Sailing Save-the-Dates for San Francisco Bay 2026
Known as a sailing mecca the world over, San Francisco is home to hundreds of sailing events every year. From community boat parades and regattas to the latest innovations in the yacht racing world, you can see it on the Bay. Check out this list and mark your calendars to experience these sensational events that bring the local sailing community together on land or onto the Bay. Some of these event dates are "TBD" (to be determined), but we will continually update this page as event dates are announced.
To experience or participate in some of these events aboard our sailing yachts, keep an eye out for Club Sails on event dates at our two locations in Sausalito and Berkeley.
- View the Modern Sailing Club Sails schedule here.
Three Bridge Fiasco - Saturday, January 31
The Three Bridge Fiasco hosted by the Single-Handed Sailing Society takes place right outside of the St. Francis Yacht Club. Racers compete single- or double-handed to round three buoys or temporary marks representing the three major bridges of the San Francisco Bay; the Golden Gate Bridge, East Bay Bridge, and Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. This race is an annual event regularly attracting more than 300 yachts and teams from all over the Bay Area.
Enjoy this video clip of Modern Sailing School & Club's owner and CEO, Captain Leigh Hunt and sailing instructor and Captain Jimmie Marquez as they attempted the 2020 socked-in, strong-ebbed regatta. Read our article, Three Bridge Fiasco, A Spectator's Guide on ways to watch and tips for enjoying this annual regatta.
Information Session & Open House for Club Nautique Members, Students, Instructors - February 01
The news of our neighboring sailing school, Club Nautique, shuttering at the end of 2025 reached us from their members, students and instructors looking for ways to keep their sailing momentum going. We have put together some programs to ease the transition and welcome CN family to Modern Sailing. Join us to meet the team, tour the fleet, and have your questions answered in person or online:
Sunday, February 1 | 3:00pm - 5:00pm online - Zoom
Modern Sailing CEO Leigh Hunt will introduce our community and a "side-by-side" look at how our programs and fleet compare to Club Nautique. We’ll present our various membership tiers, educational tracks, and the specific transition programs designed to honor your previous experience. RSVP to get the Zoom link emailed to you.
Saturday, February 28 | 12:00pm - 4:00pm at Modern Sailing Sausalito (2310 Marinship Way)
Visit our Sausalito headquarters - tour our cruising fleet and get a firsthand look at Modern Sailing School and Club. This event will feature an information session overview followed by dedicated breakout stations where you can speak one-on-one with our team regarding our Club Nautique student bridge programs, instructor opportunities, and professional yacht management for boat owners. Visit the webpage for details. RSVP for the events here.
Southern Thailand & The Andaman Sea with Modern Sailing Global Destinations - March 19 - 28, 2026
Journey with Modern Sailing to The Andaman Islands, an archipelago of over 200 islands in the northeastern Indian Ocean. Enjoy the diverse cultures and exquisite ecological wonders in a tropical setting aboard luxury yachts. Enrollment for the Thailand 2026 flotilla opened to the public immediately following the July 2025 Info Session. We sold out of our cabins aboard the skippered Club Boats, but you can still join the waitlist. As of January 2026 we still have bareboat options available.
Latitude 38 Crew List Parties - TBA
Spring and Fall
Check for updates on Latitude 38's virtual crew list page.
These parties, hosted by our favorite maritime news outlet, Latitude 38, occur twice annually. Hosts rotate, the event is a meet and greet for Bay Area Sailors (crew and boat owners), featuring vendor tables, food, and beer. You can sign up to crew or find crew using our free online Crew List, but you don't have to be on a Crew List to come to the party! $10 cash at the door with ID. Learn more.
International Ocean Film Festival - April 10 - 12 (Cowell Theatre, Fort Mason Center, SF)
Learn about the ocean, its inhabitants, the people who play in it, and people who work on it at the International Ocean Film Festival. Each year the IOFF aims to save the oceans one spectacular film at a time by inspiring viewers to become the voice of Earth's largest organ.
Sailing 4 Parkinson's Inaugural Regatta - April 11 - 12 (Corinthian Yacht Club)
Hosted by the Corinthian Yacht Club on World Parkinson's Day, this regatta is a powerful declaration of hope and resilience with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Parkinson's charity partners. This will be your chance to turn your love of sailing into a powerful wave of support. Sign up to be a Team Captain, raising funds and gathering your crew to raise awareness and dollars for the healing power of sailing.
Call of the Sea Tall Ship Celebration- Saturday, April 25
Modern Sailing is thrilled to announce our sponsorship of the Call of the Sea Tall Ships Celebration and Family Fun Day Saturday, April 25th, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the beautiful Bay Model Pier in Sausalito! Join us for a fantastic waterfront event perfect for the whole family. Experience the grandeur of tall ships up close, explore engaging Sailing Science Center exhibits, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with old-time tunes. There will also be delicious paella, ice cream, and beverages available for purchase. Modern Sailing is proud to support Call of the Sea's mission to connect people to the ocean through educational and inspiring programs. We believe in the power of the sea to enrich lives, and this event is a fantastic opportunity to experience that firsthand. Learn more and register here: https://callofthesea.org/community/special-events/
Berkeley Bay Festival - TBA
Head to Shorebird Park at the Berkeley Pier for a day of free family fun from 11:00am - 4:00pm! FREE, family-focused event dedicated to celebrating the beautiful San Francisco Bay, its incredible local wildlife, and the amazing people and organizations working hard to protect it. Connect with the community and explore interactive exhibits from over 30 environmental and wildlife conservation organizations from around the Bay. Get hands-on with games, expand your science knowledge, and even meet live animals! Don't forget to visit the Shorebird Park Nature Center, the exciting Adventure Playground, and even take a free boat ride! There will be bands playing all afternoon and local food vendors. Learn more here.
Opening Day on the Bay - Sunday, April 26
Kick off the 2026 San Francisco Bay sailing season with fellow enthusiasts during Opening Day on the Bay, a tradition now in its 109th year! This annual celebration, dating back to 1917, is organized by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association and marks one of the Bay Area’s most anticipated sailing events.
From the blessing of the fleet in Racoon Straits to the parade of decorated boats, the festivities offer something for everyone. The parade route stretches from the Golden Gate Bridge to Pier 39, featuring a colorful procession of vessels—from tugboats to tour boats. Judges will award prizes for the most imaginative and festive designs, making it a lively spectacle for participants and spectators alike.
Want to join the fun? Stay tuned to Modern Sailing's weekly newsletter for announcements about our Opening Day on the Bay Parade Club Sail. Not subscribed yet? You can subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
ASA 108 Offshore Passagemaking Orientation Session - TBA
Join us for a half-day hands-on orientation and preparation seminar aboard Coho II, Spencer 1330 in Sausalito, hosted by your captain and ASA Master Instructor, Jeff Cathers. This informational event is open to all interested sailors!
The Master Mariners Annual Regatta - Saturday, May 23 - Sunday, May 24 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Hosted by the Master Mariners Benevolent Association, a San Francisco yacht club that dates back to 1867, the Master Mariner's Regatta is an exquisite event showcasing wooden tall ships from all over the Bay Area. In contrast to the modernity of SailGP, regatta boaters and spectators will have the opportunity to experience the historic heritage of sailing innovation at its finest.
Sausalito Jazz & Blues by the Bay - Saturday, June 05 - August 28 and September 4 - 25
Famous for great music, stunning views, and a perfect atmosphere for hanging out with family and friends. Concerts are every Friday during the summer months at Gabrielson Park in downtown Sausalito. Lawn seating is free. Each performance is sponsored by a community group, which also provides food and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase. Guests are permitted to bring their own food and beverages to the park. We recommend you sign up for our Jazz & Blues by the Bay Club Sails where you can anchor or moor and enjoy BBQ and drinks from the water with the best views. See the entire 2026 Lineup of performers.
One Ocean Film Tour on World Oceans Day - June 8
The One Ocean Film Tour is a world-class series of ocean-loving films focused on adventure, the aquatic environment and inspirational stories. The tour was created in 2020 with the vision to increase awareness about ocean protection and conservation by sharing films made by people who have dedicated their lives to the ocean and all her glory. One Ocean Film Tour is a spectacular visual journey in itself. Join us! Immerse yourself in the mighty power of One Ocean!
Master Mariner's Wooden Boat Show at Corinthian Yacht Club - June 21
The Annual Wooden Boat Show is one of the highlights of the San Francisco sailing season, and one of only a few West coast wooden boat shows.
Open to the public and generously hosted by the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon, this unique event is an once a year opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful Yacht Clubs in the world, and dozens of the most elegant and delightful traditional sailing boats from the Bay and beyond. We'll let you know as soon as show dates are announced.
Summer Sailstice - Saturday, June 20
Celebrate the 26th Anniversary of the "Sailstice." Organized by Bay Area sailor John Arndt on June 21, 2000, this event has become a global affair that brings sailors together to celebrate their favorite pastime - sailing. Enjoy the year's longest (sailing) day and the start of summer. Participation in the Summer Sailstice event is free. All you have to do is slip the lines, hoist your sails, and head out to your favorite body of water on a sailboat. Modern Sailing members can participate in Summer Sailstice by chartering a boat or joining a Club Sail. Share your Sailstice plans for a chance to win epic prizes from sponsors such as North Sails, Navionics, American Sailing Association, US Sailing, and more!
Independence Day Celebration - Friday, July 4
Celebrate America's independence on the water! Charter a sailboat or join a Club Sail to watch the multitude of fireworks shows around the Bay Area from the water. See our Member Resources article Best Places in SF Bay to See Fireworks by Boat.
Southern Thailand & The Andaman Sea Information Session with Modern Sailing Global Destinations - Sunday, July 20
You are invited to our Information Session on Sunday, July 20 at 3:30 PM at our Sausalito location. Meet the expert trip leaders, explore the itinerary, and enjoy delicious Thai cuisine from Thai Tanic, along with refreshments. Modern Sailing Global Destinations has announced the 2026 Spring flotilla to Thailand is schedule for March 19 - 28, 2026.
Enrollment for the Thailand 2026 flotilla opens to the public immediately following this session. Join our interest list by sending us an email or calling our office team at 415-331-8250. Get all of your questions answered about this epic journey, sign up for a cabin on the skippered club boat or learn about the bareboat offerings. RSVP for the information session.
Rolex Big Boat Series and J/88 Nationals - September 16 - 20
The Rolex Big Boat Series is a four-day regatta founded by the St. Francis Yacht Club in 1964. The annual event attracts competitive racing teams and big racing boats from all over the state, nation, and world. Thousands of racers and hundreds of boats take to the Bay each day of the race, competing for first place and the Rolex watch that comes with it. MSC club members can bareboat charter or join a Club Sail to witness the excitement from the water.
Sausalito Boat Show - September 25 - 27
Modern Sailing is a proud exhibitor for the 4th Annual Sausalito Boat Show is returning to Clipper Yacht Harbor, bringing together a stunning showcase of new powerboats, sailboats, luxury yachts, electric boats, and more—both in the water and on land.
This celebration of waterfront life has something for everyone, from boating newcomers to seasoned enthusiasts. Explore the latest boats, enjoy local food and live music, bring the family for fun activities, and attend free educational seminars on all things marine. View our online Expo Specials that run before and during the boat show to take advantage of discounted ASA courses and Modern Sailing membership fees.
Island Yacht Club Women's Sailing Seminar - TBA
IYC's 3 days of sailing, learning and fun includes in-person and streaming seminars and keynote speeches, food, drink, and no-host cocktail hours, giveaways including t-shirts and totes, and an amazing raffle drawing! Stay tuned for more details as we approach September. Modern Sailing is a proud sponsor of the Women's Sailing Seminar.
Fleet Week - October 7 - 11
The grand finale to summer in San Francisco, Fleet Week, celebrates the United States Navy allowing civilians to tour warships while their sailors tour the city. The week begins with a parade of ships progressing to free concerts, educational events, and family fun. Fleet Week's grand finale is a two-day air show over the Bay historically featuring the Blue Angels of the United States Airforce, the F-35 Demo Team, a demo from United's largest airplane, and several internationally known performance flight teams. See the full schedule of the 2026 Air Show. The best seat in the house for these shows is from a boat on the Bay - keep an eye out for our new Club Sail that weekend.
A Toast to Sausalito - October 17
The City of Sausalito's Parks and Recreation Department and Sausalito Chamber of Commerce pay homage to the old Caledonia St. fair and Taste of Sausalito Events of years past. Features a Beer, Wine, & Spirits Festival, artist competitions, local vendors and merchants, and live music. This event is free for all to attend. Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival sampling wristbands are available for purchase (only 1,500 available)!
The event is from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm on Sausalito's Caledonia Street
Sail the Society Islands of French Polynesia - August 21 - 31, 2026
This 10-day, catamaran flotilla begins in the Leeward Islands, charting a course from the cultural heart of Polynesia to the legendary turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora. You’ll navigate the same reef-sheltered waters that cradle the twin islands of Raiatea and Taha’a, glide past the lush, archaeological wonders of Huahine, and drop anchor in the picture-perfect, over-the-water bungalow scenery of Bora Bora.
Cabin enrollment on our USCG skippered Club Boats sold out quickly. We still have a bareboat available for this epic journey. Sign up to join the cabin waitlist or secure your bareboat.
Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade - December 12
Spark the spirit of the season with holiday lights, music and fireworks on the water! This special event is a holiday tradition in Sausalito and across the Bay Area. Every year, we enter two of our Club Sail boats in the parade and our hard-working fleet staff decorate them for our members and guests to participate in this magical experience. With the sounds of holiday music and cheering spectators, you and your guests will be dazzled by the spectacle of decorated boats and fireworks. An enchanting and memorable event to kick off the season, even the grinchiest of sailors will be unable to resist the holiday cheer.
Do you know of any other San Francisco Bay Area sailing events? Let us know and we'll add it to this list!
