Jim Ouellette, Founder & Captain
Captain Jim
Captain Jim combines professional certifications with extraordinary real-world sailing experience and master craftsmanship.
Maritime Credentials
Jim holds a United States Coast Guard master's license for vessels up to 100 tons and is an American Sailing Association certified instructor qualified to teach from basic keelboat through bareboat charter certification. As a certified US Sailing Race Committee Officer, he brings additional expertise in racing operations and regulations.
Exceptional Experience
Jim's impressive background includes serving as delivery captain for an 83-foot Whitbread Racing vessel (now known as the Volvo Ocean Race). His charter experience spans from local waters—Marblehead and Salem harbors—to offshore adventures to Bermuda and the British Virgin Islands, where he frequently conducts bareboat charter certifications and offshore cruising instruction.
Master Craftsman
Beyond his sailing expertise, Jim has established himself as a visionary boat restorer whose craftsmanship speaks through his completed projects. He brings this same attention to detail and passion for teaching to both his restoration work and sailing instruction.
Ryan Burnett, Captain
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.
Joe McMahon, Captain
Joe is one of our program’s success stories. Joe came to us in 2002, when he was only 13 years old. He was a natural for all aspects of sailing and boat restoration. As Joe‘s confidence grew, our confidence in him grew as well. Eventually, he was selected to be the driver of the Boston Yacht Club’s race committee boat, the Carl Alberg. He was also responsible for the care and maintenance of many boats in Marblehead Harbor. Joe currently owns his own restoration shop and we couldn’t be happier for him.
JP Ouellette, Mate in Training
JP’s love for boats and the ocean began when he was only three weeks old, definitely an old soul. He loves to be out on the water, working on boats or fixing trailers. He has his own boat that he enjoys restoring. JP is in training to be a first mate and boat restorer. He is known around town as the youngest person to have a valid ASA log book.