet vessels, you'll receive hands-on training with modern GPS plotting, radar, automatic vessel identification, piloting assist, collision avoidance decision-making aids, depth sounders, and distress signaling devices.
Advanced Sail Trim Clinic - Prepare to make the most of late fall and winter's notoriously light winds by learning advanced sail trim techniques. This clinic will set you on course to master the art of sailing well in a wide range of conditions. With expert instruction and hands-on training, you'll learn to utilize the sheets, traveler, jib leads, halyards, cunningham, outhaul, vang, and backstay for optimal enjoyment and performance.
Questions? Give our friendly office a call at (415) 331-8250 or email us. A customer service representative will be happy to answer any questions you may have about seasonal conditions on San Francisco Bay and the clinics that will help you make the most of them.
