Sailing Schools in California
30 search results

Marina Sailing – Marina del Rey
90292, USA
Marina Sailing is one of Southern California's most established sailing schools, with a history dating back to 1962. Located in Marina del Rey, the school offers a variety of courses and charters aboard boats ranging from 22 to 50 feet, including monohulls, catamarans, and powerboats. Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your skills, Marina Sailing provides options for all levels, from beginner classes to advanced certifications, all in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Pacific Sail
95062, USA
Pacific Yachting & Sailing is a well-established sailing school based in Santa Cruz, California. Located on the scenic Monterey Bay and Pacific Ocean, it offers a variety of courses and a fleet of 14 sailing yachts ranging from 28 to 46 feet. The school’s experienced instructors, all US Coast Guard licensed and ASA certified, focus on providing personalized guidance to help students develop confidence and skills in sailing. Whether for instruction, bareboat charter, or team-building events, the school aims to create a relaxed environment where students can enjoy learning and exploring the waters.
Marina Sailing – Newport Beach
92660, California, USA
Marina Sailing has been a staple in Southern California since 1962, making it the region’s oldest and largest sailing charter and instruction provider. With six locations along the coast, they offer a variety of boats ranging from 22 to 50 feet, including monohulls, catamarans, and powerboats. The school provides a comprehensive selection of American Sailing Association courses, with their popular Complete Sailing Course covering ASA 101 and 103 certifications, scheduled every weekend throughout the year. For those looking for a more immersive experience, the Ultimate Sailing Course is a five-day live-aboard program that includes ASA 101, 103, and 104 certifications and a voyage to Catalina Island or the Channel Islands. They also cater to experienced sailors with advanced courses and a beautiful fleet available for chartering.

Redondo Beach Recreation
Redondo Beach, CA
Located in Redondo Beach, this sailing school offers a laid-back environment for those interested in learning to sail or improving their skills. Whether you're a beginner or more experienced sailor, the school provides a relaxed setting to enjoy the water and develop your sailing abilities along the California coast.

Spinnaker Sailing San Francisco
San Francisco, California, United States
Spinnaker Sailing is located at South Beach Harbor in San Francisco, one of the West Coast’s premier marinas. The school offers convenient access to excellent sailing conditions, with steady winds and flat water just minutes from the dock. Its downtown San Francisco location provides easy parking and proximity to the lively SOMA neighborhood, making it a great spot for both learning and exploring the city’s vibrant scene.

Sail Monterey
93940, USA
Sail Monterey is a versatile sailing center situated at Wharf 1 in Monterey, California. Located within the vibrant Old Fisherman's Wharf area, the school offers a variety of experiences including public and private sailing cruises, ASA sailing classes, and sailboat rentals. The sheltered waters of Monterey Bay provide a perfect setting for beginners to learn and enjoy sailing, with abundant wildlife sightings adding to the scenic backdrop. The school’s fleet includes several well-maintained sailboats, such as a 37-foot catamaran, a couple of monohulls, and smaller boats, giving students and visitors the chance to explore the bay on different types of vessels.
SailTime – San Francisco
Emeryville, California, USA
SailTime San Francisco Bay, located at Emery Cove Yacht Harbor in Emeryville, offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for sailors of all levels. Captain Lisa, the school's founder, has a lifelong passion for sailing that she loves to share with others. The school provides a variety of programs designed to help members gain confidence and independence on the water, whether they are new to sailing or looking to hone their skills for longer adventures. With easy access to some of the best sailing areas in the bay and excellent facilities, SailTime San Francisco Bay is a great place to enjoy the water and learn at your own pace.

Marina Sailing – Channel Islands
93035, USA
Marina Sailing Channel Islands, located on South Harbor Boulevard in Oxnard, California, has been serving the sailing community since 1962. They offer a variety of boats ranging from 22 to 50 feet, including monohulls, catamarans, and powerboats, across their six coastal locations. The school provides a comprehensive selection of ASA courses, with popular options like the Complete Sailing Course that covers ASA 101 and 103 certifications, and the more intensive Ultimate Sailing Course which includes ASA 101, 103, and 104 certifications along with a voyage to Catalina Island or the Channel Islands. Whether beginners or seasoned sailors, students can find classes and charters suited to their skill level in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Spinnaker Sailing
Redwood City, California, United States
Spinnaker Sailing, located in Redwood City, California, has been a trusted name in sailing instruction on San Francisco Bay since 1980. As the oldest operating American Sailing Association school in the country, it has trained thousands of sailors, earning a reputation for experienced teaching and quality certification. The school offers a variety of classes, including bareboat chartering and catamaran certification, both locally and on overseas trips in the South Pacific, Caribbean, and Mediterranean. With a fleet of 30 well-suited boats and a dedicated team of ASA-certified and U.S. Coast Guard licensed instructors, Spinnaker Sailing provides a friendly environment for learning and enjoying the water. The school also hosts racing events and offers a club membership program for those looking to sail more frequently.

West Coast Multihulls
San Diego, California, United States
West Coast Multihulls is based in San Diego, California, where they specialize in teaching both catamaran and trimaran sailing. Their team of experienced instructors offers comprehensive courses year-round at the Sunroad Resort Marina, taking advantage of San Diego’s moderate climate and steady breezes. The school is known for its focus on quality training, utilizing some of the finest multihulls in the world from brands like Fountaine Pajot, Seawind, and Catana, to help students achieve their sailing goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are currently 30 schools in California. Each of these schools is a certified training center, meeting rigorous international standards for safety, equipment, and instructor expertise.
Yes, there are RYA-certified sailing schools in California. RYA (Royal Yachting Association) certifications are internationally recognized and often required by yacht charter companies as proof of competence.
Yes, there are ASA-affiliated schools in California offering a range of sailing certifications. ASA (American Sailing Association) courses follow a proven curriculum designed to take you from a complete beginner to a confident coastal cruiser.
In California, major certifications are available. These programs provide a structured learning path, allowing you to build your skills progressively and earn licenses that are valid for international bareboat charters.
Yes, several schools in California offer Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses. Competent Crew is the ideal starting point for beginners to learn the basics of life on board, while Day Skipper is the first step toward taking command of your own vessel.
