Dave Russell | Modern Sailing

Dave Russell

Instructor

Dave got started sailing by getting shanghaied onto 210-foot three masted schooner in the Caribbean in 1991, and that first experience in the islands changed his life forever. While he prefers to sail large catamarans, Dave has never met a boat he didn’t like. In fact he’s invested in several Tall Ships that offer vacation cruises in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, and frequently crews on those ships. Dave began instructing in 2009.  His favorite activity is instructing the ASA courses for Cruising Catamaran and Bareboat Chartering, anywhere you want to learn - especially in San Francisco Bay and tropical locations such as the Caribbean and Tahiti. Dave charters all over the World several times each year. He has sailed four oceans and the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Andaman, Adriatic, Ionian Seas plus the Great Lakes.  “What I love about sailing, in addition to the water, the sky and the boat; is that every day is a learning experience. That is Freedom."

Credentials:
ASA Certified Instructor in:

  • ASA Basic Keelboat Sailing (201)
  • ASA Keelboat Sailing 2 (202)
  • ASA Basic Coastal Cruising (203)
  • ASA Bareboat Cruising (204)
  • ASA Coastal Navigation (205)
  • ASA Advanced Coastal Cruising (206)
  • ASA Cruising Catamaran (214)
  • ASA Dinghy & Outboard Endorsement
  • ASA Docking Endorsement (218)
  • United States Coast Guard 100 Ton Master License
  • Consultant to the rum industry
  • Retired Senior Director at Apple
  • Former championship-winning Motorcycle roadracer

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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.

  • Alisa Driscoll, Dual Site Member

    Here are some snaps of Our Saturday, August 20, 2022 Modern Sailing Expedition with Captain Robert Bivin, who was outstanding. Please convey photos and thanks to him. He is an outstanding individual, leader and sailing instructor. His knowledge and experience made us all feel safe and our Farallones Day Trip educational and just amazing. 

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Ray Arceneaux

    The vessel was clean and in fine condition - very nice boat for training, well-equipped.

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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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