Eric Partika | Modern Sailing

Eric Partika

Instructor

Eric has been navigating the waters of the San Francisco Bay for 18 years. Though he previously owned cruising sailboats in Emeryville and Sausalito, he joined Modern Sailing in 2017 to prioritize professional development and community. Since then, he has completed the vast majority of his formal training directly through the club.

Eric currently splits his time between the Bay Area and Tuscany. This dual residency allows him to enjoy a unique balance of sailing environments, from navigating the challenging and technical conditions of the San Francisco Bay to exploring the scenic Mediterranean waters.

A certified instructor since 2021, Eric teaches ASA 101, 103, 104, 114, and 118. He also holds a USCG Captain’s License for OUPV. His maritime experience extends far beyond the Golden Gate, as he has led group destination sails in world-class locales including the British Virgin Islands, Croatia, Corfu, the Italian Riviera, the Aeolian Islands, the Balearic Islands, and the Tuscan coast.

Eric is passionate about sharing the lessons he has learned with club members. Whether he is coaching students through tricky docking maneuvers or helping them plan offshore passages, his goal remains the same: to foster a lifelong love for sailing and help others build the confidence to helm their own adventures. 

Eric says, "I hope to foster other people’s interest for sailing and offer up any knowledge I have gained over the years. Hope to meet you on the water some day!”

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  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

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