Experience makes a difference. Get to know the team.

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Sail Marblehead Inc. is a non-profit sailing and boat restoration school founded in 2002 by Captain Jim Ouellette.  Jim is a United States Coast Guard licensed master of up to 100 ton vessels. He is an American Sailing Association certified instructor from basic keel boat through bare boat charters. He is a former delivery Captain an 83 f

Sail Marblehead Inc. is a non-profit sailing and boat restoration school founded in 2002 by Captain Jim Ouellette.  Jim is a United States Coast Guard licensed master of up to 100 ton vessels. He is an American Sailing Association certified instructor from basic keel boat through bare boat charters. He is a former delivery Captain an 83 foot boat built for around the world Whitbread Racing (now called the Volvo Ocean Race).  He spent 2 summers doing charters on that boat when it was based in Marblehead and Salem harbors, as well as trips to Bermuda. He often does bare boat charter certifications and offshore cruising instruction while sailing to Bermuda or Tortola, British Virgin Islands.   Jim is a certified US Sailing Race Committee Officer. 

Jim is also a visionary when it comes to boat restoration.  He's a talented master craftsman and the pictures of his work say it all.  He has a love for teaching both on the water and with the restoration projects. the photos speak for themselves. Gallery and Facebook page for more photos and videos of some of the boats we've saved over the years. 

Eric grew up sailing the Hudson River and Long Island Sound.  He's sailed boats 12 to 48 feet and in waters from Maine to Florida to Bermuda to the Mediterranean and Canary Islands. Those years include coastal cruising all over New England and the Chesapeake Bay as well as thousands of offshore sailing miles on delivery passages.

He runs t

Eric grew up sailing the Hudson River and Long Island Sound.  He's sailed boats 12 to 48 feet and in waters from Maine to Florida to Bermuda to the Mediterranean and Canary Islands. Those years include coastal cruising all over New England and the Chesapeake Bay as well as thousands of offshore sailing miles on delivery passages.

He runs the Learn To Sail Program at his home yacht club on Massabesic Lake in NH. In addition to his passion for sailing, Eric is also an avid restorer of older sailboats. 

Professionally, Eric is an engineer and teacher.  Along the way, Eric earned a Doctor of Education focused on learning,

leadership, and community. He enjoys bringing his rich experience and reassuring

demeanor onto to boat in order to create a safe and fun environment for you… whether

it’s for a relaxed sunset cruise, a spirited day of heavy weather training, or anything in

between.

Captain Ryan grew up on the waters of Florida, where a passion for the ocean and sailing first took hold. After serving honorably in the military, he earned his United States Coast Guard 100 ton Captain’s License and began his career in commercial fishing. His journey took him to Key West , followed by a move to Gloucester,  where he cont

Captain Ryan grew up on the waters of Florida, where a passion for the ocean and sailing first took hold. After serving honorably in the military, he earned his United States Coast Guard 100 ton Captain’s License and began his career in commercial fishing. His journey took him to Key West , followed by a move to Gloucester,  where he continued working on the water.  Seeking to expand his knowledge, he pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. He then spent six years in the corporate world but soon realized his true calling remained on the ocean. Now, Captain Ryan has returned to his maritime roots, bringing a wealth of experience in navigation, seamanship, and leadership to Marblehead Sailing School. His passion for sailing and teaching makes him a valued instructor, helping students develop their own confidence and skills on the water.