Sailing Clinics and Short Lessons

Treat your friends and family to a premier bay adventure with a sail to Angel Island and an overnight stay moored at Ayala Cove -- but first, prepare yourself for the fore and aft mooring, shallow waters, and tidal currents that can make mooring at Ayala Cove a unique challenge.

Our Angel Island Mooring Clinic prepares you to successfully conduct a bow-and-stern mooring as required by the California State Park Angel Island Harbor Master. Additionally, you will become proficient at utilizing one or two buoys for overnight mooring situations in many worldwide cruising locations.

The winds and tidal currents of San Francisco Bay can be challenging to sailors not only when sailing out on the bay, but especially when maneuvering in and out of dock slips. Join us for this one-day clinic in which you will learn strategies and techniques to safely and efficiently dock an auxiliary-powered sailboat in a variety of conditions. You’ll increase your overall boat handling confidence by acquiring knowledge of basic auxiliary power theory, engine and steering controls, proper use of dock lines, crew communication, and safety.

Learning how to control the shape of your sails can greatly enhance your sailing experience. Whether you are a racer looking to gain ground or a cruiser interested in maximizing your efficiency, this course is a must. After a short discussion about the theoretical components of sail trim, you will have a chance to get out on the water and learn how to fine tune the sails for your boat's best possible performance.

The more you sail in winter or make long passages, the more likely it becomes that you’ll eventually encounter foul weather. This one-day clinic will introduce you to heavy weather sailing equipment, preparation, and techniques. Taught aboard our Spencer 44 Coho II, your instructor will cover topics such as personal safety equipment, high wind line handling techniques, setting up storm sails and running rigging, types of drogues and sea anchors, and steering in large following seas. Heavy weather on the day of the clinic is not guaranteed.

Night sailing can be an enchanting experience. The many lights and reflections dancing on the water are beautiful, but can disorient sailors inexperienced with piloting a boat in the dark. Learn to safely enjoy the beauty of sailing at night by joining our Night Sailing Clinic!

Hands-on learning and practice on the water under the guidance of a USCG licensed instructor will strengthen your confidence during nighttime outings. Learn to recognize aids to navigation and vessel navigation lights, anchor, check and adjust sail trim, and utilize safety equipment at night.