Sailing Schools in USA, California

Learn to Sail. Improve your skills. Get Certified and Internationally Licensed.

The California Coastline is a great place for sailing, yet the conditions can become challenging at times. That's why it is best to get practical training from a professional sailing school and instructor. NauticEd has a variety of associated sailing instructors from San Diego and Newport Beach to San Francisco. These instructors understand that combining online theory education with practical sailing training on-the-water is the best way to learn to sail and improve sailing skills. Whether you are just getting starting in sailing or are seeking competence and licensing for bareboat yacht charter, the NauticEd comprehensive program is the best. All yacht charter companies worldwide recognize the NauticEd certifications and licenses.


Get started with one of the California sailing training intructors from the list below.

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  • SLC Assessor (17)
  • Catamaran Training (6)
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Passage Nautical

Point Richmond, CA, USA
Offshore Captain Catamaran
Rated 5/5 by 12 students
Passage Nautical logo
At Passage Nautical, we‘re passionate about boating, education, and adapting our services to what people need. We’re leading the way with our "tech-reational" boating classes, embracing on-line teaching methodologies and combining them with our private, in-depth on-the-water programs. Learning at your own pace that fit your lifestyles and learning style. Our customized lesson plans dramatically increase your learning and skills rapidly. Say goodbye to traditional classrooms.
Learn more about Passage Nautical

Steve Hoffman

Private Instructor - Alameda, CA, USA
NauticEd System Knowledge Expert Transformational Instructor Course Graduate Student Star Rated American National Standards Instructor/Assessor SLC Instructor/Assessor Catamaran
Rated 5/5 by 10 students
By age 20, after many hours of self studying (including celestial navigation), many exams and tens of thousands of miles sailing (mostly in the Mediterranean, I earned an international commercial yacht captains license (100 ton). Since then I have also earned a USCG Master License (100 ton), with a Sailing Endorsement. Currently I work as a charter and delivery Captain mostly on medium to large size (45-60 feet) sailing & motor vessels. My permanent crew (my wife - also USCG Licensed Captain) and I are available to deliver boats from anywhere to anywhere around the world. Just let us know of your needs, and it will be our pleasure to serve you. Thank you!
Learn more about Steve Hoffman

Charles Buckner

Private Instructor - Dana Point, CA, USA
NauticEd System Knowledge Expert Transformational Instructor Course Graduate American National Standards Instructor/Assessor SLC Instructor/Assessor
Rated 5/5 by 5 students
Cap Charles is a Master Mariner w/ 26 years sailing experience. An accomplished open ocean sailboat cruiser & racer, sailing over 20,000 nautical miles. Cruising areas include US West, East coasts, Hawaii, Mexico, Galapagos Islands, French Polynesia, Tonga, New Zealand, Australia, Greece, France & Italy. Races, under US Sailing’s Offshore Racing Rule: 2017 TransPac, SoCal 300, 2018 PV (San Diego, CA to Puerto Vallarta, MX), Newport to Ensenada races & local SoCal PHRF races. Cap Charles also organizes intl land tours & sailing charters (mono/cats). Last such charter was two separate groups to Procida (one of the Flegrean Islands off the coast of Naples). Next charter is a group to Croatia in Sep 2023 (Catamaran chartered thru NauticEd). Whether a novice looking to discover the adventurer in yourself, or an experienced mariner looking to further develop your skill set as an accomplished seaman, or joining an intl sailing expedition, Cap Charles can help you in your journey.
Learn more about Charles Buckner
Location notes:
Can travel to your boat anywhere in SoCal. For information about international planned land tours and sailing charters, just contact me.

Lucky Sol Sailing

San Diego, CA, USA
Rated 5/5 by 3 students
Lucky Sol Sailing logo
Lucky Sol Sailing is a Veteran-owned sailing club in San Diego offering Sailing Lessons with professional instructors. We also offer sailing tours in the San Diego Bay. Come sailing with us and we think you'll agree that there's no better way to enjoy the beautiful waters of San Diego than with Lucky Sol Sailing.
Learn more about Lucky Sol Sailing

Jeff 'Vegas' Howard

Private Instructor - Dana Point, CA, USA
NauticEd System Knowledge Expert Transformational Instructor Course Graduate American National Standards Instructor/Assessor SLC Instructor/Assessor
Rated 5/5 by 2 students
Passionate sailor and experienced instructor at your service! I discovered the thrill of sailing at 14, at Boy Scout camp. Mastering Small Boat Sailing, I returned the next summer to teach sailing, and I acquired my first boat, a used El Toro, from that camp, and a few years later a Hobie 16. Many years later, I bought my first boat with a cabin below; a 28' Columbia. I embraced the journey, learning through experiences like my first multi-day open-ocean trip in that boat from Long Beach to San Diego. After a couple of years, I purchased a very fast 24’ Seawind Catamaran. I delivered it to San Diego from Newport Beach before realizing my true passion lies in the joy of cruising, not racing. This insight led me to a 42' Hunter and eventually a 46' Hunter. Sailing vessels are my love, and I enjoy sharing that love with others. I promise to treat each vessel and student with the utmost care and love. Let my passion elevate your sailing experience.
Learn more about Jeff 'Vegas' Howard
Location notes:
I will train you on your sailboat or any catamaran or monohull we rent.

Jeff 'Vegas' Howard

Private Instructor - San Diego, CA, USA
NauticEd System Knowledge Expert Transformational Instructor Course Graduate American National Standards Instructor/Assessor SLC Instructor/Assessor
Rated 5/5 by 2 students
Passionate sailor and experienced instructor at your service! I discovered the thrill of sailing at 14, at Boy Scout camp. Mastering Small Boat Sailing, I returned the next summer to teach sailing, and I acquired my first boat, a used El Toro, from that camp, and a few years later a Hobie 16. Many years later, I bought my first boat with a cabin below; a 28' Columbia. I embraced the journey, learning through experiences like my first multi-day open-ocean trip in that boat from Long Beach to San Diego. After a couple of years, I purchased a very fast 24’ Seawind Catamaran. I delivered it to San Diego from Newport Beach before realizing my true passion lies in the joy of cruising, not racing. This insight led me to a 42' Hunter and eventually a 46' Hunter. Sailing vessels are my love, and I enjoy sharing that love with others. I promise to treat each vessel and student with the utmost care and love. Let my passion elevate your sailing experience.
Learn more about Jeff 'Vegas' Howard
Location notes:
I will train you on your sailboat or any catamaran or monohull we rent.

Jeff 'Vegas' Howard

Private Instructor - Oceanside, CA, USA
NauticEd System Knowledge Expert Transformational Instructor Course Graduate American National Standards Instructor/Assessor SLC Instructor/Assessor
Rated 5/5 by 2 students
Passionate sailor and experienced instructor at your service! I discovered the thrill of sailing at 14, at Boy Scout camp. Mastering Small Boat Sailing, I returned the next summer to teach sailing, and I acquired my first boat, a used El Toro, from that camp, and a few years later a Hobie 16. Many years later, I bought my first boat with a cabin below; a 28' Columbia. I embraced the journey, learning through experiences like my first multi-day open-ocean trip in that boat from Long Beach to San Diego. After a couple of years, I purchased a very fast 24’ Seawind Catamaran. I delivered it to San Diego from Newport Beach before realizing my true passion lies in the joy of cruising, not racing. This insight led me to a 42' Hunter and eventually a 46' Hunter. Sailing vessels are my love, and I enjoy sharing that love with others. I promise to treat each vessel and student with the utmost care and love. Let my passion elevate your sailing experience.
Learn more about Jeff 'Vegas' Howard
Location notes:
I will train you on your sailboat or any catamaran or monohull we rent.

Thomas Hall

Private Instructor - San Diego, CA, USA
Has boat NauticEd System Knowledge Expert Transformational Instructor Course Graduate American National Standards Instructor/Assessor SLC Instructor/Assessor
Rated 5/5 by 2 students
Hailing originally from North Carolina Captain Tom has been sailing since age 7 and has accumulated tens of thousands of miles aboard a wide variety of monohull and multihull sailing vessels. He is a veteran of the Worrell 1000 Beach Cat race 2 U.S. Sailing Alter Cup Invitational regattas and a Nacra F18 World's Championship (4th Place finish). His monohull racing experience since 1982 includes several yachts such as Melges 24, J35, Beneteau 42s7, Correl 45' and Swan 56' to name a few, with regattas like Charleston To Bermuda, CORT Series and Heineken Sint Maarten. Tom also has thousands of offshore miles on deliveries between the East Coast and BVI's, Bermuda as well as inter-island cruising. Currently he is a full-time charter sailing captain and Jeanneau / Catalina sales agent in San Diego. He is an outstanding instructor who loves to share his knowledge of and passion for sailing.
Learn more about Thomas Hall
Location notes:
I’m available to coach on your boat or a wide variety of rental and charter boats here in San Diego. Contact me to discuss details.

Jeff 'Vegas' Howard

Private Instructor - Newport Beach, CA, USA
NauticEd System Knowledge Expert Transformational Instructor Course Graduate American National Standards Instructor/Assessor SLC Instructor/Assessor
Rated 5/5 by 2 students
Passionate sailor and experienced instructor at your service! I discovered the thrill of sailing at 14, at Boy Scout camp. Mastering Small Boat Sailing, I returned the next summer to teach sailing, and I acquired my first boat, a used El Toro, from that camp, and a few years later a Hobie 16. Many years later, I bought my first boat with a cabin below; a 28' Columbia. I embraced the journey, learning through experiences like my first multi-day open-ocean trip in that boat from Long Beach to San Diego. After a couple of years, I purchased a very fast 24’ Seawind Catamaran. I delivered it to San Diego from Newport Beach before realizing my true passion lies in the joy of cruising, not racing. This insight led me to a 42' Hunter and eventually a 46' Hunter. Sailing vessels are my love, and I enjoy sharing that love with others. I promise to treat each vessel and student with the utmost care and love. Let my passion elevate your sailing experience.
Learn more about Jeff 'Vegas' Howard
Location notes:
I will train you on your sailboat or any catamaran or monohull we rent.

Charles Schultz

Private Instructor - Dana Point, CA, USA
NauticEd System Knowledge Expert Transformational Instructor Course Graduate American National Standards Instructor/Assessor SLC Instructor/Assessor
Rated 5/5 by 1 student
Growing up in the Midwest with a father who served as a Navy mechanic, it was only natural we had speed boats. After maintaining those whiles leaning basic mechanical skills, I went on to earn a Mechanical Engineering degree from Purdue University.  As marriage, my daughter April, and career & education, earning an MBA, took more of my time, by boating passion took a back seat. Only after my daughter while attending college in SD suggested we rent a sailboat in San Diego Harbor was my passion re-lived.   After an afternoon of fun but limited skillful sailing, I started my training.  I'm now a NauticEd Captain, Level V, International Sailing License and Credentials (SLC) and the US Coast Guard Marchant Mariner Credential, OUPV followed. Today my goal of bareboat chartering is being meet, a week in the America Virgin Islands, a 21-day voyage from Tortola to Grenada, Croatia, with a flotilla to the BVI rounds up the current trips. Boating is fun but boating is not without risks. 
Learn more about Charles Schultz

Charles Schultz

Private Instructor - New Port, CA, USA
NauticEd System Knowledge Expert Transformational Instructor Course Graduate American National Standards Instructor/Assessor SLC Instructor/Assessor
Rated 5/5 by 1 student
Growing up in the Midwest with a father who served as a Navy mechanic, it was only natural we had speed boats. After maintaining those whiles leaning basic mechanical skills, I went on to earn a Mechanical Engineering degree from Purdue University.  As marriage, my daughter April, and career & education, earning an MBA, took more of my time, by boating passion took a back seat. Only after my daughter while attending college in SD suggested we rent a sailboat in San Diego Harbor was my passion re-lived.   After an afternoon of fun but limited skillful sailing, I started my training.  I'm now a NauticEd Captain, Level V, International Sailing License and Credentials (SLC) and the US Coast Guard Marchant Mariner Credential, OUPV followed. Today my goal of bareboat chartering is being meet, a week in the America Virgin Islands, a 21-day voyage from Tortola to Grenada, Croatia, with a flotilla to the BVI rounds up the current trips. Boating is fun but boating is not without risks. 
Learn more about Charles Schultz

Southwest Sailing

San Diego, CA, USA
American National Standards SLC Offshore Captain
Rated 4.96/5 by 16 students
Southwest Sailing logo
LEARN TO SAIL HERE! CRUISE IN CALIFORNIA , THE CARIBBEAN, THE MEDITERRANEAN! Are you ready to go sailing?? We're here to help you make that happen! Southwest Sailing can help you achieve your sailing goals in Arizona and in Southern California too with lessons, certifications and "Certification Vacations." FLEXIBILITY? We've got it! Do you need a "custom" schedule or location for your PRACTICAL EXAM, call us! Personalized, flexible scheduling is our specialty. Contact us TODAY
Learn more about Southwest Sailing

Southwest Sailing

Long Beach, CA, USA
American National Standards SLC Offshore Captain
Rated 4.96/5 by 16 students
Southwest Sailing logo
LEARN TO SAIL HERE! CRUISE IN CALIFORNIA , THE CARIBBEAN, THE MEDITERRANEAN! Are you ready to go sailing?? We're here to help you make that happen! Southwest Sailing can help you achieve your sailing goals in Arizona and in Southern California too with lessons, certifications and "Certification Vacations." FLEXIBILITY? We've got it! Do you need a "custom" schedule or location for your PRACTICAL EXAM, call us! Personalized, flexible scheduling is our specialty. Contact us TODAY
Learn more about Southwest Sailing

Santana Sailing

Long Beach, CA, USA
American National Standards SLC Offshore Captain Catamaran
Woman Sailing Instructor
Rated 4.95/5 by 291 students
Santana Sailing logo
Learn to sail and cruise with Santana Sailing, and get your International SLC to charter in the Mediterranean. All certification levels from Qualified Crew Member to Captain Rank, in Long Beach, Catalina, on the Sea of Cortez, and the Caribbean. We can also work with you on your boat with your crew. Specialties include: Anchoring bow and stern; Heavy weather 30 to 45 kts; Catalina and the Northern Channel Islands; Sea of Cortez; Grenada. If you love to learn, we'll have an excellent time.
Learn more about Santana Sailing

Sailing School Newport Beach

Newport Beach, CA, USA
American National Standards SLC Catamaran
Rated 4.95/5 by 4 students
Sailing School Newport Beach logo
Sailing School Newport Beach is a proud partner of NauticEd. When you are ready to get on the water, we have the nicest and newest fleet of sailboats ranging from 20 to 50 fleet. Harbor 20, Beneteau 35.1, 38.1, 41.1, 45, Lagoon 400 & 450 catamarans - All less than 5 years old. We also have the friendliest and most knowledgable instructors who are USCG Captains. With 19 boats and 8 instructors we can accommodate your schedule for semi-private or private courses. Call us today at 949 209-9931.
Learn more about Sailing School Newport Beach

Michael Pearce

Private Instructor - Marina del Rey, CA, USA
Has boat NauticEd System Knowledge Expert Transformational Instructor Course Graduate Student Star Rated American National Standards Instructor/Assessor SLC Instructor/Assessor Catamaran
Rated 4.93/5 by 12 students
With my experience and comprehensive sailing knowledge, I am uniquely positioned to deliver a first-class sailing education to individuals and small groups. If you want to enjoy the excitement of small boat sailing, become wind-aware, and experience the physics of sailing just inches above the water; I can coach you. Do you want to provide amazing large keelboat and catamaran adventures for your family and friends, in some of the most beautiful and secluded destinations on the planet? I can take you from the beginning through competency to mastery of this unique and priceless skill set. I have sailed extensively in the San Francisco Bay, N and S Coastal CA, the Caribbean, Europe, and the South Pacific. Every day on the water is unique, exhilarating, mentally stimulating, and often challenging. Safety is the cornerstone of everything you do on or around water and the biggest compliment I can give is ‘I would be happy for you to take my family to sea on a sailboat’ - that is mastery!
Learn more about Michael Pearce

Michael Pearce

Private Instructor - San Francisco, CA, USA
Has boat NauticEd System Knowledge Expert Transformational Instructor Course Graduate Student Star Rated American National Standards Instructor/Assessor SLC Instructor/Assessor Catamaran
Rated 4.93/5 by 12 students
With my experience and comprehensive sailing knowledge, I am uniquely positioned to deliver a first-class sailing education to individuals and small groups. If you want to enjoy the excitement of small boat sailing, become wind-aware, and experience the physics of sailing just inches above the water; I can coach you. Do you want to provide amazing large keelboat and catamaran adventures for your family and friends, in some of the most beautiful and secluded destinations on the planet? I can take you from the beginning through competency to mastery of this unique and priceless skill set. I have sailed extensively in the San Francisco Bay, N and S Coastal CA, the Caribbean, Europe, and the South Pacific. Every day on the water is unique, exhilarating, mentally stimulating, and often challenging. Safety is the cornerstone of everything you do on or around water and the biggest compliment I can give is ‘I would be happy for you to take my family to sea on a sailboat’ - that is mastery!
Learn more about Michael Pearce

Sail Monterey

Monterey, CA, USA
American National Standards SLC
Rated 4.6/5 by 1 student
Sail Monterey logo
Learn to sail in beautiful Monterey Bay! Finally take the time to cross off your bucket list dream of sailing. Monterey Bay is a National Marine Sanctuary so while you sail, look out for whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, and much more! Don't wait, start your class today!
Learn more about Sail Monterey

Greg Kupiec

Private Instructor - Marina Del Rey, CA, USA
Peer Assessed NauticEd System Knowledge Expert Transformational Instructor Course Graduate American National Standards Instructor/Assessor SLC Instructor/Assessor Virtual Reality Trainer
I've been sailing since 2006. In 2015 I became a member of Fairwind Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey, California. The 2 port, 34 boat co-op gave me access to a large variety of boats and training where I quickly became an Instructor Certified to start teaching and training within the club – always with the goal of getting as much time on the water as possible. My specialty became the club's only Catamaran where I worked with just 4 other instructors to train and check club member out for competency. I've circumnavigated California's Channel Islands. My longest trip was moving one of Sea Shepherd's only sailboat (the 89ft "Martin Sheen" Ketch) from Marina Del Rey, California to Vancouver British Columbia. I am fluent in English and French and speak some Portuguese and Spanish.
Learn more about Greg Kupiec
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