All new, returning, or current members who wish to charter Modern Sailing vessels or upgrade an existing Fleet Rating are required to successfully complete a skills checkout with a Modern Sailing instructor aboard one of our vessels. Prior to scheduling a checkout, an office team member will review your sailing resume to match you with the vessel size for your checkout that most closely resembles your recent experience.
Master your boat handling under sail! You know the basics; let's work on finesse -- without an engine!
Did you learn to sail on a wheel-steered boat, but have always wanted to sail the smaller, sportier tiller-steered boats? Then this clinic is for you!
Our Upgrade to Sportboat Fleet Clinic is geared for sailors who have had the majority of their sailing experience on larger cruising boats (30'+) with inboard engines, and want to gain the skills needed to charter our exciting sportboats.
The focus of the course will be on-the-water practice including steering with the tiller (while also working the mainsheet) and docking and departing using an outboard motor.
The Site Orientation Sail is an opportunity for members who were certified to charter at one location to get oriented with the unique aspects of sailing out of the other location.
In Marina Plaza Harbor, Sausalito, sailors will learn and practice crosswind docking in a single slip including crew using the lassoing technique with dock lines.
In Berkeley, you’ll learn how to do downwind dockings in a double slip as well as become familiar with the hazards and unique aspects of navigating in and out of the Berkeley Marina.
Were you trained on our J/24s in Berkeley? Interested in upgrading to charter our Catalina 30s? The Upgrade to Silver Fleet Clinic will teach you the ins and outs of driving and sailing a wheel-steered boat with inboard diesel propulsion. This 2-day clinic has a heavy focus on gaining confidence with docking and departures and a short sailing segment each day. Participants will be evaluated for eligibility to charter our Silver Fleet boats at the end of Day 2.
The winds and tidal currents of San Francisco Bay can be challenging to sailors not only when sailing out on the bay, but especially when maneuvering larger boats in and out of dock slips and narrow fairways. Join us for this one-day clinic in which you will learn strategies and techniques to safely and efficiently dock a 36’ – 41’ auxiliary-powered sailboat in a variety of conditions. You’ll increase your overall boat handling confidence by acquiring knowledge of basic auxiliary power theory, engine and steering controls, proper use of dock lines, crew communication, and safety.
Are you a Platinum or Catamaran Fleet Rated club member and ready to take the lead on Club Sails? This clinic will prepare you to be the best Club Sail skipper you can be. Your instructor on board will review charter best practices and boat systems. The clinic will include practice docking, reefing, and more.
The benefits of being a Club Skipper include:
Night sailing can be an enchanting experience. The many lights and reflections sparkling on the water are beautiful but can disorient sailors inexperienced with piloting a boat in the dark. Learn to safely enjoy the beauty of sailing at night by joining our Night Sailing Clinic!
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 one of our licensed and experienced sailing instructors, you'll have the opportunity to take the helm, trim the sails, sit back and enjoy the ride, or all three!
Are dreams of long-distance cruising on your horizon? Learn to make the most of light winds on downwind points of sail by learning to fly the asymmetrical spinnaker!
This clinic prepares the aspiring cruiser to fly a Cruising Asymmetrical Spinnaker (CAS) when passage-making with short-handed crew. Students will learn how to hoist, trim, and jibe this beautiful downwind auxiliary sail. Special handling techniques and emergency procedures are also covered.
Due to strong winds on SF Bay in the summertime, this clinic is only available during late fall through early spring.
