Your Gateway to the Sailing Lifestyle — Since 1978
Spinnaker Sailing was founded in 1978 by three adventurous sailors in Redwood City, California. What began as a small, passionate operation quickly expanded to include two boatyards, several windsurfing shops, and Shoreline Sailing Lake in Mountain View. In 1986, Spinnaker Sailing and its sister company, Rendezvous Charters, established their San Francisco base at South Beach Harbor - where we’ve been ever since.
By 1991, our San Francisco division charted its own course, operating independently while maintaining a strong alliance with our Redwood City roots. The legacy of our founders lives on, not only in the sailing community we’ve built but also through long-standing friendships - Rich Ferrari and Drew Harper, for instance, still perform together in their band of over 40 years, Tuesday Night Ritual.
Sailing Services & Charter Experiences
Spinnaker Sailing is proud to offer a wide range of experiences aboard our fleet of 22- to 50-foot yachts:
Whether you're seeking a leisurely day on the Bay or an unforgettable group event, we deliver world-class service and unforgettable moments on the water.
Our partner company, Rendezvous Charters, specializes in private and corporate parties aboard large U.S. Coast Guard Certified vessels (50–90 feet). Together, we've brought the joy of sailing to tens of thousands of guests from around the world for over 30 years.
A Premier ASA-Certified Sailing School
Spinnaker Sailing is one of the nation’s leading American Sailing Association (ASA) schools, having certified more than 35,000. Our curriculum has been redesigned to provide one of the most comprehensive sailing education programs available anywhere in the U.S.
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Smallest class sizes in the country – just 2 students per instructor in our ASA 101 Basic Keelboat course.
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Rigorous standards – ASA 105 Coastal Navigation is now a prerequisite for ASA 104, reflecting the advanced conditions of San Francisco Bay.
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Unparalleled Instruction – our USCG-certified instructors have decades of experience teaching in one of the most dynamic sailing environments in the world.
We set the bar high, and our graduates consistently become some of the finest sailors anywhere.
Meet Us at South Beach Harbor
We’re conveniently located at Pier 40, South Beach Harbor, right next to Oracle Park in San Francisco. Here’s where to find us:
Please note: On San Francisco Giants game days, expect traffic congestion starting an hour before and after games. Parking is available in nearby pay lots and metered street spots (SmartMeters accept cards and allow extended parking on non-game days).
Getting Here
Driving Directions
From the East Bay:
Take the Bay Bridge into San Francisco. Exit at “Harrison/Embarcadero,” turn right at Harrison, then right on Embarcadero. Drive ~½ mile to Pier 40, turn left on Townsend onto the pier.
From the Peninsula:
Take US 101 North to I-280 North. Exit at King Street. King becomes Embarcadero. Continue ~½ mile to Pier 40 at Townsend.
From San Francisco:
Take Embarcadero South along the waterfront. We’re just ½ mile south of the Bay Bridge at Pier 40 and Townsend.
From Marin County:
Take US 101 South across the Golden Gate Bridge. Exit at Marina Blvd. Follow to Bay St., turn left, then right on Embarcadero. Continue south to Pier 40.
Public Transit
From the East Bay:
BART to Embarcadero Station, then MUNI to Brannan Street (Pier 36).
From the Peninsula:
Caltrain to 4th & King Station. Walk to Pier 40 or take MUNI two stops to Brannan.
From San Francisco:
Any MUNI line to Mission Bay (exit at Brannan), or take the 10-Townsend bus to 2nd & Townsend.
From Marin County:
Take Golden Gate Transit to SF, then follow the “From San Francisco” directions above.
Join the Crew
We're always looking for passionate, talented individuals to join our team. Spinnaker Sailing regularly hires:
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UCSG-licensed Captains & Master's
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ASA or US Sailing Certified Instructors
If you’re ready to share the sailing lifestyle and work in a fun, dynamic environment, we want to hear from you.
Our motto:
“We’re in the fun business—if we’re not having it, they’re not buying it.”
Click here to learn more and apply
