The Experience:

Learn to sail for free!

Ever wonder about those stunning white sails buzzing around on the Bay? Ever wish you could learn to sail? You can. The Cal Sailing Club (CSC) Open House/Introductory Sail gives you a chance to try it! The Cost? Zero. The Fun? Limitless.

CSC offers sailing to the public aboard their fleet of keelboats (large and stable) and dinghies (fast and zippy, but kinda tippy) ten times a year. Whether you are new at sailing or an “old salt,” you can enjoy a spectacular voyage within sight of the University of California, the Bay Bridge, San Francisco, and the Golden Gate!

Open House dates:

  • Sunday, April 5
  • Saturday, May 2 (Berkeley Bay Fest)
  • Sunday, May 31
  • Sunday, June 28
  • Sunday, August 2
  • Sunday, August 30
  • Sunday, October 4

One of the main reasons they do this is to teach the safest possible boating practices, including the most important–always wearing a personal flotation device (lifejacket) when boating. Rides are given on a first-come-first-served basis by volunteer CSC members. Please try to arrive at 1 pm when the signups begin at the table. On nice days they get lots of visitors. If the tide is dropping, they may have to end sailing earlier than 3 pm, though they try their best to get everyone aboard.

About

CSC is an independent, non-profit cooperative; our popular Open Houses are a great way to get a free sail of around ½ hour in one of the most beautiful settings on the planet — and to learn about boat and waterfront safety, Bay ecology, and the fun of non-motorized watercraft.

CSC is just east of the Shorebird Center, at 124 University Ave. on the Berkeley Marina, facing Emeryville, about ¼ mile before the Berkeley Pier. There’s plenty of parking for cars and bikes, and AC transit stops just opposite the club. Be sure to ask the bus driver if the bus goes to the Marina.

Photos/Cal Sailing Club

Where:

124 University Ave

Berekeley, CA

https://www.cal-sailing.org