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Our yacht charter fleet, bareboat charters on san francisco bay – our fleet.

Are you looking to bareboat charter on San Francisco Bay? Join our club! Membership is required to charter a vessel without a licensed captain aboard.

New members who are beginners can gain access to our fleet by completing ASA Certification Courses with Modern Sailing. Experienced sailors joining the club are not required to possess certifications but must submit a sailing resume and be able to demonstrate sailing skills by completing a Fleet Rating Checkout with one of our instructors. Learn more about how to qualify for bareboat chartering.

Would love to go for a sail but membership isn’t for you? A Skippered Charter or an Introductory Sail might be a perfect fit.

For more information, contact us . We would be happy to answer any questions that you have about membership and chartering.

Prices are subject to change without notice.

See below for charter policies and definitions.

Sportboat Fleet

J/24 sportboats (j/24).

Do you want to have an exciting day blasting around the Bay with speed and smiles? The J/80 Sky  in our Berkeley Sportboat Fleet is for you! 

Premium Sportboat Fleet

Mymble (J/99)

Silver Fleet

Cohitta (catalina 30).

Cohitta  (pronounced co-hee-ta) is a Catalina 30 in our Sausalito Silver Trainers Fleet. Her name is an ode to Coho II , our beloved bluewater cruiser.

Double Lotus (Catalina 30)

Dolce Vita (Catalina 30)

Mo'orea (Catalina 30)

Tule Wind (Catalina 30)

Betty (Catalina 30)

Sophia (Catalina 30)

Morning Star (Catalina 30)

Golden Girl (Catalina 30)

Kele (Catalina 320)

Phoenix (Catalina 320)

Kokomo (Catalina 320)

Stray Cat (Catalina 320)

Fiore Italia (Beneteau Oceanis 31)

Helix (Beneteau Oceanis 30.1)

D'uphoria (Dufour 36)

D'uphoria is a Dufour 36 in our Berkeley Gold Fleet. This model isn’t the most common 36-foot boat on the San Francisco Bay, but that’s what makes her special. 

Nirvana (J/105)

Nirvana is a J/105 in our Berkeley Gold Fleet.

Resolute (J/105)

Chao Pescao (J/105)

Andiamo (Catalina 36)

Wimm (Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349)

Traharta (Beneteau Oceanis 35)

Auriah (Beneteau Oceanis 37)

Grey Goose (Beneteau Oceanis 37)

Platinum Fleet

Coho ii (spencer 1330).

Coho II is our legendary offshore racer/cruiser. She has carried hundreds of MSC students and sailors under the Golden Gate Bridge and onto the Pacific Ocean.

Survivor (Beneteau Oceanis 38)

Survivor is a Beneteau Oceanis 38 featuring an in-mast furling mainsail and a roller-furling, self-tacking jib, making her an easy boat to sail with short-handed crews.

Liberty (Beneteau Oceanis 38.1)

Ry Whitt (Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409)

Attitude Adjustment (Beneteau Oceanis 41)

Moon Dance (Bavaria 42)

Kanaloa (Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40)

Ho’okele (Seawind 1160)

Folie à Deux (Lagoon 40)

Policies and Definitions

CHARTER BOOKING DEFINITIONS

MIDWEEK -  Monday through Friday

WEEKEND -  Saturday and Sunday

FULL DAY  -  9:00 AM - 8:00 AM the next morning. 

SUNSET -  4:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday only. Sunset reservations are not bookable online. Please call our office at (415) 331-8250 or email us to make a reservation. 

HOLIDAY RATES - Sunset charters are not available and Full Day/Weekend rates will apply on the following holidays:

• January 15 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• February 19 - Presidents Day
• May 27 - Memorial Day
• June 19 - Juneteenth
• July 4 - Independence Day
• September 2 - Labor Day
• October 14 - Colombus Day

SUMMER RATES - Summer rates are in effect during Daylight Saving Time season.

WINTER RATES - Winter rates are in effect during Standard Time season.

LIVEABOARD - 4:00 PM - 8:00 AM. Friday through Sunday, charterers and ASA students may reserve a boat for sleeping aboard on a same-day basis only.  

Staying Aboard Overnight - Full Day and Liveaboard Reservations permit sleeping aboard overnight. Be advised that Modern Sailing does not provide bedding, pillows, towels, and toiletries. Please bring your own pillow and sleeping bag or other bedding, towel(s), and toiletries as needed. To give our Fleet Staff time to prepare the boat for the day's sailing, please remove all belongings and be off the boat no later than 8:00 AM.

Multi-Day Discount - Multi-Day Charters are discounted 10% for two consecutive days and 15% off for three or more consecutive days.

Complimentary Advance Booking  - Members may book up to 3 advance bareboat charter reservations, for which there is no payment due until the day of the charter. Advance bookings in excess of 3 (at any given time) will be prepaid in full. Consecutive multi-day charter reservations count as 1 booking.

CANCELLATION POLICY -  Please give notice of cancellation 72 hours before your reservation to avoid a cancellation fee. If you cancel less than 72 hours before your charter, there is a cancellation fee of 50% of the charter rate. During Standard Time (non-Daylight Saving season, typically early November through mid-March), the cancellation policy requires only 24 hours of notice.

CHARTER POLICIES

RESPONSIBILITY FOR VESSEL DAMAGE DURING YOUR CHARTER

As a responsible Skipper, I will check this vessel to determine that it is in seaworthy condition before departure. I agree to return the vessel in the same condition that it was received and secure the vessel according to the "Check-In Form - Skipper Responsibilities" checklist. I will be responsible for excess cleaning costs, loss, and/or repairs. The amount is determined by the fleet level. Please check the white binder on each vessel for the total. I also agree to hold harmless Modern Sailing School & Club from any liability that may result from my use of this vessel, and I agree to inform my crew about this release. All vessels are not insured to navigate beyond Mile Rock and Point Bonita.

SINGLE-HANDED SAILING

Departing from the dock alone is not permitted. Crews must consist of 2 or more people.           HIGH WIND

• Over 20 knots (sustained) - You must have at least a 2nd reef in the mainsail.
• Over 30 knots (sustained) - You must douse the mainsail, furl the jib, and motor back to base as quickly as possible.

ANCHORING, MOORING, and TOWING

• If your anchor becomes snagged and you are unable to retrieve it, you must tie a fender to the anchor rode and release the balance of the rode overboard to be retrieved by a diver the next day. If you try to force your anchor free with excessive motor power and damage results, you will be responsible for any and all damage caused to the vessel.
• Do not raft together with other boats.
• Towing of other boats is disallowed.

RESTRICTED SAILING AREAS

• Obey all navigation rules and local regulations.
• Platinum Fleet and Catamarans: Pier 1.5 in San Francisco is restricted.
• All Boats 26' and Longer: Piers 39 & 41, Aquatic Park in SF, and Sam’s Café in Tiburon are restricted. J/24s are allowed into Sam's Cafe in Tiburon.
• All Boats: Anchoring in China Cove (northside of Angel Island) is restricted due to underwater hazards.
• Charterers may not sail outside of San Francisco Bay beyond the line of demarcation between Mile Rock and Point Bonita.

Anyone sailing or motoring near shore or low water areas, through designated anchoring areas, or into/out of marina who causes damage to the charter vessel, or any other vessel or property is fully responsible for all claims of damage. 

NIGHT SAILING

To become qualified to sail or motor after sunset, you must either:

• Complete ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising at Modern Sailing School & Club; or
• Complete our Night Sailing Clinic.

Without one of these qualifications, sailing or motoring after sunset is not permitted.

ALCOHOL and OTHER DRUGS

Anyone (skipper or guest) deemed intoxicated at the time of an accident will be fully responsible for all bodily injury or property damage as a result of that accident. You are not covered by insurance if intoxicated.

Please be mindful there may be members scheduled to charter after you. Return to dock with enough time to properly check in the boat and disembark by your scheduled end time. If you are late disembarking from your boat, a late fee of $75 will be applied for each half-hour beyond your scheduled end time.

ONBOARD POLICIES

• Sailors must be Sportboat Fleet Rated to be on the helm of a 24' to 26' vessel during dock/marina departure and entry maneuvers.
• Sailors must be Silver Fleet Rated to be on the helm of a 30 to 32' vessel during dock/marina departure and entry maneuvers.
• Sailors must be Gold Fleet Rated to be on the helm of a 33' to 37' vessel during dock/marina departure and entry maneuvers.
• Sailors must be Platinum Fleet Rated to be on the helm of a 38' to 44'  vessel during dock/marina departure and entry maneuvers.
• Sailors must be Catamaran Fleet Rated to be on the helm of a multihull vessel during dock/marina departure and entry maneuvers.
• Regardless of who is on the helm, the skipper on record is financially liable for any damages incurred during vessel use.
• Legal limit for all boats is 12 people. This legal limit is set by the Coast Guard. All our boats have an individual Bareboat Capacity Recommendation that is based on how many people can sail comfortably.
• Pets are not permitted on boats.
• Fishing gear of any kind, including crab pots, are prohibited.
• Modern Sailing sailboats are a smoke-free zone everywhere onboard.
• Check your guest’s footwear and please ensure all passengers’ footwear have non-marking soles.
• Red wine is barred on boats as it stains decks and interiors.

IF THE BOAT BECOMES DISABLED

If the boat becomes disabled or you are unsure what to do in any situation, call the office first at (415) 331-8250 (Sausalito) or (510) 831-1800 (Berkeley). After business hours, or if there is no answer, call Vessel Assist at (800) 4-SEATOW or on VHF radio channel 16. You will find the boat's SeaTow membership information in the boat's white binder (usually in or near the navigation table).

IMPORTANT - WAIVER OF INSURANCE

The company policies and procedures regarding the use of the vessels charted through Modern Sailing School & Club are for the protection of the members, owners, and MSC. These policies and procedures must be adhered to strictly. The Skipper hereby acknowledges and agrees that he or she is familiar with and covenants to comply with said policies and procedures. As further consideration for the charter of the vessel pursuant to this Charter Agreement, the undersigned agrees that in the event that he or she willfully fails to comply with the policies and procedures regarding the use of the chartered vessel, he or she shall be solely responsible for any and all damages that result from said failure and further does hereby expressly waive and forfeit coverage under any insurance policy providing coverage to MSC individually or jointly with the Skipper. 

In addition to the Waiver above, the Skipper agrees that in the event of a loss or damage resulting from Skipper’s negligence, Skipper will reimburse MSC for the amount of any deductible due under MSC’s insurance coverage.

COVID-19 RELEASE

I am aware of the possibility of infection due to the COVID-19 virus and that such risk may be increased by my participation in this activity. I agree that I will abide by all government and MODERN SAILING mandated requirements in my use of the vessel and assume full and total responsibility and shall hold MODERN SAILING harmless should any of the participants in the charter, including myself, become infected with the virus.

By submitting my charter form, I agree I have read the foregoing and accept the foregoing waiver as set forth.  

SKIPPER RESPONSIBILITIES CHECKLIST

SKIPPER RESPONSIBILITIES & CHARTER POLICIES AGREEMENT Please review the responsibilities of the Skipper and inform your crew according to the list below.  

As a bareboat charterer and Skipper, I understand that I am in control and command of this vessel, regardless of who I've hired to help with local knowledge, navigation and crewing. It is also my responsibility to review and operate all vessels in accordance with current safe boating laws.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE ITEMS BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE DOCK

• Check the boat like a rental car. Report pre-existing damage before leaving the dock. Make sure to move the fenders and include descriptions in your form.
• Ensure crew has proper footwear (white, non-marking soles).
• Instruct crew on Crew Overboard Recovery procedures.
• Instruct crew on location of all safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, life jackets, flotation devices, horn, and radio. (Channel 16 is for Emergencies and Coast Guard Help)
• Instruct crew on head operation. No paper of any kind in toilets (please dispose of paper products in trash bins).
• Determine if your crew can swim. Encourage the use of life jackets. Children are required to wear life jackets. We have children’s life jackets available in the office.
• Appoint someone to be second in command in case something happens to the skipper.
• Secure all hatches and windows before leaving the dock.
• The dodger cannot be removed or folded forward. Please remove the canvas covering the windows so as not to obstruct your view. Safely stow below deck during sailing and replace before you leave the boat.
• If you have any questions about boat systems or operations, please check with the MSC team.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE ITEMS WHEN YOU RETURN

It is very important to return the vessel in the same condition and with all the inventory, just as you received the boat. Please secure the vessel using the checklist below to make sure that no charges are accrued. Cleaning charges are $75 per hour plus supplies (minimum charge is $75).

• BATTERIES: UPON RETURN: Turn battery Switch to "1" or “OFF” (if they were off when you entered the boat). Ensure the AC Panel "Charger" is turned "ON" and bilge pump is on "Auto". Ensure that your shore power cord is properly plugged in and the breaker on the dock box is turned on. Ensure the cord is not hanging in the water.
• Stow all gear in proper locations.
• Stove: Turn off LPG switch (solenoid) on the panel and close valves on the propane tank.
• Thoroughly clean galley, wipe down counters and floors, clean any dishes that were used and set out to dry.
• Thoroughly flush head to pump dry. Wipe seat.
• Clean cabin and wipe floorboards with wet paper towels.
• Remove trash bags from bins if they contain waste. Dispose of all waste in the dumpsters and recycling bins located behind the Modern Sailing office.
• Secure all halyards away from the mast, fold and cover all sails, and coil all lines.
• Secure jib sheets in winch self-tailer jaws.
• If your boat has a dodger, put the dodger covers back in place.
• Secure all hatches and lock the boat.
• Wash the boat with dock hose: hull, topsides, cockpit, and stainless steel (jib furler, pulpits, stanchions, lifelines, turnbuckles, mast base, etc.) to remove corrosive salt crystals. Use the deck brush in the cockpit to remove any crumbs or spills.
• Completely clean anchor and chain, if used.
• Ensure fenders are securely tied and resting above the water line between the boat and the dock.
• Check dock lines to ensure that they are snug and properly tied to dock cleats.

News & Events

End of daylight saving brings changes to bareboat chartering.

Daylight Saving season ends on November 3, bringing some seasonal changes to chartering at Modern Sailing. The changes described below will go into effect on Monday, November 4.

• Read more about End of Daylight Saving Brings Changes to Bareboat Chartering

The Commodores Club - Benefits for Frequent Charterers

Modern Sailing provides an exclusive member benefits program to reward our most frequent charterers!

Qualification for the Commodore's Club is based on the number of bareboat charters you do within a calendar year. All bareboat charters count - Sunset or Full Day.

• Read more about The Commodores Club - Benefits for Frequent Charterers

Great Charter Destinations Worldwide and the Best Times of Year to Sail There

Exploring the world by sail offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure, and choosing the right charter destination can make all the difference.

• Read more about Great Charter Destinations Worldwide and the Best Times of Year to Sail There

Dockside Briefings - Pre-Charter Orientations for J/Boats and Coho II

At Modern Sailing, we understand that choosing the perfect boat for your charter can sometimes be challenging, especially if you're accustomed to a particular vessel and you haven't tried others with configurations that may be unfamiliar to you.

• Read more about Dockside Briefings - Pre-Charter Orientations for J/Boats and Coho II

How to Get Rated to Charter with a Spinnaker at Modern Sailing

Ready to elevate your sailing experience – especially in late fall and winter, or whenever wind conditions are light? Modern Sailing makes it possible for you to experience the uplifting joys of flying an asymmetrical spinnaker during your bareboat charters!

• Read more about How to Get Rated to Charter with a Spinnaker at Modern Sailing

Sail the Windward Islands 2024

Flotilla Dates: April 13-23, 2024

Discover St. Lucia and the enchanting Windward Islands of the Caribbean with Modern Sailing School & Club!

The Windward Islands offer a delightful cruising venue of lush tropical islands draped with stunning bays and white sand beaches that spill into warm turquoise waters.

• Read more about Sail the Windward Islands 2024

Unlimited Sailing Sportboat Membership Program

Pay less to play more! Modern Sailing is excited to offer a membership program to make it easier for you to enjoy sailing more frequently! Pay no additional cost when you charter our Berkeley location's J/24s and J/80s as often as you want .

• Read more about Unlimited Sailing Sportboat Membership Program

Oopses, Ouches, and Accidents – What Every MSC Charterer Needs to Know

Sailing can be relaxing, refreshing, invigorating, and sometimes challenging. As an activity that involves human nature and working with the temperamental forces of wind and waves, an incident or accident that results in loss or damage can happen to any skipper.

• Read more about Oopses, Ouches, and Accidents – What Every MSC Charterer Needs to Know

Club Sails - a fun variety of social sails for members and their guests!

Club Sails are a great way for club members to make new friends, learn, and practice while sailing the beautiful San Francisco Bay. There are no certifications or experience required to join a Club Sail. With a wide variety of Club Sails, there's something fun to fit every sailor's schedule!

• Read more about Club Sails - a fun variety of social sails for members and their guests!

Professional Yacht Management Services by MSC

Love the idea of boat ownership, but not the maintenance? Place your yacht in the Modern charter fleet and enjoy more of the benefits of ownership while we manage the finer details of her care and berthing. Sail when you want to - we'll do the rest! And when your boat goes sailing without you, her income helps offset her expenses.

• Read more about Professional Yacht Management Services by MSC

Your First Charter: 5 Essential Resources for New Modern Skippers

Congratulations, new skipper! You've proven that you have what it takes to safely sail on San Francisco Bay. Besides your sailing skills, what else will you need to know to ensure your first charter goes smoothly? Where can you find the help and the information that new skippers need most?

• Read more about Your First Charter: 5 Essential Resources for New Modern Skippers

Choosing The Right Boat for Your Charter

Each boat in the Modern Sailing charter fleet is unique in terms of capacity, features, and equipment. Choosing the ideal combination of features enhances your crew's overall enjoyment of the experience. To choose the right boat for your next charter, ask yourself these four questions...

• Read more about Choosing The Right Boat for Your Charter

Reciprocal Clubs

Looking for opportunities to sail beyond San Francisco Bay? Your Modern Sailing club membership gives you access to other sailing clubs along the beautiful California Coast! Set sail in San Diego, spend the weekend anchored at Catalina Island, or whale watch in Monterey Bay.

• Read more about Reciprocal Clubs

Steer Clear of San Francisco Bay Shipping Traffic

Some of San Francisco Bay's challenge and appeal as sailing grounds is the fascinating array of ships, tugboats and pilot boats, Coast Guard vessels, dredgers, tourist and commuter ferries, and many kinds of power and sailboats that share the Bay.

• Read more about Steer Clear of San Francisco Bay Shipping Traffic

Angel Island - Dock or Moor and Go Explore!

Angel Island State Park is the largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay and is an attractive destination for bay boaters. Ayala Cove, accessible within Racoon Straight on the north side of the island, has the largest public docks and moorings on the bay and is well-protected from wind and

• Read more about Angel Island - Dock or Moor and Go Explore!

Local Cruising Guides: Benicia

Are you ready to explore further into the bay? Would you like to try your hand at an overnight trip? Sail to Benicia to explore a historic, quaint waterfront town with an active art community! This local cruising guide offers an exciting overnight adventure - venturing into the San Pablo Bay, navigating new Straits, and a great selection of restaurants to reward you for your journey!

• Read more about Local Cruising Guides: Benicia

How to get your IPC Card

ASA is proud to offer the first International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) for sailors available in the United States. This certificate is mandatory when chartering in most European / Mediterranean waters.

• Read more about How to get your IPC Card

Membership and Chartering

Members enjoy privileges at our Sausalito and Berkeley locations: a variety of social events aboard and ashore, discounts on courses and clinics, and access to charter a diverse and professionally maintained fleet of sportboats, cruising boats, and cataramans. Join the club and sail!

• Read more about Membership and Chartering

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Testimonials.

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.

Since many, many years, I had the dream to sail underneath the Golden Gate bridge. On October 14th last year, my dream became true. Thanks to our dear friend Aaron Fritz who made it possible and organized this cruise for us. With this adventure I was able to achieve one more milestone on my sailing career.

Finally on the water, it was great! Full moon made the flows even stronger and it was like sailing in a washing machine.

I did my sailing education in the English Channel, where the situation with the wind and flows is comparable to the San Francisco Bay. So I felt pretty much "at home" being on the helm in the Bay.

I hope our skipper Stan Lander enjoyed this day cruise too. We, definitely did! It was an unforgettable experience for all of us.

A very big thank you to all of you who made it possible, that my dream became reality! Also thank you for the MSC flag I got at the end of the day. It found it's place in my study, where I can see it daily.

I took ASA 101 with them recently. They have the best customer service I've ever seen! I mistyped my address when I signed up online so didn't receive the textbook. I called and the lady immediately sent me another copy! Everyone at the club is super friendly.

View All Testimonials

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Modern Sailing School & Club

Sausalito Location 2310 Marinship Way, Sausalito, CA 94965 (415) 331-8250 (800) 995-1668

Berkeley Location 1 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley, CA 94710 (415) 331-8250 (800) 995-1668

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• WEATHER FORECAST
• TODAY'S TIDES & CURRENTS

San Francisco Bay Monday May 14 2018 09:02 PDT NOAA Forecast

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING... ...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING...

OVERNIGHT...SW winds 5 to 15 kt. Gusts up to 25 kt early this evening.

FRI...W winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt.

FRI NIGHT...N winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt.

SAT...W winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt.

SAT NIGHT...SW winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt.

SUN...SW winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt.

SUN NIGHT...SW winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt.

MON...SW winds 5 to 15 kt.

TUE...SW winds 5 to 15 kt.

Golden Gate NOAA Tide and Current Predictions

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Whether interested in a formal or casual event, we offer great food & a full range of bar services.

Welcome Aboard

Named after the renowned author Jack London, Yukon Jack captures the spirit of his adventurous travels. In 1995, she claimed victory in the San Francisco to Tahiti race—an achievement that would have undoubtedly thrilled Mr. London. Yukon Jack provides an ideal setting for hosting clients (a truly captive audience), making it a great choice for your next corporate meeting, team-building event, or even a birthday celebration for the “old salt” in your life. It’s also perfect for intimate occasions like anniversaries or weddings, with the Captain available to officiate the ceremony.   Click Here for More info on Yukon Jack

Pier 40, South Beach Harbor San Francisco, California 94107 Call Us! +415-543-7333

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With hundreds of sailing and motor yacht charters in San Francisco each year, Rendezvous Charters shines as one of the top choices. From beginning to end, we aim to create a relaxing, enjoyable, and memorable experience for our guests.

Rendezvous Charters manages charters for more than 40 sailing and motor yachts throughout California. With 45 years of industry expertise, we offer a variety of options to suit any occasion, from premium catered events to laid-back Angel Island barbecues—there’s something for everyone.

Specials, Events and News We’ll email you with our latest deals, events, news, and videos.

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