Gordon Bitter | Modern Sailing

Gordon Bitter

Instructor

Gordon’s sailing journey began in northern Germany, where his very first day on the water was a memorable passage from Stralsund to Bornholm in strong Beaufort 8 conditions. That early introduction set the tone for a lifelong passion for sailing, seamanship, and learning. 

Since then, Gordon has logged thousands of nautical miles as skipper and crew across a wide range of waters, including the Baltic and North Seas, the Mediterranean, the Windward Islands, French Polynesia, the Sea of Cortez, and the Pacific Northwest. His experience spans everything from coastal cruising and navigation to offshore passages and international chartering. 

Gordon began instructing in Seattle in 2019, teaching in the Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, and into British Columbia. In 2023, Gordon relocated to the Bay Area, teaching with Club Nautique from 2023 to 2025. 

When he’s not teaching, Gordon can usually be found exploring new cruising grounds, refining his navigation skills, or planning the next sailing adventure.

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  • Trudy Flores

    Captain Jeff Cathers is really cool. I had such a great time on the Farallones Day Trip. It was actually my very best day of 2020. Thank you so much for coordinating the trip.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • David Dolenc, Member

    I love sailing in the San Francisco Bay and greatly appreciate everything that MSC has to offer, the classes, clinics, club sails, racing and charters. I enjoy our supportive sailing community and use every opportunity to spend time on the water. After obtaining the certifications from MSC I did my first charter in Croatia in 2022 with my family. It was amazing and we’re looking forward to returning soon!

  • Andrew Goble, San Francisco

    It has been wonderful sailing with MSC over the years. Please extend my thanks to the owners, management, and staff for unrequited professionalism and high standards in a charter fleet. I have sailed with several in my years and none nearly hold a candle to the quality of business and staff at Modern Sailing.

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