Dating to 3,000 BC and earlier, sailing was once revered as a vital mode of transportation, trade, commerce and exploration. Today, we know it as a popular form of recreation and sport with countless options from passenger cruise ships intended for travel, to racing yachts and sailing dinghies. Whether you’re a seasoned skipper looking to polish on-water skills or a beginner eager to learn the basics while escaping the summer heat, here’s a trio of the best sailing schools in the state. 

Modern Sailing School & Club

Established in 1983 in Sausalito, the sailing school and club—with a second location in Berkeley—offers individual and group classes and clinics focusing on everything from docking and jibbing to custom certification courses. At the award-winning American Sailing Association (ASA) school, learn from pros and US Coast Guard licensed instructors aboard a fleet of sportboats ranging from 24 to 42 feet. For a glimpse into the world of sailing before committing to classes, consider registering for an introductory sail (Saturdays or Sundays; 10:00am- 3:30pm; $175.)

J/World Sailing Instruction Charters and Adventures

At the 30-year-old lauded school, choose from a plethora of classes according to skill type from Learn-to-Sail on a 26-foot tiller steered keelboat, to multi-day Liveaboard Cruising courses for more advanced sailors. With locations in San Diego, San Francisco Bay and Puerto Vallarta, the company also offers racing courses spanning Intro to Racing Week and weekend workshops. 

Photos courtesy of Santa Barbara Sailing Center

Santa Barbara Sailing Center

For nearly 60 years, the Santa Barbara–based sailing center has been offering everything from sunset cruises and after-school sailing programs for kids to private instruction and charters and even kayak and stand-up paddle excursions. Now owned by avid sailor Skip Abed, the company houses a large fleet of J-24s, Catalina yachts, Soling 26s and Capri 22s, and can customize any course for individual or group needs from navigation and anchoring to knots and racing.