Robert Bivin | Modern Sailing

Robert Bivin

ASA Master Instructor

Robert Bivin has been an integral part of the Modern Sailing community since 2016. As an American Sailing Association (ASA) Master Instructor, Robert has guided students of all ages and abilities, from beginners to advanced sailors, where he specializes in ASA 108 Offshore Passagemaking and Heavy Weather Sailing. He is one of the few ASA Master Instructor Evaluators in the country, able to conduct ASA Instructor Qualification Clinics and teach courses to sailors pursuing a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential, such as the OUPV (six-pack) Captain License.

His adventurous spirit and love for being out on the water drew him to become a Sailing Instructor in 2018. Robert brings his wealth of experience and expertise to his sailing career, including being a certified scuba diver and a licensed private pilot. In his professional life, Robert brings his leadership skills to the tech sector as a Leader of Product Managers. His background also includes a distinguished military career as a Retired Army Reserves Field Grade Officer in the Military Intelligence Corps, where he is a decorated Combat Veteran and holder of the Combat Action, Pathfinder, and Airborne badges.

Robert is deeply committed to fostering the growth of the sailing community. He derives great joy from providing personalized sailing instruction, tailored to meet students at their current skill levels and help them achieve their sailing aspirations. His love for sailing extends beyond instruction, as he enjoys international travel and destination sailing adventures. Robert has led Modern Sailing Club flotillas in French Polynesia and the West Indies and served as a Charter Captain in the British Virgin Islands, Croatia, and the Sea of Cortez.

Credentials:

  • USCG Merchant Mariner Credential – Master 50 Ton License with Sailing and Towing endorsements.
  • ASA Instructor Certified:
    • (211) Instructor Evaluator
    • (201) Keelboat Sailing 1
    • (202) Keelboat Sailing 2
    • (203) Coastal Cruising
    • (204) Bareboat Cruising
    • (205) Coastal Navigation
    • (206) Advanced Coastal Cruising
    • (207) Celestial Navigation
    • (208) Offshore Passagemaking
    • (214) Cruising Catamaran
    • (216) Dinghy and Outboard Endorsement
    • (217) Basic Celestial Endorsement
    • (218) Docking Endorsement
    • (119) Marine Weather Endorsement
    • (120) Radar Endorsement
Trip Roles: 
Global Trip Leader

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  • Steve Hood, Basic Coastal Cruising

    I would definitely recommend Modern Sailing to anyone who is interested in learning to sail the right way.

  • 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.

  • Alisa Driscoll, Dual Site Member

    Here are some snaps of Our Saturday, August 20, 2022 Modern Sailing Expedition with Captain Robert Bivin, who was outstanding. Please convey photos and thanks to him. He is an outstanding individual, leader and sailing instructor. His knowledge and experience made us all feel safe and our Farallones Day Trip educational and just amazing. 

  • 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 Kratochvil, Oregon

    I would like to compliment Stan Lander for his coaching, counseling and teaching Heavy Weather Offshore Sailing. Stan was very accommodating to all of the student's interests and shared his many years of insight on handling the boat in heavy seas. I would certainly recommend Stan and this course to sheltered waters sailors. My confidence in handling a boat of this size was certainly enhanced by the experience.

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Modern Sailing School & Club

Sausalito Location
2310 Marinship Way, Sausalito
(415) 331-8250
(800) 995-1668

Berkeley Location
1 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley
(415) 331-8250
(800) 995-1668

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