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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  • 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!

  • John Clark

    Every aspect of Modern Sailing - training, syllabus, course materials, quality of the boats, quality of the instructors, and the very friendly and helpful staff - exceeded my expectations. Modern Sailing has a first class sailing program in an environment with challenging winds and currents. I look forward to coming back to charter a boat and certainly plan to continue my sailing training.

  • Alisa Driscoll, Dual Site Member

    Here are some snaps of Our Saturday, August 20, 2022 Modern Sailing Expedition with Captain Robert Bivin, who was outstanding. Please convey photos and thanks to him. He is an outstanding individual, leader and sailing instructor. His knowledge and experience made us all feel safe and our Farallones Day Trip educational and just amazing. 

  • Salesforce (Ashley H.)

    Our team at Salesforce did the Corporate Regatta Team Buidling 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.

  • 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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