
RJ
Captain RJ
Originally from Alaska, Captain RJ began sailing many years ago in Puget Sound, surrounded by the mountains and skyline of Seattle. Eventually, the call of warmer wind and water inspired him to sell his businesses, downsize his life, and move to St. Thomas to become a sailboat captain.
Soon after arriving in the USVI, RJ became co-captain of Rumbaba, a lively 39-foot Hunter monohull day charter boat. With beautiful scenery, snorkeling with turtles, grilled lunches, fresh cocktails, and plenty of island charm, each outing became something special for guests, helping Rumbaba earn recognition as one of the top activities on St. Thomas.
RJ’s sailing journey later led him back to Puget Sound, where he joined slick racing sailboats and began teaching at Seattle Sailing Club after earning the proper certifications through the U.S. Coast Guard and American Sailing Association. Teaching quickly became a calling, and it was during this chapter that he met Jenna, who shared his curiosity and excitement for a Caribbean sailing life.
About six months after an invitation from his original sailing instructor, RJ moved to Grenada to teach term charter sailing. Sight unseen, he immediately fell in love with Grenada and the Grenadines, enjoying the warmth of the people, the beauty of the islands, and the joy of helping students learn to captain boats of their own.
Over the years, RJ and Jenna have sailed more than 20,000 nautical miles together, helped graduate over 300 ASA students, earned two Outstanding ASA Instructor of the Year awards, and created hundreds of new friendships along the way. RJ also enjoys scuba diving, kiteboarding, hiking, traveling, and, when stateside, lacing up his skates whenever he can find an ice rink.





























