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OCSC SAILING School
Categories: Active Life Boating Education Specialty Schools Boating, Specialty Schools [Edit]
1 Spinnaker Way(between Marina Blvd & Breakwater Dr)
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 843-4200
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
47 reviews for OCSC SAILING School
47 reviews in English
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Review from qirk z.
Los Gatos, CA
11/30/2011
Nothing but five stars. Friendly staff and insructor. Took an intro course, two hr sail out into the bay on a November afternoon that was warm enough, blue sky after raining the day before. They provide storm pants and jackets and vests.
eric was a great captain. -
Review from Angeline K.
Cupertino, CA
9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I got my husband the intro to sailing class as a gift after he told me he wanted to learn how to sail. A lot of places I looked into cost and arm and a leg for an intro class and I didn't want to pay a lot just to get a feel for sailing. Luckily I found OCSC! Their intro class was $30/person (no Groupon for me) and we spent two fun filled hours on the bay. Our instructor, Jeff, allowed us to lower and pack the sails as well as steer. We also learned a few sailing terms such as "luffing" and "tacking". He was great, really chill and sailing with him was like sailing with an old friend.
It's obvious that everyone at OCSC is passionate about sailing and is really friendly to boot. If it wasn't such an expensive hobby to take up, I'd definitely take more classes here! Highly highly recommend. -
Review from george o.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2011
A few weeks of experiences. Many angles from which to evaluate (learning & chartering, staff & office, location & boats) and the perspective (absolute v. relative to others in area)
Comparison:
This appears to be the best learning in the Bay Area (and maybe beyond with the location being a good one). We compared against Spinnaker (ASA), J/World & Club Nautique (US Sailing). In comparison, OCSC occurs as having a better whole package (compared to J/World), better boats (Spinnaker), and better sailing location and people/sales pressure (Nautique). We didn't review Modern, but their curriculum appears to be inferior (ASA) even if their location and boats appear to be better.
Learning:
To charter boats, OCSC requires participation in multiple (4-6) long (3 hours) low/light-content (30-45min. of real material if done well) lectures (could have been done better in a book) by people trained well in sailing and *not at all* in teaching or even social skills for that matter (looking at you, "Capt." Ray, a stand-out overbearing pr***).
Learning experiences on the water are between OK and very good depending upon the instructor (suggest mid-week for better student/faculty ratio, of course). Learning experiences in the lectures/seminars are somewhere between a frustrating-waste-of-time and so-bad-this-is-disrespectful-of-your-audience (I would have rather had a book, oh, sorry, a page from a book). The exception here is about 20min. of 3hr.(!) Navigation II lecture.
Staff:
The 'pleasantness' and professionalism of office continues to 'inspire confidence' in the whole of the rest of the operations: Ashley along with each of the managers: Alicia, Erika, Tim.
Instructors:
Some of the instructors I have seen in action or interacted with are completely consistent with the high level I was expecting: Heather & Eric are stand-outs. Good: Dan, Graham, Craig. Avoid-or-leave: Ray.
Location:
You and your friends drive through an unusually messy working boat yard to (attempt to find a place to) park. Plenty of free parking no more than 5 (maybe 10) min. walk. Building facility is adequate mid-market. Store some gear (i.e., gloves, some charts, etc.) and energy bars. Fine.
Marina itself is fine. 1000 boats here so you get trained for traffic. Protected in wind & current, so easier to get into/out of than Nautique (location until late 2011 at least). *Substantially* stronger wind outside the breakwater at this location than any of the other schools we looked at. Upside: you are hard-core sailing as soon as you leave the protection of the marina. Great for a school. Downside: you and your friends may be seeing the Berkeley pier for longer, and the GGB less, than you expected.
People:
Demographics didn't appear to vary much from the other schools that we actually visited. We hear that Modern skews older. At OCSC, average age is maybe upper 40s/early 50s. Didn't see anyone under, say, 20. From the staff, the instructors (with one glaring exception), and even the other customers (with one minor incident witnessed), the people are good to be around. For the courses and later for the crewing (if you do that), this is important.
Having said all of that, we will likely return. For friends, I recommend checking alternatives: J/School in Alameda & Modern in Sausalito. -
Review from Jen C.
Richmond, CA
3/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was an awesome good time! We took the intro to sailing class for two. It included a two hour sail on the bay and an instructor that teaches you how to operate the sails and other equipment on the boat. We did everything while the instructor gave great instructions! We sailed the bay for 2 hours and got amazing shots of the GG Bridge, Bay Bridge, Berkeley, Marin, Richmond, and the city! We even brought beers with us on the boat to enjoy while kicking back...however, obviously if you're steering the boat, you can't drink or the Coast Guard will have your arse and your wallet with a ticket.
The people that run OCSC are super friendly and accommodating! There is a little lounge above the school where they offer hot drinks, soups, salads, etcetera....for free! Its a great place to chill before or after the sail and it overlooks the bay!
Overall, amazing experience! I wish that we could afford to go back and take real lessons, not just the intro package. -
Review from Maryrose S.
Fairfield, CA
8/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
My girlfriends and I took the introductory course this past weekend after finding a deal on groupon.
What a great experience! Our instructor was incredibly friendly and answered all of our questions, no matter how basic. As a novice, he still allowed us to experience what it was like to sail. I walked away with a wonderful, thrilling experience.
Now whether or not I have it in me to pursue more? Well, that remains to be seen. It was pretty overwhelming to be out on the waters with full sails. LOL! I didn't do much, but I was exhausted afterwards! Thank goodness for the free barbecue later on that afternoon.
A great school with very friendly staff! -
Review from jessica g.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2010
I have completed the first half of Basic Keel boat training at OCSC and I am scheduled to return for the second half in two weeks. When I arrived at 8:30 am for my first day, the OSCS staff was friendly, professional, helpful and made me feel relaxed. The lectures were informational and delivered in an animated way. We were on the J-24s within 45 minutes of our lessons, learning knots, safety, and a whole new sailing vocabulary.
I was on a boat with one other student and an instructor. The instructor was incredibly knowledgable and a senior sailor herself. While we were sailing on the bay practicing manuvours I felt completely safe and excited to be learning how to sail in onr of the world's extreme sailing locations.
I encourage anyone who is thinking about learning how to sail to contact OCSC immediately. You will not be disappointed. -
Review from Timothy M.
Walnut Creek, CA
9/6/2007 1 Check-in Here
I came to OCSC with several years of racing under my belt. I joined the club because I a) got tired of always being dependent on other people for when I got to sail, and b) wanted to do some casual cruising instead of always racing or practicing for racing. The question, though, was whether I should start with the Basic Keelboat class, or take them up on their offer to go out on the bay with me, assess my skils and possibly skip up a level or two.
You would think that they'd push you to take all their classes, especially once you see the price tags. But there was NO pressure at all. They were perfectly happy to schedule time with one of their instructors for free, to place me.
I opted, however, to bite the fiscal bullet and start at the bottom. And even though both my instructors for the BK class asked me if I knew I could have started in a more advanced class, I'm glad I started with BK. Having raced for years, I was good with a boat, but there were gaps in my skills. I'd had very little helm time, had never done a man overboard drill, etc.
The OCSC training is totally comprehensive and thorough. It's one thing to be good on a boat, to know how to sail it. It's a whole other thing to be a competent skipper, responsible for the boat, and crew. And racing, you dont' much worry about passengers who don't sail. Well I wanted to take friends and family out, and the OCSC training has left me confident, and I belive competent, to safely take non-sailors out for a great day on the Bay as well.
There are two reasons I don't give OCSC five stars. 1. They can be a little dogmatic. Everything must be the OCSC Way, which is usually but not always the best way for every situation. 2. They are pricey, pricey, PRICEY. I don't think Anthony, Rich or anyone there are getting rich off the place, but the cost of OCSC training is not really in line with Anthony's stated dream of covering the bay with sailors the way the ski slopes are covered by Bay Area people in the winter.
Once you're trained, though, OCSC membership makes sailing VERY affordable compared to owning a boat. A day on a boat is not cheap, but once you divide it by the number of people that make up a fully crewed boat, it becomes very competitive with the price of a lift ticket. And think of the gas you save! -
Review from Jason R.
San Francisco, CA
4/30/2009
I haven't taken classes at OCSC yet, but I plan on doing so in the near future.
I've had the great pleasure of being out on one of their boats, going to a couple of events at the school and getting to know a few of the schools employees, including Anthony the owner. They are all truly wonderful folks, and I really can't imagine learning to sail anywhere else. -
Review from Gemma J.
8/21/2010 1 photo
Two hours of cruising the Bay (you're even offered to take the wheel!), engaging instructors, intimate group, all equipment provided, and complimentary libations, (delicious) clam chowder, and chili in their cafeteria after the lesson. Great experience!
We only did the introductory course to try it out and loved it: I was able to sit back and enjoy the sunset and the ride, without feeling forced to participate in the actual sailing mechanics, while my boyfriend participated more actively and took the wheel for a good twenty minutes. It's essentially what you make of it and I recommend it to all regardless of your interest in sailing.
Aim for the smaller events and look out for the occasional deal! -
Review from Lacey C.
Sacramento, CA
8/20/2010
This is a GREAT thing to do for a week in the summer!
I signed up with two friends and we LOVED it! Our instructors were friendly, patient, but very precise. We learned a lot, and can't wait to go back.
I HIGHLY recommend OSCS! And sometimes they have great deals so be on the lookout! -
Review from Foodie D.
San Francisco, CA
5/11/2011
I'll keep it simple. There needs to be a 6-Star Rating.. This place rocks!
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Review from Loring S.
Pacifica, CA
4/4/2007
My husband and I just completed the first half of our first course (Basic Keelboat 1) with OCSC and I couldn't be more impressed.
OCSC's instructors are very knowledgeable, they know how to instruct (teaching is harder than people think!), and they are very well experienced. I also love all the other things they offer: Flotillas to Greece, Tonga, and the Caribbean, BBQ's at the club house, sailing store, and more.
And for those of you who are thinking about boat ownership they have a great program, "Experience the rewards of yacht ownership without the complications. OCSC puts in the hours of meticulous care, from routine maintenance to annual haul-outs. Leave cleaning the bilges and tuning the engine to us. All you need to do is sail! How it works
All you need to do is buy a boat (we'll even help with that), leave the nitty gritty of maintaining it to us, and collect the profits! What could be easier and more sensible?"
Being a 3rd generation sailor, I can't begin to stress enough what a wonderful service this is!!! Maintenance is probably the #1 reason not to own a boat (OK - the only reason in my book, besides $$)...
Go here. You won't be disappointed!!!! -
Review from Andrew Z.
Oakland, CA
6/16/2010
I really like OCSC. They are great, but not perfect. However, I do think that they are hands down the best sailing school in the Bay Area. And for a charter club, it's one of the most affordable and welcoming clubs in one of the best locations, Berkeley Marina.
The program is just downright cool. It's a hip place and a great community. They certainly can be a big dogmatic in their classes, and very cautious with charter policy, but all of this is really for the better. They wouldn't be as good as they are without being this way.
Being an avid sailor, in- and outside of OCSC, I can say both that I love the place and also that it can frustrate me at times. Philosophically, I don't always agree with what they are doing or how they do it, but I can appreciate their perspective. If anyone is pioneering the effort to populate the Bay with recreational sailors, they are certainly that place.
If you want to learn how to sail, or are looking into charter clubs, go here first. It's the first and only stop you need to make. It's the best launching pad for your sailing dreams. -
Review from Wes M.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2007
Ever notice how Yelp reviews are kind of like episodes of the X Files (or, for the young folks, Smallville)? Sometimes it's just freak-of-the-week (or rather, eat-of-the-week), but sometimes you get a big load of juicy backstory about your favorite characters.
Anyway, while growing up in Seattle, my family had a 35-foot powerboat that we would take up the Inside Passage every summer, and so I came to be firmly on the powerboat side of the powerboat-sailboat rivalry. Sure, there's more to do on a sailboat, and way more fun jargon, but who wants to be subject to the whims of the wind? Plus, there are so many tortuous narrow passages up there that sailing through them seemed way too impractical, and indeed when we met a sailboat, it was likely as not putting along on its motor. And, to be honest, sailboaters always seemed a little kooky (not unlike how Berkeleyans might seem to the SoCal folks).
But here on the bay, taking a spin is the order of the day, not so much getting from point A to point B, and so I'm finally, grudgingly coming around to the windward side. So when I was invited to come out for a 2-hour sailing class at OCSC it was the perfect chance to get on board with sailing once and for all.
Now, it turns out that the "class" part was strictly optional, and indeed most of us settled for taking a turn at the wheel, learning some of the basic terminology, and generally just enjoying the sun and breeze. But now my interest is piqued for their multi-day courses, especially since the staff here are clearly first-class. Dare I dream of a day when I could charter (no, not buy--that's just money down the drain) a sailboat for a cruise on the bay and captain it myself? Now that's the recipe for a sexy party. -
Review from Christopher M.
San Francisco, CA
5/1/2011
Great people, well organized, nice boats. Lessons are pricey.
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Review from Mark H.
Napa, CA
8/11/2010
Had to cancel my sailing lessons after the wife threatened to never step foot on my future sailboat. So... with my wet dreams squashed, I can't review the actual training.
I give OCSC five stars for their business ethics. They could have given me some grief about returning my $, but they were very understanding and promptly refunded every penny. Nice move OCSC. -
Review from Joe D.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2010
A Big Thank You to Anthony, Rich, and the OCSC Team
Realizing the dream of owning my own boat was a long process for me.
At 66, I have OCSC and their extraordinary team to thank for providing
me with the skills and confidence to take the step!
Now a proud owner of a Cal 39, I sail out past OCSC and remember with
appreciation the classes, MOB drills, the excitement of honing my
skills, and occasionally forgiving myself for the sure to happen
blunders. Always supportive, the instructors knew how to guide and
reward to inspire a love for the sport. Their New England roots were
the initial trust factor for me, but their exceptional instruction and
support sealed the deal! It truly is a family.
OCSC! It's the best place to learn to sail and have fun, no doubt
about it! Thanks Rich, Anthony, and the Team. You are an inseparable
part of my dream being realized. Thank you!
Joe Darling -
Review from Gregg G.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2007
I can't recommend this place enough. For years I wanted to sail because I loved the water, but I simply didn't know how to get into it. After some research, I decided to try it out, and I've never regretted it for a second.
This year I became a member and also completed two US Sailing certifications through OCSC. The instructors are extremely thorough and unbelievably experienced sailors. The certification Practical Tests are pretty grueling, especially Basic Cruising... "Bob", I love ya', but I want to drown you after BC PT! (Sorry, inside joke.)
The boats are kept in good condition; the mainstays of their fleet are the J/24s and J/105s, although they have other types to choose from as well.
All the members I've met so far have been very cool and not pretentious at all. Most people I've met go to OCSC because they love sailing, it's affordable, and they get excellent experience from other members and the instructors.
There's a reason this is one of the best sailing schools in the country. If you have the passion to learn how to sail, then this place is absolutely a perfect match for you! You will not regret it for a second. -
Review from Natasha M.
CA
Updated - 1/6/2009
I cannot say enough about this place! They have created the ultimate sailing mecca.
I took my first class in October 2005 and am hooked! The staff is amazing, and I had so much fun out on the bay! I'm from Iowa, so being on the bay is a real treat. Being on a sailboat is like going to the moon!
Anthony and Rich are wonderful people. They own the place, and make sure everyone is well cared for.
The Wednesday night and moonlight sails have introduced me to some very good friends.
I'm so thankful for this place. It's a piece of heaven!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/31/2007
This is one classy outfit, without being stuck up at all! The owners show their staff how to be… Read more »
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Review from Denise T.
Oakland, CA
5/25/2010
I took the intro to sailing class and it was a great intro. The school is really cool because they accommodate you whether or not you are truly interested in learning about sailing. If you are like me and are just interested in relaxing on the boat, they let you sit back, relax, and enjoy the bay. The other people in my class learned a lot. They got to drive the boat, tie crazy rope knots, and play with the sail.
My tip for people like me who get seasick is to take ginger pills an hour before you get on the boat. That way you can keep your lunch instead of feeding the fishies! Also, you should feel very safe on the boat because the instructor said that he has never had a customer fall off. That made me very happy to hear since I am a horrible swimmer and am extremely afraid of sharks. The instructor even said that he was trained to get me out if I accidentally fell in, and I am pretty sure I believe him. Five stars! -
Review from Melvin H.
Oakland, CA
8/20/2007
Been with this club for two decades through excellent training programs, sails, socials, continuing education classes, etc, and I can attest that this is a good way to go if you want to do any serious (and seaworthy as in safe) sailing in the bay area (or in any other area in the world with the exception of the Southern Ocean) without owning a boat. The entire staff is professional, collegial and very helpful, the boats are kept in excellent condition (much appreciated when it is blowing at 30+ knots through the slot) and the facilities are all (nautical) business. The socials tend not to be yacht club like (good if you are primarily the sailor) and the classes tend to be one dimensional (rarely raising above the elementary level). However, that is OK for those who are just getting acquainted to the joys of sailing in the bay.
If you have your own crowd to sail with and like the flexibility of chartering different size boats to fit the occasion without worrying about the myriads of associated details (engine functioning, frayed haylards, broken heads, etc), this is a good option to connect with the sea without constantly poring money (and time) down the drain as you would with ownership. -
Review from Richard G.
Los Altos Hills, CA
11/15/2009
I too have to add to the rave reviews of Olympic Circle Sailing Club (OCSC) as I promised to take some clients and family out on the bay for a half day charter and OCSC really came through for me.
I called and reserved the Catalina 36 and a skipper for a half day and called back and confirmed my reservation. I arrived early and the skipper from the club (an instructor) had the boat all ready to go. The only difficulty was finding a place to park and it appeared to be a hull fest all over the property (boats out of the water being worked on) with a sailing school hidden behind them! One of the members said I could park in front of their car on the property as I did not want me and my guest having to hike from one of the marina parking lots. The staff was very helpful and had us each sign a "hold harmless" waiver that also asked if we had any physical limitations. Once that was out of the way we were offered a personal floatation device (or pfd) and the option of club provided foul weather gear which was not needed since the winters on the bay are nothing like the summers.
Since the winds were very light we did not get too far out to Angel Island or any other notable landmarks, but everyone had a great time and the club skipper was great at offering some light instruction staring with getting on the boat properly.
We all had a wonderful time on the bay and I would highly recommend chartering a skippered boat from OCSC if you feel the need to get out on the bay for a day and like me do not have time to join a club or to get a basic keel boat certification.
I did call around and found OCSC better prepared than JWorld and a couple of other places to charter a skippered boat in the slow winter season. -
Review from Kevin B.
Oakland, CA
12/5/2009
They taught me EVERYTHING I need to know about sailing and here on the Bay, it's the greatest sport available.
The boats were well equipped and the practical experience is top-notch. The classes are extremely well thought out and I'm really glad I got my Basic Keelboat Verification from them. -
Review from Katie M.
Ann Arbor, MI
4/20/2011
This is by far the best place in the world to learn how to sail. I whole heartedly recommend OCSC to anyone who is serious about learning how to sail. The club attracts really friendly and happy people both as students and instructors and offers an amazingly effective and enjoyable training program on the perfect boats and the best conditions to learn. Not to mention that it's fun and San Francisco Bay is breathtaking.
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Review from Lindsay S.
San Francisco, CA
12/30/2008
First, I have an admission to make. For five years, I worked for OCSC Sailing as an instructor. I still teach a lecture there occasionally. So I guess I am partial.
Nevertheless, I think this school is fantastic. The level of instruction is superb. They have 50 instructors on staff, each of whom is a licensed USCG Captain, and all possess amazing sailing and teaching skills. The camaraderie among employees and management is that unlike I've seen anywhere else. It's truly like a big family. It was an absolute joy to work there. It's no wonder that it consistently ranks as one of the "Best Places to Work" according to East Bay Magazine. And that congenial attitude carries over to the clients that are lucky enough to come through the door.
Also, the sailing at OCSC is second to none. You get to sail well-maintained high performance racing and cruising class boats in San Francisco Bay, one of the finest sailing areas in the world. And OCSC is blessed to be located in best sailing grounds within San Francisco Bay! I assure you, you will never experience the thrill of sailing better than this.
If you are a non-sailor who wants to learn or an experienced sailor who wishes to brush up his skills, and you are curious enough to come down to the Berkeley Marina to check out OCSC, you will be rewarded by finding a company that really cares about you, that will teach you first-rate sailing skills, and that will do it in a caring and encouraging way.
Whether your dreams are to become a competent day sailor or a circumnavigator, OCSC will help you get there! Good luck! -
Review from Jim L.
Milpitas, CA
4/29/2010
I recently completed instruction at OCSC and am delighted with the quality of instruction and the total experience. The instructors were knowledgable and patient. They provided helpful coaching in a positive and often humorous way.
I'm now sailing boats over 30' and feel confident in my abilities on San Francisco Bay.
The entire staff goes out of its way to make learning to sail a positive experience. I highly recommend this organization. -
Review from Ruslan K.
San Jose, CA
8/8/2009
Took an into sailing ($40) here and it was super fun. I won't repeat what everybody else said here about how proffessional and friendly they are. It's all true and I would highly recommend them. The only thing I thought could be better is their sailing route for intro package. I expected to see Golden Gate Bridge and pass by the Wharf but we just went out to the Angel Island, turned around and went back to the harbor.
As Anthony explained it's not possible to do so in 2 hours so I guess I should do another longer sailing next time :-).Comment from Tim H. of OCSC SAILING School 8/8/2009
Hi Ruslan - Sailing past the Golden Gate and the City Front… More » -
Review from Deirdre C.
Emeryville, CA
8/6/2008
Wow! What a great week I had doing their Basic Keelboat Certification. It well exceeded all my expectations. My intructors Chuck and Bruce were superb - organized, clear, patient, encouraging and both with wonderful sense of humor to boot! - cannot complement them both enough. The whole organization is a well oiled machine designed for turning you into a sailing junky!
Also, kudos to the office staff who are always incredibly friendly and helpful.
The club also offers a plethora of side trips, adventures and social events that could have you leaving your old life in the dust...
And thanks to Graham for getting me on board! :) -
Review from Sally Q.
San Francisco, CA
9/20/2010
The Introduction to Sailing Class lasted about 2 hours and we all got a chance to sail. I don't like the water much, but no one went overboard :) Our instructor, Canut, was awesome and he kept assuring us that the boat was built so that it would never tip over. We had so many questions for him ranging from how big our boat was, boat racing, marriages on boats, rituals before a boat is taken to sea, etc and he answered all our questions with tenacity. Great boat ride with great people.
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Review from Kevin F.
San Francisco, CA
7/20/2008
I discovered OCSC about 10 years ago when I decided to start sailing in the SF Bay. Having learned to sail as a kid in Southern California, I thought I would be all set for the SF Bay. After going out for a test sail with an instructor one summer day when the wind was really blowing, I quickly realized I had a lot to learn!
The instructors are terrific. The J24s are very well maintained an excellent for training.
All in all, a great school and club. Oh yeah, as others have noted, the night sails are a lot of fun too! -
Review from Beth T.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 11/26/2010 2 photos
I have to say it again. They rock! Last summer I did BK week and BC week. And have been chartering this fall. Now I'm mostly talking with office staff and sometimes maintenance when on the docks. All are really superior people! Super friendly. Super informative. Tim took the time to go over navigating in the fog before a sail. And Brittany is ALWAYS awesome in person and on the phone. Having a great time! Thanks again!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/9/2010
Okay, so I did the Basic Keelboat class at the beginning of the summer. That was my intention for… Read more »
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Review from Yan M.
San Francisco, CA
6/18/2006
Yes, wonderful place to take sailing lessons, definitely not cheap but very professional instructions and organized courses. My bf and myself both received certification here and had recommended friends since then. Several work colleagues also got certified from this school. Great instructions and thorough lessons with each level of sailing. The school also organizes evening sails, flotilla parties, weekend BBQs.
Listed in: Ahoy, let's go sailing!
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Review from Jenn K.
7/31/2007
Despite the hardcore weather we had during our two weekends of lessons, it was a blast! While hanging off the side of our J24, I kept thinking that I must have gone mad thinking that I wanted to learn to sail in the San Francisco bay. You see, I was used to sailing in San Diego, which is more of a "throw on your bikini and grab a cocktail" type of sailing. But alas, sailing in SF bay requires full storm gear and a strong will to live. Having said all that, it was a fabulous experience and if you have an interest in learning to sail, this is the place to do it!
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Review from Diana S.
Cloverdale, CA
7/29/2009
I just completed OCSC's Basic Keelboat class and my life will never be the same again! I had never sailed before. I showed up on Monday with weak knot skills and some stuff I learned out of the book. I can't remember the last time I learned that much in one week. I absolutely loved this class and can't wait to take the next one, Basic Cruising. For anyone interested in learning to sail, this is the school for you! Well worth the money, I would do it again in a minute.
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Review from Kathy T.
San Francisco, CA
9/15/2008
This place has gone above and beyond. The staff are well informative and so professional. I took the 2 hours basic sailing course and Peter my instructor was outstanding. I'm definitely going to take the keelboating course now knowing how informative and professional they are. Plus who would'nt like to charter their own boat and invite their friends to show off??!!
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Review from Mike L.
CA
2/22/2007
Want to go sailing? Lots of folks can teach you. Want to live to tell about it without damaging you, friends, and the boat?...these guys are the place to go. If you don't know what you're doing they won't pass you! They're serious. The SF Bay is serious sailing (esp. in the Summer)...and these guys will give you the confidence that you need...to know your limitations...to know the boat's limitations...and keep you coming home dry (well, at least without swimming!).
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Review from Jenn S.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2006
THE place to take sailing lessons on the bay. Not the cheapest of the schools, but they are worth every penny. EXCELLENT instructors who teach you to confidently navigate the craziness of the Bay during the summer. They are anal but extremely thorough. Highly recommended.
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Review from Jason L.
Napa, CA
9/7/2006
They say that if you can sail the bay, you can sail almost anywhere. There should be an adendum to that statement, that if you learn to sail at OCSC, you can sail the bay. I'm not sure about other schools, but I did the Basic Keelboat Week and Basic Cruising Week courses, and feel like I can now sail the bay (inside the gate, of course). Learning to sail here was challenging, but always fun. They mix up the instructors twice in each class, so you get a good mix of teaching styles and experiences. We anchored out at Clipper Cove on the last day of Cruising I, which was a nice introduction to anchors, anchoring, and how not to end up on the rocks or hitting another boat.
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Review from Richard S.
San Francisco, CA
6/29/2008
After living in the Bay Area for 10 years, looking at the sailboats from the shore and telling myself year after year I should find a place to take some sailing lessons I finally took the plunge at OCSC. I looked up several schools at the beginning of 2007, and swung by the OCSC booth at the Pacific Sail boat show in the Spring of 2007. The person at the booth was very helpful, and invited me to visit OCSC for a tour of their facilities. I went by a week or so later, liked what I saw, and signed up for my first course - Basic Keelboat. It was exhilarating, and I was hooked!
Other than learning the basics and having the opportunity to sail on SF Bay, my longer term goal was to become certified to Bareboat Charter boats around the world. Within the last year I successfully completed all the classes that I needed for Bareboat certification (Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising), and I've just returned from a 9 day charter of a 47 foot Catamaran in the British Virgin Islands with my family. My family came out to visit SF prior to our BVI trip, and we spent a couple of days sailing together. They were impressed with the sailing and skippering skills I had learned, how I managed the boat in the changing conditions on SF Bay, and we had a great time.
In addition to this big family trip to the BVI, I now regularly take out friends from the Bay Area for day sails from OCSC in Berkeley on 32 to 36 foot sailboats (we typically go from OCSC in Berkeley, over to Angel Island for a picnic, then up the to Golden Gate Bridge, down along the SF city front, and then back to the marina).
The bottom line - the courses at OCSC are challenging - certainly they were for me starting as basically a novice - but they're very well run and the instructors are very thorough and experienced. They'll evaluate your progress objectively, and give you the skills and confidence you'll need to safely navigate SF Bay and it's changing conditions. The front office staff and management have always been very friendly, professional and helpful in all my dealings with them. It's a well run operation.
Check'em out! -
Review from huy t.
Milpitas, CA
8/21/2010
I have wanted to take sailing lessons for about 3 years now and have finally completed the basic keel boat course that OCSC offers. I checked out a couple places and talked to a hand full of people in the SF bay area to compare and OCSC consistently is mentioned as being one of the best if not the best place to learn and continue to sail. I already knew I was going to have fun but I was really worried about signing up as a single. I can say that everyone here is super welcoming and between the instructors, other students, and the great staff, you'll never feel like a loner or someone that is just out of place.
their BK course is pretty much as they advertise. The price is a little more than other BK courses in the area BUT they offer FREE bay reviews for up to 90 days (i think) after you sign up to take as many review courses as you feel necessary. I took 5 reviews which consisted of 2 full days and 1 half day. If you take into account the number of times you actually get to go out sailing you'll find that the cost is very affordable.
as others have mentioned this place really has a great mix of people from all walks of life. everyone has at least two things in common and that is that they love to sail and are all very friendly.
If you have though about sailing or learning to sail give these guys a shot by signing up for one of their half day intro courses...its a great way to meet the staff and check out their facilities.
