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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  • Lisa Butzer Wilde

    Thumbs up to (Club Skipper) Geoff (Love) and his wife Laura. I went on my first Club Sail on Sunday, January 18, 2026. They were terrific!

  • Trudy Flores

    Captain Jeff Cathers is really cool. I had such a great time on the Farallones Day Trip. It was actually my very best day of 2020. Thank you so much for coordinating the trip.

  • Mike, Santa Rosa, California

    All of the courses and my instructors (JT and Stan) were extremely professional and full of knowledge and experience. I found I was able to learn from their experiences beyond the scope of the courses, and look forward to future opportunities to do so. I would highly recommend Modern Sailing to anyone.

  • Danny Collins

    The office staff was very accommodating in meeting my availability.

  • Jessica Zittere, Member

    The Full Moon Sail with Skipper Bob Gutsgell was Ah-Mayzing!! The group dynamic was lovely and the views spectacular. I can't say enough good things about the experience. Thanks so much for the wonderful Club Sails, they are really great.

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