CAPT DAN LOVES KIDS TOO! I've read so many reviews from Honeymooners and Sunset Cruisers, and I wondered, "How will my 9-yr-old like this?"... Well, HE WAS IN HEAVEN! We met Dan in Culebra, but we're hopeful to sail with him again in CA. - Just need to dress warmly, instead of swimsuits! We sailed w/ Capt. Dan on Jan 2, 2012, as a Family of 3 - and our destination was Isla Culebrita, Puerto Rico. The winds were a little swift, the surf a little high and the tidal surges were magnificent. In the care of a less experienced Seaman/Guide, these could all be negatives... But Capt. Dan made it an adventure to remember! Upon request, my son got to man the tiller, as well as the winch, and he loved 'heeling' in the wind. We love to snorkel, so Dan let us poke-around a bit while he took everything to shore. Body-surfing was amazing, and we got to watch some seasoned surfers whip through a narrow pass in the coral reefs. We trekked through the volcanic rock paths (Buy the best all-terrain shoes you can - KEEN - you won't regret it!) to the tidal pools, and bathed in between surges. One surge was unexpectedly high, and Dan wrapped himself around my son and held him up safely. Next, he took my son over to the volcanic rock walls to peek inside some indentations that held geodes, forming crystals... My son Jasper took some souvenir stones (including some green "Jasper" stone) and coral pieces from the trip, and they are prominently featured as our Dining Room Centerpiece now - Bet you didn't know you were an Inadvertent Decorator too - Did ya', Dan! LOL. Two thumbs Up! read more

Having never sailed before, I was admittedly a bit clueless as to what to expect from the experience with Captain Dan: mountain streams and alpine lakes are much more my "up my ally"... But, with the sun slowly sinking, I climbed aboard a boat with 8 other people; expecting to be a bit of an "outsider" in this new world of wind. I could not have been more wrong! Dan provides an experience that is unparalleled! Within moments his charismatic humor and undeniable sailing expertise create an environment of community, friendship, and (if you so desire, outside of wine-sipping) an opportunity for even the most novice sailors to learn and lend a hand. I can't imagine a better way to step into the beauty of the sailing world. And now, this once self-proclaimed mountain girl is solidly scheming a way to pay for sailing lessons (which he also provides! Yippee!). If you are even considering Captain Dan's sails I urge you: GO! You, truly, will not be disappointed... the sheer joy of it all may just leave you no choice but to smile, smile, smile! read more

Hands down THE BEST way to spend a day or an evening in San Francisco Bay area! I've been on several of Capt Dan's party sails, and had such a good time -- every time -- that I've come back repeatedly, bringing different friends with me each time. Everyone always loves it! Whether you are local or just visiting the Bay, the view of the City and surrounding landscape from the water can't be beat. And being on that water in Dan's beautiful CLASSIC WOODEN SAILBOAT is VERY special. I've recently come to love sailing in general, and have now had a chance to sail around the Bay on many other (more modern, fiberglass) boats with other skippers of varying ages and experience levels. Dan is the ONLY one I've sailed with who actually *sails* in and out of his boat slip -- which is always impressive, and a particularly lovely experience on an evening sail under the stars. And his rare wooden boat cuts through the water "like buttah" with Dan at the helm. I can't wait to find an excuse to go for another sail with Capt Dan! read more

Welcoming, professional, knowledgable, entertaining and caring - that's Capt Dan! I was lucky enough to enjoy 3 sailing trips with Capt Dan: a sunset sail, an afternoon sail and a full day sail. All of them were fantastic. He is impressively responsive to emails and his friendly and personal communication style assured me to be in good hands and made me feel very excited about the trip. Upfront he makes sure you know what to expect and what to bring to feel comfortable. Once on the boat he makes sure you have and know all you need before sailing out, e.g. safety precautions, sun protection, drinks, food. You can choose whether you want to help sailing or just hang out and relax. I chose the latter and just enjoyed the amazing views, colors, sunshine, wind, waves and conversations. When I got off the boat even the third time, I was already looking forward to do it again! Wonderful and highly recommendable experience to do on your own, in a couple or a group! read more

Dan was one of the first people to take me out sailing, and I was hooked. He goes beyond an average charter by not only providing a safe and enjoyable ride out on the ocean, but also by teaching about the boat and the surroundings. If you have a day to spend in the area, this would be my recommendation. He gives a great scope of the area and sailing to newbies (like myself), and also provides a knowledgeable, safe, and fun ride to even the most experienced of sailors. I have chartered his boat on numerous occasions and am always impressed with his knowledge of sailing. Plus, I struggle to think of a better way to spend a day out on the water with no extra noise/fumes of a motor and someone else at the wheel. read more

Captain Dan's Sunset Sails are ambiant and fun. Upon arrival you are boarded onto his lovely boat. Sitting in the cockpit you can munch and sip on whatever you brought, taking in the marina scenery accompanied by Dan's anecdotes of the marina's history. During my sail he encouraged all three of us to steer the boat under his supervision and guidance; I felt safe with Dan. Further the lights from the shoreline were lovely at night. Our time on the water became especially exciting when the wind picked up. I would recommend sailing with Captain Dan if you like getting out on the water and trying new things. Bring snacks, wine and very warm clothes and you'll have a great time. read more

a sunset sail with captain dan is always a great time! cheers a glass of wine with friends (or make new friends on the boat!) and get ready to soak in the beauty of the bay-area. as the sun sets and the colors slowly fade from the sky, the stars and city lights begin to sparkle in the sky. dan has an amazing ability to sail his boat with both ease and grace. his humor is abundant as is his willingness to share his knowledge of boating. just as the silence of being on the water started to soak in, we sailed past a bouy occupied by sea-faring birds. a great time had by all, sailing with captain dan is a must-do in the bay area... read more

Capt Dan's sailing trips are utterly superb! SUPERB! Dan is an extremely fun, outgoing, engaged, and knowledgeable sailing instructor. I went out on several sails with him, to Angel Island, around the Bay, and just for short excursions out of Berkeley Marina. He's always thoroughly prepared, has plenty to teach us (about how to sail, the local area, squash, Portland, Puerto Rico, eating cheese, and the like), and does whatever he can to make the day a great day out for all concerned. Feral is a nice little boat and there is bound to be a fun crowd on board. So, if you're in the Bay Area, just do it. read more

Some friends invited my fiancee and I (mid-twenties) on a ride with Dan, and it was great! Dan and his dog were ready and waiting when we arrived. The boat was in great shape and it was a true sailboat, not a motor boat with optional sail. Dan let us try holding the tiller and was happy to answer questions. The trip was relaxing, fun, and casual. Dan was a great conversationalist; he knew when to entertain and when to let the view do the talking. I'd definitely recommend it for people looking for a fun ride or a romantic ride. Just be sure to take Dan's advice and dress warm! read more

I went on a cruise with Captain Dan on 06/12/13 and it was phenomenal. It was a surprise Birthday gift for my Wife and she had one of the best times of her life. We enjoyed it so much I made a yelp account just to review it. Captain Dan is very laid back and easy going until there is a matter of safety then he is all business as it should be. If you have a chance to go on one of his cruises it's worth whatever you end up paying. I told him there would be a round 2 and I am good to my word. I have already booked another cruise for my family. read more

Captain Dan is the quintessential sailor. I had one of my best sailing experiences on the bay yet. Captain Dan sailed us out at sunset. We sailed accross the bay towards Sausalito and later hung out behind Angel Island where there was no wind and just listened to the sounds of the bay at night in the blue moonlight. I appreciated his stealth maneuvering skills when coming into the marina in the quiet of night and into the slip without using the motor once. I look forward to my next sail with Captain Dan. read more

Went sailing with Capt. Dan for the first time on 5/27 for the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary fireworks celebration. Capt. Dan is a perfect host: makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome on his lovely classic wood sloop. He encourages learning, incorporates safety as a natural element to having a good time, and shares his infectious enthusiasm for sailing. Am looking forward to my next outing with him and the nice group of people he seems to attract as fellow passengers. read more

I went for a sail with Captain Dan a few weeks ago and had an amazing time. He is a great captain and host and has a way of putting his passengers at ease. He creates a great communal feeling by getting everyone to come together and share in a group experience. Captain Dan just got back from running his trips in Culebra in Costa Rica. I will most certainly be back to sail with him on the bay and I hope to get down to Culebra next year. read more

I've sailed with him several times and very simply put Captain Dan's sailing adventures are so much fun, informative, relaxing, intriguing and more. His personality, knowledge and joie de vivre definitely contribute to the outing. Don't hesitate - go for a sailing adventure with Capt Dan Classic Sails and you will have a blast!!!! read more

Capt. Dan was awesome!!! The experience was memorable. He immediately made everyone feel welcome and safe. I came home and wanted to do it again SOON! Additionally, Capt. Dan was exceptionally responsive to texts and emails. I recommend this to everyone I know!!! I can't wait to do this again. Definitely a 5-star rating! read more

We had a great pre-dinner sale around Honda Bay in Culebra with Capt. Dan. He had many interesting insights into this strange and wonderful island! Call Capt. Dan for a sail! I hear he does an amazing trip out to Tortuga beach in Culebra and awesome sunset sails in SF Bay in season. read more

We have have had the pleasure of sailing with Dan twice in the last few years. You can tell that he really loves to sail and loves sharing his passion with others. Don't hesitate to give Dan a call and sail away for a while. It is worth the price of admission and much more. read more

Sailing was great! My husband and I enjoyed chatting with Dan, before climbing up to the front of the boat for a private experience. We brought a blanket, wine and cheese, and were lucky enough to catch a beautiful fireworks show from the water. Very romantic! read more

Captain Dan was outstanding! We went sailing for a company outing and had a great time! We learned A LOT about sailing and were even able to steer the boat! We will and have considered doing it again, I would highly recommend sailing with Captain Dan! read more