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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  • Danny Collins

    The office staff was very accommodating in meeting my availability.

  • 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.

  • John Kratochvil, Oregon

    I would like to compliment Stan Lander for his coaching, counseling and teaching Heavy Weather Offshore Sailing. Stan was very accommodating to all of the student's interests and shared his many years of insight on handling the boat in heavy seas. I would certainly recommend Stan and this course to sheltered waters sailors. My confidence in handling a boat of this size was certainly enhanced by the experience.

  • Ray Arceneaux

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

  • 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!

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