J World Performance Sailing - San Francisco Bay

Sailing on the SF Bay is the experience of a lifetime.

I wish I wasn’t limited to only a five star review. Even though I had always believed that in any endeavor you cannot exceed 100%, the experience I had at J-World has proven me wrong. When talking about sailing schools, they break the curve. That being said, this is not your average sailing experience by any stretch of the imagination.

I took the Open Ocean Racing course from San Francisco to San Diego. To give you some background, I did not grow up sailing, so the sport has always been a little bit counter-intuitive for me. For example, find out where you want to sail up-wind, and point the boat in some other direction, in order to get there. See what I mean!

The course begins with a two day, on-land instructional. You’ll learn about boat safety, sail trim, racing strategies, and what to expect while you’re out there on the open ocean. For me, this part was paramount to giving me the confidence to continue on and just go for it. Did I have second thoughts? Yes. Did I think about bailing at the last minute, and just going home and enjoying myself on the couch while watching TV and eating Doritos? Yes, of course (who wouldn’t?). My biggest fears were addressed: sailing at night, sleeping, eating, using the bathroom, and the biggest one of all, seasickness.

Sailing at Night: All I can say is that once you get a chance to sail at night, you might be persuaded to go from day-sailor to night-sailor. . .it’s just magical, and I really can’t put into words the beauty of the stars and the moon, the electric blue photoluminescent wake created by flolicing dolphins, and the true Freedom you feel while out there.

Sleeping: I was very concerned that I wouldn’t be able to sleep while on the boat. But instead of your usual 8 hour sleeping schedule, you sail for three hours, and then have three hours off to do whatever: eat, rest, and sleep. I didn’t sleep on my first break, but by my third, I clonked out big time.

Eating: I’m not really sure why this was a fear, but it turns out that I have no issues eating while on a boat.

Using the bathroom: O.K., first of all, I wasn’t afraid to use the bathroom, I was just afraid that I would try, and nothing would happen. Then I would have to be medevaced out of there, or upon arrival, I would have to be rushed to the hospital. All I can say is that when you are out there sailing on the deep blue sea with Nature all around you, a certain urge will surface that cannot be ignored.

Seasickness: This one is very particular to each individual. Some require no medication, and some cannot survive without it. For me, I was very concerned about going down below deck, where motion-sickness has a history of revealing itself. Above deck, I never have issues. So on my first three hour rest break, I popped a Bonine, and kept looking out the windows toward the horizon. I knew that if I closed my eyes, that all would be lost. Anxiety set in when I was due for my second break. Since the Bonine gave me a sense of calm and relaxation, I figured it would be O.K. if I popped another one six hours later. It worked. I was able to lay down, and I felt alright, but not perfect. By the third break, I took one more Bonine. I had some trepidations about closing my eyes, but I was exhausted at this point, and thought that maybe for just a little bit that it would suffice. The next thing I remember, I’m being tapped on the shoulder, and had to wake up for my next shift. After that, I took one more Bonine six hours later, and that was the last one I ever had to take.

I was so impressed with all the professional sailors we worked with at J-World. They have a love for sailing, and they all share a strong passion for teaching people like you and me. They will push you to go beyond your comfort zone, but at no time was there any sense of danger. I am a much better sailor because of this program, and I look forward to working with them again in the near future.

J-world was referred to us from another sailing company because they didn't offer certification classes. We had a great day with Shawn (Sean?). He was a very good instructor, very patient, and just the right amount of instruction blended with practice. We will be back again for an other lesson. Thanks Shawn and the crew.

Not the typical learn how to sail class. Cool modern boats and small classes. Super nice owner and staff who really take interest in your personal goals. If you don't want to take a full class, their skippered sails are a great option to get out on the Bay.