Pacific Sail - Santa Cruz, California

Qiushi L.

Just finished my asa 103 lessons. Dylan is a really great captain! He’s very encouraging and patient for my tons of weird questions. There is nothing he doesn’t know he even knows the best fresh restaurant in Santa Cruz! You should all try his lessons and start to love sailing in the blue ocean with beautiful creatures!

Wonderer W.

Sailing 101 is not a beginner class. The instructor wasn't the strongest link, more focused on personal issues than actual teaching, not exactly respecful person. Would not recommend would not do again. High hopes going into class turned into frustration and chaos.

Katy A.

Captain Kate is a great captain and instructor! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The office staff is responsive and super helpful. Parking is easy and bathrooms have soap and paper towels. What more could you want?

Alex B.

I’ve been bareboat chartering with PAC Sail for a year. They offer an excellent variety of very well maintained sailing vessels. Staff is also very friendly, responsive and helpful.

Rivkah S.

Like many women over 60 I often feel invisible. That was my experience during the first three days of a week of classes to fulfill a lifelong dream of learning to sail. Having never been on a sailboat much less had anything to do with one, I disclosed this the first day of class. Helen, the instructor, was dismissive, would not answer questions and was clearly not thrilled to have a total novice in her course. She also didn’t seem to like wind much and expressed concerns about going out in what seemed like pretty mild weather. As a consequence we spent a lot of time sitting on the boat reviewing for the test. By the end of day three I was ready to give up but Dylan and Myles (both deserve 5-stars!)
were wonderful instructors who changed my experience on days four and five. They were patient, explained things clearly, encouraged questions, made sure I had time at the helm and cheered me on. They have the skills and knowledge to break things down for true newbies but also how to push when needed. Working with them made all the difference in my experience. They gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my dream. Exactly a year later I’m living on a 50-foot Beneteau in the South Pacific, continuing my sailing education and eager to learn.

The experience you have depends entirely on the teacher. If you are older and a novice, request an instructor who enjoys teaching and will answer your questions.

Arjun ?. C.

I'm a newbie sailor and have always enjoyed helping others sail. I took the Basic Sailing and Seamanship 2 day course in May 2012 and had a great time. The captains were all great, professional, experienced, and patient teachers. My classmates knew much more than I did, but they and the captain/instructor were patient and we had a great time while learning lots.
I can't wait to take Basic Coastal Cruising this summer!

Erik H.

Marc and his instructors are knowledgeable and friendly, and made getting my ASA Bareboat certification a blast! The boats are well taken care of. I'm already recommending Pacific Yachting and Sailing to any of my friends who have the sailing bug.

Julia B.

Super Fun! Basic sailing course. Helen is awesome! Kept us safe yet thought us a lot even with wild 💨 winds! Thank you!