Marina del Rey · 90292 · ASA Certified Instructors
Private sailing lessons in Marina del Rey, CA. One-on-one instruction for beginners through advanced. ASA 101 through coastal cruising certification. Lessons on your boat or ours in Santa Monica Bay.
Call for a free quote 📞 (424) 766-5713We answer 7 days a week · Callback under 10 minutes · Pay after job is done
About the service
Marina del Rey sits at the gateway to some of the best day-sailing in California — Santa Monica Bay, the Channel Islands, Catalina Island, and beyond. Learning to sail here means learning in real conditions with a genuine destination at the end. We connect you with ASA-certified instructors based in MDR who teach on your own boat or on a well-equipped training vessel in the harbor.
Whether you're a complete beginner wanting to understand the basics, a new boat owner who needs to get comfortable with your vessel, or an experienced sailor working toward offshore certification, we'll match you with the right instructor for your goals.
What's included
Lesson types
Complete beginner — start with the fundamentals: points of sail, tacking and jibing, sail trim, docking, and basic safety. Most beginners are confidently sailing by their third lesson.
New boat owner — you bought the boat, now you need to understand it. We'll teach you on your own vessel so everything you learn applies directly to your specific boat, its quirks, and your specific Marina del Rey slip.
ASA certification — we prepare students for ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat), 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), and 104 (Bareboat Cruising) exams. Certification is recognized worldwide and required for bareboat charters.
Coastal and offshore prep — planning a Catalina run or longer passage? We build the specific skills you'll need: weather routing, sail trim in open water, night passages, and emergency procedures.
Describe what's going on with your boat and we'll figure it out together — no pressure, no commitment.
Free advice, any time📞 (424) 766-5713Common questions
Yes — we can teach you on your own vessel at your Marina del Rey slip. This is our most popular option because everything you learn applies directly to the boat you'll actually be sailing.
Most beginners can handle a boat independently after 3–5 lessons covering the basics. ASA 101 certification typically requires 6–8 hours of on-water instruction plus some self-study. Everyone learns at their own pace.
Yes — couples and families are welcome. Learning together is actually very effective, especially for understanding crew roles and communication underway.
Yes — our instructors are ASA certified and can prepare you for the ASA 101, 103, and 104 exams. You'll receive official ASA certification recognized worldwide.
We offer refresher lessons at any level. Whether you sailed years ago and want to rebuild confidence, or you're an experienced sailor who wants to sharpen specific skills, just tell us when you call.
Lessons take place in Marina del Rey and on Santa Monica Bay. We start in the harbor learning docking and slow-speed handling, then progress to open water sailing as your skills build.
Yes — coastal passage preparation including an MDR-to-Catalina route is a popular advanced lesson package. We cover weather routing, navigation, overnight preparation, and arrival procedures.
No — if you don't have your own boat, ask about lessons on an instructor-provided training vessel in Marina del Rey. Call us at (424) 766-5713 for current availability.