Jörg Chabowski | Modern Sailing

Jörg Chabowski

Instructor

Although I reside in the SF Bay Area, I was born and raised in Germany.  I got my first taste of sailing in 2002 with a crew on a multi-day cruise in Greece. I was instantly hooked, and never looked back.

Over the last 20-plus years, I have sailed as crew and as captain with friends and family in Europe, the Caribbean, the San Juan Islands, and British Columbia. My most exciting sailing adventure was in the winter of 2024 aboard a 180 ft. tall ship.  We sailed from Argentina to Antarctica and back, a 21-day voyage. We had a proper crossing of the infamous Drake Passage with winds of 60 knots.

 In addition to sailing, teaching is another one of my other passions, although I have worn many hats. I initially trained in Europe as a nurse, and then moved to the USA as a professional dancer.  After moving to the SF Bay Area in the early 90’s, I transitioned from dancer to teacher after training in Pilates, Gyrotonic, strength and conditioning, and many other wellness modalities.

 In general, I feel most at home on the water, and am fortunate enough to live aboard my Ocean Alexander 48 docked in Sausalito with a gorgeous view of the SF bay from my aft deck.  

 At present, I am honored to be on the Modern Sailing teaching staff.

Sailing certifications:
ASA 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 118 

Teacher qualification: (IQC)

  • USCG Captain OUVP
  • ASA IQC 201
  • ASA IQC 203
  • ASA IQC 204
  • ASA IQC 218

Hidden Talents:
My German sense of humor, and I love to bake.

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it”  - Johan Wolfgang von Goethe

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  • Warren Leiden, Member

    I try to get out on the water every week: out the Gate, around Angel, up Raccoon - I love it all. After 18 years as a member of OCSC in Berkeley, I learned to sail the bigger boats at Modern by taking ASA 103 and 104. My ASA 104 instructor Dave Russell was terrific. Also, Captain Bill Moreland has been very generous in giving informal advice whenever I’ve asked him. Thanks to Bill, I no longer have any anxiety about docking!

  • Lisa Butzer Wilde

    Thumbs up to (Club Skipper) Geoff (Love) and his wife Laura. I went on my first Club Sail on Sunday, January 18, 2026. They were terrific!

  • Esther C

    I took ASA 101 with them recently. They have the best customer service I've ever seen! I mistyped my address when I signed up online so didn't receive the textbook. I called and the lady immediately sent me another copy! Everyone at the club is super friendly.

  • 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.

  • John Kipping

    The meeting room was quite adequate and the location most convenient, but the course outline and instruction were outstanding. Modern Sailing is fortunate to have such a well organized instructor in Mr. Stan Lander who teaches very well from a rich professional background. Mr. Lander was generous with his time and patiently in helping students who needed more attention or time in understanding various aspects of the curriculum.

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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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