Modern Sailing School & Club - San Francisco Bay Sailing Lessons, Charters and Rentals, Adventure Sailing
Three Locations in the SF Bay!

Sleek sportboats, comfortable cruising yachts, luxury catamarans - we have something for every kind of sailor!

Participate in the Racing Program!

Learn to race and become competitive with our Racing Clinics.
Practice skills in Spring, Summer and Mid-Winter Racing.

Join the Club!

Be part of a supportive, fun and friendly club.
Meet others and stay active on the water!

Courses for every level!

See our schedule of courses. Our courses and clinics offer
everything from the basics to advanced sailing skills.

Join the Club and charter sailboats on San Francisco Bay!
Sail with us on SF Bay!

Book your next Team Building Event and sail with us in one of the
world's top sailing destinations -- San Francisco Bay!

Welcome

The Best Choice for Sailing on San Francisco Bay


Modern Sailing is an award-winning school with locations in Sausalito and Berkeley.

Since 1983, Modern Sailing has been introducing people to sailing from our headquarters in Sausalito, California. We opened our second location in Berkeley in 2023, merging Inspire Sailing to match our trusted Modern Sailing brand. In 2026 we launched our third location: Clipper Yacht Harbor, expanding our Sausalito footprint across two harbors to give you more fleet access to the Bay you love. Even if you have never set foot on a boat, we can teach you everything you need to know. We ensure our students build a strong foundation in this rewarding and lifelong sport. Modern is dedicated to making your learning experience as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Our experienced and friendly instructors hold US Coast Guard Licenses and represent decades of sailing experience. They are award-winning instructors, world cruisers, and Coast Guard commanders and are American Sailing Association certified instructors. Modern's high standards have earned us accolades in the sailing community, including the American Sailing Association's School of the Year Award.

Unlike other sailing schools, we offer you the option to learn aboard our tiller-steered J/24 sportboats in Berkeley or on 30' to 32' cruising boats with wheel steering in either Berkeley or Sausalito.

Read more...

San Francisco Fleet Week is an annual celebration of our nation's Armed Forces. With air shows and flight demonstrations, the Navy Parade of Ships and public ship tours, and many other attractions... Read more

 
Four crew aboard Artemis_photo by Scott Paul, Mosaic Trips

When our instructors aren’t teaching on the Bay, they’re out exploring the world's most challenging and beautiful waters. This summer, Modern Sailing instructor... Read more

 

Modern Sailing is proud to introduce our newest addition of Club Skippers to the team!

 

Sitting in the cockpit of Coho II, Modern Sailing General Manager Dan Bailey looked back to where it all began three years ago... Read more

 

Wind and Tide Forecasts

Share This Page

  • Jessica Zittere, Member

    The Full Moon Sail with Skipper Bob Gutsgell was Ah-Mayzing!! The group dynamic was lovely and the views spectacular. I can't say enough good things about the experience. Thanks so much for the wonderful Club Sails, they are really great.

  • Sara Jane G.

    I've taken two classes at MSS&C and was very happy with the program. This is also a great club with lots of opportunities for camaraderie and practice on the water. The boats in the fleet are fantastic and kept in tip-top shape. I highly recommend for all sailors and would-be sailors!

  • John Boynton

    The class was terrific. I know you must get many compliments about your sailing instructors...But I must tell you that Robert is outstanding. Having taught SCUBA, I really appreciate the way he is so sensitive to all on board, dealing with each so well, knowing quickly their strengths and weaknesses making each feel special and cared for.

  • Ray Arceneaux

    The vessel was clean and in fine condition - very nice boat for training, well-equipped.

  • Mike, Santa Rosa, California

    All of the courses and my instructors (JT and Stan) were extremely professional and full of knowledge and experience. I found I was able to learn from their experiences beyond the scope of the courses, and look forward to future opportunities to do so. I would highly recommend Modern Sailing to anyone.

Follow us
on Social Media