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!”
Visit our article: "Preparing for International Charters with Instructor Eric Partika"
