58 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM {due west} country and the only one on the Peninsula that teaches large boat sailing on 25- to 42-foot boats. Through Spinnaker’s 15-plus courses, novices can earn certification from basic keelboat sailing to coastal cruising and navigation. The school also equips students to charter boats locally and in reciprocal sailing locations worldwide. “Our courses are designed to give students internationally recognized certification for the various levels of achievement,” underscores Rich. With a fleet of 30 boats, students can progress from small crafts to larger steering cruisers. “There is always an online portion of the class and then a practical on-the-water session,” Rich explains. “You could get through a basic keelboat course in four days. There’s more wind and currents on the Bay, however, so it takes time “If you’re living in the Bay Area and not sailing, it’s like living in the Alps and not skiing,” Rich observes. Committed to sailing education for over 43 years, he’s a steadfast booster for our legendary local sailing conditions, known worldwide for consistently strong winds. “It’s a social, wonderful recreational resource,” he notes. “Sailing also presents a lot of challenges and problem-solving opportunities. Engineers are enamored with sailing because there is always something to figure out, and it engages them physically and mentally.” Spinnaker Sailing is the oldest American Sailing Association (ASA)-affiliated school in the
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