78 Old Fishermans Wharf

Monterey, CA 93940

Open Daily

9:30AM - 5PM

(831) 372-7245

Info & Reservations

Sailing School

Amy
Amy
ASA 103 Certified
We took an ASA 101 course from Captain Paul who was a fantastic, thorough and patient teacher. They also do shorter "intro to sailing" classes which are super accessible and fun for those curious to learn what sailing is all about.
Thomas
Thomas
ASA 104 Certified
I felt very welcomed and inspired to take ASA 101 and 103 with Captain Vince. I had a great experience every time. The instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and encouraging. If you are wanting to learn, Sail Monterey is the place to start
Michael
Michael
ASA 103 Certified
We just finished our ASA 101 course and the quality of instruction we received from Captain Paul was top notch. He is friendly, patient, knowledgeable, and has a great sense of humor, all of which make the learning process fun and enjoyable.
Katie
Katie
Local Boat Owner & 103 Certified
Kiwi was an amazing instructor for the three days of 101. Classes are small and everyone had a lot of individual attention and instruction. Kiwi was extremely patient and made sure everyone felt comfortable and confident in their skills. Would absolutely recommend to anyone curious about sailing regardless of experience level.

3 Easy Steps

to become a sailor 😎⛵️

Step 1. Enroll today in any Two Hour Intro Class offered 7 days a week 11am – 1pm

Step 2. Sign up for ASA 101 and pick up your FREE book from Sail Monterey. Read your book before class!

Step 3. Complete ASA 101 to be inducted into Sail Monterey’s Port Club for FREE to enjoy discounts on boat rentals, alerts to upcoming classes, along with invitations to sailing events and clinics.

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Thomas
Thomas
ASA 104 Certified
I felt very welcomed and inspired to take ASA 101 and 103 with Captain Vince. I had a great experience every time. The instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and encouraging. If you are wanting to learn, Sail Monterey is the place to start
Amy
Amy
ASA 103 Certified
We took an ASA 101 course from Captain Paul who was a fantastic, thorough and patient teacher. They also do shorter "intro to sailing" classes which are super accessible and fun for those curious to learn what sailing is all about.
Katie
Katie
Local Boat Owner & 103 Certified
Kiwi was an amazing instructor for the three days of 101. Classes are small and everyone had a lot of individual attention and instruction. Kiwi was extremely patient and made sure everyone felt comfortable and confident in their skills. Would absolutely recommend to anyone curious about sailing regardless of experience level.
Michael
Michael
ASA 103 Certified
We just finished our ASA 101 course and the quality of instruction we received from Captain Paul was top notch. He is friendly, patient, knowledgeable, and has a great sense of humor, all of which make the learning process fun and enjoyable.

2 Hour Course

The 2 hour Introduction to sailing class is designed to be a fun class to introduce newcomers to sailing. This class is also the prerequisite for the ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing Class.

3 Day Course (10am – 3pm each day)

Three day course designed to train students to proficiently sail on a 30 foot keelboat in light to moderate sea and wind conditions. This class will teach/test students on the following:

  • Sail theory
  • Acting as competent skipper and crew
  • Important knots
  • Parts of a sailboat
  • Points of sail
  • Maneuvers: tacking, jibing, heaving to, reefing, man overboard
 

Day 1 and 2 – Lectures and on the water instruction and practice.

Day 3 – Additional instruction, written test, skills test, and certification awards

2 Day Course (10am – 3pm each day)

Two-day course designed to advance students’ sailing skills aboard a 30-foot performance keelboat in light to moderate sea and wind conditions. This class refines the sailor’s ability to control sail shape, balance, and performance while introducing advanced techniques for precision handling and seamanship. Students will be taught and tested on the following:

  • Advanced sail theory and trim

  • Close-quarters sailing and maneuvering

  • Reefing under way and heaving-to

  • Sailing to mooring

  • Crew coordination and communication

  • Reversing/backing under sail

  • Boat balance and helm control

  • Rules of the road and seamanship review


Day 1 – Lectures and on-the-water instruction covering advanced sail trim, balance, and control techniques.

Day 2 – Continued instruction, practical skill demonstrations, written knowledge check, and ASA 102 certification sign-off.

3 Day Course (10am – 3pm each day)

Three day course designed to introduce students to the basics of coastal cruising. This class is usually conducted on a 30 – 34ft keelboat and will teach/test students on the following:

  • Basic navigation and chart reading
  • Anchoring
  • Parts of a sailboat
  • Sail trim
  • Proper use of an inboard diesel engine
  • AC and DC systems
  • Maneuvers: tacking, jibing, heaving to, reefing, man overboard

Day 1 and 2 – Lectures and on the water instruction and practice.

Day 3 – Additional instruction, written test, skills test, and certification awards

3 Day 2 Night Course (Live Aboard)

Three day course designed to train students to prepare for and execute destination sailing and living life aboard.

  • Provisioning
  • Planning and Navigation
  • Vessel Inspections
  • Sailing in moderate to rough conditions
  • Cooking and living aboard
  • Advanced Sailing Maneuvers
 

Day 1 – Lecture, provisioning, and departure for first offsite destination (Usually Moss Landing or Still Water Cove)

Day 2 – Lecture and departure for second offsite destination (Usually Santa Cruz anchorage or harbor)

Day 3 – Lecture/written test and departure for Monterey Harbor.

1 Day Course Review and Exam (Self Study)

1 Day Course designed to educate and test students on practical navigation skills on the water. Study and prep must be completed at home prior to your arrival at class.

  • electronic and analog chart plotting
  • Navigation using old and modern techniques 

Morning  –  Course review

Lunch Break  –  1 Hour lunch break

Afternoon  –  Proctored exam

3 Day 2 Night Sailing Course (Live Aboard)

Advanced class for serious sailors looking to test the cut of their sails and show what they’re made of! Designed for students to skipper and crew a sailing vessel about 50 feet in length in coastal and inland waters, in any conditions.

  • Advanced sailing techniques and maneuvers
  • Daytime and Nightime sailing
 

Day 1  – Preparation, lecture, and  provisioning

Day 2 – Departure from Monterey

Day 3 – Arrival to first offsite destination.

Day 4 – Departure and return sail to Monterey

Schedule Updated on May 1, 2026 at 5:03pm

Call to schedule a class not yet posted. Private Classes can be scheduled anytime.

2026 Class Schedule

January 2026 Class Dates

February 2026 Class Dates

March 2026 Class Dates

April 2026 Class Dates

May 2026 Class Dates

June 2026 Class Dates

Thomas
Thomas
ASA 104 Certified
I felt very welcomed and inspired to take ASA 101 and 103 with Captain Vince. I had a great experience every time. The instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and encouraging. If you are wanting to learn, Sail Monterey is the place to start
Michael
Michael
ASA 103 Certified
We just finished our ASA 101 course and the quality of instruction we received from Captain Paul was top notch. He is friendly, patient, knowledgeable, and has a great sense of humor, all of which make the learning process fun and enjoyable.
Katie
Katie
Local Boat Owner & 103 Certified
Kiwi was an amazing instructor for the three days of 101. Classes are small and everyone had a lot of individual attention and instruction. Kiwi was extremely patient and made sure everyone felt comfortable and confident in their skills. Would absolutely recommend to anyone curious about sailing regardless of experience level.
Amy
Amy
ASA 103 Certified
We took an ASA 101 course from Captain Paul who was a fantastic, thorough and patient teacher. They also do shorter "intro to sailing" classes which are super accessible and fun for those curious to learn what sailing is all about.