Sailing out the Golden Gate and into open ocean isn’t just a bucket-list dream — it’s an achievable next step. Whether you’re looking to test the limits of your skills or just dip a toe beyond the demarcation line, these six adventures are designed to deepen your sailing knowledge and awaken your inner voyager. From one-day ocean excursions to weeklong coastal passages, Modern Sailing's offshore offerings are as exhilarating as they are accessible. Here are six upcoming opportunities to take your sailing skills offshore in 2025:
1. Farallones Day Trip: An Offshore Wildlife Adventure
Departing early and returning by evening, this trip offers bluewater experience without overnight commitment. Rich in marine life and rugged beauty, the Farallon Islands are a San Francisco Bay sailor’s natural next step. This is your chance to experience ocean sailing in a supportive, instructor-led setting—ideal for sailors of all levels who want a taste of the deep blue. This trip is aboard our bluewater vessel, Spencer 1330 Coho II.
Skill Level: Beginner+ (some crew experience is recommended)
Departs from Sausalito
View schedule and availability.
2. Half Moon Bay Expedition - Your Coastal Escape Starts Here
Leave the Bay behind and take your sailing to the next level with a 2-day, 1-night round-trip to Half Moon Bay. This expedition is your chance to experience the fundamentals of coastal cruising—anchoring out, standing night watch, navigating under real-world conditions—all under the steady guidance of a seasoned instructor. Two trips launch on the same dates from both our Sausalito and Berkeley locations—Coho II (Sausalito) with Capt. Richard Jensen and Moon Dance with Capt. Steve Matles (Berkeley). A rare chance for both Modern Sailing vessels to rendezvous offshore.
Spots are limited—book early to get aboard.
Skill Level: Beginner+
Next departure: June 6 - 8. Reserve one of the final 3 seats.
3. ASA 105/106 Combo: California Coastal Cruising Course - Navigation Meets Application
For those who like to go all in, this 7-day, 6-night journey combines ASA 105 Coastal Navigation and ASA 106 Advanced Coastal Cruising. Ideal for sailors who want immediate application of coastal navigation as you sail the coast. This combo course blends charting, weather, advanced systems, and hands-on seamanship. It’s a challenge — and a milestone.
Skill Level: ASA 104 graduates
Read: Choose Your Adventure: ASA 105 & 106 - Separate Courses or a Combined Coastal Experience
View schedule and sign up for the next course.
4. ASA 106: Advanced Coastal Cruising - The Full Immersion
ASA 106 takes everything you’ve learned and layers in the nuance, the judgment, and the systems knowledge that separate recreational sailors from capable coastal cruisers. From managing weather windows and heavy weather tactics to passage planning and crew safety, this course is where skills become second nature. Sail around the Farallones, Drake’s Bay, and down to Half Moon Bay aboard Coho II. ASA 104 is required.
Skill Level: ASA 104 & 105 grads
View schedule and sign up for the next course.
You can get your ASA 106 certification if you complete your ASA 105 within one year from completing 106.
5. ASA 108: Offshore Passagemaking - Go Beyond the Gate
ASA 108 is our most advanced course—and one of the most thrilling. You’ll join a long-range coastal or offshore voyage, participating in every aspect of planning and executing a multi-day passage. From watch standing and weather routing to offshore navigation and crew management, this is true deepwater education. Seven days offshore with avid voyagers, Captain Kira Maixner and First Mate Andrea Geisinger — both fresh from major Pacific crossings. From Sausalito to Southern California, this is the pinnacle ASA certification that puts your skills (and mindset) to the test. Departures in August and September. If you’re thinking about sailing across oceans or preparing for an upcoming Baja Ha-ha rally someday, start here.
Skill Level: ASA 106 grads
Next voyage: August 9 - 16 with Capt. Kira Maixner & Capt. Andrea Geisinger
Fall voyage: September 29 - October 5 with Capt. Kira Maixner (First Mate TBA)
Explore ASA 108 - View schedule and sign up.
6. Coho II Coastal Delivery Experience - The Ultimate Shakedown
Once the ASA 108 crew lands in Marina del Rey, we need to bring Coho II home. That’s where you come in. This is a rare chance to gain offshore experience on the delivery legs back to the Bay, sailing upwind over several days. Think real-time problem solving, shift work, and sea miles logged under the watch of a top-tier instructor. Two dates: August and October.
Skill Level: ASA 106+ preferred
Upcoming Legs: August 17 - 23 & October 6 - 9
Instructor: Capt. Kira Maixner
Visit schedule and send in your resume.
