Jörg Chabowski | Modern Sailing

Jörg Chabowski

Instructor

Although I reside in the SF Bay Area, I was born and raised in Germany.  I got my first taste of sailing in 2002 with a crew on a multi-day cruise in Greece. I was instantly hooked, and never looked back.

Over the last 20-plus years, I have sailed as crew and as captain with friends and family in Europe, the Caribbean, the San Juan Islands, and British Columbia. My most exciting sailing adventure was in the winter of 2024 aboard a 180 ft. tall ship.  We sailed from Argentina to Antarctica and back, a 21-day voyage. We had a proper crossing of the infamous Drake Passage with winds of 60 knots.

 In addition to sailing, teaching is another one of my other passions, although I have worn many hats. I initially trained in Europe as a nurse, and then moved to the USA as a professional dancer.  After moving to the SF Bay Area in the early 90’s, I transitioned from dancer to teacher after training in Pilates, Gyrotonic, strength and conditioning, and many other wellness modalities.

 In general, I feel most at home on the water, and am fortunate enough to live aboard my Ocean Alexander 48 docked in Sausalito with a gorgeous view of the SF bay from my aft deck.  

 At present, I am honored to be on the Modern Sailing teaching staff.

Sailing certifications:
ASA 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 118 

Teacher qualification: (IQC)

  • USCG Captain OUVP
  • ASA IQC 201
  • ASA IQC 203
  • ASA IQC 204
  • ASA IQC 218

Hidden Talents:
My German sense of humor, and I love to bake.

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it”  - Johan Wolfgang von Goethe

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  • Emma & George Stubbs, Sausalito

    We just took our ASA 106 at a school in Rhode Island as we prepare for 6 months of cruising in the Caribbean. The class was great, but more than anything it made us really appreciate the quality of teaching and rigor at Modern Sailing. Even though we were the newest to sailing, the group seemed to think that we had the best fundamentals. We felt very well prepared and we see why Modern Sailing has the reputation it does.

  • 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.

  • Angel Emilio Miranda

    The best sailing school in the Bay Area!

  • John Boynton

    The class was terrific. I know you must get many compliments about your sailing instructors...But I must tell you that Robert is outstanding. Having taught SCUBA, I really appreciate the way he is so sensitive to all on board, dealing with each so well, knowing quickly their strengths and weaknesses making each feel special and cared for.

  • 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. 

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