had an excellent day on the water with the whole family. We booked a skippered sailing charter. Our captain let each of us steer for a while, which added to the excitement. Highly recommend. read more

I had a great experience with Spinnaker Sailing. I took BK1, BK2, and BCC. For BK1 and BCC I had Andrew who is a Maritime student clearly passionate about sailing. Through the several weekends of instruction there was never a question I could ask too dumb for him. (The patience is impressive). As for the location. The Bay really seems to be one of the best places in the world to sail. There are beautiful blue waters and lots of places to sail to. I am very excited to now be able to rent their boats for a weekend outing. Thanks Spinnaker! read more

Spinnaker Sailing San Francisco - Boating Near Me - San Francisco, California

This review is for the sailing classes. I did ASA 101. In their school it is split into BK1 basic keelboat 1 = 2 days BK2 basic keelboat 2 = 2 days. Since it is COVID times, the number is limited to 2 students which works out great. There is a lot of parking in COVID times and it was easy to reach the school. The lessons start at 10:00 so you have time to make it. They gave me two instructors, one for 2 days and one for 2 days. The first one was more green, but was ultra-professional Charlie. The second one was more veteran and was a joy to sail with Roberto. We worked through everything we needed, they repeated things multiple times. By the time we were done we could dock blindfolded. At the end of the class you are given an option to attend the test. The test will take 30 minutes and you will be certified. The location was good and allowed a mix of nice view, changing weather, low and higher winds with reefing or no reefing so we were never bored. The communication from the office was great as far as booking, reminders and any questions you had. The sailboat was in good condition, everything worked and nothing broke. Well except for the wind indicator which needs to be adjusted due to birds moving it, but they noted it and I am sure the next group will be able to use it. Compared to other places, the sailboat was great. It was an excellent size and very receptive. Totally worth it and I would recommend it. read more

Have had 4 instructors thus far, all were great, Garret and Steve were awesome and stood out to me. They were both super technical and really helped me feel comfortable on my own. Been bareboat chartering since I finished classes and the whole team has been great and seem to really love what they do. read more

I completed Basic Keelboat Sailing I and II and had a great time! Their staff is knowledgeable and friendly and I learned just what I needed to sail a little boat on my own. Our instructors were both very patient and skillful while trusting us enough to set-up the boat on our own by the second day. Both instructors had different styles of teaching but managed to prepare me for the written and practical tests for my first certification. Yippee! I'm a girl who gets sick in calm Monterey Bay in a kayak and I can proudly say that I survived both weekends and loved sailing in the SF Bay! I got to do some solo sailing, can tell you where the jib, winch, shrouds, and gooseneck are on the boat, and passed the Man Overboard maneuver. If you've ever wanted to learn how to sail, this is your place for a no-nonsense lesson and certification program that follows the ASA standards. read more

Spinnaker Sailing San Francisco - We're sailing under the Bay Bridge! - Boating Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Who cares about the sailing trip when there are plentyyy of eye candy sailer boys in their nautical outfits!! He can hoist my sails ANYDAY! (Does that innuendo even work? lol) In all seriousness, it was a nice sunny day and a perfect day to be sailing around the bay. The boat was gorgeous and the crew members were awesome! My friend bought a Living Social (I think...) deal for a group of 15 of us girls. It was supposed to be a small sailing trip with some brunch on the boat for her late birthday. When I say BRUNCH, it really just meant sandwich-making stuff on plates all set up around the boat for us to make. Quite a difficult task when she sailboat keeps rocking, achievement unlocked! They did have a good selection of breads and meats. Including but not limited to: - Croissants - Brownies - Bagels - Pastries - Different varieties of deli meat - Different cheeses - Lettuce - Tomatoes - Mayo and such - Juices - Coffee - Hot coco? - Alc (extra fee) Yes, let's all indulge on the goodies and throw it back up 30 minutes later! I didn't get too boat sick, but halfway through I wasn't feeling so spiffy. When the engines are off and we're sailing slowly, that's the worst part. It gets cold no matter how hot the day is, so BRING JACKETS! We went on a Summer day, 85 degree weather and it was still foggy/cold out in the bay. 13-15 girls, we paid 25 each. Breakfast included. Parking is another matter. read more

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I took ASA 101, 103 & 104 with Spinnaker Sailing. All the instructors I had were really good. There was clear focus on doing, being out at sea, practicing docking and other necessary maneuvers. No time is wasted in the classroom. Their offering of boats to charter for practice until the 104 - the Andrews 21, Santana 22 & the Santa Cruz 27 allows for safe and effective practice with minimal risk. Just finished my 104 (Roberto was a wonderful instructor), and I feel ready for more adventures at sea. read more

Had a great experience taking Basic Keelboat 1 and 2 courses through Spinnaker. The instructors, Roberto and Charlie, were great-- very thorough and detail-oriented, while making it fun. Would highly recommend. read more

Follow up... Just received an exceptionally unprofessional and rude message from Robert H directly in response to my original review below. (Read the original review below first.) He stated that he is offended that I placed my feedback here and that it would have been "better for you to give me feedback directly in person, as you were given ample opportunities, especially in the after sail discussion at the bar" He went onto say that: "Anybody who felt they were being treated rudely had their own voice to speak up, and did not need you to interpolate their feelings for them." He then babbled on aimlessly.... I'm amazed that Spinnaker Sailing continues to employ someone who handles customers in this manner. This unprofessional message (once again) seals the deal on earlier conclusion that you should avoid Robert H as a captain. Definitely specifically ask for someone else when reserving. read more

It pains me to give less than 5 stars because all the instructors and the office staff at Spinnaker where really great. However, if I had known what I know now, I would have taken lessons elsewhere. There seems to be 2 schools of thought on teaching sailing. Some schools, such as Spinnaker, start you on smaller tiller boats with an outboard motor and require completion of the bareboat cruising level course (ASA 104) for larger boats. The thought seems to be that a tiller is the best way to get a feel for the boat and an understanding of they dynamics of sailing. To move on to larger boats, with a wheel and inboard engine, requires taking the next level class AFTER you skipper a boat at least 6 times. Other schools start students on larger boats with a wheel (no tiller) and inboard engine during the basic cruising level course (ASA 103). The thought here is that it will help students quickly build confidence. I'm mentioning ASA course numbers here, but they correspond to similar courses in the US Sailing program. Also of note is that the size boat that students start on does NOT correspond to the schools ASA or US Sailing affiliation. Some ASA and US Sailing schools start on smaller boats and others on larger boats. It may be that starting with a smaller tiller boat is a better way to learn for most students. However, if you're a bit older, or just not in the best of physical shape, this could be problematic. It's hard to move around a small boat with a low boom and tiller that extends well into the cockpit. Working with an outboard can also be difficult as it may be over a foot away from you and some controls are on the side or rear of the motor. Spinnaker adds another limitation on your first 5 charters. You must stay South of the Bay Bridge. This area is subject to significant tidal current and the small outboards on these small boats really struggle against the tide. Also, this just isn't a very interesting area compared to the central bay. So, after completing ASA 103 at Spinnaker, I realized I was stuck renting small tiller boats South of the Bay Bridge until I could take ASA 104. My crew had already injured his back hoisting the main during our BKB class and getting him back on one of those little boats was going to be a struggle. So, while I was happy with the instruction at Spinnaker, I decided to look elsewhere and walk away from my prepaid club membership at Spinnaker. I was able to work with another sailing club to supplement my ASA 103 certification with a private lesson to cover what I missed at Spinnaker. This way I can rent boats with a wheel and inboard engine up to 35 foot in length while completing the prerequisites for ASA 104. I'll also be able to cruise the entire bay with all of its amazing scenery. If I had just started with the other club, I would have saved the membership fees at Spinnaker as well as the cost of the private lesson and checkout fee at the new club. As much as I love how close to home Spinnaker is, I wish I would have just started with the other club, driving across a bridge isn't that big a deal. read more

This place USED to be great, 5 stars as noted in my original review below.... however, due to recent developments with management (or shall I say mismanagement), I'm lowering my rating to 1 star (and that's only because that's the lowest I can go). Badly maintained boats, extremely unprofessional management (the owner is going through a divorce and his lack of attention to his business really shows), unknowledgeable staff (the good ones all quit and went to other sailing clubs -- and so will I once my prepaid membership expires). ------------------------------ Been taking sailing class there for a couple of months now. My sailing buddy Nicole and I enjoyed the first lesson so much that we signed up for the Admirals Club, which includes discounted sailing lessons all the way up to Intermediate Coastal Cruising and Cost Guard Certification up to a 40' boat. When you finish the lessons, you get to charter boats from their fleet, which includes some pretty fine yachts for day or overnight cruises on your own. read more

I was on a boat! (Sadly, T-Pain was not there.) The reason for being on a boat was to complete the Basic Keelboat 1 class this past weekend with Dan (thanks again, Groupon!). I'd always looked out at the Bay on sunny Saturdays and dreamed of being on one of those boats. And when I finally was, it was everything I wanted it to be. Dan taught us terms and knots, and then we learned how to set sail. The first day wasn't very windy, but on the second day we had great wind, and together we trimmed our sheets and hoisted our halyards to form one awesome sailing squad. My only complaint was that we didn't get any sort of certificate, study guide, or souvenir after the class. It would have been nice to have something to remember it by... If you go, bring a windproof, waterproof jacket, sunblock, and water! read more

Can't attest to renting boats here but the Fourth of July cruise on the 90' Bay Lady is really good. We were not prepared for true sailing conditions however and got soaked by spray over the bow an hour before sunset and stayed wet and cold for two more hours. That being said, if you come prepared you will have a great time. Even if it is a date bring raingear and wear sensible shoes and socks. Do not sit in the front, stay back on the high side or near the stern - clearly the captain stayed dry. From Pier 40, they take you out under the Bay Bridge over around Angel island where they put out coldcuts and pasta salad, and cookies; nothing fancy but it's nice for a snack. Bar opens after they raise the sails and coffee is always available. At dusk they drop the sails and motor over to position a few hundred feet off the barge and wait for the fireworks. I have never been this close, ash was falling in the boat and we could hear every sizzle and pop as the fireworks exploded directly overhead. List for next year: knit hat, gortex jacket and pants, scarf, gloves, fleece and a waterproof backpack. My amazing husband even had one of those little packable towels which I highly recommend. read more

I did a Groupon 2day basic keelboat sailing class. It was great - fun, I learned a lot, and I feel like I could go sail with a friend tomorrow! I felt like it was a great value and would have been worth the full price. Highlights: - A really fun and super knowledgeable instructor (Stewart Hunter) - About 20 minutes of important fundamentals in the classroom before we went outside and applied what we learned and just practiced and tested the same fundamental concepts over and over in different ways - a great way to learn the basics really well. - We got a lot of time sailing on the water, which let us have some fun and make some mistakes and learn in a really practical way. - I left feeling like I had a fun weekend, learned a lot, and could go sail with a friend tomorrow. The only reason its a 4 not a 5 is that the boat was in kinda junky shape, missing a few pieces, loose equipment all over, an engine that didn't stay down in reverse (which makes reversing hard and potentially a little dangerous). read more

Just called the spinnaker club to inquire about bareboat chartering. What a bad experience. As soon as I told the person I had my ASA certifications from another school he immediately told me I had no skills. He does not know me or what skills I have. I am certified and to imply that another sailing school certifies people with no skills is idiotic. I would avoid this outfit at all costs. read more

I just did a charter & it was da coolest thing ever!! I was born & raised in the Bay Area and wanted to do something different to celebrate my bf's birthday. My bf loves nature so I'd the research & this place was the best hands down!! Spinnaker had reasonable prices & customer service was spot on! Jennifer at the front desk was such a pleasure to work with. Took time to answer all my questions even tho I had so many (sorry Jennifer) . Capt Sparky was sooooo cool & he let my bf steer the boat I was to nervous...omg it was exhilarating! He really knew what he was doing which made the experience so comfortable! What a great way to see the sites on SF Bay. Highly recommend this place if u want to try sailing... Christopher cross's - sailing song in the background read more

I also had the Groupon for the Basic Keelboat 1 class (2 days, basic instruction) and found my experience to be quite enjoyable! Learned a lot and plan to take the Basic Keelboat 2 course soon as I have a space in my schedule. Our class was fortunate to have Mark for our skipper (lead instructor, 40 years experience) and will be requesting him next time around. Great guy and good instructor -- recommend him. Saw some negative comments below that all seemed to be around the 2005 timeframe, but I think things are different at Spinnaker now. I have a busy travel schedule and the admin staff was able to get me in on short notice - grateful for that! read more

I give Spinnaker Sailing and my instructor, Len Ceruzzi, my highest recommendation. The staff was knowledgeable, responsive and flexible creating a plan around my needs. And you'll be hard-pressed to find a better sailing instructor on the Bay then Len. My wife and I spent two days on the water to improve our sailing knowledge and skills and we both felt Len was our trusted guide every jibe and tack on the way. Len patiently addressed our 101 questions, created scenarios for us to practice real world situations, shared his extensive knowledge of Bay sailing, and gave us a huge number of pro tips and suggestions. Len is a natural teacher, and his kind, patient and easy-going personality made us both feel like there's "no dumb questions" or an expectation to do everything right the first time. The whole experience left us feeling more excited about sailing than ever and much more confident out on the water. A big 5 star rating for Len and Spinnaker Sailing! read more

I finished my first two sailing lessons today. I am taking 2 more classes with Mark who is a wonderful instructor who was also my instructor for the basic keel boat classes. He is patient, knowledgeable and has 40 years of sailing experience. Mark doesn't mess around. He is very serious and he wants you to learn. Their rates are very reasonable and I have already learned tons of information about sailing. Definitely recommend Spinnaker. Abby, who works in the office is very sweet and helpful. read more

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I don't ever complain much, but I have to give you this feedback about our day. Our captain Alan, seemed unfamiliar with the boat and while reversing from the dock nearly hit the boat next to us but I was luckily able to push us away with my leg. When we were out on the Bay, Alan would not put up the main sail, preferring to "sail" along with just the jib. He stated that we were an inexperienced crew and said it would be unsafe. He embarassed our party by reciting stories of how he had saved the day on other sailing trips in his life with inexperienced crew. This was very awkward for us all. Alan finally relented, but refused to trim the sails saying it was too complicated. We sailed for most of the day with sails flapping about and the jib lines flailing about. Alan talked incessantly about his life of sailing and teaching-shame he didn't take the time to teach us anything. In fact our party had to listen to his life story for much of the day. On our final return he rode the bow of the yacht up onto the wooden dock which was a little worrying. I and my wife have been out on the Bay many times . We have never experienced a captain that seemed so uninterested in helping our party enjoy really SAILING a yacht on the Bay. read more

Over two years I did the admiral club thing, which meant discounts on charters and courses up through ICC level. I had a blast. Haven't been back much in the last 3 years though since my daughter was born, but hoping to do a few charters this summer. The boats were decently maintained and I enjoyed every instructor I had. read more

Both my wife and I completed the Basic Keelboat 1 through a Groupon and I can't rate the experience highly enough! Spinnaker were excellent from preparation beforehand right through to the actual teacher and the condition of the boat. I should give a special shout out to Mark the teacher who made the whole experience so enjoyable. if I keep on sailing, then Spinnaker will be my first port of call! read more

My experience with Spinnaker sailing and its friendly professional instructors and office staff was a terrific experience. All 8 people students who took the basic keel boat certification course learned everything they hoped for and all received 92% to 99% on the final exam. A wonderful positive experience in all. read more

Not one to typically leave reviews, but our positive experiences with sailing lessons from Spinnaker Sailing warrant a need to do so. Drew et al took great care of us, especially when it came to scheduling and rescheduling when our needs required it. They repeatedly bent over backwards to accommodate us. On occasion it just wasn't possible to meet our initial requests, but they always found a work-around that ultimately met our needs. We took lessons through Basic Coastal Cruising, and had two great instructors (George and Al) who left us feeling fully prepared to bareboat charter, but also left us understanding the need to respect the craft. Recommended without hesitation. read more

So, I've been hunting around for a good place to sail. This was last summer, so I'm just getting around to the review. I have lots of experience, mostly east coast, and just want to charter. So, I talk to them those in the office... nice enough. They explain that I have to do a checkout with an instructor. Ok, I get this. The SF bay isn't a joke. I schedule it... forgot the guys name. Just me and a gf. Cost was not low, but whatever! Supposed to go for 1 to 1-1/2 hours, but most of 45 minutes was spent fumbling around either with equipment issues or excessive explanations. Finally, we get going, and the guy starts barking orders. I don't like barking, but whatever. So, we going, tacking, and he goes forward to the bow while we're going through some serious chop. Totally unsafe. Finally, sheila yells for him to get his a*s back. I don't think he should have done this, as though it was some test? If he had been on my boat, we would have headed back in immediately. Anyway, we got checked out to rent, but..... Also, not totally impressed with the maintenance of the boats. I think I'll keep looking. I've heard from others that they have a decent education program. So, I'll give them a pass on this one guy. My advice is don't accept whatever _anyone_ tells you with "authority." Use your own best judgement. read more

I took lessons from Spinaker and eventually rented a boat on my own. Their equipment is dangerously undermaintained. The last trip I took the outboard motor failed and there was no one at Spinaker who could help tow me in! To make a long story short, it was a nightmare experience. read more

Avoid this business at all costs- unfortunately negative stars is not an option or else it would get a minus 5. This is a review about their charter business not the sailing school. The staff is often rude, always unhelpful and the management borders between incompetent and plain sleazy. Beware, they make you sign up for a membership which, like a shady online site, continues to charge your credit card for eternity unless you fight with them to stop. Their boats are poorly maintained. Nearly every charter over the course of a year, if they didn't mess up the scheduling, there was something wrong with the boat, either delaying or canceling the sail, causing gasoline to leak from ancient outboard motors into the Bay, or simply stranding the boat adrift on the bay with a broken motor. Even Coast Guard required safety equipment is often missing from the boats so if you do use them, make sure you check carefully. The only thing going for this business is that it is in San Francisco (and one or two of the sailing instructors, who are independent contractors). If you want to charter on the Bay, do yourself a favor and patronize one of the legitimate business in Berkeley, Alameda or Sausalito. read more

This company has horrible customer service, I think due to the fact that they have so much demand for their classes that there's no need for them to care about generating customer loyalty. After arguing on the phone with them for about 30 minutes about their re-booking policy (months in advance of the scheduled class), I've decided to pursue my sailing lessons with a company that treats their customers better. read more

Do not book with this company. Similar to other complaints on Yelp, I too had a terrible customer service experience when they would not allow me to rebook a sailing reservation (despite calling weeks in advance). read more

I went here for sailing lessons. It's well located for san franciscans, and the staff is reasonably nice. has a bit of a mom and pop feel, which means friendly, but boats aren't in tip top shape and they could be a bit more professional. read more

Most Spinnaker staff commute to its' pier 40 location as far away as the central valley, daily. If you work or reside in SF this is a convenient, recreational boating venue to attend its' varied promotional boating events it sponsors. It meets Coast Guard and ASA approval but from my experience it should not posses such approvals? Looking for sail instruction schools, this sailing school stood out that its' yelp reviews were the worst of all sail schools in the SF Bay Area. Working in the financial district with benefit of a Corp., dorm, for convenience only, I gambled to take initial sailing from Spinnaker. Big mistake!! Experienced four different instructors who Spinnaker contracts all its' instructors they are not employees of Spinnaker. Having acquired more sailing skill and experience since from other sailing school venues, I'm better able to gauge levels of sailing instruction quality. Spinnaker provided skilled sailors who where unexpectedly the worst instructors to teach sailing to anyone. Do not, repeat, do not choose Spinnaker if you are virtually beginning to sail! Its important you learn skills and safety as an investment if you plan day to extended sailing. You will not be allowed to laugh or enjoy yourself, at Spinnaker. It is more like an initiation or punishment than learning how to sail a sailboat? I was actually admonished for stating, "I looked forward to the instruction experience and to enjoy the experience." Spinnaker prides its' instructors' humiliation of beginning sailing students and attempt to get you to fall overboard or loose a hat intentionally by sudden, abrupt, unannounced, craft motions with no hand holds aboard for students to grasp to prevent them from falling overboard, into strong currents at the SF location Spinnaker conducts sailing classes. On one instruction day, the instructor and a so called student, knocked down, over the boat, causing 5 inches of water to flood into its' cabin, over six, separate occasions. Spinnaker has a record and has been on local news about students needing Coast Guard rescue from the Bay after falling overboard from one of their instructional sailboats. Its' Instructors intentionally toy and entertain themselves by exposing students to abusive, excessive risks and hazards, who should not instruct sailing anywhere? Their instructors personally insult students for paying to learn sailing. One moralized a tirade about the importance of his family to him and the importance of family values throughout a day of instruction. At its' conclusion, he openly bragged he had a hot date, latter that night? Another lectured us on how fire boats and police boats were socialized, pork expenditures by municipal and County governments. He emphasized his resentful objection to fire boats being captained by female captains as a nearby fire boat was? To be objective, Spinnaker instructors impress as skilled sailors in their own right but are personal and professional reprobates as instructors in no uncertain terms! Its an unacceptable standard of safety to conduct sailing instruction as Spinnaker has with paying students forced to learn sailing in small, old sailboats with inoperative power motors due to irresponsible lack of maintenance of them or gas in their fuel tanks so they can started and be operates in emergencies! E.G.; If the wind stops that effects a sailboat in inability to safely maneuver, a power motor provides it with safe maneuvering control in limited marina spaces and ability to return it to a safe location to prevent uncontrolled currents to move a drifting vessel into the collision paths of other vessels, aground or out to the open sea without navigation lights in the dark? At Spinnaker, if this happens as it was witnessed to have occurred during instruction, Spinnaker will refuse to take any action to provide one of its' instructional, sailing vessels, so disabled, with any tow vessel to return it to a safe marina! Outrageous! read more

Be careful before booking with this group. I prepaid for a weekend sailing lesson, but I developed back pain and was advised by my doctor not to do the lesson. I called them a week in advance, but Spinnaker insisted that there was no way to reschedule, essentially taking my money and not caring to accommodate me. I understand that their classes are small, but a little grace for patrons doesn't seem to be too much to ask. read more

My friend and I had a wonderful BK1 lesson with Sarah. She was super fun and patient and answered all of our questions and really helped us understand the often-times confusing physics and instincts behind sailing. We didn't have much wind (rare-event) that weekend but sailing in slow motion actually helped us to learn the actions and commands. I've taken a sailing lesson before and this was by far the best experience. read more

I spent my birthday on a boat chartered with Spinnaker Sailing. It was awesome! The charter was prepared and left on time (a huge thing for me). It was cold in the Bay but the crew and Captain had prepared us and recommended bringing coats.Yeah! They kept us engaged with their knowledge of the Bay, boats, and SF in general. I want to learn more about sailing and they were ready to teach me and my friends. If you're in SF, this is so worth it. A fun experience. read more

This is a not a place I would recommend for charters. I just bought a boat from them and here is the list of deficiencies: 1. Owner either didn't know the rules of the harbor or lied about staying on our boat after we purchased it. 2. The Office guy, Ron, was very rude and unhelpful. I have never met someone so uninterested in helping people. 3. The mechanic/assistant was a quite lacking in boat maintenance. Of the many items of BS he put forth: Engine didn't need the air filter it came with from the factory, the aft standing rigging from the mast spreaders didn't need to be tight, Upon 'fixing' the toilet, the seat cover was trapped in the open position and not closable. Upon 'fixing' the air filter back to the intake manifold, the slightest touch with a pinky broke it loose again. 4. The boat was incredibly poorly maintained for something that was going to be rented to the public. Evidence of that was: the black water waste deck port was so stripped removing the cover was impossible without destroying it. Because of that the waste water tanks were already 95% full. The swim ladder was not secured to the railing. The O-Rings on the fresh water deck ports were completely missing, inviting contamination. There was no maintenance log kept on the boat and when I asked for it was met with strange looks and rude questions on why that would be necessary. The Coast Guard required flares were not on board. The Steaming light was inoperative. After only a short motor during a voyage down the coast, the motor developed a leak and leaked out all of it's motor oil. The transmission had so little fluid, the level wouldn't register on the dip stick. The fuel level gauge was inoperative. I could go on, but I think you get the point. I would avoid trusting them with my life on the water.. read more