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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  • 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!

  • Jessica Zittere, Member

    The Full Moon Sail with Skipper Bob Gutsgell was Ah-Mayzing!! The group dynamic was lovely and the views spectacular. I can't say enough good things about the experience. Thanks so much for the wonderful Club Sails, they are really great.

  • 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!

  • 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. 

  • Steve Hood, Basic Coastal Cruising

    I would definitely recommend Modern Sailing to anyone who is interested in learning to sail the right way.

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