James Jenkins | Modern Sailing

James Jenkins

Instructor

James’ sailing experience began at a New York high school that specialized in oceanography. He developed a thirst and love for the ocean and watersports when he joined his school’s boating club.

After moving to California in the early 2000s, he gained even more sailing experience at the Lake Merritt Boating center in Oakland, at OCSC, and several other sailing clubs. In 2014, he acquired his Captain’s License.

James’ appreciation for sailing was further realized after sailing in other regions including Asia, Europe, Central America, and the South Pacific.

Over the years, he has engaged in activities that have furthered his and other people’s experience, including, but not limited to:

  • Participation in multiple racing events including the Master Mariners’ Regatta as a volunteer with the Pegasus Project for a number of years, which invites youths with an opportunity to sail the bay.
  • Currently serves as the Chairman of the Oakland Boating Advisory Council at the Lake Merritt Boating center in Oakland.

James holds a USCG 100-Ton Captain’s License and has sailed both inland and along the western coast shore of the USA.

His biggest future goal is to participate in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

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  • Lucas Hendren

    Got my ASA 101 here, very professional and well run class.

  • Andrew Goble, San Francisco

    It has been wonderful sailing with MSC over the years. Please extend my thanks to the owners, management, and staff for unrequited professionalism and high standards in a charter fleet. I have sailed with several in my years and none nearly hold a candle to the quality of business and staff at Modern Sailing.

  • Salesforce (Ashley H.)

    Our team at Salesforce did the Corporate Regatta Team Building activity (August 2026). What a blast!! HIghly recommend for your next team activity. It's fun to be out on the water, but the skippers also did a great job of teaching us all the sailing basics. The race is set up well so that we all had a chance to try out different roles. We did it with 11 people across two boats but having more boats is also doable and would lead to even more competition.

  • Ellen Bator

    Informative and professional

  • Sara Jane G.

    I've taken two classes at MSS&C and was very happy with the program. This is also a great club with lots of opportunities for camaraderie and practice on the water. The boats in the fleet are fantastic and kept in tip-top shape. I highly recommend for all sailors and would-be sailors!

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