Just finished ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat) this past weekend. If you're considering taking ASA 101, then taking it with SEA is a no-brainer. First of all, the price is lower than a lot of places in the area, yet in addition to the class the cost covers a year's membership in SEA. Which means lots of opportunities for try out your new skills on free sails. Brilliant. Looks like they have a lot of opportunities for many types of sails (racing, out-the-Gate, etc.), classes, workshops, etc., as one gets more experienced. And SEA is a nonprofit, promoting sailing, education, conservation, etc., which makes me feel even better about choosing to learn with them. The classes were laid-back, but without sacrificing importance of teaching, practice and learning. I believe most if not all of the instructors and assistants were *volunteers* which I find commendable and admirable. All were cool people (as were the other students), whom I look forward to knowing more and sailing with more as a member. We learned on small 16.5' Catalinas, which were very responsive and allowed you to "feel" what you were doing (right or wrong!). The location is great too -- On beautiful, protected Richardson Bay off Sausalito. read more

I'm still a fan, but I noticed that most of the other reviews are from avid sailing types or perhaps current members. which doesn't mean that they can't have a voice, but when the only entry is about SEA from a reviewer -- it is a bit suspicious. Also I just got a link today from an Ken Perez, the former president of SEA , he made some pretty serious remarks about the organization. -- I still love the group and while no group is perfect there is a love there of sea and sailing at SEA. Though Gary SUCKSSSSS big time as an instructor. I would rather pay $568 to OCSC than be taught another class by Gary H. I had the best Keel Boat lesson today and it is accredited by the America Sailing Association Very important item when your trying to get charter a boat or sailing farther out, than to Sausalito or Almeda. Our instructor was Andy, a very witty and charming English Chap, who is an excellent instructor. I dare say my crew mates had a good time too and we really worked like team. I had an incredibly experience and I also feel that I learned a great deal today. I felt comfortable behind the tiler. read more

We just took lessons from SEA over the last two weekends and were SO impressed with the quality of the instruction, the reliability of the equipment and the value for the money. It's a huge time investment to commit two back-to-back weekends, 8:30-4:30. Phew. We were exhausted. But we learned so much, and from incredibly nice and knowledgeable people. I spent a *while* researching the other classes available in the Bay Area and figured out from asking other people that it's important to consider the size of the craft you'll sail while learning: if you hope to sail larger boats (20' and up) then learning on smaller keel boats like SEA's 16.5 Catalinas is ideal. You get really good on small, more sensitive boats and that makes you better on the bigger boats. In contrast, if you learn sailing on a 28' boat with on-board motor, you won't have as strong a sense of wind, wave, the feel of the tiller or the trim of the sail. And, if you learn in dinghies (dagger- or centerboards), you'll end up in the cold water of the Bay! Beyond the basics that I had hoped for in the course - teaching the syllabus required to learn all the basics of keelboat sailing - we were treated to great stories from the vast and varied experience of our instructors. They were warm, gregarious volunteers who shared their racing, cruising, crewing tales to round out our learning. Many of them had learned how to sail from SEA, too, and then were so turned on by what they'd learned that they kept coming back to classes and open sails. I hope to make it to membership events like open sails and races, and to take future classes to hone my skills, but I'm also excited that I learned enough to go sail the 22' boat we just bought! read more

My first sailing lesson was, I belive, in the summer of 2000 or 2001, and though I have not continued taking classes (though I always say I plan to), I've done a lot more sailing and have learned a lot. It's not a "yacht club" (and I say that in a fake snooty tone with my nose in air), but a non-profit sailing club with down-to-earth members who love to sail. The have a variety of lessons from beginning to skippering and even a sailing camp for kids. Best of all, once you've completed the intro course, you can crew on the monthly member sails and take the dinghys out for a spin on Sunday afternoons or Wednesday evenings. C'mon! Join and learn how to sail on the Bay! You KNOW you want to...you can find them at www.sailsea.org. read more

I took the Intro to Sailing Course back in October and thought it was well presented and organized. The materials used were easy to read and understand, while at the same time very informative. But that was just the start. The real learning came from time spent in the boats, which there was plenty of. There was about 8 students in the class which put us about three to a boat plus the instructor. The boats are very easy for a first timer to sail and immediately get a feel for sailing fundamentals. Overall a great experience, which only strengthened my joy of sailing. Looking forward to the next classes. read more

Inexpensive classes, great instructors (very enthusiastic and hard working), no rush classes, good boats, flexible schedule and free annual membership included in class fee. What more can you ask for? Absolutely great place to learn and continue sailing. I would add that I started with no sailing experience whatsoever (couldn't even tie knots). In five classes, I am confident at the helm, started to really enjoy sailing and looking forward to open sails. read more

I took an intro to sailing class last year and it was affordable and everyone was so friendly, everyone volunteers their time which makes it affordable and it means that people have a real passion for the sport. This is a friendly club and everyone is extremely welcoming and I have been on a member sail, which basically means you can do it once you have passed the intro course- I was not very good, but it didnt matter, everyone helped me out read more

This is undoubtedly the best instruction and best value for sailing courses for adults, and summer camps for kids. After scoping out all the schools in the area, SEA was by far the least expensive...plus their instructors are all salty-dog sailor volunteers, who are super passionate about sailing. My sister sent her kids to their summer sail camp, and I guess they're coming back this year for the advanced camp. Once you get a cheap membership, you have access to their whole fleet and all their events (Full moon cruises, BBQ's on Angel Island during Fleet week). Highly recommend if you're looking for sailing instruction or just general sailing, and summer camps. read more

So good I joined with paid membership. They are now in San Rafael and still offer activities and classes for adults/children. homepage: http://www.sfsailing.org read more

I took an intro class with my boyfriend in March/April of this year, and it was great! The down-to-earth members were in effect, and we learned so much in those four Saturdays. We have thus far been so impressed with the affordability and frequency of the classes offered, especially considering that the teachers are volunteering their time, and the multitude of sailing opportunities (Wednesday nights, Sunday afternoons and many other sails!). It's a fabulous organization! read more

When all the instructors at a school are volunteers, it's amazing how enthousiastic a class can be! My teachers' passion for sailing was contagious, and what started as a slight curiousity of sailing, for me, became a way of life! I thought it would be interesting to sail a few times...but now I'm sailing all the time. SAILING EDUCATION ADVENTURES is the only way to learn to sail. Very reasonable rates...check around, I did. read more

I just completed SEAs intro to sailing course. Small class size (mine had three students), excellent, enthusiastic instructors, and a curriculum that will teach you a ton about sailing terminology, etiquette, knots, safety, rigging, and of course sailing the boat itself. And you'll make some friends. The $500 price also buys you a year membership to SEA, so you can enjoy plenty of (free) sailing after the class ends if you so desire. Plus you're supporting a great non-profit organization. An easy five stars. read more

As a complete novice to sailing (never even as a guest on a sailboat), I did a lot of research to find a school that would teach me to sail in a simple but comprehensive way. I found it with SEA! I completed the Basic Keelboat course over the past 2 weekends, and I can't believe I can now truly call myself sail-worthy. We learned on 16' Catalinas, and being in Richardson Bay got a taste of pretty much every kind of wind and weather. The instructors are remarkable, and made me feel totally at ease. If you're looking to learn sailing, or if you need a refresher, this is the course to take. One of the real perks is also being able to participate in the open sails as often as you like, a great way to keep your skills up and continue to learn. I'm planning to take the next level course asap, which will teach me to sail a 25' Santana. Can not wait! read more

I still sail with SEA on may of their activities and continue to enjoy it. This is Nonprofit folks, and the people that do this do it from the heart, and the same key people have been running sails in Sausalito, sailcamp for youth in San Rafael, racing and friends sails for years. Can't beat the price. read more

I found SEA last Summer when looking for new activities in the Bay area. I'm so glad that I found them in my Google search since they're amazing! I took the 101 class, then moved onto Racing. There are so many opportunities to get out on the water with this organization...and with a great group of people! read more

I just completed my first course with Sailing Educatio Adventures and I was very impressed with their program. The instructors are awesome, they really take the time to explain all the concepts and make sure everyone feels comfortable and confident with the various maneuvers. There is a ton of opportunity to get out on the water and practice your sailing skills, including weekly FREE open sails. I think this is a great club, for both beginners and experienced sailors, to go out sailing on the Bay at very affordable rates. read more

Last week I finished the ASA 101 & 103 courses with Captain Ed. The first two days we learned to dock and sail on a 30' Catalina. For the 103 course we moved up to a 32" Pearson and refined our skills including how to rescue a man/woman overboard while under sail. Captain Ed is very experienced and very patient and stresses safety in his teachings.. I had a great time and am so stoked that I'm signed up for taking the 104 Bareboat Charter class next month. Within minutes of leaving the dock you'll have the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz in your sights. Who could ask for more... read more

SEA is not a business. It's a non-profit, community and volunteer-based organization. As such, it's not always slick (well okay, it's almost never slick), but it IS a group of people passionate about sailing and about sharing what they know. It's also an incredibly affordable way to get lots of time on the water! I was first drawn to SEA by the members I met - they were all friendly, unpretentious, and serious about sharing knowledge and opportunities with one another. It's also one of the few places on the Bay where adults can learn to sail dinghys. As a sailor who first learned on keelboats, I was really excited to see what dinghy sailing is like, and Richardson Bay is a great place for it. There are several opportunities each month for members to sail dinghys for free - including evening sails every Wednesday during the summer months (this is my favorite way to unwind mid-week!). There are also several opportunities each month to participate in free member keelboat sails, either on SEA's Satana 525's or on other members' boats. SEA offers sailing lessons at all levels. But members also comment frequently on how much they enjoy both teaching and learning from each other. There are other, slicker organizations out there, but few have as much heart as SEA! read more

Just finished the beginning keel boat class, ASA 101. The instructors and equipment are first class. The location in Sausalito is particularly good for learning how to sail. I plan on taking more classes in 2011. read more

I joined SEA a year ago and have loved it. Everyone who is part of the organization is there because they have a passion for the sport and want to help others learn. Being a volunteer organization, you really feel a sense of community and support. The cost is minimal for the amount of insturction and sail time. I have recommended to friends who have also become members. read more

I took my first class with SEA five years ago - it was my first official sailing lesson though I had been sailing a lot with family years before. I was soon hooked not only on sailing but on the amazing group of members who all want to share knowledge and passion for the sport. The org is run primarily by volunteers only and anyone knows how much work it is to run an organization - so to me, that says it all. It's about learning and sharing and not making bucks out there like some of the organizations have to do. I now own my own boat, single hand and plan to start offshore cruising in a couple more years - with my young kids. You get out of an organization like this what you put into it. read more

I've been a member of SEA for 100 years! Well, maybe not that long, but a LONG time. It is simply the BEST way to learn to sail. The location of dinghies in Sausalito is excellent for beginners and you simply can't help but make friends who own boats, so you have tons of opportunities to sail on different boats, in all kinds of conditions. I'm a fan, as you can see...I also highly recommend the group. read more