SF Bay High Wind Endorsement

Cost: $995

Class pre-requisites: Basic Keelboat 1, Basic Keelboat 2, Basic Coastal Cruising, Sportboat Certification

Charter pre-requisites: 4 charters as Captain of Record + 20 points

Schedule: Weekends 

ASA Certification: NONE

Boat we use: J/80

If you are from the San Francisco area, you are likely familiar with the region's strong winds. However, what you may not realize is that this level of wind is uncommon in most sailing locations worldwide. This is why the saying, “If you can sail in San Francisco, you can sail anywhere” holds so much truth. For sailors on the Bay, the ability to navigate comfortably and safely in strong winds is essential. Without this skill, the constant fear of high winds can diminish the joy of sailing.

So, what will you learn in this course?
While mastering skills and tactics is important, developing what we call the “sailor brain” is crucial. The sailor brain is in a continuous state of growth—constantly learning and maintaining awareness of the surroundings. Complacency, after all, can be a sailor's greatest enemy.

Key components of the sailor brain include skills, experience, strategic planning, adaptability, and the ability to think several steps ahead. However, the most important element is the ability to remain calm—and to convey that calmness to your crew—when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Course Curriculum