Modern Sailing Academy

Reviewers Male / Female Recommend Yes / No Number of Reviews Classes & Instruction School Facilities Boats & Courses Cost Total Average Rating
4 / 2 6 / 0 6 9.83 9.67 9.67 9.83 9.75

Date Submitted: December 18, 2011
Sailing School: Modern Sailing Academy
Location: CA - Sausalito, United States
Classes & Instruction: 10 out of 10
School Facilities: 10 out of 10
Boats & Courses: 10 out of 10
Cost: 10 out of 10
Recommend: Yes
Review: Great Experience with an Seasoned Captain/Teacher
I just completed a 10 Caribbean Cruise with one of the most experienced teacher/captains in the country. John Connelly is a treasue of experience and teaching with an enthusiasm for sailing that is contagious. I am looking forward to another Adventure Cruise in the future.
Comments [ 0 ]
Submitted by: Landlocked Seadog
58 year-old   ::   Male Reviewer   ::   Tennessee

Date Submitted: March 31, 2010
Sailing School: Modern Sailing Academy
Location: CA - Sausalito, United States
Classes & Instruction: 10 out of 10
School Facilities: 10 out of 10
Boats & Courses: 9 out of 10
Cost: 10 out of 10
Recommend: Yes
Review: Modern Sailing -Exceptional Expereince
I am a member of Modern Sailing Club for about 1 year and have taken multiple ASA certification courses and instructional workshops with them. Instructors for the courses were fabulous as are all staff. Molly Winkelman was the instructor for my basic coastal cruising course and then later for my instructional workshop on Flying a Spinnaker. Molly is a wonderful Ambassador to the sailing community, her spirit and enthusiasm is contagious and she generates a high level of comfort and confidence in her students on the water. Her instruction contains the practical and pragmatic along with nuances of understanding the importance of each procedure and maneuver. Having moved from the light air of the east coast to the new level of challenges to being a “San Francisco” sailor I have gained the confidence and comfort to head out on the bay several times on my own following her instructions. Molly instills all this knowledge on the background of a fun day out on the water, much of the teaching coming from situations on the water to being pointed in the right direction to keep learning. Her great understanding of the application to racing adds another level to instilling the importance of many of her teachings!
JT was my instructor for Bare Boating, his incredible knowledge and expereince cruising and teaching have provided confidence for me to get going to the next levels. His broad depth of knowledge of sail boat mechanics and operation have provided a new level of appreciation and insight to how to safely operate a boat, live aboard and plan for a sailing trip. A fabulous teacher providing an incredible learning expereince plus a great person on the bay to know! This was a long weekend out that went by too quickly, was incredibly fun especially spending the nights on the bay and a steep climb for my knowledge and capability sailing the bay! I'm always looking for another course or event he is heading.
The staff are great and always helpful from booking a boat through Molly or D to advice from Lance on the dock before shoving off.
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Submitted by: New to SF Sailing
45 year-old   ::   Male Reviewer   ::   San Francisco

Date Submitted: March 21, 2010
Sailing School: Modern Sailing Academy
Location: CA - Sausalito, United States
Classes & Instruction: 10 out of 10
School Facilities: 10 out of 10
Boats & Courses: 10 out of 10
Cost: 10 out of 10
Recommend: Yes
Review: Surpasses All Expectations
My wife and I choose Modern Sailing Academy of Sausalito after much research and review of schools in the San Francisco Bay area. We were not disappointed, and our experience has far surpassed our wildest expectations and dreams. In gaining my many certifications, I have had the pleasure of working with several instructors, and have been amazed by the qualifications, knowledge, local knowledge, and skills of each. Combine these instructors with a school and club management team that strives to be the best in sailing education, sailing excursions, club events, racing and member satisfaction and you have the best of the best. I would be negligent not to mention the quality of the fleet of yachts offered and expertly maintained by Modern Sailing Academy and Club. Finally, I have had the pleasure of meeting many sailing enthusiast in my classes who have traveled across the U.S. to take classes with MSA. I think that speaks volumes in itself.
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Submitted by: Jeff Fairchild
53 year-old   ::   Male Reviewer   ::   Inverness, California, USA

Date Submitted: February 9, 2010
Sailing School: Modern Sailing Academy
Location: CA - Sausalito, United States
Classes & Instruction: 10 out of 10
School Facilities: 8 out of 10
Boats & Courses: 9 out of 10
Cost: 9 out of 10
Recommend: Yes
Review: Great & Charming Sailig School & Club
I have been sailing with Modern Sailing School and Club now for just over three years. I chose to learn sailing at Modern Sailing because of their good prices and because of the reputations of their instructors, but I have chosen to remain a member of the club because the school as kept me growing as a sailor. The Modern Sailing team is a fantastic team - the knowledge and friendliness extends from the club office to the water. If you want to know what course or what boat is right for you, talk with Mollie or Jack or D - and you'll be set up.

For chartering, the club has affordable boats in its value fleet for a nice sail on the Bay, a mid-range fleet if you'd like to take along a few more friends, and a deluxe fleet if you'd like to impress your family or friends. For learning, numerous courses are offered, from beginner to expert, and even quick refresher courses on skills like docking. For location, you just can't beat beautiful Sausalito -- what a great weekend get-away.
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Submitted by: Steph
35 year-old   ::   Female Reviewer   ::   San Francisco

Date Submitted: February 4, 2010
Sailing School: Modern Sailing Academy
Location: CA - Sausalito, United States
Classes & Instruction: 10 out of 10
School Facilities: 10 out of 10
Boats & Courses: 10 out of 10
Cost: 10 out of 10
Recommend: Yes
Review: Fantastic Instructors - great boats!
Before choosing Modern Sailing, I did a lot of research on different sailing schools throughout the Bay Area - and I am glad that I chose them! The boats were larger than the other schools (about 32 feet) - and easier to move around on - and very well maintained.

The instructors are THE BEST. I took both the BKB and BCC courses and had two different instructors: Stan and JT. I was impressed beyond words! They were patient, very knowledgeable and understood my needs as a student. I can't imagine better instruction being available -- these guys are top notch.

And the office staff is very friendly and accommodating. I could tell that their number one priority was to make sure that I was having a positive and rewarding experience - and they succeeded.

I am signed up for the next course in the Spring and can't wait!
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Submitted by: sailor girl
35 year-old   ::   Female Reviewer   ::   San Rafael, CA

Date Submitted: July 30, 2007
Sailing School: Modern Sailing Academy
Location: CA - Sausalito, United States
Classes & Instruction: 9 out of 10
School Facilities: 10 out of 10
Boats & Courses: 10 out of 10
Cost: 10 out of 10
Recommend: Yes
Review: Sail from Sausalito with a real sailing school
The instructors at MSA are USCG licensed and led by John Connolly, a 45 year veteran of hanging the rags. His wealth of knowledge alone is good reason to visit this school. Their club rates are good, the classes are held in the most challenging parts of the bay, inside and outside the Golden Gate. Their boats are extremely well-equipped. Their Heavy Weather Class is six days of intense learning. Do not hesitate to investigate the opportunities available here.
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Submitted by: Cap'n Q
35 year-old   ::   Male Reviewer   ::   California