Canadian Snowbirds Headline the Air Show
New Opportunities for Sailing this Weekend: Available Charters & Fleet Week Club Sail!
The U.S. government shutdown has resulted in an unexpected change for San Francisco Fleet Week 2025: the U.S. Navy Blue Angels have been grounded. This pivotal moment has led to an equally exciting development, creating a truly unique opportunity for spectators on the water.
Stepping in to headline the iconic air show are our Canadian neighbors—the world-renowned Canadian Snowbirds (431 Air Demonstration Squadron). The Snowbirds will deliver a world-class demonstration of aerial skill over the San Francisco Bay, a performance not seen here since 2017.
Due to initial charter reservation cancellations following the news of the grounding, Modern Sailing School & Club now has rare availability. This is an unforeseen benefit for members, providing a last-minute chance to reserve one of the best viewing platforms on the Bay. For the first time during a major Fleet Week, we are able to offer a special Members-Only Club Sail right on the waterfront.
The New Headliner: Why the Canadian Snowbirds Are A Unique Experience
The Canadian Snowbirds are an absolute must-see, bringing a unique brand of precision flying unlike the Blue Angels. Flying the distinctive, vintage CT-114 Tutor jet trainer, the Snowbirds are famous for:
- Nine-Jet Formations: They perform with nine aircraft, allowing for more intricate and dense formation choreography than most other military demonstration teams.
- Unrivaled Precision: In many of their signature maneuvers, including the "heart" and the nine-abreast formation, the Snowbirds fly with a breathtaking separation of as little as 1.8 meters (just under 6 feet!) between jets.
- Classic Aerobatics: Expect high-energy maneuvers and thrilling signature moves like the "Canada Burst" and "Downward Bomb Burst" right over the Bay, perfectly framed by the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
If you thought the Blue Angels were thrilling, wait until you see the collective precision and close-proximity flying of the Snowbirds. This is the air show that will have people asking, "Did you see the year the Canadians took over Fleet Week?"
Patriots Jets Team and Ace Maker T-33
The Fleet Week Club Sail
- Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
- Vessel: Platinum Fleet, Ry Whitt - Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409
- Location: Departing from our Sausalito location.
- Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Join Waitlist
Access: Open to members, who may bring up to two non-member guests.
Jack Aces Triple P-51 Demo and Randy Howell & Cory Lovell Duo Demo
Updated Air Show Schedule & Key Times (Oct 10-12)
The heart of the air show is set for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, running from approximately 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM daily. Crucial time for our sailors: The Canadian Snowbirds are scheduled to take the stage around 2:48 PM each day! Our Club Sail and charter times are perfectly positioned to ensure you have the best seat on the Bay for this historic flyover.
Time (Approx.) Event
12:15 PM Opening Ceremonies
12:25 PM United Airlines 777 Demo
12:52 PM Patriots Jet Team
2:36 PM United Airlines 777 Demo (Final Pass)
2:48 PM CANADIAN SNOWBIRDS (Headline Performance)
~4:00 PM Air Show Concludes
Visit the San Francisco Fleet Week website for more information.
Charter Availability: Book Your VIP View on the SF Bay
Don't miss the chance to host your own private Fleet Week experience. Grab one of these available charter boats for a truly unforgettable view of the Air Show!
Friday, October 10:
| Fleet | Location | NAME | BOAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catamaran Fleet | Berkeley | Ho'Okele | Seawind 1160 |
| Platinum Fleet | Sausalito | Ry Whitt | Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409 |
| Gold Fleet | Berkeley | Duphoria | Dufour 36 |
| Gold Fleet | Sausalito | Andiamo | Catalina 36 |
| Gold Fleet - Premier Tier | Sausalito | Bora Bora | Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 |
| Silver Fleet | Sausalito | Kokomo | Catalina 320 |
| Silver Fleet | Sausalito | Helix | Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 |
| Premium Sportboat | Sausalito | Fly | J/88 |
Saturday, October 11:
| Fleet | Location | NAME | BOAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum Fleet | Sausalito | Liberty | Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 |
| Platinum Fleet | Sausalito | Survivor | Beneteau Oceanis 38 |
| Gold Fleet | Berkeley | Duphoria | Dufour 36 |
| Gold Fleet - Premier Tier | Sausalito | Bora Bora | Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 |
| Gold Fleet | Sausalito | Chao Pescao | J/105 |
| Premium Sportboat | Sausalito | Fly | J/88 |
Sunday, October 12th:
| Fleet | Location | NAME | BOAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catamaran Fleet | Berkeley | Ho'Okele | Seawind 1160 |
| Platinum Fleet | Berkeley | Moon Dance | Bavaria 42 |
| Gold Fleet | Berkeley | Resolute | J/105 |
| Gold Fleet | Berkeley | Nirvana | J/105 |
| Silver Fleet | Berkeley | Golden Girl | Catalina 30 |
| Silver Fleet | Sausalito | Helix | Beneteau 30.1 |
| Premium Sportboat | Sausalito | Fly | J/88 |
Book Your Charter Today! Not a member? Start here.
Call Modern Sailing School & Club now to secure your charter or book the exclusive Club Sail before these rare spots vanish! We look forward to seeing you during our Saturday & Sunday Aprés Sails for members and students (3:30pm - 5:00pm).
Share your Air Show or #FleetWeekSF Sailing photos for a chance to get them on our social media channels (facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn) or webpage.
