Uanoa Nelson | Modern Sailing

Uanoa Nelson

Instructor

Uanoa began sailing at age five on San Francisco Bay aboard his family’s Beneteau First 235 learning to read currents, tides, and afternoon winds while sailing to Angel Island and along the city front.  

As a teenager, Uanoa completed offshore deliveries between Long Beach and San Francisco, raced FJs for Campolindo High School, earned his US Sailing Level 1 Instructor certification, and taught youth sailors in Hawaii and adult sailors at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center while completing his degree. 

Since joining Modern Sailing in 2023 as a Customer Service/Sales Representative, Uanoa has inspired both new and experienced sailors on their individual journeys while serving as Modern Sailing’s Race Program Lead. 

Today, Uanoa holds his OUPV Captain’s License and is proud to serve on the Modern Sailing teaching staff, continuing the same passion he developed as a kid on the Bay: helping others discover the freedom, confidence, and joy that come from sailing.

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  • John Clark

    Every aspect of Modern Sailing - training, syllabus, course materials, quality of the boats, quality of the instructors, and the very friendly and helpful staff - exceeded my expectations. Modern Sailing has a first class sailing program in an environment with challenging winds and currents. I look forward to coming back to charter a boat and certainly plan to continue my sailing training.

  • Steve Hood, Basic Coastal Cruising

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Sara Jane G.

    I've taken two classes at MSS&C and was very happy with the program. This is also a great club with lots of opportunities for camaraderie and practice on the water. The boats in the fleet are fantastic and kept in tip-top shape. I highly recommend for all sailors and would-be sailors!

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